Roof AC units removal

[Duketech]

I need to replace the roof decking on my 82 Pace Arrow so I will need to remove everything on the roof. The vents are no problem but how do you remove the AC units? I know how to remove both the inside & outside shrouds but I've never removed a whole unit before?

I want to have them serviced while the roof is being repaired & reinstall then afterward. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[TXiceman]

Once you get the inside trim off, there are 4 LOOOOOONG bolts. Disconnect and cap the power wiring. Remove th ebolts and the metal clamping plate. Push up from the inside and unseat the gasket.

While the unit is off, clean the coils and lubricate the motor. When you go back on use a new gasket and tighten it until it is compressed by 1/2 the original thickness.

Have fun.....


ken

[rsflight]

If the gaskets have been there for a long time, they will be stuck to the roof. I've used a utility knife to cut the gasket making it easier to remove the AC unit. It weighs 100+ lbs, so 2 people will be needed to move it. I use sealer between the gasket & roof when reinstalling it. Please review my Reroof summary, the link is shown below.

[alvinc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duketech I need to replace the roof decking on my 82 Pace Arrow so I will need to remove everything on the roof. The vents are no problem but how do you remove the AC units? I know how to remove both the inside & outside shrouds but I've never removed a whole unit before? I want to have them serviced while the roof is being repaired & reinstall then afterward. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Wow, 28 year old air conditioners..... those aren't the originals are they? Are they still working?

This would be a good time to replace them if they are not.

I have a friend that decided they didn't need the AC again and just installed vents. This took 250 lbs off of the roof.

[Duketech]

I found a camper repair place that will remove the units, replace the decking, & install a new alum roof for $1600. With winter coming soon, I'm going to let them do it.

I'm not sure the AC's work so I agree, I'm going to just put vents back on for the meantime & replace the AC units when I have the money.

Mostly, I just want to get the leaks fixed.

Thanks to you all for your comments.

[TXiceman]

DO NOT use caulk on the gasket to roof joint. If the gasket is good and installed properly, it will seal without a caulk.

Ken

[Ray,IN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duketech I found a camper repair place that will remove the units, replace the decking, & install a new alum roof for $1600. With winter coming soon, I'm going to let them do it. I'm not sure the AC's work so I agree, I'm going to just put vents back on for the meantime & replace the AC units when I have the money. Mostly, I just want to get the leaks fixed. Thanks to you all for your comments.

Good idea about the A/C units. This allows you time to locate new units at the best price too.

[Duketech]

Amazing!! I tried the 28 year old AC's today & the rear one still works. It got cold, ICE cold & ran nice & quiet.

I could not get the front one running but maybe it only runs on the generator??? The gen is new & I don't want to hook it to the gas tank until I can drain the old gas out of the tank. I'll mess around with it this weekend if the weather holds.

[whem2fish]

mine is 25 years old still going you may find a switch to let front one rud some units would only power one at a time on shore power
dave

[TXiceman]

We had to replace the A/C on our 1979 TT when it was 28 years old. It was the fan motor, but I went with a new unit. One A/C of the original two on our 1989 trailer is still working. The front one died this summer.

Yes they will last a long time.

Ken

[Poptop]

Both of the original front and rear A/C units on my old '93 Bounder (that my son now has) still work. I'm sure they aren't as effecient as new ones but for the cost to upgade them it would take a long time to justify the change. As for removing them altogether, I'd elect to keep them, or at least one, because they are mighty nice to have even if you only use them once in great while.