Coleman AC

[Redsand]

Just when I thought I was ready to take this baby camping for a shake down trip the temps here hit around 95. I turned on the ac unit and came back half hour later to a warm rv. The air exiting the unit peg at 78.with the compressor running and all the evap fins are clean so not much left to check it seems. Seeing the unit is 17 years old I suppose a replacement is the best solution. Am I missing anything? I have the 13.5k btu model and thinking about upgrade to the 15k btu model. Anyone done this with Coleman units?

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by Redsand

Just when I thought I was ready to take this baby camping for a shake down trip the temps here hit around 95. I turned on the ac unit and came back half hour later to a warm rv. The air exiting the unit peg at 78.with the compressor running and all the evap fins are clean so not much left to check it seems. Seeing the unit is 17 years old I suppose a replacement is the best solution. Am I missing anything? I have the 13.5k btu model and thinking about upgrade to the 15k btu model. Anyone done this with Coleman units?

Very common to upgrade the A/C even on a new coach. Thor Industries now owns Airxcel and had greatly increased the number and types of Coleman rooftop units. I suggest you look at the new offering before choosing. Be aware, the the Mach 3 (13,500 btu) is the most popular and the cheapest. The most efficient is the Mach 3PS.

My coach came with a Mach 15 up front and I added a Mach 8 heat pump in the bedroom as it is much quieter than the Mach 3 especially on low fan. The last time I check, there were 16 different Mach models, unfortunately most are out of stock this summer.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Redsand

Just when I thought I was ready to take this baby camping for a shake down trip the temps here hit around 95. I turned on the ac unit and came back half hour later to a warm rv. The air exiting the unit peg at 78.with the compressor running and all the evap fins are clean so not much left to check it seems. Seeing the unit is 17 years old I suppose a replacement is the best solution. Am I missing anything? I have the 13.5k btu model and thinking about upgrade to the 15k btu model. Anyone done this with Coleman units?

If the air coming out of the unit is 15 degrees colder than the air entering the cold air return there is nothing wrong with the unit.

A couple weeks ago at a rally we were in 98 and 99 degree temps and two AC units only took the inside down to 80. This week temps in the low to mid 80s and the inside is maintaining 68 day and night.

[Redsand]

If 15 degrees is the best this unit is capable of I need to find a different solution. I'd be satisfied with a 25 degree differential in temperature. We are considering a move of home base to AZ later this year and temps there are around 10 to 15 degrees warmer overall. Doesn't Coleman make a unit with a bit more capacity?

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by Redsand

Just when I thought I was ready to take this baby camping for a shake down trip the temps here hit around 95. I turned on the ac unit and came back half hour later to a warm rv. The air exiting the unit peg at 78.with the compressor running and all the evap fins are clean so not much left to check it seems. Seeing the unit is 17 years old I suppose a replacement is the best solution. Am I missing anything? I have the 13.5k btu model and thinking about upgrade to the 15k btu model. Anyone done this with Coleman units?

If our RV is at 78 that is freezing to us. I believe two weeks ago it was 108 outside at home, I can't recall if it was generator or shore power but I let both ACs run, it took 2 hours to cool down the coach. I can't recall exactly if it was 82 or 84 degrees? But for whatever reason it felt a lot colder than 82 inside relative to being outside (not sure why)

When I first read your post I was thinking you were saying it was 95 to start and you came back it was still 95? Now that would be a problem, at those outside temperatures, don't expect it to be fully cooled to whatever capabilities it has in 30 minutes.

For your requirements or expectations, you may also look at getting a 2nd AC.

[Judge]

Originally Posted by Redsand

If 15 degrees is the best this unit is capable of I need to find a different solution. I'd be satisfied with a 25 degree differential in temperature. We are considering a move of home base to AZ later this year and temps there are around 10 to 15 degrees warmer overall. Doesn't Coleman make a unit with a bit more capacity?

The cold air exit vs the warm air intake delta should be between 16 - 22 degrees when a Coleman Mach A/C is working properly. This can vary depending on humidity levels.

If you have temps exceeding 85 degrees and intense sunlight, you need to do more than just "turn on" the A/C unit.

- Purchase a WeatherTech Full Cab Sunshield Kit to cover the windshield and two door windows. That makes a huge difference out of the gate by keeping the cab from heating up.

- Close all blinds

- Pull the curtain across the cab-ver bunk area (that is a huge heat source). If you don't have a curtain..... make one.

- Get on the roof and insulate the outer box of the evaporator to keep as much of the cold air in the coach as possible. There is some styrofoam insulation inside the evaporator box but with the sun beating on the roof every bit of insulation helps.

- Turn on the A/C early in the day... don't wait until it is already getting hot.

[lwmcguir]

The Tuscany has 3 AirExcel heat pumps and it takes all three when it is over 100 degrees and in direct sunlight. Being primarily Black sure don't help that and we do have double paned windows plus dual shades.

It will maintain target temperature but creates plenty of noise.

