How To Install RV AC + Make It Efficient!
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- Опубліковано 26 лип 2024
- How to install an RV Air Conditioner is fairly simple but there are a handful of things you can do to make it work better and be much more efficient. To get the most cold air out of your RV AC you can optimize the way the air flows which will make your RV colder the AC typically won't run as long and it will help your RV Air Conditioning not freeze up. An RV AC will often freeze up if the cold air from the unit is drawn into the return air portion of the AC. We so far have been very happy with the Furrion Chill 15,500 BTU AC and will be doing a review of it to unpack all the features we found after we installed it.
Etrailer:
Full single-zone 15,500 kit bit.ly/2S51uuI
AC Alone. bit.ly/2S6UOMw
Amazon:
Furrion Chill 15,500 BTU amzn.to/3aGbQb0
RV Ladder. amzn.to/3bImVte
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Perfect timing as things are heating up. Great explanation of the steps as usual Jared. I'll be swapping ours out at some point as well. This was very helpful.
I'll be swapping out the old one, and installing a second ac unit in the master bedroom soon. Thanks for the tips as always!
installed my Furrion a few months ago myself. Its starting to warm up in Phoenix and the AC unit was doing poorly. I watched this video and tore it down and went back and sealed everything and its working marvelous. THANK YOU
Another great video, Jared. Thank you so much for your thorough and entertaining work.
Maximizing efficiency. So important when it involves air conditioning. Nice job!
These Furrion ACs are awesome. I have my Trailer plugged into my house's 15amp 120v outlet and I'm able to run the AC and all the electronics inside of it. No 30amp hookup needed.
Good video and information. I air sealed our present a/c, there were large gaps around the divider wall. Now have a lot more air flow, especially in the bedroom area. Keep the videos coming.
Great video, especially how you route The Wires, I'm an RV tech and know that cleaning up the wire mess in the return air is absolute critical and makes or breaks the performance of the AC, thank great advice 👍🏼
Great video presentation. Well laid out with great attention to detail. Thanks!
Another great video! Thanks for all the rv help!
Excellent presentation. Very professional and informative. All about the product and not about your social situation.
Excellent explanation 👌 of each step. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.
Always so practical and well-thought-out, Jared. Thanks!
Thanks Phil!
Jared, your videos overall are so helpful. We are installing an additional Furrion Ac with a Micro-air and both of your videos are invaluable! With your help we could do it! Thanks!🙂
Thank you! Glad it helped!
Great tips! Thanks for the great video on AC repair. Hopefully we don’t have to replace ours for awhile, but I saved this video in case we do in the future.
As always Jared, oustanding job. Fortunately i dont see myself doing this anytime soon but if I ever had to replace ours then I have this video to come back to for reference. Excellent work.
Thanks!
You're one of the best channels for technical RV how-to's. Keep up the great work and thanks!
Congratulations on 100,000 subscribers!
Thank you! It was pretty exciting to see that this week!
Great coverage, hit all the bases.
Great video, seems like I might be able to do it, ! Thanks
Great video, as always!
Taking pictures is a must. I count the times when I didn’t have a guide to put something back together and taking a picture prior to the job helped me.
Great video , Thank you, learned a lot from it.
thanks for the information!
Great video!
Excellent DYI guide. Looks pretty straight forward. I'll feel more comfortable tackling this job when the time comes. Thanks!
EXCELLENT ADVICE AND INFO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 👍
this was so easy. thank you.
Very good video info 👍
Awesome job with this video !
Thank you!
Nice, good information
Awesome , well done in showing exactly what is required, AND how to do it - There are so Very many RV’ers, that would benefit from replacing an older A/C, with a More efficient new one - With features that were Not available back when their RV was built - Plus, a New larger A/C, is LOTS less expensive than replacing an RV that just wont cool like you Wish it would... It, is Not hard to do, as your video clearly shows - And, labor wise, even having someone install it for you is not that costly - especially if you watch for RV dealers to run their start of season installation specials...
Very good understand video
Great video thanks
Thanks
Just finished installing a mini split ac yesterday. At full blast it was drawing about 1000w from my battery bank but on eco it was drawing 400w. Going to see how well it handles today but so far its working good on solar. Fingers crossed itll keep me and the doggos cool while we dry camp.
zteknon which mini-split did you use? I want to do this soonish.
