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mrgrayaz · 03-28-2018, 09:29 PM

In my Alfa's continual war against my pocket book, it appears our front Rooftop AC has frozen up. This is a "kicker" model that is non ducted/ manual everything that's in the bedroom right over the bed.

We are running just fine on our 26k BTU basement unit for now, but I will need to get this sucker working eventually.

The compressor appears frozen, and only makes buzzing noises when asked to turn over. I have replaced the start up capacitor with an equivalent dometic part to no avail. Still buzzes. I figure the rotor is frozen/locked. I have tapped it, massaged it, cursed it, And whispered sweet nothings. Nada.

My understanding is these are basically tear out and replace. Especially as this is a Carrier unit and they are no longer in the business. Has anyone done it themselves? Worth doing?

Can your typical Mobile guys replace them? I don't think it would be super difficult, but I can't quite figure out how to get a 120lb unit on the roof without a crane.

Any recommendations on make and model? We need a low profile, and this is a 15k BTU. It may make sense to go down to a 13.5k as this one is a bit overkill. Finally, heat pump vs heatstrips? Both work well?

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lonfu · 03-29-2018, 06:22 AM

sheet rock jack....

docj · 03-29-2018, 06:34 AM

To answer a couple of your questions, it's my understanding that Carrier doesn't provide any support for its former product line and the best thing to do is to replace the unit.

You are correct in your statement that the hardest part of the replacement is getting the new unit on the roof (there are four bolts that run from the roof through to the inside that hold it in place) but you will also have to wire a thermostat somewhere since your Carrier probably had a thermostat integrated with the device.

If you have a ducted A/C you may not be able to use heatstrips; I'm pretty sure that some (all?) of them are intended for non-ducted installations.

When ours die, we're going to use Dometic Penguin low-profile units. They aren't cheap, but I want to preserve the low profile look of the MH. Personally, I would never reduce the power of an A/C below what was installed. Some day you're likely to be out in the desert where it will really matter. I'm also considering a heat pump just to add some versatility to my heating options.

MSHappyCampers · 03-29-2018, 11:43 AM

I wonder if the Dometic Penguin II is directly compatible with the Carrier? You would also have to replace the thermostat and that would not work with your other units!

You can have someone lift it up there with a forklift!

heathtx · 03-29-2018, 11:44 AM

I replaced 2 air units on my 98 Dynasty a few years ago. Used an extension ladder at about a 30 degree angle and used a rope and the ramp to move old units down and new units up.

It was a chore, but I knew the units were wired, tightened and sealed correctly.

mrgrayaz · 03-29-2018, 07:44 PM

The Dometic Pengiun's look nice, but yeah $$$$$$. With heatpump and lower unit your looking at nearly a grand 0.o.

We have a Coleman Mach basement air system with a thermostat, I'm tempted to see if I can get the new rooftop jobbie tied into that, as opposed to just turning the dials like we did before.

As the sucker is RIGHT OVER MY HEAD in the bedroom, as quiet as possible would be preferable...

Anyone had a mobile guy come out an do a replacement? Or do I need to schedule an appointment with...camping world.....at least its not SUPER hot out yet, and the basement AC is keeping up for now...

docj · 03-30-2018, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrgrayaz

Anyone had a mobile guy come out an do a replacement? Or do I need to schedule an appointment with...camping world.....at least its not SUPER hot out yet, and the basement AC is keeping up for now...

I've watched a mobile guy replace one; with a helper and a ladder wasn't all that difficult. As I recall, it took less than 2 hours including wiring in a new thermostat.

kerryvan · 03-30-2018, 07:46 AM

I replaced my ac at a encore park in fla by myself and dw. I found a used unit on Craigslist that was supposed to be working. The site we were parked on had a tree limb over the back of the coach. Some mcgivering with a rope and pulley and my pickup doing the lifting had ac running in the coach 5 hrs later.
It was a same model replacement so the time was my learning on the job.

Without the aid of the tree it would have been difficult to get the ac units up and down.

RonnieTucker · 03-30-2018, 09:01 AM

I just got through adding an A/C on the roof of my Ultimate Advantage. I used this lift that I rented from Home Depot ($50.00) Worked like a champ

Ronnie Tucker

https://www.homedepot.com/tool-truck...412/index.html

Johnhb · 03-30-2018, 11:07 AM

I have an old Coleman ac unit that I replaced two years ago, it ran but compressor would not turn on, anyway I still have the unit and do not know what to do with it, any suggestions!

lonfu · 03-31-2018, 07:47 AM

put it on craigs list for free. there is some one out there that needs your parts to repair theirs!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnhb

I have an old Coleman ac unit that I replaced two years ago, it ran but compressor would not turn on, anyway I still have the unit and do not know what to do with it, any suggestions!

lonfu · 03-31-2018, 07:48 AM

it is amazing to me at how much more energy efficient the new AC's are. They just draw less amps!

sfeenstra · 03-31-2018, 08:13 AM

Last summer one of my penguin ll units froze up. Called mobile RV guy. Had a new one up very quickly. I was lucky that it was under one year old and the mobile guy was a dometic dealer. Replaced under warranty. I think the low park electrical burned it up. The remote sensor is up front and the sun really hits it hard. The unit runs s lot in do cal summertime.

mrgrayaz · 04-05-2018, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfeenstra

Last summer one of my penguin ll units froze up. Called mobile RV guy. Had a new one up very quickly. I was lucky that it was under one year old and the mobile guy was a dometic dealer. Replaced under warranty. I think the low park electrical burned it up. The remote sensor is up front and the sun really hits it hard. The unit runs s lot in do cal summertime.

How many hours did he take to do it?

I just pulled off the bottom cover and man....its literally held on with 4 bolts and some 120v wiring.

If it wasnt for the lifting issue (which the HD dry wall lift would solve) this would be a 1 hour project (famous last words.....).

We currently have a 15k BTU over the bedroom, and are thinking of replacing it with a Coleman cub or 9k model...the 15k cycled too often and was LOUD.
I can do that for about $750 in parts from camping world and its 85lbs. Really not terrible weight wise. Literally just shove the old one off the side....

Remember, we have 26k BTU of coleman basement air as well, so this is just to take the edge off....