I Just Went Wacko In My Motor Home

[lo-tek]

I've had two for about 2 months and they're much quieter. Yes, $400 for two was a bag of coins but i never liked the noise from the ACs.

[BennieH]

Originally Posted by lo-tek

I've had two for about 2 months and they're much quieter. Yes, $400 for two was a bag of coins but i never liked the noise from the ACs.

I agree, so much more livable!

[DirtRider]

Originally Posted by steve42

The Wacko really works! The noise reduction is very real. We have 2 a/c units, a Coleman Mach 15 and a Coleman Mach 3. Both are ducted.

After installing the Wacko on the Mach 15 in the living area, I immediately ordered another one for the Mach 3 in the bedroom.

Yes, they are expensive, but in the greater scheme of things it's money well spent. I still have the old covers just in case the air flow is not up to 95 degree days. However, with 2 a/c units in a fully ducted system, I don't think it will be a problem. Besides, I could not find a better alternative.

Steve, is your Mach 15 ducted-only? Or does it still have the direct cool piece? I'm trying to figure out if the noise savings come from covering the direct cool vent, or if it also works for units that don't even have direct cool.

[norrirn]

Originally Posted by A Traveler

Now that I have your attention...

I just installed two Wacko Products AC Silencers in our coach. They made a HUGE difference in the noise level from the AC units!

I will be the first to admit that I am not very handy with tools and DIY projects. I envy you folks who can do so much of the necessary work on your coaches. Even so, it took me only about 30 minutes to install two of these things in our coach. Having an electric screwdriver helped.

I have done a lot of audio work over the years, both for live events and recording studio work. From that experience, I understand sound levels and decibel ratings. I measured the sound level of the original AC installation at 68.5 db. That is considered a "moderate" noise level, bordering on "loud."

I used the same audio level sensing equipment in the exact same location to measure the sound level after the install of the Wacko Silencer. The new noise level was 63.9 db. Just looking at the numbers that may not seem like a big change, but in the audio/sound level world that is a significant drop in the noise level. For example, a drop of only 3 db represents HALF the audio power of the initial level. This drop of 4.6 db is going to make living in the coach much more enjoyable in the summer months.

The drop in the noise level was nice, but there is another, more subtle difference that makes this install even better. The "character" of the sound has changed. I would characterize the sound of the original installation as a rough, roaring sound. The sound emanating from this silencer is more of a muffled "whooshing" sound. It's much less irritating and easier on the ears.

For the record, I am not affiliated with Wacko Products in any way. I bought my units at retail, just like everyone else. However, these things made such a significant change in the noise level inside our coach, I wanted to share that positive experience with you.

Having read this entire thread, I am convinced and pulled the trigger and ordered a "silencer" for the Coleman Mach in our Thor A.C.E.

[McKannick]

Well, I guess those of us without the fancier ducted units are out of luck, since that seems to be the only system this gadget works with.
That leaves us with just the DIY methods of getting the unit a bit more quiet and sometimes more efficient as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxCljBVi8DU

[PbdBlue]

Originally Posted by McKannick

Well, I guess those of us without the fancier ducted units are out of luck, since that seems to be the only system this gadget works with.
That leaves us with just the DIY methods of getting the unit a bit more quiet and sometimes more efficient as well:

This a great thread. Lot's of good discussion. After watching the video I decided to check our ac's. Both had significant leakage between the supply and return. Cut some delrin sheet to cover the opening in the side of the supply side left by the install and sealed it up with silver tape. Also added some foam where the grille contacts the plenum. We have ducted Coleman AC's with Chill Grille's. Took some decibel readings with the Chill Grille open and close (i.e 100% ducted). With the grilles open there's about a 4db increase in the noise level measured ~ 3' from the grille.

[steve42]

Originally Posted by DirtRider

Steve, is your Mach 15 ducted-only? Or does it still have the direct cool piece? I'm trying to figure out if the noise savings come from covering the direct cool vent, or if it also works for units that don't even have direct cool.

DirtRider, my ducted Mach 15 had the direct cool piece before installing the Wacko. It was just a matter of opening or closing the direct cool vents as needed. The Wacko makes the a/c much quieter than when I had the Mach 15 direct cool vents closed, but it removes the DC option. My comments also apply to the Mach 3.

Just so you know, my Laredo was ordered with 2 a/c units from the factory and is fully ducted so that the front and rear a/c units support each other in cooling the RV. I hope I answered your question.

[DirtRider]

Originally Posted by steve42

DirtRider, my ducted Mach 15 had the direct cool piece before installing the Wacko. It was just a matter of opening or closing the direct cool vents as needed. The Wacko makes the a/c much quieter than when I had the Mach 15 direct cool vents closed, but it removes the DC option. My comments also apply to the Mach 3.

Just so you know, my Laredo was ordered with 2 a/c units from the factory and is fully ducted so that the front and rear a/c units support each other in cooling the RV. I hope I answered your question.

Yes, you sure did. Thank you!

[grumpy_g]

Installed the AC Silencer and all I can say is Wow!, I can now listen to music, TV, and have a conversation without shouting!!! I was afraid I would have to live with an outrageously loud AC. I guess the folks that design these RVs are sadistic idiots.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by big stone

way to go MoCoTom! I Am also proud to support made in the USA Salute!

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Noticed you are new on IRV2 and wanted say hello!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Alkaline]

Hi,

I found this thread and now I'm very intrigued, my question is that if anyone has done before and after tests with DB readings (most smart phones have a pretty decent DB reading app).

If these can work it would make my buying decesion very easy as right now I'm considering replacing my current units with the advanced R/V quite a/c:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk7Ol80x2K0

expensive and drastic but I currently have a dometic penguin 2 and its loud, loud, loud. 69-71 DB loud and only goes down to 64 db on low fan.

I contacted the owner of wako products and he pointed me to this thread, helpful but I would like actual numbers and measurements, 8-9 DB is a very bold claim.

[A Traveler]

Read my first post in this thread. I measured a 4.6 db improvement.

Details are in the first post on page 1.

[jmck1737]

Just downloaded an app and got the following:

Wacko in front Dometic AC: 66.2
Factory Dometic in rear AC ducts only: 72.5
Factory rear AC open: 77.3

All numbers standing directly under the AC’s.

The sound is significantly better with the wacko. Will probably go wacko on rear AC after this summers travels.

Jose this helps

[Jpiland]

Just installed my Wacko A/C. What a difference I can actually here myself think and talk to someone with A/C going wide open fan on high. Great product. Highly recommend.