Wow, this doesn’t look nearly as hard as I thought it might be to replace. I think I could do this myself. Thanks… and yes, the torque should be “inch-pounds”, not “ft-lbs”. Thanks for the install tips. 😀
So well done, I just wish you had a raceway like I do since most of this does not apply. (No hole through roof for either of my AC units).
Your videos are awesome Jarred, always check them out when making changes or repairs. You mention in this video that the screws securing the AC are torque between 40-50 ft lbs. Did some research on this cause 40-50 ft lbs sounds pretty high. I found that another site suggested 40-50 INCH lbs. Please confirm
Thks for Great Videos
Lookin good! Guess you’re still in the Verde Valley! Stay Safe⛑😷
Yep! 😁
Great video ! Have you ever done a video on a AC installation on a popup camper that never had one ? Or maybe you might be able to suggest one. Thanks !
Jarred, you said to tighten the a/c bolts down to 40-50 foot lbs. Did you mean 40-50 "inch" lbs. Our Newmar is different because it's mounted from the top with 3/8" lag bolts, but ours was 40-60 inch lbs. It's a Dometic Penquin 13500 w/ heat pump and duct work in the ceiling and the screws mount outside of the 14x14 gasket. I asked Dometic about the torque specs and they said the main thing was to tighten it down evenly untill the gasket was approximately 1/2 the original thickness.
We just got our AC and thought the same thing. HUGE Difference!!! We checked the Furrion Instructions and he just Misspoke. It is 40-50 INCH lbs.
Mine is 6 years old and started leaking in a really heavy prolonged rain recently. Hoping retourquing these bolts will cure it. Do you know how thick the original gaskets are?
@@eric3030 I believe they are 1" before install. I'll check after I go out to the garage and update this if it's different.
You are correct I think he misspoke, should be INCH lbs. I just posted a similar note about the same
Thanks
I had snow melt coming through my A/C Air intake filter! I didn't know how or why but I watched the A/C install video, took off the lower intake Bezel, and low and behold. After measuring I noticed the mounting bolt where it was leaking through was longer than the others by a 1/4 inch. I cinched it up and cinched the other bolts a little more (tightening the seal ). This morning I noticed no more leakage. But at first I was freaking out, I could not imagine how my RV was leaking.
Great Info thanks for sharing! I was thinking about upgrading my unit. So do y’all prefer dometic or furrion? Currently I have 3 dometics in my 2015 toy hauler
Hey. Great video. I have the domestic. Put the easy start on it... does this have something like it? Spent $300 bucks on it.... also how efficient is it... running watts. Start up current....domestics sucks when running on battery and solar... people going to mini split mr cool. Very efficient.. but no room on my RV. Also is it a heat pump? Wish mr cool maid a roof type unit... thanks.
Question. Are the new RV AC’s using less of a draw on power? With more RV’s having solar, are the newer AC’s coming with soft start electronics or lower power draw compressors.
I highly recommend simply renting a "material lift" from Home Depot for $55. It can lift 450lbs up to 12ft, and will fit int he back of an SUV or pickup. Made my install super easy and safe.
While you are on the subject of AC. Do most roof top ac's have a low pressure port to add refrigerant? TIA.
Did the distibution box and the thermostat come with the unit or did you purchase them separate?
How did you run wires for the thermostat or did you use the existing wires? If you have ducting how does that effect DIY?
Great video. Already got North Face as a sponsor?
Do you have to get the control box? Is it possible to connect it to the existing thermostat?
Those brown cables are for heating only or for what ? I don’t know about a/c and I’m doing mine watching your video . I live in Miami so I don’t need heater . Do I need to bring a 12volt cable from the battery to the black box ? I got lost here. sorry for my ignorance😊
I had a terrible experience with Furrion chill 15k. Mine only lasted about a year and a half and had several problems in between. Spent the extra money and went back to a Coleman
Does it come with the wires for the thermostat and how do you run the wires if you don’t already have a thermostat controlled A/C?
Great video.... But why don't RV air conditioning manufacturers come up with an air conditioner that can be run on solar, or on a few lithium batteries? I realize air conditioners use a lot of power, but I have seen some videos of boon dockers that have done it with mini splits.
