Community Forums

osbeck · 06-24-2010, 04:56 PM

We have a 1997 Damon Intruder that we love except while parked in the south in 100+ temps we are having a hard time keeping it comfortable during the daytime. Whe have all the window coverings closed and the awing out. Our unit does not allow us to run both AC's on shore power only on the GEN. Unfortunately while in storage the GEN wiring was eaten by rodents and we are awaiting parts.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Hot and tired.

RV Mech Tech · 06-24-2010, 05:10 PM

osbeck - have you had the AC serviced lately? - this includes removing the cover of the AC units on the roof and cleaning the condensor and evaporator of any stuff that may be blocking the airflow especially through the condensor -if this has not been done in a while this is the first thing to check - this is a regular maintainance procedure - if the cooling fins get plugged up enough the unit cannot remove the heat from the air and the AC works harder to remove the heat from the air through the condensor and any blockage will decrease the cooling efficiency of the unit- also check to see if you have a filter on the inside grille in the ceiling- these have to be cleaned all the time - if the unit still does not seem to cool the coach then a performance check can be done by an RV tech to see if the AC unit requires replacement but check the condition of your units first -you just may be able to save some money here.

sundancekid · 06-24-2010, 05:37 PM

You need to be able to run both AC units. There are several options that range from having your coach rewired for 50 amp service to rewiring to use two outlets. To do the later, basically you can break the dedicated line that goes to the rear AC to the generator, and plug it into the 20 amp outlet at the pedistal.
You can do this yourself if you're comfortable with electrical wiring like this link shows: Woodalls Open Roads Forum: How to run two AC's with 30 Amp Service UPDATE UPDATE or you can purchase one of these Power Solutions and do the same thing.

A little foot note. Sometimes you may have a problem with GFI breakers at the pedistal. My solution was to use a "Y" adapter for the 50 amp outlet and plug my 30 amp cord into one side and my 20 amp cord, with a 30 to 20 amp adapter into the other side. Worked great.

TXiceman · 06-24-2010, 07:23 PM

In the sun and 90 plus temps you need both A/C units on what appears to be a 34' class A, You can rewire the rear A/C so that it comes out on a separate 20 amp circuit or make the conversion to a 50 amp service.

Ken

RV Wizard · 06-25-2010, 03:02 AM

Be sure to also check to be sure the divider between the discharge air and return air is sealing off the two sections of the units. The biggest problem is just so mush heat looad that one unit just isn't enough BTU's.

RJay · 06-26-2010, 07:15 AM

As RV MECH TECH mentioned, cleaning the cooling fins is important but don't neglect the fins themselves. Fins that are bent over restrict airflow just as much as dirt. The fins can be straightened by running a “fin comb” up and down the rows that are bent and they should be straightened before you clean them. Fin combs are available at most hardware stores.

JC2 · 06-26-2010, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJay

As RV MECH TECH mentioned, cleaning the cooling fins is important but don't neglect the fins themselves. Fins that are bent over restrict airflow just as much as dirt. The fins can be straightened by running a “fin comb” up and down the rows that are bent and they should be straightened before you clean them. Fin combs are available at most hardware stores.

Like this one that we purchased at Home Depot.

AC-Safe Air Conditioner Fin Repair Tool - AC-901 at The Home Depot
and a can of this. AC-Safe Foam Coil Cleaner - AC-920 at The Home Depot

Gary RVRoamer · 06-27-2010, 09:44 AM

You can reasonably expect both a/c's to cool the coach about 20 degrees below the outside ambient temp. With one a/c only, probably a bit less. I'd say you are getting pretty much all there is to get from it. 13.5k-15k btus is not a lot to cool that much space, with poorly insulated walls and lots of glass besides.

Magumba · 06-27-2010, 10:22 AM

We had the same situation in our 95 Itasca Suncruiser in the summer.

We put sunshades inside the drivers windows and and the side windows on the side the sun was on. Also we closed the sliding door during the day so we only had to cool the front of the camper. In the evening we switched to the rear a/c to cool the bedroom before going to bed.

I think the method that allows both airconditioners to be run is the best way to go if you can make the modification.