Community Forums

Sprintfan44 · 10-11-2022, 02:54 PM

Hello everyone,
New to the site, I've been reading some of your post here and it looks to me like you people know a lot about everything RVing.

Here's my issue. I have a 2006 ALFA SEE YA, 38' 5th wheel. My heat pump/AC stopped working late this summer. No one around where I live to work on it, so it's up to me to figure out what to do next.
I did figure out that the blower that blows into the coach is working and I'm pretty sure that I heard the compressor kick on and then the 2nd compressor came on. However, the exhaust blower is not blowing so I'm thinking that the unit shut down for high head pressure.
My unit lowers from the underside of the coach. Question is... Does anyone know about how heavy this unit is? If I get it out, then it will get a through cleaning as the condenser is pretty clogged with dirt and grass. The next thing will be to check the exhaust fan to see what needs to be done there. Any tips or tricks will be appreciated.
I've seen a lot of discussion and video about removal of these units from the sides and rear of MH's but none from under the vehicle.

Thanks people,

Ray,IN · 10-14-2022, 04:00 AM

This detailed write-up by "Duner" a long-time irv2.com member should be quite helpful: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&p...zBiZTYxYzU5ZWQ
Obtain he model # of your unit and I can supply the service manual link.
Before removing the unit, make sure both start and both run capacitors for the compressors are good. The caps for the blower motor are inside the unit though.
Another problem that is sadly common is dirt and stuff have matted-over the evaporator and condenser coils, blocking air flow, which requires removel from the MH.

Use the Google search box at page top to search for threads by Duner and basement air conditioner. He is the expert on irv2.com

Sprintfan44 · 10-15-2022, 09:21 AM

Thank you for the reply. There is a lot of good information on that link. However, as stated I don't have a MH, I have a 5th wheel. My unit comes out from the bottom of the coach. The only thing you can check on this unit would be anything located on the control board. Everything else is covered by sheet metal that can not be removed until the entire unit is lowered to the ground and removed. This unit (I found out by taking it out) weights around 200lbs. Not an easy task to do by yourself. Your going to need some help. Getting this out took a little planning and engineering. Not sure how I'm going to get it back in. It's not as easy as just the reverse of taking it out. The condenser blower motor is what went bad on mine. The motor itself is fine but the sleeve bearings failed in the motor. So, I'm replacing the motor, lubing the evap motor, and giving a through cleaning and then try to figure how to get it back in.
Also, I'm going to have a local HVAC guy put in some ports for service while I have it out.