The last camper we had that was adequately cooled with one ac was a 24 foot TT

The Landmark 5th Wheel took 2 units running if you wanted to get below 80+

Park voltage can be a big impact if it is low when everyone is cranking up the AC

[Redsand]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I once again fired up the ac in the beast this morning and waited a bit to check some readings. It was approx 85 deg. outside and the unit was able to maintain inside temp of 78 on low fan setting and output temp down to 67 so all things considered it is what it is. I was expecting to see colder temp at the output side as the cab ac but this unit works a little different.

All good suggestions and thanks again. Close off cab area and sun shields will most definitely lower indoor temps especially if we have to park in non shaded areas. Still learning here.
Insulating the cooling chamber seeming like a project worth investigating. Anyone seen or done it? Not sure how much space there is under the shroud to play with.

[Judge]

Originally Posted by Redsand

Thanks for the tips everyone. I once again fired up the ac in the beast this morning and waited a bit to check some readings. It was approx 85 deg. outside and the unit was able to maintain inside temp of 78 on low fan setting and output temp down to 67 so all things considered it is what it is. I was expecting to see colder temp at the output side as the cab ac but this unit works a little different.

All good suggestions and thanks again. Close off cab area and sun shields will most definitely lower indoor temps especially if we have to park in non shaded areas. Still learning here.
Insulating the cooling chamber seeming like a project worth investigating. Anyone seen or done it? Not sure how much space there is under the shroud to play with.

Myself and others have insulated the evaporator housing. Use Frost King Adhesive Duct insulation. It’s knly about 1/8” thick and plenty of room under the shroud.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Redsand

If 15 degrees is the best this unit is capable of I need to find a different solution. I'd be satisfied with a 25 degree differential in temperature. We are considering a move of home base to AZ later this year and temps there are around 10 to 15 degrees warmer overall. Doesn't Coleman make a unit with a bit more capacity?

At least 15 degrees.

Here is mine on a on a 85 degree morning.

[Redsand]

That's what I expected to see on ours. Again for a 17 year old unit I guess it's operating as designed.

[sportcoupe]

If you are in a humid area, consider running a separate dehumidifier. I'm not referring to a tiny desktop unit. It will greatly assist the roof AC.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Redsand

That's what I expected to see on ours. Again for a 17 year old unit I guess it's operating as designed.

17 years old, might be time for a change.

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by Redsand

If 15 degrees is the best this unit is capable of I need to find a different solution. I'd be satisfied with a 25 degree differential in temperature. We are considering a move of home base to AZ later this year and temps there are around 10 to 15 degrees warmer overall. Doesn't Coleman make a unit with a bit more capacity?

Hey where in AZ are you moving?
Do you have windows covers in while cooling ?

[abjbrtd]

If you haven't seen this thread, take a look, it has several good tips for improving your ac cooling.

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/f2...tml#post236501

[Redsand]

Originally Posted by Scubawise

Hey where in AZ are you moving?
Do you have windows covers in while cooling ?

Probably Bullhead area. We've owned a few homes there over the past few decades and California has become too expensive and quite frankly bat-sh*t crazy with regards to government and regulations.

Bullhead is one hot place this time of year so we would be camping for the hot months. We have the stock light/dark shades on the windows but might consider something a bit more reflective soon.

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by Redsand

Probably Bullhead area. We've owned a few homes there over the past few decades and California has become too expensive and quite frankly bat-sh*t crazy with regards to government and regulations.

Bullhead is one hot place this time of year so we would be camping for the hot months. We have the stock light/dark shades on the windows but might consider something a bit more reflective soon.

Pretty place. Lake Havasu great area to boat and camp.
Lots of Hugh Flys so may need the CLAM or covered netting for camping table etc. Yes we will try to never visit California again. Was just in San Francisco and LA area. Shocking. Yes rv reflective windows covers work 100% in AZ..MANY threads on it ..

Good luck

[Redsand]

Yes Ca has changed since I arrived in 1953. A beautiful place back then and raised a family here now time to go. Bullhead used be a hidden in the desert secret get away with Lake Mohave for boating fishing camping etc. and Casinos just across the Colorado river in Laughlin Nevada. A fun place to camp with lots of adult entertainment and great restaurants. Just hotter than well you get the idea. Housing is still reasonable for the most part if you enjoy desert living and all that comes with it. Getting off topic here and yes some Reflectix for the ac and windows and possibly a supplemental portable unit stowed in case the Coleman is struggling to hold 80.

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by Redsand

Yes Ca has changed since I arrived in 1953. A beautiful place back then and raised a family here now time to go. Bullhead used be a hidden in the desert secret get away with Lake Mohave for boating fishing camping etc. and Casinos just across the Colorado river in Laughlin Nevada. A fun place to camp with lots of adult entertainment and great restaurants. Just hotter than well you get the idea. Housing is still reasonable for the most part if you enjoy desert living and all that comes with it. Getting off topic here and yes some Reflectix for the ac and windows and possibly a supplemental portable unit stowed in case the Coleman is struggling to hold 80.

Good deal ..we open the windows early am and use the maxair fan to remove heat..Reflectix the windows facing sun and even if 105 ..we keep coach at 76 or 77..
Must get air going early

[Redsand]

Thanks Scuba. Yeah I'm getting the drift of conserving over night temp as long as possible and run ac before the space overheats. Pretty much the way we do things here at home in the foothills during summer.