Roof AC with optional heat

Gary G. · 12-30-2015, 08:08 PM

Just got my new Salem cruse lite home after a week at the dealers. They installed a disconnect switch, repaired the outdoor kitchen door latch, installed panelling strips where the tape was coming loose and installed the bed gas struts. They did a decent job but it would have been nice if they would have cleaned up after themselves.

I got to looking at my roof AC (my AC unit does not have the ceiling air ducts but just blows out of the actual unit) and noticed the heat option. I read in the owner's manual about this and it looks as though mine has the heat option and the proper two knobs that adjust the temp and turns the heat option on and off. I turned the heat option on and the fan automatically came on but no heat. I have the trailer plugged into the house that supplies 30 amp so I'm wondering why there is no heat but the fan blows.

Does anyone else have this model of trailer with the roof AC heat option. If so, does it blow out heat when you select the heat option. I will call the dealership tomorrow to see what they say.

Any help would be appreciated.

**Flybob** · 12-30-2015, 08:26 PM

Roof top ACs consist of two major parts. The outside ( compressor/fan) unit and the inside (control unit). You could have the control unit that allows for the aux heat option without actually having the heating element installed. You will most likely get many opinions here, but the heat unit is not large and will be good for removing the chill in the am, but not actually heating the unit. Most manufacturers call it a chill remover.

Wobbles · 12-30-2015, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary G.

Just got my new Salem cruse lite home after a week at the dealers. They installed a disconnect switch, repaired the outdoor kitchen door latch, installed panelling strips where the tape was coming loose and installed the bed gas struts. They did a decent job but it would have been nice if they would have cleaned up after themselves.

I got to looking at my roof AC (my AC unit does not have the ceiling air ducts but just blows out of the actual unit) and noticed the heat option. I read in the owner's manual about this and it looks as though mine has the heat option and the proper two knobs that adjust the temp and turns the heat option on and off. I turned the heat option on and the fan automatically came on but no heat. I have the trailer plugged into the house that supplies 30 amp so I'm wondering why there is no heat but the fan blows.

Does anyone else have this model of trailer with the roof AC heat option. If so, does it blow out heat when you select the heat option. I will call the dealership tomorrow to see what they say.

Any help would be appreciated.

My air has the same selector. I suspect it is an upgrade to the unit and there if you ordered it.

Sounds like FlyBob just answered it.

Bluepill · 12-30-2015, 08:35 PM

Heat rises. Therefore a portable heater on the floor works better.

ykdave · 12-30-2015, 09:06 PM

like mentioned the panel is probably set up with the appropriate controls for a heat strip, but the heat strip may not be installed

The heat strips are generally nothing extravagant, usually a 1300w or so. about the same as a typical little space heater, with the exception of the fan moving alot more air. even with the heat strip working, the air is hardly warm which is why most people prefer a space heater. puts out the same amount of heat, but a space heater is alot more comfortable (both as far as it having a hot airflow, and its quieter)

Gary G. · 12-30-2015, 09:22 PM

Thanks for all the responses. I so enjoy this forum because of this. I'm learning so much about my new TT.

JoeNanMinn · 12-31-2015, 05:54 PM

our second air is set up that way. Has the control knobs for heat but the heat strip is not installed. So I doubt yours has the heat strip in it.

jkoenig24 · 01-01-2016, 09:41 AM

There are heat STRIPS and heat PUMPS. I know it's possible to trip a safety switch if you just turn off a heat strip without letting the fan blow for a few minutes to cool things down. The safety switch is NOT self-resetting. You have to open some of the AC interior panels to gain access to said switch. I bought and installed a self-resetting switch in case I forget to let the fan run as is necessary.

selkirk awards · 01-01-2016, 02:50 PM

You have to buy the heat strip about $30. just waiting on mine arriving

Gary G. · 01-01-2016, 03:32 PM

Thanks selkirk. Is it something that is just 'plug & play'? Or is it something the dealership has to install?

selkirk awards · 01-01-2016, 04:06 PM

I was told just plug and play but I do not have any plugs just wiring from the factory.

**Flybob** · 01-01-2016, 04:59 PM

Probably more like wire in and use. Use caution when routing wires that they can not move ( while towing) and hit heating element. I added one to an AC in a TT 3 RV's ago. I would not do again. I now use ceramic heater. Nicer heat, can be moved to where needed and most have Hi and Low settings. Biggest advantage is that ceramic heater much quieter than AC fan.

Garrette · 01-01-2016, 07:11 PM

Did this a while back on our first TT. It is plug and play but as stated, does not put out much heat. The element is small. Just follow the instructions. 1/2 hour tops with beverage.

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Gary G. · 01-01-2016, 07:41 PM

Is it installed from the interior of the TT (by removing the interior cover) or do you have to remove the topside cover of the AC unit and install it that way? Just curious. Many thanks.

Garrette · 01-02-2016, 08:51 AM

From the inside. Just drop the cover.

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AquaMan · 01-02-2016, 10:03 AM

My Georgetown came with heat strips in both AC units and they are only 5000watt. It takes a while for them to blow out any warm air through the ducts, and then it's just slightly warm. Of course this was when it was in the 40's outside, so I wasn't expecting much. As others have said its more of a "chill remover" than a heater, and probably best operated when temps are in the 60's and furnace would be overkill.

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rockfordroo · 01-02-2016, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AquaMan

My Georgetown came with heat strips in both AC units and they are only 5000watt. It takes a while for them to blow out any warm air through the ducts, and then it's just slightly warm. Of course this was when it was in the 40's outside, so I wasn't expecting much. As others have said its more of a "chill remover" than a heater, and probably best operated when temps are in the 60's and furnace would be overkill.

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I assume you meant 500 watts. (5000 watts would pull about 40 amps and probably melt the AC!!!)

Sc00ter · 01-02-2016, 10:40 AM

Installed heats strips on our last two trailers and they became our primary heat source backed up by the gas furnace. Both were plug and play and took little time to install. Just follow the instructions. The old one was just the strip and cost about $50. The second one was over $140 as it had a computer and new thermostat along with the strip. Others have little faith in it, we wouldn't go without it. It doesn't blow out 90* heat instantly, but it will heat your rig to the point that you will be sweating and have to turn it down.

BTW 1530 watts per the spec sheet.

AquaMan · 01-02-2016, 07:28 PM

Actually, i meant to say 5000btu heat strips.

SpringerPop · 01-02-2016, 09:43 PM

It looks like this:
http://amazon.com/Dometic-3101121-03.../dp/B001FCAT6C

There's a connection to make (plug it in), and a screw to hold it in place.

A pretty goof-proof install.

Read the reviews there to get a lot of points of view.

Pop

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