Just be sure when you do this job that you seal the sides so the air conditioner can draw in air from the outside, and "vent" the "hot air" from the refrigeration process to the outside, too. Just take note of how it looks before you remove the old one so you can install the new one correctly. These are "window" air conditioners open to the air outside not "boxed in" like we have in these vehicles.
I know this is a relatively old video, but thank you for posting it. I'm about to remove the AC unit from my 1997 190 Poplar, and this should be very helpful!
Hi BSB100022, Thank you for the comment. I hope it is helpful to you. Hopefully, most of the videos will be able to stand the test of time. That is kind of one of the goals I have in doing them. A resource people will find helpful whenever they find the need.
Thank you for the comment, Becky. Roadtreks are made in Canada. Very well insulated. I think of other "well insulated" things, like my new Hydro Flask beverage container. Like the hydro flask, the Roadtrek can do a pretty good job of keeping the interior contents hot or cold. But that's a sword with two edges. If it is a hot day, the inside retains heat and in the cold, visa versa. So it is important to be able to exchange and more importantly change the inside atmosphere to make it comfortable. I.e. bring cold air in when it is too hot or generate warm air when too cold to achieve that "goldilocks" zone of comfort. So taking out the old a/c has made it possible to install one that draws less energy and can be powered by a portable generator. The old a/c needed an expensive, powerful generator to run it. I encountered triple digit temps on a recent trip. Had I had this solution in place, it would have made parts of the trip much more comfortable. I just did a vid on the success of this project and will be finishing up the installation of the new a/c in the space the old unit occupied.
I wonder if the 8000 btu Midea inverter ac would fit. It has a 15 ceer rating and iI use the dry mode which even drops the power usage by 25 -30 percent.
Short answer. No. Why? The Midea U shaped 8000 btu ac has dimensions of W 19.17 x D 21.97 x H 13.46. The vertical opening in the Roadtrek is a skosh less than 13 inches including the padding. That vertical height isn't available at a depth that would allow enough space for the depth of the Midea. The Roadtrek roof line begins to angle down over the last 6 to 8 inches from the rear of the van. I referenced every document provided on the amazon listing for the Midea and was unable to find a power consumption figure. I am well acquainted with inverter technology in appliances i.e. refrigerators, microwaves, air conditioners and yes, they definitely are more energy efficient. But this particular unit is designed to minimize noise by isolating the loudest parts outside with a closed window as a noise barrier. Enclosing it inside the compartment within the Roadtrek, I reckon, would nullify what it has been designed to address. If you were plugged into shore power, and the thing could somehow work in the Roadtrek, then yeah, you might gain a little quieter operation. Otherwise, you would be using a generator whose noise would probably negate any gain in quiet the Midea provided. With its approximately 80 square feet of interior space inside a static metal can with widows, parked in direct sun isn't the ideal environment to attempt to climate control.
@@goldengirls0125 Maybe. What's the point? Saving energy? You can do that with an ac properly matched to the space you are trying to cool. A 700 watt 5000 BTU ac will cool a 150 sq ft. space. You have approximately 80 square feet to cool in a Roadtrek. The LG ac you mentioned has an 8.9 amp draw while cooling, 8.9 X 120 volts ac =1068 watts. Call it a thousand. There's your 30% savings. For 40 % get a 600 watt ac, still plenty of cooling power. The price difference is about 250.00 Even if it fit, it would take you 10 years running the lg for 8 hours a day for 3 months to save the equivalent on the power consumption of a non-inverter ac. That way you don't have to spend over 400.00 for something that probably won't fit and you don't have to wait 10 years to recoup the "savings"...it's still in your pocket.
Just an FYI, both LG and Samsung have active class action lawsuits underway for inverter-powered compressor refrigeration technologies that abruptly fail, many within the warranty period of the appliance. But what about the high ratings? Bought. Or "bots" if you like. I could elaborate but suffice to say over forty years of marketing, sales, design, manufacturing, and advertising experience gives me a little insight into how things work.
Old video I know. Dunno why you'd remove an a.c. unit unless you like to roast... I just replaced the dometic in our 210P with a same btu window style unit. No way I'd not have one. Took a bit of work to get factory type fit and look but not too bad. Plus if this one ever dies its a half day job to swap it out.
Hi George. Yeah this idea didn't work so I got a soft start air conditioner that enables me to use a small portable generator (1000 watt rated) to run it. Keeps the van very comfortable on hot days. I did the whole project (generator and air conditioner) for under $350. Then I sold the former air conditioner on craigslist for $40. That one needed a 2000 watt generator to be able to work. My van was not equipped with a built in generator. So all in all, I think I improved the functionality of the Roadtrek.
