a/c replacement

[tont916]

need to replace both my a/c units on my 40ft tuscany. my questions are it seems replacements a/c units are controlled by remotes. do I need to change my thermostat that also controls my propane heat ? what brands are better ? where to buy? any advice would be appreciated. thanks

[d23haynes57]

Since you are looking to replace both consider this an opportunity to upgrade. I would look to go with heat pumps and an integrated thermostat that controls all including the furnace. When plugged in to park power the heat pumps will be able to provide heat possibly down to 20F-25F and then add propane heat when needed. The propane heat may also be needed to maintain the water compartments.

[jacwjames]

I started having trouble with my rear AC in 2021. I had already replace the blower motor in the front one and expected to do the same to the rear. Problem was I could not find a motor for the 20 year old Duotherm. I could have looked at after market that might have worked but decided to install new.

From the internet I learned it was better to change both, if I tried to keep the front one I'd have to get a control board.

Started shopping around, at the time AC were hard to come buy. Saw a good price on the Penguin II at PPL so I called and talked to them. He said the new AC were not compatible with the old 5 button thermostat and quoted a 10 button.

After checking around and looking at options I did buy two AC's form PPL but bought a new MicroAir thermostat. I upgraded from a 13.5K to 15K Btu unit for front and back.



Changing was pretty easy, took pictures of the wiring and the dip switch panel on each AC. Copied the dip switch selection for each and put the new AC on.

Swapped out the new thermostat and it was plug and play. Immediately recognized the Zones and the front one did have the furnace on its' display. Downloaded the App on my phone and connect to the thermostat via Bluetooth. Took me a while to figure out how to connect via the WIFI but finally got it.
It would be hard to live without the MicroAir now. Wife was a trip last year with dogs and I was able to help monitor temps in coach. She ended up catching Covid and I was able to continue to monitor and I set up alerts if temp got too high. I could adjust as needed. She was on a 30 amp circuit so only able to run one AC in ~95F temps but one kept the coach at 75-6F.
Have the coach parked in the garage but I didn't winterize. Running a small space heater and basement heat and it's kept it above freezing even though outside temps dipped to 16F. I checked on the temps frequently and set up and alert at 40F, never got notified.
Ain't technology great

[hamm2018]

Originally Posted by tont916

need to replace both my a/c units on my 40ft tuscany. my questions are it seems replacements a/c units are controlled by remotes. do I need to change my thermostat that also controls my propane heat ? what brands are better ? where to buy? any advice would be appreciated. thanks

Here is a shop in Shipshewanna, Ind. that does very good work:
https://fixyourfridge.com/

His son started another shop:
https://jc-refrigeration.com/

[AlanTerry]

Tont916 I see you are in Florida. Can’t help you there but I had Camping World change mine out when they had A/C units on sale. Definitely get an upgrade with heat pump.

[Soontabe]

Now is also a good time to consider units that are quieter than what you currently have installed. A/C and furnace noise are a couple of my biggest issues with RVs.

[WagonMaster]

Interestingly fact I discovered....The GE unit will replace the Dometic upper unit and plug directly into the existing wiring, allowing you to continue to use your Dometic thermostat and interface. The GE upper unit is 15K and will replace the smaller 13.5K unit. I've seen bad reviews on the GE but so far it has worked flawlessly.