Recharge Roof A/C

[rdjl972]

I have a 2008 Monaco Camelot and would like to know if anyone out there has any experience - positive or negative - about recharging roof top air conditioners. I believe mine are Penguins. I've heard from more than one RVer that it can definitely be done by having and A/C shop install a cooling coil block of some sort to allow the refrigerant to be evacuated then recharged. Can anyone help me with this?

I'd appreciate any responses.

Thanks,
Rick

[stallsmi]

There are plenty of posts on this subject that can be accessed thru the "search" function.

[wa8yxm]

Mixed blessing. Yes they can install a recharge port but Refrigerant is getting more and more expensive and if it's lost refrigerant.... You really need to find out where it went before you recharge (how it got away) and fix the leak.. When you do this you are in a "Cost approaches replacement" situation.

[MSHappyCampers]

I had one recharged twice before wising up and buying a new one!

[bluepill]

"Saddle type" port adapters will usually leak a bit because of imperfect seal at the tubing. Properly brazing a service port is the way to go. That requires recovering the refrigerant before installing, then a full evacuate and recharge.

As already mentioned, if you are low on charge you have to find and repair the leak(s) or you will be chasing your tail.

[dennis45]

These things are along the same lines as a Window AC unit.

Back when I was a young feller, just about the time the earth was cooling, I was working in the Middle East in a desert camp. We had scores of window AC units and used to repair them on a Regular Basis. There was no such thing as new ones to be had.
In today's world, I would not ask a refrig tech to work on my roof AC knowing what it takes and the cost involved.
Think Bic Lighter,,,,,

[YC1]

Why do you think it needs to be recharged?

If you are just guessing then it could be as simple as cleaning the coils. Mine get cleaned twice a year and it amazes me how dirty they can get. I am living in Florida so mine run just about 24/7. The duct work inside the RV's is often pathetic. Using some Gorilla duct tape etc can save lost air and smooth out the flow.

[rdjl972]

Thank you to all who posted ideas on how to help me resolve this issue. I appreciate the feedback.

For now, as the moderator suggested, I'll check other posts and see what ideas I can get from them too.

Thanks again to ALL who posted responses.

Rick