Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 06-01-2011, 02:19 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
DAISY BOYKIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SUNSHINE STATE
Posts: 1,769
Send a message via Skype™ to DAISY BOYKIN
Increase ac vent air flow by 75%

Well spent a hot 12 days in Tampa Florida at the Mac Dill Air Force base. Shade trees are very few to park in the shade. As I stated before we had to cover the windows up with large beach towels to try to keep the heat out. At night no problem. I had made the statement, that when I returned to my home in Jacksonville, I would some how correct the problem.

Well today, I think I have corrected the AC problem. First off, When I ordered the Rockwood 8285WS, I upgraded the ac to a 15K thinking it would be large enough. Rockwood/ Forest River needs to change the vent system by increasing the size for a larger volume of air flow.

First off I removed the bottom of the AC. Don't worry about the caulking that is around the AC cover ( the cover will fit back in the caulk when you finish) Make sure you turn the AC power off to the AC! As you can see by the pictures I have included, Forest River AC div/ Installers did not allow very much opening for the air flow. The styrofoam insulation as you can see allows about 5/8" for air flow. Even less for the hole cut through the aluminium framing.

I started by using my "JIG" saw with a metal cutting blade and by cutting
slots vertical about 1/2" to 5/8" high and a slot every 1/4' to 1/2 ". This allowed me to use a pair of pliers to bend and break off each piece. Make sure you leave at least 1/2 " on the top for support. The side pieces that you are cutting are used for "boxing" in the vent are air flow. You will be
enlarging the air flow hole in the aluminum by about 75%. Don't worry about how it looks when you are finished for it will be covered up by the bottom of the AC cover. Use a rough rasp file to taper or slope the styrofoam from the opening back into the vent by about 4". Do the top and bottom. This will actually enlarge the vent opening by 100% to allow the opening to form a type of "FUNNEL". Make sure you reach inside the vent to feel for any of the "BLACK" styrofoam that needs to be broken off.
The installer were pretty sloppy with the foam.

Now before you put the cover back on, remove the excess styrofoam at the "INTAKE". I removed about 25% of the foam to increase the intake air flow. I used a can of foam (insulation foam) from Lowe's to re caulk around the long bolts (they had to be removed along with the piece of insulation that separates the intake and output while on the openings) Make sure you re-caulk the square tubes that run front to rear that you removed the excess aluminum from (there will be leakage of air between the intake and output if you don't caulk the tubes).

You may have to reinstall the bottom cover with out the filter door for a air leak test, turn on AC to check for air leaks around the intake side from the output side. Make sure you do not over tighten the four long bolts on to the gasket between the AC and roof.

I was really surprised at the increase air flow that just by enlarging the openings. POOR DESIGN !!!!! I do believe my air flow was increased by
75% to 100%. After you do yours, you be the judge.

Before turning the AC on, us a vacuum with a long flat "snout" to remove the styrofoam you have filed or ground away from inside the vent opening.

First picture, before cuts on fridge side (door side)
Second picture is on opsite side.
Picture #4 is excess foam (by Installer)
#5 is how cuts are made to enlarge opening.
As you can see the AC vent duct is too small>
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	VENT INCREASE 001.jpg
Views:	2182
Size:	27.2 KB
ID:	6064   Click image for larger version

Name:	VENT INCREASE 002.jpg
Views:	1786
Size:	26.1 KB
ID:	6065   Click image for larger version

Name:	VENT INCREASE 003.jpg
Views:	1772
Size:	27.0 KB
ID:	6066   Click image for larger version

Name:	VENT INCREASE 004.jpg
Views:	1524
Size:	36.2 KB
ID:	6067   Click image for larger version

Name:	VENT INCREASE 005.jpg
Views:	1589
Size:	25.8 KB
ID:	6068  

__________________
Sid & HRH MISSY, SHIH TZU
2019 WILDCAT 28 SGX
2014 F-250 KING RANCH PS 6.7L/SWD/6R140/BFT
TST Truck System Technologies TM-507SE
DAYS CAMPED 2023 69 DAYS
[SIGPIC][/SI[SIGPIC]
DAISY BOYKIN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-01-2011, 02:23 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
DAISY BOYKIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SUNSHINE STATE
Posts: 1,769
Send a message via Skype™ to DAISY BOYKIN
More pictures for air flow

Continue of the MOD for increased air flow in the AC vent ducts.