Did you have a separate furnace? And if so we’re you still able to use it with the new system?
Did you install an Easy start on the unit or did it already come with the capability?
We just bought our Fifth Wheel. Two snow events now Covid19 have kept us here in Spokane WA. So while I’m stuck here I’m going to add soft components to our units. That way we can run them on the EU-3000. Very nice video. Have you made a video on what you use to make your videos? Camera & editing software? I am trying to learn how it is done.
Respectfully
Dave & LaDon
Great idea I was just talking about doing a video on that.
Hey Jared, Ty here... I currently have a Duo-Therm A/C unit (which of course with the provided thermostat, controls both the A/C and Furnace) when swapping the Duo-Therm out with the Furrion, was the provided Furrion thermostat compatible to operate both the A/C and furnace?
Im having trouble finding a compatible NEW A/C solution while also being able to use our furnace with the same or even separate thermostat control.
Thanks for any suggestions in advance.
Ok I have a question about the ac haw can I replied the ac seal it leaks when it rains or runing?
Can you please show me how you attached the freeze sensor. Please. I can not find out how to install it anywhere.
TIA
Good afternoon from Louisiana hope all is well for you and your family! I’m in the process of purchasing a telescoping ladder for my RV have you been satisfied with yours or would you recommend a different brand?
Yes, I am very happy with it!
I purchased the Furrion 14,500 btu. It's 3 days old and freezing up. What can I do to stop this?
Love the video.but I have a question.
You didn't install a microair on this unit. Is it not needed for this A/C unit? Or us this another video? I would think it'd be easier to have installed it while it was on the ground?
Tks Dave
It will be in another video as an option. We are able to start it as is from the factory on our inverter.
Is it possible to remove the vent and install the rooftop AC?
Do you think the soft start units are a good thing to add to a new instlation?
A soft start will allow an AC to startup with a much smaller initial power draw where you could use a smaller generator for operation. Especially helpful on TTs.
Thanks for the great and thorough info as always! Just curious but what do you do with the old AC? I hate to throw it in a dumpster (probably illegal anyways) but I doubt anyone wants to buy a crappy old RV AC!🤷🏻♂️
I plan to recycle it after I do a few tests on it.
Did you replace a Dometic with the Furrion?
What did you use to seat the unit to the membrane
Where did you buy that Ladder? Thanks in advance..
Hi guys,
I am totally stumped how can I run wires across the roof and down a wall from the u it to the thermostat ??????
well worth
Is there a reason you didn't add a soft start to the unit ?
I do not recommend 15,000 or higher BTU air conditioners. Not only do they freeze up more often but you can not put them on the slower fan setting like the 13,500 units because it is not an option. Again because they will freeze up. I had no idea until I upgraded. I wish I could get my 13,500 back because that lower fan really kept the noise down and never froze on on those warm nights. Best set ups are having dual 13,500 units so you can control your RV better. Just make sure you do your homework!
I saw one of your other videos ; you put a soft start on it. Are you going to put a soft start on this air conditioner?
Yes we plan to put one on it.
Hey also how noisy is it... my domestic is like running a jet engine! Thanks for the great videos.
A noise level comparison of the Coleman vs Dometic vs Furrion would be great.
Wondering why you didn’t go with a mini-split AC unit. Your unit has an EER of 2.1 and generally “an EER of 12 or above is considered energy efficient”?
I've been looking at purchasing this same unit. I have a 36ft Gulfstream. I've replaced both of the A/C units. The one in the bedroom works very well and always very cold. The same unit in the front area runs cold but it just can't keep up when the temperature outside gets too hot 100 deg+. I've installed a window unit for that reason. How much space are you cooling with the new unit? I don't want to buy a unit that is too small for the space. I think the original units were 13k BTU. I upgraded when I bought these 2 to a higher BTU but also installed the "High Efficiency" model.
Could that be the reason for poor performance of the unit? Great video of the product and installation of it. Thanks!
I've read, repeatedly, that depending on the humidity, one can only expect a maximum -20 degree difference from the outside temperature with these small RV air conditioners.
As a HVAC tech this should be called good install of RV AC you did not increase efficiency. But good install man.
Do you need to put any sealant around the outside of the ac like you would with other roof openings?
