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TrailSeeker · 04-29-2025, 12:25 PM

Our 20y old, 36' class A motorhome came with two Carrier Air V units that need replacing. But I have a hard time finding any modern AC units that fit the current setup:

Ducted
AC unit needs to control furnace
No wall thermostat wiring (ideally remote controlled)

I came across the Advent Air RV (available in 13.5k BTU and 15k BTU) which seems to be a third-party drop-in replacement specifically for the Carrier Air V that is compatible with the existing ceiling assembly. But that seems to be pretty much the only option, or does anyone know any other RV rooftop units that satisfy the above requirements?

Another thing we are undecided about is whether to go with 15k BTU or 13.5k BTU units (or one each). Obviously we wouldn't mind the extra cooling power and the motorhome does have 50 amps, but it would also be nice to be able to run one AC unit when there is only a 15 amp outlet to plug into. Any thoughts on this?

d23haynes57 · 04-29-2025, 12:31 PM

Regarding the change from 13.5 to 15K Btu what size is your generator? The smaller units were often used to allow a smaller generator. If looking to chang both maybe go with thermostat controls and get it all upgraded. Also, if you do a lot of 3 season camping and go for park power consider heat pumps. There are also some newer tech AC's worth looking at.

TrailSeeker · 04-29-2025, 01:27 PM

The generator is 5.5kW (45.6A@120V).

As for adding a thermostat, the problem is this motorhome never had a wall thermostat, and it's not like that you can just open up the walls and ceiling to add the wires. Otherwise, I would be all for installing a more modern HVAC system.

d23haynes57 · 04-29-2025, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailSeeker

The generator is 5.5kW (45.6A@120V).

As for adding a thermostat, the problem is this motorhome never had a wall thermostat, and it's not like that you can just open up the walls and ceiling to add the wires. Otherwise, I would be all for installing a more modern HVAC system.

Why you have the smaller AC's. a 13.5 and an 11 are common fitments for that generator size. The 15K's unless you find a real energy efficient one will need close to 15 amps continuous each. You need room for surge, battery charging and if you have residential fridge. A 100 amp charger needs about 12 amps.

Jzack · 04-29-2025, 02:41 PM

Coleman-Mach makes a conversion kit. Others may too, I just did a quick search.

https://coleman-mach.com/products/co...r-conversions/

Here is another supplier-
https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Carri...it-p/60559.htm

The kits come with a pigtail adapter that allows you to use your old Carrier remote controls (and control board I'm assuming) with the new Coleman ACs.

We also have Carrier units and hope they never go out because they seem to work really well compared to the new stuff out there now. Insulating the evaporator housings really boosts performance too.

Gary RVRoamer · 04-29-2025, 02:59 PM

13.5k btu units are often heat pumps, while 15k btu may be a/c only. This is just a warning to make sure you know which you are looking at.

DomaniNV · 04-30-2025, 09:59 AM

We had two Carrier units on our Domani and had to replace both of them last year. The main unit is controlled by a remote and is ducted. I could only find the Advent unit that would work with the Carrier control board to control the A/C and the heater. The second unit in the beadroom area was controlled by the panel on the unit. I replaced the main unit with the 15,000 btu Advent and it works very well on it's own. Then about 5 months later we lost the unit in the bedroom area. Advent now has a "low profile" 15,000 btu unit (not sure I would call it low profile, but it is about and 1 1/2" shorter that the other unit). Both of these work pretty well and keep out 5'ver cool in the Las Vegas heat. The other thing I liked about the Advent was it came with a 2 year warranty.

Hope this help, happy travels!

TrailSeeker · 05-12-2025, 05:14 PM

We just replaced our main unit with the 15k BTU Advent Air low profile unit, and we are pleased as well. Like DomaniNV said, the Advent Air was the only unit we could find that was compatible with the Carrier Air RV ceiling unit, and even if we were to replace the ceiling unit as well, we couldn't find any model that can control the furnace, has a remote control, and doesn't require a hardwired thermostat.

We haven't tried running the AC on the generator yet, but even if we can only run one AC while running off the generator that should be fine.

Jzack · 05-13-2025, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailSeeker

We just replaced our main unit with the 15k BTU Advent Air low profile unit, and we are pleased as well. Like DomaniNV said, the Advent Air was the only unit we could find that was compatible with the Carrier Air RV ceiling unit, and even if we were to replace the ceiling unit as well, we couldn't find any model that can control the furnace, has a remote control, and doesn't require a hardwired thermostat.

We haven't tried running the AC on the generator yet, but even if we can only run one AC while running off the generator that should be fine.

Did you research the Coleman-Mach conversion kit I referenced in post #5?

I'm just curious for future reference since I'll be in the same boat as you with our old Carriers sometime in the near future I'm sure (knock on wood).