Community Forums

Stan&Jacquie · 01-12-2019, 02:25 PM

My AC covers are brittle and cracking from years in the sun. I'm going to replace them but can't get them in a color to match my coach. Next best stock color is black. If I go with black, might I expect a reduction in cooling since black will heat up in the sun? Sounds trivial but a loss in cooling would not be acceptable? Any thoughts?

Arch Hoagland · 01-12-2019, 02:32 PM

I have two A/C shrouds and three roof vent covers. I painted mine a silver grey to match the color of my coach. I used spray on paint made specifically for plastic.

I live where 105 degrees is common so I will usually repaint about every two years or so.

Brecklundin · 01-12-2019, 02:32 PM

had to settle for white. I figure black will heat up more on hot days when we want to use the AC.

But yes, we wanted an off-white beige color just couldn't find any. Took like 15mins on each AC unit to replace them. About $100/ec delivered on Amazon.

Brecklundin · 01-12-2019, 02:35 PM

oh, should have read about the spray paint detail. I considered that too then I got better... hahaha, just lazy. Never looked into a good paint yo handle 120F+ it probably gets on the roof during hot days.

Stan&Jacquie · 01-12-2019, 02:43 PM

I'm I correct in that the cooling condenser is under it own cover and may not be affected by air warmed by a black shroud? When you remove a shroud the fins that are visible are the evaporator fins which are hot any way correct? I know....I'm making way too much of this and should probably not be concerned.

bruceisla · 01-12-2019, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stan&Jacquie

I'm I correct in that the cooling condenser is under it own cover and may not be affected by air warmed by a black shroud? When you remove a shroud the fins that are visible are the evaporator fins which are hot any way correct? I know....I'm making way too much of this and should probably not be concerned.

The color makes little difference. The cover is a few inches away from components. I have 3 black covers ... the efficiency of the units is a far bigger concern. In other words, choose a color based on esthetics ... no worries.

harleyjt · 01-12-2019, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stan&Jacquie

I'm I correct in that the cooling condenser is under it own cover and may not be affected by air warmed by a black shroud? When you remove a shroud the fins that are visible are the evaporator fins which are hot any way correct? I know....I'm making way too much of this and should probably not be concerned.

No, the fins you see are the condenser fins which shed the heat. The evaporator coil is enclosed and is cold.
I bought white for mine as the originals were painted grey to match the coach. I figured since I had a lighter color coach, the white would be closer than black to the original look. I wipe them with some 303 once in a while too. I have noticed the later model Newmars use black shrouds to match the dark upper color of the coach.
jt

RKins · 01-12-2019, 03:17 PM

I'm not sure what brand of shrouds you're looking at but I highly recommend Icon - they are heavy duty - may not come in the color you desire but they will last a long time.
https://www.icondirect.com/categorie...ioner-Shrouds/

harleyjt · 01-12-2019, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RKins

I'm not sure what brand of shrouds you're looking at but I highly recommend Icon - they are heavy duty - may not come in the color you desire but they will last a long time.
https://www.icondirect.com/categorie...ioner-Shrouds/

Glad to know that. I bought the dometic replacements which seemed to be thicker than the originals. I didn't know anything about the Icons or I might have bought them.
jt

Arch Hoagland · 01-12-2019, 03:27 PM

I reinforced the thin plastic where the mounting screws hold the A/C shroud to the base. I used fiberglass tape and then added rubber washers to the screws.

harleyjt · 01-12-2019, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

I reinforced the thin plastic where the mounting screws hold the A/C shroud to the base. I used fiberglass tape and then added rubber washers to the screws.

I need to add some rubber washers to mine.
jt

Brecklundin · 01-14-2019, 02:03 PM

cool info about the should color, like black, won't affect heat. You know? the description of the process kinda made me smack my head a bit... thanks

Fiesta48 · 01-16-2019, 11:42 AM

I painted my 3 A/Cs with Rustolem 2X silver to semi match my RV and to reflect heat. One day I walked by my middle A/C and most of the heat coming out the side was returning to the rear intake. All three now have baffles about a ft sq at the back.