Off-center roof air, MCI MC-5C

bevans6 · June 08, 2009, 06:46:11 AM

My MC-5C has a Fantastic Fan roof vent installed off-center, so it doesn't interrupt the roof framing. I would like to replace it with a 15K btu roof AC unit. Is there a problem with this that I don't see? Do I need to make an adaptor to level the AC unit or will it be OK with a little tilt to it? I tried searching for previous threads on this, but I couldn't hit on the right search terms I guess, I know I have read things about this.

thanks, Brian

JohnEd · June 08, 2009, 08:57:20 AM

Could you possibly go wrong with making it level while parked? The bottom tray holds condensate water and lets the overflow run down the roof. I don't know it this flow is only from one side but you might want top make sure that the drain side is down. Then again, if it were mounted level?

My old unit used the condensate to "sling" water into the condensation coils and improve efficiency.

If the unit performed better on a slope, we would all be shimming out center mounts to off level.

Does this sound sarcastic and harsh? It isn't intended to be that way. Turn the paper till it reads kinda humorous....now hold it.

RTS/Daytona · June 08, 2009, 09:03:07 AM

Checked my Dometic Penquin 15,000 BTU RV A/C installation manual (model 620-630)

up to an *** 8 inch Slant *** to the either side or front to back is the maximum acceptable (that's HUGE for a unit that's approx 40" x 30")

Pete RTS/Daytona

buswarrior · June 08, 2009, 12:08:54 PM

My parts coach has the roof airs mounted off to the side of the centre rib. I was involved with that coach in its former life, and it had no troubles.

As noted, I would ensure that the lean is compatible with any draining issues.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Nick Badame Refrig/ACC · June 08, 2009, 12:31:50 PM

Hi Brian,

As JohnEd brought up about the sling ring on the condencer fan, in a perfect world the sling ring will dissapate all the condensate water

from the unit onto the condencer fins and there would be no dripping off your roof! Though none of us live in perfect world.....

Go ahead and mount it like you need to.

Nick-

blue_goose · June 08, 2009, 03:36:15 PM

Some of the Travel Trailers have there units on a slanted roof.
Jack

TomC · June 08, 2009, 04:11:51 PM

I have my front A/C offset to the right for better aiming at the drivers seat. The rear two are offset to the left. Course, my transit doesn't have as curved a roof as your's, but the A/C's work just fine. Good Luck, TomC

belfert · June 08, 2009, 07:12:17 PM

I have Carrier roof tops that are supposed to sling the condensate into the condensor and they still pour out a lot of water onto the roof when it is humid as it often is in July and August in Minnesota.

JohnEd · June 08, 2009, 10:59:08 PM

Belfert,

That water slinging is really boosting your BTU output from the AC. The overflow of water is really a good sign as it proves you have enuf and also that it is taking a lot out of the air. In Palm Springs and all the desert regions I expect, they sell a lot of water sprayers for the AC condensers. Easy sale if you can demonstrate the performance using the "mark's" own garden hose. Performance is obviously dramatically enhanced to even the most non mechanical among us. Hidden problem is that the spray heads plug up with only hours of use and they are a little spendy and difficult to replace. KEEP THE WATER and don't mount the unit on a slope.

John

Airbag · June 08, 2009, 11:24:05 PM

Quote from: bevans6 on June 08, 2009, 06:46:11 AM
My MC-5C has a Fantastic Fan roof vent installed off-center, so it doesn't interrupt the roof framing. I would like to replace it with a 15K btu roof AC unit. Is there a problem with this that I don't see? Do I need to make an adaptor to level the AC unit or will it be OK with a little tilt to it? I tried searching for previous threads on this, but I couldn't hit on the right search terms I guess, I know I have read things about this.

thanks, Brian

I have a MC5A with two roof units on a slant mounted on the left side just off center enough to clear the center beam. Do yourself a favor and use the Dometic Brisk Air. They are 15,000 btu and 350 cfm unlike the Coleman that is 200 cfm. It makes a huge difference in the cooling. They are more money but well worth it. Nick can get you a great deal on them.

bevans6 · June 09, 2009, 08:34:25 AM

Ordered my Brisk Air 15,000 BTU unit today, from my local RV place. They have it for $475 (US equiv) including the inside control/distribution panel. they bought out a bankrupt RV manufacturer. I also got an Atwood oven/3 burner cooktop unit for $120. Nice to start out with new stuff.

brian

belfert · June 09, 2009, 08:49:42 AM

Quote from: bevans6 on June 09, 2009, 08:34:25 AM
Ordered my Brisk Air 15,000 BTU unit today, from my local RV place. They have it for $475 (US equiv) including the inside control/distribution panel. they bought out a bankrupt RV manufacturer. I also got an Atwood oven/3 burner cooktop unit for $120. Nice to start out with new stuff.

They have any more they want to ship to the USA?

bevans6 · June 09, 2009, 09:49:06 AM

They have several pallets of the AC units, and a small stack of the ovens. Water heaters also. Ruston RV, Burlington, Ontario.
http://www.rustonrv.com/

No idea if they ship. Sure seems like good prices, but depends a bit on the exchange rate, obviously.

Brian

buswarrior · June 09, 2009, 05:10:49 PM

Burlington is just about an hour from the Niagara border crossings...

Make sure you have the newly required identification to get out/get back in!

happy coaching!
buswarrior

belfert · June 09, 2009, 05:52:15 PM

I would absolutely need to have an AC unit shipped as I'm in Minnesota. I don't have a passport so I couldn't get back from Canada anyhow. I haven't felt the need to shell out the $75 or whatever it is since I last went to Canada in 1986 or so.

bevans6, do you know if they had any low profile units? I tried to email them, but no email address listed on the website and sales@rustonrv.com bounced. I might try to call tomorrow.

Off-center roof air, MCI MC-5C

Airbag