Was wondering this, too. Obviously, the compressed seal *should* do the trick, but my tendency to over-engineer was begging to have more sealant. Sometimes, though, it can be detrimental, just depends on WHAT it is. Would love to hear Jared's thoughts.
Do you have any information on how to wire up multiple zones? The instructions are sorely lacking.
Hey nice video. I have a 2005 Surveyor sv263 and I'm wondering if there's a size difference between the AC units. For example I see many for sell on Amazon will those fit?
Most are for a 14"x 14" opening but come in different BTU's for how much they can cool and different dimensions of the unit on the roof for what you need.
@All About RV's yeah I was doing some research and found out that. I live in my Camper and in Phoenix so I need all the cold I can get lol
Is that seal on the bottom of the ac unit "one time use only"? In other words, can I remove my existing units to seal and clean up the areas you identified and reinstall? (I have two Colemans on my trailer.)
Basically, yes, they should be replaced each time but if it hasn't been up there very long and looks in good condition you probably could reuse it. When new the gasket is typically an inch thick and after it's tightened down(go by the specs in your owners manual) it's half the original thickness (1/2"). If when you take it off it's close to 1/2" after you remove it I wouldn't risk it. If this leaks you can get major water damage and a new gasket is typically only 20-30 dollars.(I would recommend Steele Rubber Products but there are many to choose from). If the a/c has been up there for a long time(our Newmar was 16yrs old when I replaced the entire roof so everything had to come off), getting the old gasket off and cleaned up will be a bit of a chore, but worth it. Don't cut corners with an a/c gasket. IMHO.
Something to add, these new units, and the old ones too, are a fully closed system, meaning there are no refrigerant lines to connect, or disconnect. A closed unit means the install goes just as he shows in this video. Very similar to a compact window unit used on residential homes, except for the controls. Should the unit ever need recharged, a service technician would have to add a service port to the coolant line, but that is a rare occurrence.
How loud is that unit?
Does this unit have a Easy Start micro air system for smaller generators?
We are planning on installing one.
@@AllAboutRVs I was just going to ask why you didn't install an Easy Start at the same time.
I was going to ask the same question!
@All About RV's Heya Jared! When you do install your Easy Start could you please do a step by step how to video for dummies?? I’m electric stupid and would absolutely appreciate it! There a couple decent vids out there on it but I love your explanatory style! I want to put one on my Outdoors RV this summer. Thanx brother! Mark from Montana.
All About RV's Would love to see a video on this!
Where can I find a company to install a roof top AC in my Promaster? I’m a solo single I don’t have the tools or skills to do it myself.
Did you consider putting an "EasyStart" system on this AC unit? Will one work with this brand?
We plan to install one but will cover it in more detail in the next video.
links to the added materials would be helpful
Can you recharge the ac unit or do you have to replace it if it quits cooling?
You can but it's a little illegal to do if you're not HVAC Certified
Can this be mounted on an exterior wall instead of a roof? Or is there a model that can? I have a tiny house and I am a stickler about cutting holes in the roof!
I would look at a mini split instead
Can you use your solar to run the air conditioning. How do you connect it so you don’t need the generator?
Yes it can run the AC but only for a few hours. I would rather run the generator to run the ac for any amount of time. ua-cam.com/video/7xKOyRyxdNk/v-deo.html
3
I wish I could increase the air flow on mine, it is ducted. You can only feel the flow about a foot away.
What products did you use to seal everything?
As far as the caulking and tape I used to make the duct area more efficient I just used a general door and window caulk I had on hand and the foil tape to cover all the wood. The ac has a gasket that gets compressed to the roof when sealing the unit to the RV for weather.
Was hoping you found some super efficient Ac unit for solar. Dangit
I mean, you can install a 120v mini split without too much modification using up the 15 amp rv a/c breaker. Then you could easily rewire the rv a/c in the breaker box if there's ever a problem with the mini split.
From what I've seen they're far more efficient than any rv a/c
Did it come with a soft start?
It comes with a start capacitor which helps when it’s starting but is not as effective as the MicroAir easy start.
Is there a way to modify a 2 way TV fridge into 12v?
No, but you can add a microwave toilet on 3 phase
Why not get one with a heat pump included?