Dometic or Coleman Roof Air Conditioners

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

I need to install two new roof A/C units in a bus I am purchasing.  I am debating whether I should purchase Dometic or Coleman units.

I had one of each in my old bus and I really like the look of the low profile Dometic Penguin units, but the one I had, had a bit of a high pitch noise to it which was not bad, but after a while it starts to grate on your nerves.  It also seemed to struggle starting up which makes me think it is underpowered.

The Coleman I had started right up quickly and all I heard for the most part was rushing air.  However, on a MC9 will stick up like a sore thumb on the roof.

Has anyone else noticed this motor squeal coming from a Dometic unit?

BTW, I have seen a lot of new high end commercial coaches with Penguins on the roof, but that may be a cost factor for them.  I suspect they are getting them cheaper.

Gary

[JackConrad]

    Might also check out the new Carrier low profile units.  I just installed 3 of them on a 102A3.  Nice units and I am happy with the noise level (of course I have a hearing deficit).  Maybe you better ask someone else about the noise level LOL. The condser fan blows straight up, spraying the condensation up into the air, reducing the amount of condensation that runs down the side of the bus.  Jack

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Gary,

Are you planning on Low Profile's or standards?

If standards, then any unit would work for your needs. If low profiles, then I would advise the Dometic Penguin's because of their

quietness, 3 speed fans, and upper unit design that don't let dabree into the condencer fan.

Good Luck
Nick-

[Utahclaimjumper]

I would also recomend the 15000 units instead of the 13500, very little difference
in money compared to performance.>>>Dan

[luvrbus]

PPL has a sale on all AC units now a friend of mine had 3 units shipped to my house he told me it was a good sale I don't know check for yourself he bought penguins and we will install the units this winter when he comes to AZ  www.pplmotorhomes.com

[van]

 How much differance (actual cooling effect)is there between the 1350 vs the 1500?

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Dometics are on sale at Camping World too until 8/31 which is why I have to decide which one I want before then.

I plan to go to Camping World this afternoon and listening to both (or maybe more) units in various RV's to see if I can hear the high pitch noise from a penguin like I can in mine.

I also realized yesterday that I have a Dometic in my Class B (Sportsmobile) and it doesn't whine like the one in my MC7.  So maybe I got a bad one that I installed last year.

As mentioned before, I like the low profile look of the Dometic, and have seen up to four on high end coaches, so they must be okay.

Someone mentioned go with the big one 15K BTU, vs. 13.5 BTU, as the cost difference is negligible, but is the difference in noise negligible too?  I have a wood floor, so quietness is important too.

Gary

[Eagle]

Gary give these people a call RVEXIT 866-774-3450 I haven't purchased anything from them but a friend said they will wheel and deal.  I believe they are located in Arkansas.

[makemineatwostroke]

Gary, if your coach has a diesel fired heating system I would take a close look at the heat pump models also, I have 4 penguins on my Eagle and here in AZ you can forget about the 3 speed fans the low does nothing as far as cooling, I plan on replacing mine with the heat pump versions (trying to find out if you can use a heat strip with them also) because I take my grandkids to ski areas in winter and last year when fuel was $3.00 a gal it was costing about $12.00 a day to run the heat and it is going to cost even more this year and they are predicting a cold hard winter. Something for you to think about

[Blacksheep]

I have 3 Colman Mach 3's I think is the name and they are low profile with heat!
1-10 I'd say an 8
Ace

[JohnEd]

Both of the "heat strips" I have had were worthless in terms of heating.  They were superb performers in terms of "energy usage".  The mfr said they are NOT heaters but only "Chill Breakers".  His term and very true.  Definitely not worth the noise.

I think a heat pump would be a great idea although  I can heat my coach up to sauna temps with 3 little cube heaters but I am well insulated and only take up 30 feet at the curb.  I know the pump is more efficient but my cubes can be put anywhere and they exhaust the heat at the floor where it does the most good. How much more is the pump?  Regardless of what you choose you should have a very small fan on the floor, somewhere, pointed at the ceiling to destratify the air and keep all comfortable.

John

[makemineatwostroke]

John, they will take the chill off as advertised one thing I know from past years is they work better on the lowest speed

[Blacksheep]

I guess it all depends on how well your coach is insulated as my heat strips work rather well in the cold nights in Florida. I know it's nothing compared to the winters up north but thats why your there and I'm here! 

Ace

[JackConrad]

Just a personal observation, but I have noticed heaters seem to work better on a lower speed and AC seems to work better on a higher speed. At least it feels that way when standing in the air flow.  Jack

[niles500]

Jack your so right - It's the "draft effect" that does it - FWIW