A/C Replacement

[dons2346]

I have read all the old threads about replacing the Dometic 630515.321 A/C with new units.
Anyone have any updated info on models, required T Stat upgrades, or different control boards to change a 10 button to 5 button T Stats?


The recommended fix is to just go ahead and replace both airs but at $2K a pop, there has to be a cheaper way.

[deandec]

Why do you need to replace two units?

[dons2346]

Originally Posted by deandec

Why do you need to replace two units?

I don't. It was recommended, that's all

[funjnt]

My, er, our front unit sprung a leak in the refridgerent line. I had an ac guy fix it. I was dreading replacing unit as they are so pricey. Hope they last.

[deandec]

Originally Posted by dons2346

I don't. It was recommended, that's all

Preventative maintenance vs side of the road repair?

I replaced my 20 year old front AC/HP in 2015. $1,100 DIY.

Since the CC AC systems are ducted, one can get by with one rooftop unit in a pinch.

My rear Penguin Heat Pump is still chugging along.

[dons2346]

My failed unit is blowing the breaker immediately so it isn't low refigerant. That $1100 unit is now pushing real hard at $1900.

[deandec]

The only cheaper ways that occur to me.

1. Do not fix the failed unit.

2. Check the start/run capacitors if the repair service did not. They are inexpensive and easy to replace.

3. Replace only the failed AC unit.

4. Get a second pro analysis to see if the failed unit can be repaired. I am guessing they do not want to work on older stuff.

I did save about $200 by buying the unit on Ebay at auction for $900. The seller had a store and was listing his units for the $200 higher price in his store. The unit was drop shipped to my driveway entrance. Maybe I was just lucky?

I would guess your $1900 for a 15btu AC unit is a best result today.

I hope you have success in your search.

[Fredward]

When you talk about replacing rooftop units and the thermostat, there is a fair amount of complexity to the systems; at least in our 2000 Magna. There is a circuit board in each unit that talks to the thermostat. Also to the hydronic heat system. In other words, you can’t just replace a roof top unit with any other rooftop unit and expect everything to still work as intended. When we replaced our rear Dometic five years ago (because the old one failed) we had to spend quite a bit of time getting the right unit and the right circuit board. I don’t remember all the details but I know I still have the original circuit board that came installed in the unit. That circuit board is sitting in a box out in the shop!

Oh yah almost forgot, you need to get a new drain kit for it too because these were installed with an internal condensate drain hose that keeps condensation from running across the roof and down the exterior wall.
Fred

[deandec]

I agree with Fredward's post. There were a bunch of model numbers to chose from when making my purchase decision.

I switched from a 13.5 unit to a 15.0 unit.

Mine was ducted and drained condensate through an enclosed hose.
I had single thermostats dedicated to each AC unit.

So I bought a new thermostat on GP. Could have kept the old one.

As I recall, my existing drain system easily connected to the new AC unit.

A double roof gasket for the AC unit was recommended, so I did.

This was the Penguin II Heat Pump Ducted AC model number I bought. It is still in use.

Dometic 651916CXX1C0 Penguin II 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner with Heat Pump - AC ($899 plus $80 shipping to California.)

[dons2346]

This has turned into a bag of expensive worms. After talking to three different Dometic "technical experts" I received three different answers. Then via email, I receive the fourth different answer so..................
There is no way to either convert an old unit to work with the new 10 button thermostat which is needed to run a new unit nor is there a way to convert a new unit to work with a 5 button thermostat needed for the old unit.


One way to do this is to run each unit from separate thermostats which I don't care for. The next way is to go ahead and make Oregon greener by replacing both units which is the way I am going to go. I don't need that extra $2K anyway.


I thinking I might borrow a dog, stand by an on ramp with my cardboard sign saying "anything helps" to make a few bucks.

[DJ55]

Don, what replacement model are you going with?

[hamm2018]

Originally Posted by dons2346

I have read all the old threads about replacing the Dometic 630515.321 A/C with new units.
Anyone have any updated info on models, required T Stat upgrades, or different control boards to change a 10 button to 5 button T Stats?


The recommended fix is to just go ahead and replace both airs but at $2K a pop, there has to be a cheaper way.

Give these guys a look:
https://fixyourfridge.com/

I had a friend replace 2 A/C units on his 5th wheel and it was under $1400 for both. but that was in 2019. At least call and ask them if they have any and what the cost would be, may be surprised.

Also up in the Goshen, Ind. area are some RV surplus stores. I seen AC units in 2 of these that I go to for items.
Try:
https://bontragers.com/ or either:
https://www.johnsonssurplus.com/

[dons2346]

Originally Posted by DJ55

Don, what replacement model are you going with?

Going with the 651815 units. Dometic has a bunch of different model numbers and when comparing the details, they all read the same making it very confusing.

Originally Posted by hamm2018

Give these guys a look:
https://fixyourfridge.com/

I had a friend replace 2 A/C units on his 5th wheel and it was under $1400 for both. but that was in 2019. At least call and ask them if they have any and what the cost would be, may be surprised.

Also up in the Goshen, Ind. area are some RV surplus stores. I seen AC units in 2 of these that I go to for items.
Try:
https://bontragers.com/ or either:
https://www.johnsonssurplus.com/

I did check the fix your fridge site but nothing was available with the heat pump.I have been to Bontragers, they do have a lot of stuff but the shipping, even if they did have a replacement would get to me

[deandec]

Originally Posted by dons2346

I thinking I might borrow a dog, stand by an on ramp with my cardboard sign saying "anything helps" to make a few bucks.

Get a Springer Spaniel.

Their sad hound eyes attract lots of attention.