First picture is removeal of excess aluminum.
Second picture is "SLOPING" of styrophone
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	VENT INCREASE 006.jpg
Views:	1311
Size:	23.5 KB
ID:	6069   Click image for larger version

Name:	VENT INCREASE 007.jpg
Views:	1004
Size:	25.1 KB
ID:	6070   Click image for larger version

Name:	VENT INCREASE 008.jpg
Views:	1126
Size:	21.6 KB
ID:	6071   Click image for larger version

Name:	VENT INCREASE 009.jpg
Views:	1039
Size:	25.6 KB
ID:	6072   Click image for larger version

Name:	VENT INCREASE 010.jpg
Views:	943
Size:	24.9 KB
ID:	6073  

__________________
Sid & HRH MISSY, SHIH TZU
2019 WILDCAT 28 SGX
2014 F-250 KING RANCH PS 6.7L/SWD/6R140/BFT
TST Truck System Technologies TM-507SE
DAYS CAMPED 2023 69 DAYS
[SIGPIC][/SI[SIGPIC]
DAISY BOYKIN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2011, 06:45 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
DAISY BOYKIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SUNSHINE STATE
Posts: 1,769
Send a message via Skype™ to DAISY BOYKIN
An update on the a/c vent ducts on the 8285ws

Yesterday I worked in the "ROCKY" 8285WS, cleaning & other small like to do jobs. The temperature here in my part of Florida was 91°. Before starting
work, I turned my A/C on to a thermostat setting of 76°. The temp inside of "ROCKY" was already at 89°. I let the A/C run about 20 minutes on high before I went inside to work. By the time I started, the temperature had already dropped inside to 87°. I worked about one hour, by the time lapse, the temperature had dropped to 78°. I went inside my house to make a phone call & was inside for about 30-40 Min's. When I returned to the inside of "ROCKY" the A/C had turned off at the setting of 76°.

I use the "HUNTER" digital thermostat for a precise reading of temp and control.

What a difference the A/C vent enlargement made to the volume of air flow. Even in the bedroom, there is plenty of cold air @ 49° measured at the vent with a digital thermometer.

The same reading was measured at the last two vents in the living room
in the 8285WS with an internal temp at 82°.

The small openings shown in the pictures create a "AIR TURBLEANCE", restricting the air flow. Just by opening the vent the small amount shown
and sloping the styrofoam creates a faster cool down, recycling the air inside faster to keep the inside cool.

My next project is to use a white plastic rain gutter downspout 90° elbow
trimmed to fit inside the vents to "SMOOTHE" the air flow going into the bedroom and living room. This should create a better airflow, even creating a better cooling system for recycling the air.

To test the project of increasing the air flow, take a small cardboard box, cut a small square hole in the bottom of about 3/4" X 5". Have someone drive your TV down the road at about 25-30 MPH with you holding the small box outside the window. Feel the sir flow. Now take a small funnel or piece of cardboard shaped like a funnel with a opening of about the size mentioned above for the box. Now test the airflow. Makes sense by increasing the opening from the fan box in the A/C to the vents just by a small amount by "smoothing" the air flow.

I am so pleased with my project of increasing the cooling efficiency of the A/C that today I will do a IGGY by getting into the pool with a cold.

__________________
Sid & HRH MISSY, SHIH TZU
2019 WILDCAT 28 SGX
2014 F-250 KING RANCH PS 6.7L/SWD/6R140/BFT
TST Truck System Technologies TM-507SE
DAYS CAMPED 2023 69 DAYS
[SIGPIC][/SI[SIGPIC]
DAISY BOYKIN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2011, 07:48 AM   #4
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
Excellent post Sid. Well thought out and nice photos.

Initially I thought it would be better to have drilled holes in the aluminum beam instead of cutting it away, but there would be no way to taper the plenum behind the beam (no access) if you had done it that way.

Enjoy that beer; you earned it.
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2011, 10:06 AM   #5
Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 74
We just got our new Lacrosse 301RLS last weekend. I have not camped in it yet. Our first trip is next weekend. Has anyone removed the A/C cover in a Lacrosse to see if it has a similar ductwork arrangement? I have the upgraded 15K A/C, and I must say, I expected better airflow from it. With the heatwave we are experiencing in GA, this may be my first mod. I am a little leary of removing material from the aluminum overhead structure. The window tint for the shower skylight would also help. Thanks!
__________________
James and Karen
Warner Robins, GA
2011 Lacrosse 301RLS
2007 Tundra CM 5.7
Reese Dual Cam
jjarrard is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2011, 12:18 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
DAISY BOYKIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SUNSHINE STATE
Posts: 1,769
Send a message via Skype™ to DAISY BOYKIN
Increase your airflow from a/c

Herk, the aluminum I cut away is from two pieces that run front to rear to form a "BOX" or "OPENING" just for the A/C air box. They are not weight supporting beams. There is a "main" cross piece just front/under of the A/C and a cross piece just aft/ under the A/C. As far as I can tell they are welded in place just to form the "AIR BOX" opening.

