'97 Roadtrek AC replacement

[jdr37]

I recently purchashed a very nice 1997 Popular190 Roadtrek. The previous (original) owner had repalced the coach air conditionert with a 5K BTU unit which does not properly cool the unit. I have found a couple of 8k units that will fit but I would like to find a 10K unit. I have searched the web with no luck. Does any one have any knowledge of a 10K unit that is avialable from any source that will fit this Roadtrek.
Thanks,
jdr37

[BFlinn181]

What's the make and model of the unit in it now that I assume fits properly? Perhaps the same manufacturer makes a larger capacity unit that will fit. Also, check and see if you can find out what unit was originally installed or a suggested replacement unit.

[Jim Caudill]

I have been a member of the Roadtrek group that Yahoo holds for many years. The A/C failure is very common and it is actually a bit of a challenge to find a suitable replacement for the original Fedders unit (7,500 btu IIRC). The 8,000 btu units by LG(?) that were sold by Home Depot a couple of years ago were a popular, but not simple, substitute. There are issues separating the hot and cold portions of the airflow on the backside, as well as getting the water to drain properly.

The only way that the standard A/C unit can handle intense summer heat is using the reflectrix mylar & bubble wrap type product on the windows to block heat gain. Just blocking the 3 "portholes" at the top will help a lot.

[jdr37]

Thanks for your post Jim.
A few weeks back I purchased and installed an Emerson 8K. I knew that it would be a tight fit and there would be some DIY engineering required. And I was spot on! I live in Florida and we have had some mid 80's days and the unit really puts out a high quantity of cold air, but I won't know until summer how well it is going to do the job. I will install the Reflectirix on the skylight windows as you suggested. The only thing to see through them here in Florida is the HOT sun!

Several issues have to be addressed to accomplish the install. The previous owner had replaced the original with a little 5K unit (worthless) and he had just "thrown" it in without considering any of the other issues that must be handled to have any chance of getting any decent cooling.

Several issues MUST be taken care of:
- Overall dimensions
- Remove/reinstall front water "dam"
- Raise front of AC unit for proper drainage
- Remove/reinstall exterior top rear air vent
- Modify existing metal air ducts for compressor air intake/exhaust
- Seal front and rear open areas around AC
- Fab/install new wood trim around front of AC
- Devise method of "tie down" to prevent movement of AC

This took considerable time because I could only identify the amount and nature of the modifications after removing the old unit and contemplaing the install of the new one.

If any one has a specific need for additional information I will go into further details. Please contact me at daveross37@earthlink.net.

Dave Ross