Community Forums

Bumps · 09-23-2019, 07:14 AM

I have a 2005 Winnebago Vectra with a tired basement air conditioner. It just doesn't keep up any more when it is 95+ degrees outside. I want to add a rooftop unit, but I don't want to give up my Fantastic Fan which many appear to have done. I'm following this guy's lead from many years ago:

Supplemental Roof Air Conditioners - Winnebago Owners Online Community

Needless to say, I don't want to put a 14" square hole in my roof without first knowing where the roof ribs are. I understand they are "...approximately 22" apart...," but that information is only partly helpful. A stud finder is useless. There are no visible seams where roof paneling could be a clue. Probing through existing ceiling light and vent holes hasn't been any help.

What's your recommendation for locating the exact positioning for each of the roof ribs in a 2005 Vectra 40FD?

Thanks!

\ken

znt1186 · 09-23-2019, 07:24 AM

I would try a small metal detector that can pinpoint the locations.

https://www.amazon.com/Zircon-Metall...%2C155&sr=8-13#

winniman · 09-23-2019, 07:28 AM

A decent quality stud finder is really a density tester. It just senses more density than the surrounding area. It should be able to find them.

tderonne · 09-23-2019, 07:31 AM

Email Winnebago. They'll send you drawings of the roof.

I have my drawings. I have 4 total roof "ribs". They are just flat sheet metal placed vertically between some of the foam sheets. Plenty of other stuff to avoid besides the ribs in the drawings.

billfelicia · 09-23-2019, 07:33 AM

Have you had the unit checked to make sure both compressors are kicking in? I have a 2000 Winnebago Adventurer 35u with basement air and live in South Florida (hot as hell and humid). My basement air is almost 20 years old and keeps up with both compressors. Check the startup capacitors, if one is bad you're only running one. Might save you from opening a new hole.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

cbeierl · 09-23-2019, 11:35 AM

You should also check to make sure that you aren't losing all of your cold air through leaks at the joints of the ducting coming out of the A/C unit and up behind the rear cap. It's very common for the aluminum tape on those joints to come loose over the years. I've had to re-tape mine several times.

Bumps · 09-23-2019, 06:02 PM

Thanks, guys. I appreciate all of the tips. The basement AC and all of the ducting is fine -- I'm just looking for ideas on locating the exact position of each of the roof ribs in my coach.

Thanks!

\ken

cbeierl · 09-23-2019, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumps

Thanks, guys. I appreciate all of the tips. The basement AC and all of the ducting is fine -- I'm just looking for ideas on locating the exact position of each of the roof ribs in my coach.

Thanks!

\ken

Contact Winnebago--they should be able to supply you with the necessary drawings.

DeanM2 · 09-23-2019, 11:41 PM

I have recently acquired a 2007 coach that came with basement air. The previous owner replaced it with 2 roof top units. The roof top units work pretty well, but are really loud. I wish my coach still had the basement air.

Eastham · 09-24-2019, 12:04 AM

Garret makes a hand held pin pointer .if they are metal it will find them.

Bumps · 09-25-2019, 06:22 PM

Hey guys:

The solution was actually quite simple. The roof ribs on my coach are "T" shaped steel, with the broad top of the "T" immediately under the over superfluity of a deluxe 1/8" piece of plywood covered with a fashionable fiberglass membrane [<--- saracasm].

Regardless, all I needed was a magnet ... And bingo! Just like that, the location of every roof rib is now marked on the roof with a dot from the tip of a Sharpie!

Thanks for all your help! WooHoo! \ken

cclerk · 09-25-2019, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumps

I have a 2005 Winnebago Vectra with a tired basement air conditioner. It just doesn't keep up any more when it is 95+ degrees outside. I want to add a rooftop unit, but I don't want to give up my Fantastic Fan which many appear to have done. I'm following this guy's lead from many years ago:

Supplemental Roof Air Conditioners - Winnebago Owners Online Community

Needless to say, I don't want to put a 14" square hole in my roof without first knowing where the roof ribs are. I understand they are "...approximately 22" apart...," but that information is only partly helpful. A stud finder is useless. There are no visible seams where roof paneling could be a clue. Probing through existing ceiling light and vent holes hasn't been any help.

What's your recommendation for locating the exact positioning for each of the roof ribs in a 2005 Vectra 40FD?

Thanks!

\ken

I have a 04 vectra and have checked for roof for support. The roof is thin sheet of fiber glass plywood foam and some more plywood with some metal strips to attach walls and cabinets . I personally would use the fan opening because the Wall would take some of the weight . Over time and years some of the glue gives away and the ceiling becomes weaker .I just had 3 ceiling panels replaced at Winne for around 10 grand .