2008+ MADP Owners, I have a favor to ask

[CorporateMonkey]

In my other thread (6v wiring error) the thread drifted over to HVAC efficiency.

It was determined, thanks to Jets, that sometime in 2008 Newmar changed the A/C ducting under the front "oval light pod"
He said he had his upgraded to where the ducts now blow the air forward instead of out the sides.

I need a photo of the new duct in a timely fashion (Jets so kindly offered, but he can't do it for a few days).

So if you have a 2008+ MADP, can you lower the front pod, take a photo and either post it, or PM me and I can post it for you.

Here is what an 2007 duct looks like



Thanks in advance.

[sjcaldal11]

Quote:

Originally posted by CorporateMonkey: In my other thread (6v wiring error) the thread drifted over to HVAC efficiency. It was determined, thanks to Jets, that sometime in 2008 Newmar changed the A/C ducting under the front "oval light pod" He said he had his upgraded to where the ducts now blow the air forward instead of out the sides. I need a photo of the new duct in a timely fashion (Jets so kindly offered, but he can't do it for a few days). So if you have a 2008+ MADP, can you lower the front pod, take a photo and either post it, or PM me and I can post it for you. Thanks in advance.

Hi Mr.Monkey,
I have a 2008 MADP that still has the one that you show. I want the upgrade also. On hot drive days I have fans that I put on top of the slide to force air to the front. This worked but is a bit of a pain. The tricky part is getting to Nappanee to get it done.

Thanks, Daryl

[CorporateMonkey]

Quote:

Originally posted by sjcaldal11: The tricky part is getting to Nappanee to get it done.

I am not really concerned if Newmar wants to fix it. I will most likely design my own fix, but I would be nice to see what Newmar changed in the system.
After working on this coach for a while, I am a little leery of all the half baked design ideas.
The front dash aquahot blower installation is a prime example.

[RVDude]

Quote:

Originally posted by CorporateMonkey: I am a little leery of all the half baked design ideas. The front dash aquahot blower installation is a prime example.

Like, no kidding! Not to further hijack, but has anyone got a better (as in more meaningful heat output) for that dash AquaHot blower abomination?

[CorporateMonkey]

[quote]Originally posted by RVDude:

Quote:

Originally posted by CorporateMonkey: but has anyone got a better (as in more meaningful heat output) for that dash AquaHot blower abomination?

Yup, that was one of my first "repair jobs" (after tearing out all the AV equipment)

Now I do not know if the EXDP is different but in the MADP's case they (newmar) installed a ~30k BTU automotive style coolant blower with a 2 speed switch.

The problem was the system was installed at the very front of the coach beneath the dash. Instead of designing a proper duct system to move the heat into the room, Newmar used 3 short pieces of flexible hose to direct the heat out toward the front of the dash opening. They did not actually duct the heat out of the dash, just to the front opening of it. Most of it was getting trapped within the dash.

How I found out: During the construction phase of the LCD TV lift/fireplace I had to route several HDMI video cables near the kitchen aquahot hoses. I needed to know how hot the hoses got, so even though it was 90 degrees outside I had to run the heat as hot as it would go.
In the process the front dash blower was running, the entire dash go so hot I smelled something burning. I figure it was some sort of adhesive.

The fix: I removed both lower drawers to gain access to the heater unit. After removing all the miscellaneous assembly mess (extra screws, saw dust, etc...) I removed the 3 hoses. They are only temporarily screwed into the floor. Then using aluminum backed "duct board" I created a new tunnel duct over the front of the heating unit to the existing dash opening. After trimming the new tunnel to fit snugly, I covered it in 1/2 inch styrofoam insulation sheets. This greatly quieted down the blower motor noise, and keeps the heat away from the interior of the dash.

Now the dash stays cool, and a higher percentage of the heat out put is pushed into the room.

[CorporateMonkey]

I re-read what I wrote and it may seem a little confusing. So I got out my doodle pad and sketched out the problem, and the fix


Hope this helps.

[Doc Mark]

Thanks CorporateMonkey - what a great fix.

We've wondered why our temp. gauge read over 100 degrees - now we know.

Mark

[footdoc]

I wonder if mine is like that.....lots of noise without alot of air moving...hmmmmmmm
I'll have to check it out now...thanks

[CorporateMonkey]

I received and email today from Newmar.
One of their techs went out with his cell phone camera and took a few pictures of the 2008+ MADP Duct



Here is a snippet of the email I got, along with the parts list. I attempted to order the parts today, but they closed up before I was able to get an order in. I do not know what the part will cost (or if they will cost anything)

Email:
I apologize for the poor quality of these pictures (our shop camera is out today so I had to snap these pics with my cell phone), but it does show you how the finished product looks. Essentially what you do is re-route the A/C discharge from the sides to the front, then you add a return air duct to the side of the plenum to help compensate for the ducts you will partially cover with the new front discharge plenum.

The parts needed are as follows:
1- plenum (part # 106817)

1- plenum (part # 106818)

1- grill (part # 106826)
1- trim piece (part # 014152)
1- vent round (part # 37945)
1- filter (part # 109179P)

The new front discharge plenum will partially cover some of the front return A/C grills, so you will have to add one to the return side of the system, beside the new front discharge plenum. The pictures show the arrangement, looking from the dash area toward the back of the unit.

If you want to order the parts, please contact Jeanne stump in our Parts Department.

[CorporateMonkey]

Update: I got the parts ordered today. It was ~$250 for everything.

[CorporateMonkey]

Follow up post.

I finally headed down to Tucson this week to work on my projects.
Turns out Newmar had sent an entire new HVAC oval pod along with all the upgrade parts. The new oval was not needed, but the box it came in was comical. It was the size of a good dining room table. Nice...

Well here is what the system looked like before


Here it is during the install process.
The old duct is only held in with a few screws and a bunch of aluminum duct tape.


The new design eliminated the front rubber "bumper"
after looking at the structural strength the bumpers provide I decided to keep it. With a little help from a dremel tool, I was able to notch the new duct to fit around it.


The front cold air return vent does get partially covered, but after testing what kind of vacuum pull it had, I determined most of the return air is drawn from the rear duct.
This saved me having to cut a hole in the ceiling to install a new return duct.


Here is the new duct installed


Finally here is the incredibly sharp decretive grill (watch the paws)


Was it worth it?

Yes, the system works MUCH better.

[Jetsmania]

Hi! Great Post! Nice job. Looks just like the factory did it. Paul

[sjcaldal11]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetsmania Hi! Great Post! Nice job. Looks just like the factory did it. Paul

I'm hoping to get the factory to do it for me, but it looks like monkey did a nice job.
Thanks, Daryl

[hoosier1]

I have a 2007 MADP and the factory changed the front AC to only blow out the front. They replaced what was originally there with a totally new setup. It took them a couple of hours to do the job. They said people wanted more AC up front. It is a new insert with no side outlets only the front.

John
2007 MADP