AC unit doesn’t seem to be cooling properly

[Dghby]

Hi all,
So before I schedule a visit to the dealer I thought I would put this out to the experts. I have a 2021 Forest River Salem hemisphere 34 ft fifth wheel.
It has one AC unit and it just doesn’t seem to be cooling like it should.
We got this last fall and never used the air til now, it’s only 80 degrees outside and when I turned the unit on it was 84 degrees it quickly went down to 81 but has been at 81 for the past 4 hours.
Am I missing something? It just doesn’t seem to be cooling down

[kcmusa]

Watch this.
https://youtu.be/V9rEQb05Qv4

[mac1_131]

Originally Posted by Dghby

Hi all,

So before I schedule a visit to the dealer I thought I would put this out to the experts. I have a 2021 Forest River Salem hemisphere 34 ft fifth wheel.

It has one AC unit and it just doesn’t seem to be cooling like it should.

We got this last fall and never used the air til now, it’s only 80 degrees outside and when I turned the unit on it was 84 degrees it quickly went down to 81 but has been at 81 for the past 4 hours.

Am I missing something? It just doesn’t seem to be cooling down

I had a similar issue and i found that i had the thermostat set for fan only and not for cool. Could that be your issue?

[Dghby]

Originally Posted by mac1_131

I had a similar issue and i found that i had the thermostat set for fan only and not for cool. Could that be your issue?

No it’s definitely on Hi Cool, thanks though

[Gideon]

Check the supply air (at a vent near the unit) and the return air temperature near the filter grill. The supply air should be 16-18 degrees cooler than the return air. If not, check the filter and see if it is dirty - or the unit's refrigerant may be low.

[rskeans]

From my failing memory there is a diverter behind the plastic grill covering. This separates the cold air from the intake air. It is not uncommon for this diverter to get dislodged causing the output air to mix with the intake air. This diverter needs to get secured with a ducting tape to keep it in place. Perhaps somebody else can provide a professional description of what I'm trying to say.

[5picker]

You are asking a LOT from a single A/C unit on a 34' 5th wheel on an 80º+ day. Especially with some humidity and in the sun.

On the 5th wheels we've had with one A/C, we always found starting the A/C earlier in the day than right when you need it helps. Instead of turning it on when it gets 84º turn it on at 82º or less and it will keep it there longer. Also a small fan blowing near the floor (cool air falls) to help circulate the air helps tremendously. Run your 3 or 4 blade 120v ceiling fan if you have one too. (many 5th wheels do)

Finding shady sites is the key for large R/Vs with single A/C units

In the heat of the day, it isn't uncommon for a single A/C unit to run nonstop.

[almcguire]

Originally Posted by Dghby

Hi all,
So before I schedule a visit to the dealer I thought I would put this out to the experts. I have a 2021 Forest River Salem hemisphere 34 ft fifth wheel.
It has one AC unit and it just doesn’t seem to be cooling like it should.
We got this last fall and never used the air til now, it’s only 80 degrees outside and when I turned the unit on it was 84 degrees it quickly went down to 81 but has been at 81 for the past 4 hours.
Am I missing something? It just doesn’t seem to be cooling down

To test the AC turn on high fan and max cool. After running for 20 minutes measure air temperature at AC return air and closest AC discharge to AC. Degree drop should be about 18 to 20 degrees F. If temp in coach is 85 discharge should be 65 to 67.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by 5picker

You are asking a LOT from a single A/C unit on a 34' 5th wheel on an 80º+ day. Especially with some humidity and in the sun.

On the 5th wheels we've had with one A/C, we always found starting the A/C earlier in the day than right when you need it helps. Instead of turning it on when it gets 84º turn it on at 82º or less and it will keep it there longer. Also a small fan blowing near the floor (cool air falls) to help circulate the air helps tremendously. Run your 3 or 4 blade 120v ceiling fan if you have one too. (many 5th wheels do)

Finding shady sites is the key for large R/Vs with single A/C units

In the heat of the day, it isn't uncommon for a single A/C unit to run nonstop.

There is much wisdom in 5pickers words. The sun will heat up the inside of an RV quickly, even in temps well below 80.

[lazyjj]

My last unit was 32' and 50 amp so I had two AC's. Purchased a 34' unit this past January and it came with two units. I am in SC and it got into the low 80's here today. My rig is parked under a shed and I have the front AC set on 78. That unit has cycled on and off all afternoon. If you already have 2nd AC prep I would highly recommend.

Happy Camping and be safe out there!