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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: johns4104 on February 02, 2012, 10:00:16 PM

Title: best or coldest roof AC Units
Post by: johns4104 on February 02, 2012, 10:00:16 PM
While we are on the subject of AC Units, I thought  maybe we could provoke more debate!
I have two Duo-Therm 15,000btu roof top RV AC units.
Last trip in the summer back to the mid-west (2010) they did not seem to keep the bus as cool as I thought they should.
The units were built in 2000, but I did not put them into service until 2009.
I added a large cut-out in the shroud, 2 weeks ago, but have not tried it out yet.

With all that said, are there units (companies) that build a more efficient roof top unit.
Seems I heard of a unit that sprays the condensation water at the condensate coil, does this help.

maybe I have to go to mini-split units LOL!!!

Ideas?
Thanks,
John
Title: Re: best or coldest roof AC Units
Post by: robertglines1 on February 03, 2012, 04:41:36 AM
Nick Badame  is the Hvac guy here;  straight clean fans.  full freon charge is about all you can do.  Hope the RV market come back and demand comes forward for new technology. My son Andy has problems with his roof top on his Toter home. Horizontal roof top condenser in thoughts for mini install in design stage.  outside Box..probably ::)    Bob 
Title: Re: best or coldest roof AC Units
Post by: bevans6 on February 03, 2012, 04:47:19 AM
When I did my research the Duo-therm 15,000 unit came out on top, that's what I bought.  I recall it had a stronger fan, higher CFM rating, than other similar models.  It's sure big and ugly enough...

I'll be interested to see what you find.

Brian
Title: Re: best or coldest roof AC Units
Post by: robertglines1 on February 03, 2012, 05:02:38 AM
The things I would look for in advances are 410 refrigerant  inverter technology  prob heat pump. Those will be comming. R22 will soon be history or pricey if you can get it. those features Prob not available yet. Got me curious now.  Bob
Title: Re: best or coldest roof AC Units
Post by: luvrbus on February 03, 2012, 05:04:14 AM
Carrier was the best too bad they left the market, we have Penguins on the S&S and not very happy with their performance either and don't worry about the R22 deal plenty of drop in's freon for R22 like the R 417 and R 422 when the R22 leaves us in 2014 I am still not sold on the high pressure 410 systems yet lol

good luck
Title: Re: best or coldest roof AC Units
Post by: Jerry32 on February 03, 2012, 07:00:53 AM
I have q mini split 1 ton that does real well with 410 on heat and cool and saves me money on heating in the winter while in Yuma . Jerry
Title: Re: best or coldest roof AC Units
Post by: johns4104 on February 03, 2012, 07:28:14 AM
Brian,
When the unit is on now the air coming out the new holes are like a hurricane, so it sure improved the airflow.
I will have to wait until it gets hot to see how well it works. I gotta bet that it will be an improvement!

John
Title: Re: best or coldest roof AC Units
Post by: luvrbus on February 03, 2012, 07:41:07 AM
Yep John 118 degrees in Aug will tell you lol in sunny AZ,how much cash did the little guy end up with in the wheel cleaning business have to hand it to the little guy he was working on it even if mom had some reservations nice kids those 2

good luck
Title: Re: best or coldest roof AC Units
Post by: TomC on February 03, 2012, 08:15:51 AM
My three Coleman 13,500btu roof tops I've had since 1994, and have had NO maintenance, except filter cleaning.  The run well and two will keep the bus cool in over 100 degree weather (all three running and my wife has to put on a sweater).  The only thing I don't like is the Colemans only have a two speed fan.  Wheras the Penquins I'm using have a three speed fan.  Low is nice a quiet for night time use.  Medium and high are close to each others speed.  It really blows hard on high.  Nick explained to me that the 15,000btu Penquin is just a 13,500btu (same compressor) with a higher powered fan to push air through ducts (1/4hp motor!).  I like the Penquins-they have a quiet compressor, and now run on R410A (which is much higher pressure).  They take a few minutes to start cooling (but that's also like the difference between R12 and R134A in our cars).  Penguins will be around for a while-unlike the Carriers, Frigedairs, etc.  Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: best or coldest roof AC Units
Post by: johns4104 on February 04, 2012, 08:27:04 AM
Clifford,
I think the boys cleared $ 37.00 after expenses (armor-all) LOL
They had a blast, and can't wait until the next rally!

John
Title: Re: best or coldest roof AC Units
Post by: gus on February 04, 2012, 03:37:09 PM
I also cut a hole in my 4104 shroud so the air blows straight down and put a floor fan directly under it to blow on the driver, makes a really big difference.

From the AC blower to the hole needs to be made into a tunnel straight down to the hole. I used some spare foam. Otherwise the air is still diffused around the shroud.