New AC Recommendation help.

[Staley]

We have a 1997 Fleetwood PaceArrow 35'

Over the last year we have TRANSFORMED this coach with a major facelift and other goodies. We are planning on taking a long RV trip from TX to CA this summer. Last summer I noticed that the AC fans are noisy at times and the rear unit compressor is also noisy. They worked most of the time with the front unit dropping the compressor occasionally. (it is not a power shed problem) I would like to replace both of the units before the summer hits so hopefully we don't have to worry about them anymore.
I heard somewhere that my older units are relay controlled and some of the newer units will not work with the older intellitec controllers..
Ideas?

Thanks
Mike Staley



Here is a link to our google picasa albums for some cool photos!

https://picasaweb.google.com/lmstaley1

[RV Wizard]

Install a unit that has a remote control. This way you will not have to use or be worried about pulling new wire to the thermostat you have now.

[Pete & Linda]

Staley you have done a good job! Looks nice!

[jcthorne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Wizard Install a unit that has a remote control. This way you will not have to use or be worried about pulling new wire to the thermostat you have now.

Who makes such a unit now that Carrier is out of the RV AC business?

[RV Wizard]

Both Dometic (Duo-Therm) and RVP (Coleman).

[Staley]

I have been doing a lot of research on the hvac units. My ac units are controlled with relays for the fan speeds and compressor. You simply cannot replace them with any old unit. I would really like for the ac controls to work with the original wall controller.
still looking.

[bldrbob]

You might want to check heat pumps instead of straight cool.

[jcthorne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Wizard Both Dometic (Duo-Therm) and RVP (Coleman).

Could you point some links to these? I have looked at Dometic and Coleman web sites at length and not found ceiling kits with remote controls. Dometic does have a remote add on kit for thier's but it still requires the wall mounted controller.

I currently have Carrier units with remote controls and would like to find replacement units that also have this feature and to save from additional wiring to wall mounted controllers.

[jcthorne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bldrbob You might want to check heat pumps instead of straight cool.

Upgrading to heat pumps in the process of replacement is a great suggestion but does nothing for the OPs controls problem.

[jcthorne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Staley I have been doing a lot of research on the hvac units. My ac units are controlled with relays for the fan speeds and compressor. You simply cannot replace them with any old unit. I would really like for the ac controls to work with the original wall controller. still looking.

You will likely have to replace both the units and the wall controllers together. How many wires are run in your RV from the ceiling unit to the wall controller? You may not have a problem other than the thermostat itself. Neither Dometic nor RVP build non-electronic control ducted units any longer. I think Coleman (RVP) still builds a non-ducted unit with simple relay/dial controls, but they are not set up for remote thermostats.