Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruby Jean
What does it mean not to be fully ducted?
Thanks for clarification.
Kathy
|
On most upper level Gas and Diesel motorhomes both the Air Conditioning output ducts and the filtered return air ducts are routed through the roof and the AC units themselves are mounted above the ceiling. To make this happen the roof has to be thicker and it has to have internal ducting to provide both supply and return air. This also means the AC unit itself is physically further away from the interior of the RV.
Virtually all lessor level RVs have only partial or no ducting and the AC unit itself is mounted into the ceiling of the RV. Lowest level units have no ducting and both the AC output and return air happen at the AC unit installed through the ceiling. Mid-level RVs have the AC output air ducted throughout the coach, but the return air isn't ducted and simply enters the AC unit in the ceiling.
The difference is in noise level. Partially ducted AC units are nearly twice as loud inside the RV as those that are fully ducted.
It's easy to spot. Look at the ceiling of any RV if you see AC units protruding from the ceiling then the RV is either non-ducted or partially ducted.
The old Advennture, and all mid-level diesel pushers and above (Journey and above) WBGO Class As have fully ducted AC units and smooth ceilings with nothing but lights and air vents protruding. So, they work more efficiently and they are MUCH quieter in operation.
All current WBGO Gas RVs and even the lowest level DP, the Forza have partially ducted AC units. Currently only Tiffin and Newmar sell Gas Class As with full AC ducting.
It may seem like a little thing - but the noise level inside the RV when the AC is running, especially on RVs with two AC units is quite dramatic. It's just not something most people check when RV shopping. If they did they'd know the difference.
The same is true with full wood frame cabinets. Only higher level RVs have cabinet frames and doors made of solid wood. Many RVs have "real wood doors" but ALL of the other wood in the RV is partical board with wood-look vinyl wrapping. Again, a little thing. But when you are living with the RV over time these little things make a big difference.
Every RV I've owned before my Adventurer had partially ducted AC and vinyl wrapped particleboard frames. So, when looking for my Class A I made sure to eliminate any RV with these two things from my shopping list.
This may not be a concern for most people, but at least it helps to know about these differences.