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Old 09-18-2016, 07:55 PM   #1
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New Air Conditioner Advice

I am leaning towards replacing my (ducted) air conditioning unit that is just over 2-years old (imagine that?). I currently have a Dometic 13.5k (on a 2015 Apex 288BHS) and im not happy with it at all. It's loud inside, loud outside, and doesn't keep up with cooling once outside temps get into the 90's. It also vibrates our whole camper. Did i mention it's loud? This is our third camper. Camper 1 had a 13.5k Dometic. It was loud and vibrated like crazy. Camper 2 had a Coleman Mach 15k. It was quiet, no vibration, and cooled like a champ. Our current camper came with another Dometic 13.5k. Back to loud on/offs that vibrates the camper.

So... At the moment, i'm planning on going with the Coleman Mach 15k. I figured this would be the time of year to find the best deals. I'd like any opinions on if i just got lucky with my first Coleman, and/or if there's anything else out there i should consider?
I'm assuming that the hole for installation is standard, and that swapping them out should be fairly easy? Im planning on taking it to my local RV center to have it done.
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Old 09-18-2016, 08:02 PM   #2
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The only real issue that you'll have is if you have the Dometic digital thermostat, you'll have to run new thermostat wires. That may or may not be a problem.
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Old 09-19-2016, 09:04 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by Bama Rambler View Post
The only real issue that you'll have is if you have the Dometic digital thermostat, you'll have to run new thermostat wires. That may or may not be a problem.

Thanks for the input. I asked my rv guy today and he said you're absolutely correct. He was going to check it out to see if i'd need new wiring. I'm leaning towards not switching brands if that is the case.
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Old 09-19-2016, 09:20 PM   #4
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If the new unit has the same number of wires (or less), you can just splice the proper ends on the existing cables.
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Old 09-20-2016, 04:33 AM   #5
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Just added second AC to camper. Ordered from pplmotorhomes I think. Pretty sure I saw plugs to switch the wires to other brands thermostat.
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Old 09-20-2016, 10:00 AM   #6
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The new Dometic digital thermostats only use 3 wires between the A/C and the t-stat, where the old Dometic analog and the Coleman units use 5 or 6 wires.

I wouldn't give up on changing brands so easy. I would first check to see if you can tie the new t-stat cable to the old cable and pull the new one in as you pull the old one out. On some units it's pretty easy to do.
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Old 09-20-2016, 10:21 AM   #7
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See attached. Maybe this will help you, maybe not.

The wiring on the left is what was attached to my Coleman-Mach analog thermostat, (running to my Coleman-Mach A/C and Suburban furnace), which I replaced with the Honeywell T-stat on the right.

You might want to check out this thread:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ml#post1322141

It would appear that the Dometic runs "backward" to the Coleman-Mach, in that instead of the T-stat providing +12 VDC to the A/C, the AC already has the +12 VDC and is looking for a ground from the T-stat.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf Thermostsat wiring.pdf (121.6 KB, 78 views)
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Old 09-22-2016, 07:47 PM   #8
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Sounds like the dometic units are not meeting your expectations.

You are willing to change the whole unit to another brand and size, but would scrap the idea over new wiring?
That confuses me. Especially since you said you were having the work done at an RV shop.

Unless the new wiring is gonna be crazy expensive, like 1/2 the price of the AC, I don't see the issue??
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Old 09-22-2016, 08:19 PM   #9
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That is correct. If i knew for sure i wouldnt have to pull panels, id give it a go. But the wife isn't convinced... so i wont argue. Thanks for the input.
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Old 09-22-2016, 11:04 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KDHfan View Post
That is correct. If i knew for sure i wouldnt have to pull panels, id give it a go. But the wife isn't convinced... so i wont argue. Thanks for the input.

So are you going to do the wiring, or have the shop do it along with the install?
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Old 09-23-2016, 06:18 PM   #11
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Currently, neither. Still consulting with my repair guy. They will be taking a look next week.


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
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Old 09-27-2016, 05:24 PM   #12
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After consulting another RV center, i have decided to stick with a Dometic. Since its not "plug-n-play", the cost to have a Coleman installed is pretty salty. And neither place seemed too confident that they knew what was involved. Too many "I think we can"... so we'll be going with a 15k Dometic.
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Old 09-28-2016, 11:22 AM   #13
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There's nothing wrong with staying with the Dometic unit, except the digital thermostat. And maybe they'll get them straightened out before long.
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