Hi Rich, been members for a while and we just posted the DAMAGE our Roadtrek that our A/C caused in our Van.. doing research on how to rebuild it to drain correctly.. we think the drain disappeared .. how is the air conditioner supposed to drain out? Because the previous owners had the A/C draining into our walls.. Thank you so much
Hi Justin & Christine, Yes, the original air conditioner is a challenge to remove. If I encountered what you pictured in terms of damage, I might also initially suspect the air conditioner as the source. But I have a hunch, it isn't solely responsible, maybe not at all. Two things I've learned about water damage. 1. It usually doesn't have its source from the obvious. 2. Always look higher. As far as air conditioners go, they are used in hot weather. While there is some moisture created in their use, there is also an abundance of hot dry air so moisture accumulating, puddling or pooling is not likely. But even were that to occur, it would evaporate...the air conditioner is open to outside air and any driving tends to circulate a lot of air in the cavity where the AC resides. It is much more likely the kind of damage pictured was created during a time when the vehicle sat still for many months in cold weather, rain, ice and snow. My guess is rain intruded through the ceiling vent, and the natural incline of the roof caused it to flow to the rear of the van between the padding inside and the fiberglass outer roof, condense and collect in those corner areas, maybe a llittle under the low point under the ac and freeze to begin the corrosion process. With the onset of better weather, if the van still stayed stationary for long periods, this heavily moist area would continue, like a greenhouse to evaporate and condense, continuing the corrosive process. This would be especially the case if someone covered the outside vents in winter to keep snow / ice, rain from coming in through the vent. It would effectively seal the moisture inside and not permit the needed ventilation to allow the moisture to escape. I have always found it useful to allow the vehicle, the evidence to speak and tell the tale of what has occurred. The evidence doesn't lie. Air conditioners do not contain liquid, they contain pressurized refrigerant that if it was to leak, only expel vapor, not liquid. This vapor quickly dissipates and isn't capable of producing the kind of corrosion depicted. Since your plans include changing out the current vent fan with a different one, it will be important to pay close attention to that area and be sure to create a watertight installation in that process. If the damage to the corner areas has moved beyond the surface and damaged the structural integrity, then yes, it would be advisable to restore the structure. Contact MercedesSource.com. Kent Bergsma, has an exclusive product called Miracle Paint Rust Repair that can effect major repairs without welding. Yes, I have used it and yes it is miraculous...I restored 9 Mercedes diesels many of which had extensive rust damage that otherwise would have required extensive, expert welding skills to repair that I was able to effectively address myself. The hole under the air conditioner is a definite candidate for sure. The stuff Kent has doesn't cover up, it kills rust dead. Not a claim, a fact. And finally, I have another video about the new air conditioner I installed you might want to check out. Some important things to remember and include in your install are discussed in that video. The most important is to be sure to provide for intake and outflow of air such that these household ac's will work properly. Here are the links to the videos. This first one is some background info, ua-cam.com/video/F0-QEUigfDE/v-deo.html This video discusses the importance of the baffles to control the incoming and outflowing air such that the household air conditioner will function the way it is supposed to. ua-cam.com/video/v58O4Eszl-s/v-deo.html I discuss other stuff, too but it would probably be worth watching each video in its entirety. I would really like to interact with that Roadtrek group you refer to but I really can't stand Facebook. If you plan to go anywhere the outside air temp is higher than 90 degrees, sounds like you do plan to, definitely budget for a 100 watt (or more) solar panel, and at least 180 amps of agm battery power so you can have about 90 usable amps and finally a 12 volt compressor refrigerator. A company Truckfridge.com has a 4.2 cu ft. fridge that fit perfectly in the space your Dometic currently occupies. The fridge you have now is an absorption-type of refrigeration and is only capable of lowering the temp inside the fridge by about 40 degrees. A 90 degree day in the sun will put the inside temp in the van over a hundred minus the 40 degree cooling capability of the absorption fridge and your food inside the fridge will be at 60 degrees and going bad faster than a speeding bullet. The compressor fridge will just keep refrigerating and maintain like a household fridge. With the solar panel, charge controller and battery(s), you'll be able to run the compressor fridge all day long without draining the batteries and at night, in cooler temps, the fridge will cycle much less frequently using very little battery power. A little driving and everything is back up to full. I park my van in the full sun all day with this setup with the battery fully charged and come back at sundown with a full charge. Very sustainable in good weather. If I added another panel, I would be making more power than I'm using and need more storage battery to store it. You two are doing great. It's good you have the patience to take things one step at a time. Just keep pecking away...you're efforts will pay HUGE dividends. On another topic, I fell down a flight of stairs and severely injured my wrist. I am about 8 weeks into healing and it IS getting better and I am trying to do a little physical therapy (DIY) but I'm experiencing some pain. I'm trying to restore range of motion but it is still being limited by the pain. Should I just cool my jets and let it heal a little more? That's kind of what I think my body is telling me. Kind of saying, be patient. What do you think?
