Replacing Older ducted AC/Heat pump

[ARTWERKE]

Dometic no longer has Heat pumps for older ducted Newmars. They first recommended a Brisk air, no heat, but they were out of the few older ones they saved for older Newmars. it seems the current ducted Dometics air inlets & outlets won't line up with the older Newmar ducts. I'm now waiting on a possible replacement with a penguin unit. I may have to see if I can get the old heat pump rebuilt. Anyone else run into this?

[Bill-MACV21]

Semi.

My front 2011 heap pump was wonky so I decided to replace it this month. After a quick search on the net I estimated that my best buy price would be roughly $1,300 plus a conversion board for the 5 button control system.

I called Newmar parts for other items and decided to ask about their HP pricing. Yes it is higher BUT they carry a unit that was modified specifically to retrofit onto my RV.

I suggest that you call Newmar parts and talk to them about a unit that may match up with your ducting layout.

["007"]

Here is a new configuration for ceiling vent's with different AC's from the original that you may need to vent new AC into ceiling duct system.

[shaman52]

I just switched out 3 original Dometic ducted Penguin heat pumps with the newest Penguin II heat pumps on my 2007 MADP.

The only additional Newmar part required was a bent L shape gasket ( Newmar Part Number 52715) to separate supply air from return air. It mounted within the 14" square Dometic gasket on the underside of the Penguin. The PDF document provided above by 007 was very useful in understanding the mounting.

Call Newmar, I did.

Good Luck!

[JasonDean]

Originally Posted by shaman52

I just switched out 3 original Dometic ducted Penguin heat pumps with the newest Penguin II heat pumps on my 2007 MADP.

The only additional Newmar part required was a bent L shape gasket ( Newmar Part Number 52715) to separate supply air from return air. It mounted within the 14" square Dometic gasket on the underside of the Penguin. The PDF document provided above by 007 was very useful in understanding the mounting.

Good Luck!

shaman52, thank you for this post! I have a new-to-me 2007 MADP and I need to replace 2 of the original A/C units. I'm a fairly handy guy, but I've never done this before. Is it a DIY project?

The model# on my unit is: 651816C851C0

Is this the equivalent unit that you used?
Dometic 651816CXX1J0 Penguin II 15 000 BTU Air Conditioner with Heat Pump AC | eBay

["007"]

If you can use same Comfort Control you maybe able to change out but the new AC's nay not take the old control boards from older AC's.

[ARTWERKE]

I've been on the road last week, luckily, it's been cool enough for 1 A/C to keep us kool enough.PPL is sending a Penguin they said"Dometic said it would work",Suposedly I can use the 5 button comfort control. I hope the gasket mentioned above will do the trick Don't relish the idea of cutting open roof to fit new plenum. That sounds like a "Charlie Foxtrot".

[Traveler357]

HA! Best post yet in my search for getting my American Star cooling again!!! Thanks for the PDF 007!

["007"]

Originally Posted by ARTWERKE

I've been on the road last week, luckily, it's been cool enough for 1 A/C to keep us kool enough.PPL is sending a Penguin they said"Dometic said it would work",Suposedly I can use the 5 button comfort control. I hope the gasket mentioned above will do the trick Don't relish the idea of cutting open roof to fit new plenum. That sounds like a "Charlie Foxtrot".

For what ever AC you purchase stick the foam gasket to conform to the air plenum to matchup to existing cut outs now on roof, no need to do any cutting into roof.