I did remove more of the styrofoam in the top of the opening than is shown in the pictures. I used a rotary rasp in my drill along with a rough rasp file.

I was so hot, wet with sweat (actually soaked with sweat) that I failed to
make a picture of the finished removal of the styrofoam.

The opening went from about 3/4"-1" to a good 2" in the styrofoam at the opening, tapering into the A/C vent about 4"-5" or more.

I tried to find a metal "nibbler" tool to use, but had no luck. I know they are made for I have one somewhere between my two homes which are 100 miles apart. I used the next best tool by cutting slots and wire-pliers
to bending and breaking the aluminum away.
__________________
Sid & HRH MISSY, SHIH TZU
2019 WILDCAT 28 SGX
2014 F-250 KING RANCH PS 6.7L/SWD/6R140/BFT
TST Truck System Technologies TM-507SE
DAYS CAMPED 2023 69 DAYS
[SIGPIC][/SI[SIGPIC]
DAISY BOYKIN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2011, 05:51 AM   #7
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
Thanks for the update Sid.
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2011, 11:46 PM   #8
Member
 
TheFlagGang6's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 66
Went after this mod tonight. Actually used a Dremel to cut the aluminum. I used a rasp file to take out the styrofoam. While shining a flashlight in the "duct" towards the front and rear, I realized that the aluminum beams that run across the roof to support the AC have the same type cutouts to allow air to flow front to back of the camper. These don't look very large either. Thinking I've wasted my time, but once I get everything vacuumed out and the bottom cover reinstalled, I'll let you know. If I can stand the 98 degrees we're expecting tomorrow, I hope to also install a Maxxair II over our vent that has the exhaust fan.
__________________
TheFlagGang6
2008 Flagstaff 831QBSS
2005 Ford F150 FX4
2005 Ford Excursion Eddie Bauer 6.0l Diesel
TheFlagGang6 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2011, 01:01 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
2Susan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Southern Alberta
Posts: 459
Thank you for the pictures!
__________________
***** ***** *****
2011 Georgetown 320DS new June 2010
days camped in 2010: 61
days camped in 2011: 37 (up to Aug 1st)
2Susan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2011, 07:47 AM   #10
Senior Member
 
DAISY BOYKIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SUNSHINE STATE
Posts: 1,769
Send a message via Skype™ to DAISY BOYKIN
Flagang5 let me know?

Please let me know you results from your mod? Before your RV gets too hot in the morning, go ahead and turn the ac on. I was using window cover we had made also. Takes a while for the A/C to cool down inside the RV from all the heat, such as sofa, recliners, mattress ETC. Make sure you use a film or remove the skylight in the shower and place a white paper or towel over the flat panel, reinstall with four screws to test reducing the skylight heat. As I said before, I used "GILA" platinum film on the skylight from Lowe's.

As I stated before, we purchased a white Upholstery fabric from Joann's fabric that is vinyl on one side and FUZZY on the other side to make covers for the windows (the day/night shades just don't cut it keeping the heat out) We use the shades and the fabric to reduce the heat. The fabric will let light through. Normal price is $9.50 per yard, right now it is on sale for 40% off. If you use the fabric, place the fuzzy outside, it acts as a insulator.

Good luck
__________________
Sid & HRH MISSY, SHIH TZU
2019 WILDCAT 28 SGX
2014 F-250 KING RANCH PS 6.7L/SWD/6R140/BFT
TST Truck System Technologies TM-507SE
DAYS CAMPED 2023 69 DAYS
[SIGPIC][/SI[SIGPIC]
DAISY BOYKIN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2011, 09:29 AM   #11
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 6
I did the mods to my TT and it made a great difference in the air flow
Kevcon62 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2011, 10:18 AM   #12
Villa Estate 392FLFB
 
The_Stuff's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 1,085
you said the beams have not that much space for air flow aswell. maybe you should have just gotten two ac's lol
__________________
One state/province at a time!
Full Timing - Salem Villa Estate - 392FLFB - Purchased July 29th 2010
The_Stuff is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2011, 10:37 AM   #13
Senior Member
 
DAISY BOYKIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SUNSHINE STATE
Posts: 1,769
Send a message via Skype™ to DAISY BOYKIN
Inquired about two A/C's when-------

I inquired about two A/C's when I placed the order, I was told the 8285WS only come with one and 30 AMP service. No 50 AMP service for the 8285WS !!!!