Roadtrek Rich Thank you so very much, we will order the product and watch those videos again. For you wrist, did you get an x-ray? Did you ice your wrists after the accidents and up to 6 weeks after? (at least 2 times a day for 5-8 min?) Also there are specific massages that can help.. and gentle manipulations you can do yourself... Have you been this on you DIY???
@@JUSTINANDCHRISTINA No xray. I know there are lots of moving parts in the wrist. Yes still a little swelling and my icing has been less than adequate based on your advice so I will do more. It is getting better. I've injured myself many times and this one was up on the scale but I'm not real sure a doctor would do more than advise me to do what I have been doing. I think the icing more frequently will help. I dislocated my thumb on the same hand and I remember it taking several months to return to normal. I'm just not very patient and have lots of projects this is keeping me from doing. I need to be more patient. Thank you for the advice.
Roadtrek Rich also if you go to your doctor or Physician Assistant can prescribe you an anti-inflammatory gel that goes directly on the affected area... an example is VOLTEREN - In Canada it is without a prescription.. I do not know about the USA because of course you should consult in case.. since I am not Certified in The US and therefore can not tell you to get the product with talking to your medical care practionner ;-) The paint only slips to the Continental US.. I will have to figure out how to get it.
Great video thanks 🙏doing mine tomorrow
Just be sure when you do this job that you seal the sides so the air conditioner can draw in air from the outside, and "vent" the "hot air" from the refrigeration process to the outside, too. Just take note of how it looks before you remove the old one so you can install the new one correctly. These are "window" air conditioners open to the air outside not "boxed in" like we have in these vehicles.
I know this is a relatively old video, but thank you for posting it. I'm about to remove the AC unit from my 1997 190 Poplar, and this should be very helpful!
Hi BSB100022,
Thank you for the comment. I hope it is helpful to you. Hopefully, most of the videos will be able to stand the test of time. That is kind of one of the goals I have in doing them. A resource people will find helpful whenever they find the need.
My brain always goes toward more storage and insulation(from heat or cold). Just thoughts about the extra space.
Thank you for the comment, Becky. Roadtreks are made in Canada. Very well insulated.
I think of other "well insulated" things, like my new Hydro Flask beverage container.
Like the hydro flask, the Roadtrek can do a pretty good job of keeping the interior contents hot or cold.
But that's a sword with two edges. If it is a hot day, the inside retains heat and in the cold, visa versa. So it is important to be able to exchange and more importantly change the inside atmosphere to make it comfortable.
I.e. bring cold air in when it is too hot or generate warm air when too cold to achieve that "goldilocks" zone of comfort.
So taking out the old a/c has made it possible to install one that draws less energy and can be powered by a portable generator. The old a/c needed an expensive, powerful generator to run it.
I encountered triple digit temps on a recent trip. Had I had this solution in place, it would have made parts of the trip much more comfortable.
I just did a vid on the success of this project and will be finishing up the installation of the new a/c in the space the old unit occupied.
I wonder if the 8000 btu Midea inverter ac would fit. It has a 15 ceer rating and iI use the dry mode which even drops the power usage by 25 -30 percent.
Short answer. No.
Why?
The Midea U shaped 8000 btu ac has dimensions of W 19.17 x D 21.97 x H 13.46.
The vertical opening in the Roadtrek is a skosh less than 13 inches including the padding. That vertical height isn't available at a depth that would allow enough space for the depth of the Midea. The Roadtrek roof line begins to angle down over the last 6 to 8 inches from the rear of the van.
I referenced every document provided on the amazon listing for the Midea and was unable to find a power consumption figure.
I am well acquainted with inverter technology in appliances i.e. refrigerators, microwaves, air conditioners and yes, they definitely are more energy efficient.
