Failure of Dometic Penguin 15k A/C's

[Harm]

My coach is 3yrs. 4months old and I just had the 5th A/C unit installed while traveling in New Mexico. Every failure has been the compressor seizing up and the only solution is complete unit replacement. This is way past acceptable reliability! Has anyone else had this problem with this unit? Thank God I have an extended warranty that has covered these losses. I usually never purchase one but with all the systems on the coach I figured it was worth the gamble and it has paid off big time.

[oemtech]

Nope.... I have been living in mine for going 4 years and the heat in Texas can be a killer. We currently are running 100+ degree temps for 60 days or more. Plus I am parked inside a metal building... it can get really hot in there.

[SX_RVing]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harm My coach is 3yrs. 4months old and I just had the 5th A/C unit installed while traveling in New Mexico. Every failure has been the compressor seizing up and the only solution is complete unit replacement. This is way past acceptable reliability! Has anyone else had this problem with this unit? Thank God I have an extended warranty that has covered these losses. I usually never purchase one but with all the systems on the coach I figured it was worth the gamble and it has paid off big time.

I've had a similar experience, albeit not 5 A/C units. One of our Units failed just before the 3 year parts warrenty expired. Had it replaced, and the replacement Unit failed one day later. Same thing, compressor seized. I'm currently waiting for the replacement (to the replacement). Hope I don't have to replace it 5 or 6 times.

[adj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harm My coach is 3yrs. 4months old and I just had the 5th A/C unit installed while traveling in New Mexico. Every failure has been the compressor seizing up and the only solution is complete unit replacement. This is way past acceptable reliability! Has anyone else had this problem with this unit? Thank God I have an extended warranty that has covered these losses. I usually never purchase one but with all the systems on the coach I figured it was worth the gamble and it has paid off big time.

It strikes me that this is a low voltage problem. I suggest the voltage is checked "at the load" under load conditions.

["007"]

There was a time on this forum were some people found in their load center that both AC's were wired to the same side of load center.
Maybe a good idea to check both AC's and see if they are divided, to one on each side of your load center.

[Harm]

I have the Progressive Ind. surge/analyzer hard wired in that would detect low voltage coming in. I am assuming you are talking about they should be wired one to each leg of the 50 amp service after entering the coach. There are two seperate breakers in the bathroom cabinet for each A/C. Is there any easy way to trace these lines to see if they are on the same leg or is it time to go to an electrician for this?

[adj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harm I have the Progressive Ind. surge/analyzer hard wired in that would detect low voltage coming in. I am assuming you are talking about they should be wired one to each leg of the 50 amp service after entering the coach. There are two seperate breakers in the bathroom cabinet for each A/C. Is there any easy way to trace these lines to see if they are on the same leg or is it time to go to an electrician for this?

Although you have surge/analyzer installed, you still could have low voltage conditions at the A/C. A loose connection at the breaker or anywhere in the leg going to that A/C could create a high resistance voltage drop under load conditions.

["007"]

Wayne, your AC's are wired out of your load center as all your 110 curcuits are.
Before taking off the load center panel with four screws holding it on, check the curcuit brakers that you know are for your AC's. Each one should be split between both sides of your load center.
If they are both on same side of load center than one would have to be moved to other side of load center. You may be able to swap with a 110 curcuit if thats the case.
You may not have the problem so don't panic just something you need to check.

[Harm]

Thanks for your help 007 & Dale.
When we get parked again I'll check it out.

[GaryKD]

Hi Everyone,
The suggestions have turned toward an electrical problem. The OP says the problem is compressor seizing. Isn't the compressor mechanical? Can someone help me understand how low voltage will be a problem for the compressor?
thanks,

[SX_RVing]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi Everyone, The suggestions have turned toward an electrical problem. The OP says the problem is compressor seizing. Isn't the compressor mechanical? Can someone help me understand how low voltage will be a problem for the compressor? thanks,

Gary,

I agree with your skepticism....When mine were diagnosed it was failure (seized compressor) due to loss of freon. On the replacement, the unit failed after one day of operation. There was a leak in the condenser coil. It was brand-new from the factory. So, I'm guessing they're having some sort of manufacturing problem.

Sebastian

[Harm]

I just checked my breaker panel and the two ac's are definitely wired on seperate legs of the incoming line. Also I could not budge any of the screws so they are all tight too.
I agree with others above that we have just had some bad units. The dealers that have changed mine have all said they fail and get replaced all the time. My first failure happened while still at the dealer a couple of days after delivery. It seems there was definitely a problem with 2006 models. I would hope Dometic has improved the product by now and I have two that will last awhile!