I do believe the 15K A/C is plenty big enough for the 5 VER, the insulation is sufficient. It is just poor design of the A/C vents in the FOREST RIVER UNITS ?
__________________
Sid & HRH MISSY, SHIH TZU
2019 WILDCAT 28 SGX
2014 F-250 KING RANCH PS 6.7L/SWD/6R140/BFT
TST Truck System Technologies TM-507SE
DAYS CAMPED 2023 69 DAYS
[SIGPIC][/SI[SIGPIC]
DAISY BOYKIN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2011, 12:32 PM   #14
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 39
Sid,

I see now what you mean. Thanks, I'm going to look into both this and the new thermistat.

Patrick
PatrickCrotty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2011, 08:49 PM   #15
Member
 
TheFlagGang6's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 66
Finished cleanup and adding some expanding foam to fill in some voids this morning. Trimmed out extra foam this afternoon and reinstalled interior portion of unit. This mod definitely adds airflow. Not sure how much though. One other thing I fixed while I had everything apart was a loose layer of styrofoam directly above the ceiling. It either was not well bonded or had come loose from the ceiling at the AC and was probably restricting air flow as well. I glued it back down this morning.
Also installed the Maxxair on the bathroom roof vent for when we're not running AC.
__________________
TheFlagGang6
2008 Flagstaff 831QBSS
2005 Ford F150 FX4
2005 Ford Excursion Eddie Bauer 6.0l Diesel
TheFlagGang6 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2011, 08:58 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 7,948
DAISY BOYKIN (SID) will have to check mine out next time. Sounds like any removal of blocked air vent should help.

Did you check the 4 AC mounting screws?
They get a little loose over time and miles.

Iggy
Iggy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2011, 09:27 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
DAISY BOYKIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SUNSHINE STATE
Posts: 1,769
Send a message via Skype™ to DAISY BOYKIN
Increased air flow by 75%

Checked the four large screws, had to remove them for the work I performed. There are four yellow tabs that you watch when you tighten them back down to make sur they are even.
__________________
Sid & HRH MISSY, SHIH TZU
2019 WILDCAT 28 SGX
2014 F-250 KING RANCH PS 6.7L/SWD/6R140/BFT
TST Truck System Technologies TM-507SE
DAYS CAMPED 2023 69 DAYS
[SIGPIC][/SI[SIGPIC]
DAISY BOYKIN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-21-2011, 08:35 AM   #18
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 7,948
Quote:
Originally Posted by DAISY BOYKIN View Post
Checked the four large screws, had to remove them for the work I performed. There are four yellow tabs that you watch when you tighten them back down to make sur they are even.
Amazing on the increase in air flow. I also knew about the yellow tabs but thought that they showed not to squeeze the gasket more than the width of the tab. I guess it also could show how even the 4 screws are.
Anyone have any more information on the yellow tabs and their purpose?
Iggy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-21-2011, 12:43 PM   #19
Site Team - Lou
 
Herk7769's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
The yellow tabs are "torque" tabs. The screws are tightened evenly until the yellow tabs just touch the roof material. That ensures the closed cell gasket material is tight enough to do its job of sealing on the textured roof material yet still have the flexibility to withstand road shocks to the air conditioner that will shorten its life. It also maintains the minimum space under the drain field since the weep holes are on the bottom of the AC.
Attached Files
File Type: docx Roof Air Conditioner Water Leaks.docx (105.0 KB, 232 views)
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
Herk7769 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-21-2011, 04:44 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 7,948
Quote:
Originally Posted by herk7769 View Post
The yellow tabs are "torque" tabs. The screws are tightened evenly until the yellow tabs just touch the roof material. That ensures the closed cell gasket material is tight enough to do its job of sealing on the textures roof material yet still have the flexibility to withstand road shocks to the air conditioner that will shorten its life and maintain the drain field since the weap holes are on the bottom of the AC.


Thanks Herk.
That is exactly what I thouht the tabs were used for. A guide to make sure you didn't over tighten and compress the gasket and a dip in the roof.
Great document, You find all the great stuff. Good job.
Iggy
Iggy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:33 PM.