But this particular unit is designed to minimize noise by isolating the loudest parts outside with a closed window as a noise barrier.
Enclosing it inside the compartment within the Roadtrek, I reckon, would nullify what it has been designed to address.
If you were plugged into shore power, and the thing could somehow work in the Roadtrek, then yeah, you might gain a little quieter operation.
Otherwise, you would be using a generator whose noise would probably negate any gain in quiet the Midea provided.
With its approximately 80 square feet of interior space inside a static metal can with widows, parked in direct sun isn't the ideal environment to attempt to climate control.
@@RoadtrekRich maybe Lgs 8000 btu dual inverter? H 12.48 in, W 19.57 in, D 24.53 in?
@@goldengirls0125
Maybe. What's the point? Saving energy? You can do that with an ac properly matched to the space you are trying to cool.
A 700 watt 5000 BTU ac will cool a 150 sq ft. space. You have approximately 80 square feet to cool in a Roadtrek.
The LG ac you mentioned has an 8.9 amp draw while cooling, 8.9 X 120 volts ac =1068 watts. Call it a thousand.
There's your 30% savings. For 40 % get a 600 watt ac, still plenty of cooling power.
The price difference is about 250.00
Even if it fit, it would take you 10 years running the lg for 8 hours a day for 3 months to save the equivalent on the power consumption of a non-inverter ac.
That way you don't have to spend over 400.00 for something that probably won't fit and you don't have to wait 10 years to recoup the "savings"...it's still in your pocket.
Just an FYI, both LG and Samsung have active class action lawsuits underway for inverter-powered compressor refrigeration technologies that abruptly fail, many within the warranty period of the appliance.
But what about the high ratings?
Bought. Or "bots" if you like.
I could elaborate but suffice to say over forty years of marketing, sales, design, manufacturing, and advertising experience gives me a little insight into how things work.
@@RoadtrekRich yes it probably the same , the 5000 btu will run harder and and take longer to cool so i guess its a wash . Thanks
Old video I know. Dunno why you'd remove an a.c. unit unless you like to roast...
I just replaced the dometic in our 210P with a same btu window style unit. No way I'd not have one. Took a bit of work to get factory type fit and look but not too bad. Plus if this one ever dies its a half day job to swap it out.
Just devalued the RV by 20% at least
Hi George. Yeah this idea didn't work so I got a soft start air conditioner that enables me to use a small portable generator (1000 watt rated) to run it. Keeps the van very comfortable on hot days.
I did the whole project (generator and air conditioner) for under $350.
Then I sold the former air conditioner on craigslist for $40. That one needed a 2000 watt generator to be able to work. My van was not equipped with a built in generator.
So all in all, I think I improved the functionality of the Roadtrek.
Hi Rich, been members for a while and we just posted the DAMAGE our Roadtrek that our A/C caused in our Van.. doing research on how to rebuild it to drain correctly.. we think the drain disappeared .. how is the air conditioner supposed to drain out? Because the previous owners had the A/C draining into our walls..
Thank you so much
Hi Justin & Christine,
Yes, the original air conditioner is a challenge to remove. If I encountered what you pictured in terms of damage, I might also initially suspect the air conditioner as the source.
But I have a hunch, it isn't solely responsible, maybe not at all.
Two things I've learned about water damage.
1. It usually doesn't have its source from the obvious.
2. Always look higher.
As far as air conditioners go, they are used in hot weather. While there is some moisture created in their use, there is also an abundance of hot dry air so moisture accumulating, puddling or pooling is not likely. But even were that to occur, it would evaporate...the air conditioner is open to outside air and any driving tends to circulate a lot of air in the cavity where the AC resides.
It is much more likely the kind of damage pictured was created during a time when the vehicle sat still for many months in cold weather, rain, ice and snow.
My guess is rain intruded through the ceiling vent, and the natural incline of the roof caused it to flow to the rear of the van between the padding inside and the fiberglass outer roof, condense and collect in those corner areas, maybe a llittle under the low point under the ac and freeze to begin the corrosion process. With the onset of better weather, if the van still stayed stationary for long periods, this heavily moist area would continue, like a greenhouse to evaporate and condense, continuing the corrosive process. This would be especially the case if someone covered the outside vents in winter to keep snow / ice, rain from coming in through the vent. It would effectively seal the moisture inside and not permit the needed ventilation to allow the moisture to escape.
I have always found it useful to allow the vehicle, the evidence to speak and tell the tale of what has occurred.
