Community Forums

Scottybee · 06-03-2022, 10:19 PM

Hi All
My coach has two Coleman Mach 8 A/C w/heat pumps. They went out separately but now they both need replaced. The dealers has it now but of course there are no Mach 8's to be found. They said they can probably get compatible A/C only units right away.

So to me I think the heat pump function is sorta useless. But thinking of possible future resale value.
Would not having the heat pumps be a deal breaker for anyone?
Thanks for any input.

Snokid · 06-03-2022, 11:32 PM

I guess if you have other heat sources it might be ok. But for me I wouldn't be without the heat pumps.

wildtoad · 06-04-2022, 05:27 AM

We run our heat pump ( for heat ) when it’s cold, and let it auto switch to furnace when it needs to. Saves a lot of propane. However, it would not be a deal breaker if a unit only had ac.

TampaDave · 06-04-2022, 06:05 AM

We never ran our heat pumps, and couldn't see the point in paying extra when it came time to replace. Which is good, we couldn't find heat pumps anywhere.

If we were still on propane heat I might have thought otherwise, you can burn through a LOT of propane pretty quickly, and anything to reduce burn rate (space heaters, electric blankets) was appreciated. Ever since we got a rig with aquahot, the heat pump was little more than an annoyance. ymmv

We slapped in the biggest coleman AC's we could find and haven't looked back

jacwjames · 06-04-2022, 07:05 AM

I was having trouble with one of our units last year and couldn't find parts, everything was out of stock and possibly obsolete (+20 year old units).

So I started looking at replacing. The original units were AC & Heat Pumps. I don't remember using the heat pumps much but my wife (who traveled solo quite a bit) said she used the heat pumps. So we got heat pumps.

If you travel in areas that have temps from +40F then a heat pump will be more efficient then other types of heat. Our furnace is used in cooler temps but we have to be mindful of battery levels if boondocking, especially since we recently installed a residential refrigerator.

Mudfrog · 06-04-2022, 07:30 AM

Don't need no stinkin heat pump!

Seriously, I'm glad we have the heat pump in our sticks and bricks. It's saved us a ton of money since installed some 12 years ago. I'd consider getting one if we fulltimed in the motorhome. Since we don't, there is no reason to pay extra when there are other much cheaper heating options.

Heat pump or not, it would not matter.

Unplanned Tourist · 06-04-2022, 07:46 AM

It might not be a deal breaker for when you sell, but if you're using them for heat in cooler weather now, you will miss them.

We have the basement AC/heat pump and it really saves on propane when on shore power. I think we have used the heat pump more than the AC!

When we dry camp, of course we use the propane rather than running the genset. The solar panels are much quieter.

MSHappyCampers · 06-04-2022, 11:09 AM

I wouldn't buy a new unit without the heat pump feature! JMHO

Scottybee · 06-04-2022, 11:32 AM

Thanks everyone for the replies.

groveln · 06-04-2022, 11:56 AM

I use my 2 Coleman 9000 Polar Mach heat pumps a lot..I do have an Hydro Hot system too which I use when temps tend to go down into the 40's. I insulated the complete plenums on both units with the Thermo Tec product & Blocks more than 90 percent of radiant heat to kick up the efficiency of either AC or Heat Pump operation since they're just thin tin & exposed to the elements & to hopefully add more life out of them since they're the original units that came on my '04 American Eagle & going strong!

scbwr · 06-04-2022, 01:53 PM

We use ours more than enough to justify replacing with the same. But, it all depends on how often you are in cooler temperatures where the heat pumps can save on propane use. If you only stay where you have power, then electric heaters can take their place and help save propane.

shootist · 06-04-2022, 04:53 PM

Having an aquahot I rarely turn the heat pumps on. Just too noisy and not much use in our north country weather. If the day comes to replace the ac's I may forgo the heat pumps

Ray,IN · 06-04-2022, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

I wouldn't buy a new unit without the heat pump feature! JMHO

It is much more efficient than any other heating method, almost 100%. An LP RV furnace today is approx. 70% efficient- when properly maintained. The old ones like mine is approx. 60%.

Kid Gloves · 06-04-2022, 05:12 PM

I’d recommend units with heat pumps. I’d also recommend that you consider a different brand. Two units failing in 6 years would not inspire me to buy the same product.