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JVJ · 10-01-2013, 09:29 PM

Been doing a lot of research on various RVs. We have given some thought to moving back to a 5th wheel and introducing the grandkids to the world of RVing. For some reason I just can't stomach 2 to 5 years olds running around in the Pacifica.

Anyway, we have never been pleased with the basement air output on the Pacifica. But in doing research on various RVs I read of many ducted air units where the end run of the a/c duct was not closed off allowing the air to continue to the end run of the duct where the conditioned air would simply be dumped into the attic cavity.

So yesterday I went out and pulled the front vents on the air duct run and low and behold they were not blocked off and allowed the conditioned air to dump in to the front cap section of the attic.

I blocked the duct just forward of the vent and reinstalled the vent and the new increase of air is amazing.

Just thought I would share this information.

I also had a residential A/C tech take a look at my basement unit and asked about how to increase the cooling of the unit while running down the road. His suggestion was to fab up a small air scoop to force air into the intake of the air conditioner. He felt that the air streamlined down the side of the coach at highway speed and did not allow for air to be taken in.

Chuck 1935 · 10-01-2013, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JVJ

Been doing a lot of research on various RVs. We have given some thought to moving back to a 5th wheel and introducing the grandkids to the world of RVing. For some reason I just can't stomach 2 to 5 years olds running around in the Pacifica. Anyway, we have never been pleased with the basement air output on the Pacifica. But in doing research on various RVs I read of many ducted air units where the end run of the a/c duct was not closed off allowing the air to continue to the end run of the duct where the conditioned air would simply be dumped into the attic cavity. So yesterday I went out and pulled the front vents on the air duct run and low and behold they were not blocked off and allowed the conditioned air to dump in to the front cap section of the attic. I blocked the duct just forward of the vent and reinstalled the vent and the new increase of air is amazing. Just thought I would share this information. I also had a residential A/C tech take a look at my basement unit and asked about how to increase the cooling of the unit while running down the road. His suggestion was to fab up a small air scoop to force air into the intake of the air conditioner. He felt that the air streamlined down the side of the coach at highway speed and did not allow for air to be taken in.

Thanks for some very good ideas.

RDAYZ · 10-02-2013, 09:28 AM

I have a Pacifica & found that the duct extended 18" or so past the vent, I stuff it with some insulation. This helped but the basement unit still did not keep the coach cool in 100+ tempts. Recently I installed a 13,500 roof top unit, which works great while traveling.

JVJ · 10-02-2013, 10:24 AM

We added a 15K roof unit also in place of the Fantastic vent in the kitchen and hallway position.

When parked we can run all three units if needed and often is, but cruising down the road we can get by with the basement air on 30amp, run the roof a/c and the dash air and freeze our selves out.

TCHB · 10-08-2013, 06:56 PM

I will check and see if mine is ducted this way.

I have a 2007 Dolphin LX 34 ft. Gas

lenjen · 10-11-2013, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JVJ

His suggestion was to fab up a small air scoop to force air into the intake of the air conditioner. He felt that the air streamlined down the side of the coach at highway speed and did not allow for air to be taken in.

Having a visual problem with how to accomplish this? Where to put the scoop?

KentM · 10-13-2013, 12:18 PM

We solved this problem by installing a curtain right behind the seats. When driving down the road we pull the curtain across securing it with Velcro strips and the dash air does a great job. The curtain is hung on a piece of 1/2in metal conduit run from side to side at the top.

I am interested in the air duct solution and will be checking mine soon.
KentM

JVJ · 10-13-2013, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lenjen

Having a visual problem with how to accomplish this? Where to put the scoop?

The a/c intake is just behind the curbside rear wheel where the a/c access basement door is. This door is louvered vent slats. What he is suggesting is some sort of small deflector to either focus or scoop air into the basement ventilation area or to disturb the air enough as it streamlines past the slats allowing for air to be pulled into the unit.

His feeling is that what fresh air the unit it pulling in is from under the coach which is the heated air from the pavement.

I haven't had a chance to fab anything up as of yet, but hope to try this week.

lenjen · 10-13-2013, 02:56 PM

I’ve put a small fan on the floor inside where the return air vent is by the bed. That return vent seems to be in an awkward place for good air circulation.
In our home we have some plastic air diverters with magnets that attach to the wall vents. I wonder if something like this would be enough to make a difference. That is if they would attach to the outside vent and stay while traveling.

JVJ · 10-13-2013, 03:55 PM

I don't think the magnets would hold at speed, however if they could be attached by wrapping a heavy zip-tie around it or maybe even commercial Velcro or band strap (think large radiator clap) to hold it in place on a temporary basis.