The evidence doesn't lie. Air conditioners do not contain liquid, they contain pressurized refrigerant that if it was to leak, only expel vapor, not liquid. This vapor quickly dissipates and isn't capable of producing the kind of corrosion depicted.
Since your plans include changing out the current vent fan with a different one, it will be important to pay close attention to that area and be sure to create a watertight installation in that process.
If the damage to the corner areas has moved beyond the surface and damaged the structural integrity, then yes, it would be advisable to restore the structure. Contact MercedesSource.com. Kent Bergsma, has an exclusive product called Miracle Paint Rust Repair that can effect major repairs without welding. Yes, I have used it and yes it is miraculous...I restored 9 Mercedes diesels many of which had extensive rust damage that otherwise would have required extensive, expert welding skills to repair that I was able to effectively address myself. The hole under the air conditioner is a definite candidate for sure. The stuff Kent has doesn't cover up, it kills rust dead. Not a claim, a fact.
And finally, I have another video about the new air conditioner I installed you might want to check out.
Some important things to remember and include in your install are discussed in that video. The most important is to be sure to provide for intake and outflow of air such that these household ac's will work properly. Here are the links to the videos.
This first one is some background info, ua-cam.com/video/F0-QEUigfDE/v-deo.html
This video discusses the importance of the baffles to control the incoming and outflowing air such that the household air conditioner will function the way it is supposed to. ua-cam.com/video/v58O4Eszl-s/v-deo.html
I discuss other stuff, too but it would probably be worth watching each video in its entirety.
I would really like to interact with that Roadtrek group you refer to but I really can't stand Facebook.
If you plan to go anywhere the outside air temp is higher than 90 degrees, sounds like you do plan to, definitely budget for a 100 watt (or more) solar panel, and at least 180 amps of agm battery power so you can have about 90 usable amps and finally a 12 volt compressor refrigerator. A company Truckfridge.com has a 4.2 cu ft. fridge that fit perfectly in the space your Dometic currently occupies.
The fridge you have now is an absorption-type of refrigeration and is only capable of lowering the temp inside the fridge by about 40 degrees. A 90 degree day in the sun will put the inside temp in the van over a hundred minus the 40 degree cooling capability of the absorption fridge and your food inside the fridge will be at 60 degrees and going bad faster than a speeding bullet.
The compressor fridge will just keep refrigerating and maintain like a household fridge.
With the solar panel, charge controller and battery(s), you'll be able to run the compressor fridge all day long without draining the batteries and at night, in cooler temps, the fridge will cycle much less frequently using very little battery power. A little driving and everything is back up to full. I park my van in the full sun all day with this setup with the battery fully charged and come back at sundown with a full charge. Very sustainable in good weather. If I added another panel, I would be making more power than I'm using and need more storage battery to store it.
You two are doing great. It's good you have the patience to take things one step at a time. Just keep pecking away...you're efforts will pay HUGE dividends.
On another topic, I fell down a flight of stairs and severely injured my wrist. I am about 8 weeks into healing and it IS getting better and I am trying to do a little physical therapy (DIY) but I'm experiencing some pain. I'm trying to restore range of motion but it is still being limited by the pain. Should I just cool my jets and let it heal a little more? That's kind of what I think my body is telling me. Kind of saying, be patient. What do you think?
Roadtrek Rich Thank you so very much, we will order the product and watch those videos again.
For you wrist, did you get an x-ray? Did you ice your wrists after the accidents and up to 6 weeks after? (at least 2 times a day for 5-8 min?) Also there are specific massages that can help.. and gentle manipulations you can do yourself... Have you been this on you DIY???
@@JUSTINANDCHRISTINA
No xray. I know there are lots of moving parts in the wrist.
Yes still a little swelling and my icing has been less than adequate based on your advice so I will do more. It is getting better. I've injured myself many times and this one was up on the scale but I'm not real sure a doctor would do more than advise me to do what I have been doing.
I think the icing more frequently will help. I dislocated my thumb on the same hand and I remember it taking several months to return to normal. I'm just not very patient and have lots of projects this is keeping me from doing.
I need to be more patient.
Thank you for the advice.
Roadtrek Rich also if you go to your doctor or Physician Assistant can prescribe you an anti-inflammatory gel that goes directly on the affected area... an example is VOLTEREN - In Canada it is without a prescription.. I do not know about the USA because of course you should consult in case.. since I am not Certified in The US and therefore can not tell you to get the product with talking to your medical care practionner ;-)
The paint only slips to the Continental US.. I will have to figure out how to get it.