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Old 03-24-2017, 09:03 AM   #1
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AC not cooling enough when in 90's

We have the Forest River Rockwood 8289 WS and found the AC does not keep the RV cool when the temps rise into the high 80's and more. Unit has one AC, 13,500 btu. Anyone experience same and what was done to improve efficiency?
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Old 03-24-2017, 09:06 AM   #2
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Use the quick dump.....Been in 90 to 100 degree weather in the last couple weeks with no problem, but I also use a box fan...I also cover windows on sun side
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Old 03-24-2017, 09:10 AM   #3
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Use quick air dump

Close blinds to keep sun out

Make sure your roof is clean. A dirty roof traps heat from the sun better.

Close off unused rooms
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Old 03-24-2017, 09:23 AM   #4
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Do a search on A/C modifications. It'll keep you busy most of the day. Tons of ideas
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Old 03-24-2017, 09:38 AM   #5
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There are lots of ideas and recommendations out there, however a single 13,500 ac unit in a rig your size in 90 degree temps will have its limits.

Does your rig have a option of a second ac unit? If so, I would add one. If not, I would upgrade to a 15,000 unit... or upgrade and install a second one.
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Old 03-24-2017, 09:46 AM   #6
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In addition to the suggestions above, the best thing we found to get the most out of the A/C was to manually set the fan to high and leave it there. It is more noisy and then runs all the time, but it helps. It keeps the air circulating, so you are less likely to get hot/cold areas and it also helps distribute the cool air better than the wimpy fan speeds it tries to use.
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Old 03-24-2017, 09:58 AM   #7
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Reflective insulation in the windows will help drastically. Going to a 15K unit will only give you a little over 10% increase in cooling capacity and is unlikely to make a major difference without additional steps. Keep in mind that humidity plays a major role in an a/c's cooling capability, so it's not just about temp.
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Old 03-24-2017, 10:09 AM   #8
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I put this on another page discussing the same RV AC units.
Hope it helps.
When FR installed my AC (Flagstaff 27BEWS, single unit 15K) they went goofy with the expanding foam insulation. When I removed the return filters for a cleaning I noticed that the return air ducts were partially blocked with the dried foam insulation. I took a knife and carefully (as there are exposed wires on one side) cut the foam out. Made a difference in performance and reduced the condensation. I recommend every owner do this.
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Old 03-24-2017, 10:16 AM   #9
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X2 on the Reflectix over the windows makes a HUGE difference. We went from the Air running constantly in 80 degree temps to the air actually turning off in the mid 90's humid air. Plus, it keeps it nice and dark for trying to sleep past sunrise.
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Old 03-24-2017, 10:34 AM   #10
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8289 ws ac

Thanks for all the recommendations. Without changing the unit, I'll try several of the suggestions and hopefully a cooler unit will prevail! This is a very informative forum!
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Old 03-24-2017, 10:35 AM   #11
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In my opinion any fifth wheel longer than 30 feet and with 3 slideouts should be equipped with 50 amp service and two A/C’s if you plan to camp/RV in areas where temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Also, this is just my opinion, your fifth wheel should have a 15k A/C as standard equipment instead of optional. What’s the R-value of the roof, sidewalls, and floor in your Rockwood?
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Old 03-24-2017, 10:39 AM   #12
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another couple to check... outdoor kitchen, outdoor storage areas(under dinette etc..) you can see God through alot of these places, so heat gets in.
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Old 03-24-2017, 10:58 AM   #13
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Place insulated Donuts in All your 14 x 14 Vents! Big improvement! Youroo!!
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Old 03-24-2017, 11:05 AM   #14
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Since yours is a big O'l 5th wheel, I would say a single 13.5k will not work when it gets up in the mid 90's. I would consider getting a second a/c installed. Even a single 15k will struggle.

However, at 90 degrees a 13.5k should be relatively ok. It may take a long time to cool it down if your just plugging it in or something, but it should be cooled off within a few hours. If it is a dometic there is a chance it's losing it's charge as well. We just went through this with ours. I post a link to my thread from about a month ago below:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...nk-126728.html
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Old 03-24-2017, 11:27 AM   #15
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We have a 2016 343RSOK with a 13.5K in the front and 15K in the rear. The front works great. The rear, however has been disappointing. On moderate days it struggles to keep up. This is our first trailer with a ducted return air so I don't know what to check on.
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Old 03-24-2017, 11:43 AM   #16
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Check the skylight in the bathroom. Mine was clear bubble and clear inner shield. Acted like a magnifying glass and generated incredible amount of heat. Painted the exterior bubble with krylon white paint and put insulating silver shield inside the interior shield. Made a huge difference.
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Old 03-24-2017, 12:18 PM   #17
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What does "quick air dump" refer to?
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Old 03-24-2017, 12:21 PM   #18
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Have a small Clipper 17BH and had the same problem. Took it to my dealer and they did some type of test and Coachmen replaced the unit. If it is still under warranty, why not let them deal with it. Agree with the other suggestions, especially the skylight/magnifying glass, although in cooler temps it does warm up the bathroom a bit.
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Old 03-24-2017, 12:30 PM   #19
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Quick air dump it when you open inside grill work by the slide tab.
Return air is the bigger vent with the filter behind it, and the outlet into RV is the smaller one. .This one has adjustable fins that you can adjust for airflow into RV
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Old 03-24-2017, 12:37 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joy-rick View Post
What does "quick air dump" refer to?


It is opening up the vents on the air conditioner's grill. For units that have forced air ductwork (to send cold air to the ceiling vents throughout the camper), opening the "quick dump" vents sends all the cold air directly out of the air conditioner's grill vents rather than send it through the ductwork.
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