Replace Cool Cat with regular AC

[Golfish]

The Cool Cat in our 2011 A122 was not cooling during our Fourth of July camping trip. If coolant doesn't solve the issue, is a window unit from a big box store a viable replacement option? Other budget-friendly options or suggestions? We don't need the unit for heating purposes; a small electric heater is more than adequate for our winter trips.

[carlsbad]

There are a few documented threads. It takes a little work to deal with the ducts and build a plenum. I’ll see if I can find the threads.

[sundancer330]

If you are a handy DIY person there is no reason a window a/c would not work, its basically all the Coolcat is with a heat pump.

[carlsbad]

Originally Posted by sundancer330

If you are a handy DIY person there is no reason a window a/c would not work, its basically all the Coolcat is with a heat pump.

The only issue is window units usually vent directly into an area and exhaust outside. The CoolCat in most FR A-Frames has duct work.

Otherwise you are correct. It just involves a little extra work to redirect the air outlet and also gain access to the controls. The one thread I remember they used the remote to get around the access issue and built a plenum from the fiberboard duct panels covered in insulation. He then attached the three duct pipes to the plenum and the outlets.

[Bluepill]

The problem with residential window units is that they are designed for air flow from the sides in order to operate properly. That's why you see those units sticking out on A Liners.



A replacement Cool Cat will cost more to purchase, but the installation and performance will be better.

[MontyPP]

To add to the discussion the standard window unit will quit in a year or two at the most. Stick with the better built Cookcat.

[Golfish]

Thanks for all the responses. They are greatly appreciated. I finally got a chance to hook up to shore power after returning home and the Cool Cat seemed to be operating properly. If it continues to be an issue and refrigerant won't solve the problem, we most likely will replace with a new Cool Cat.

[cpttimerstraint]

What type of power were you using on your camping trip to power it?

Originally Posted by Golfish

Thanks for all the responses. They are greatly appreciated. I finally got a chance to hook up to shore power after returning home and the Cool Cat seemed to be operating properly. If it continues to be an issue and refrigerant won't solve the problem, we most likely will replace with a new Cool Cat.

[Golfish]

It was 30 amp

[cpttimerstraint]

All I can say is that trailers seem to do crazy things. I was wondering if you were using a generator and the AC unit didn't like it so only the fan kicked on.

Originally Posted by Golfish

It was 30 amp

[pgandw]

I had poor cooling performance from my Cool Cat recently, and the fan sounded really loud. Discovered the fan was set to Hi instead of Au. Reset fan to Au and back to great cooling with a lot less noise.

Fred W
2014 Rockwood A122 A-frame
2008 Hyundai Entourage minivan
camping Colorado and adjacent states one weekend at a time

[OGUYSRULE]

Originally Posted by Golfish

The Cool Cat in our 2011 A122 was not cooling during our Fourth of July camping trip. If coolant doesn't solve the issue, is a window unit from a big box store a viable replacement option? Other budget-friendly options or suggestions? We don't need the unit for heating purposes; a small electric heater is more than adequate for our winter trips.

The cool cat arent rechargable unless they changed the design, there the same an window units sealed. iI yon know somewhere that will add a port for recharge. and fix leaks then there not fixable. My unit developed a small pin hole in the copper line and lost all refrigerant and quit cooling. I called forest river about the issue and complained about the fact that something that cost that much should be serviceable.The new unit was almost a 1,000 to replace. I ended up putting in a new unit.