Dometic AC Not Cooling

[ftroop82]

We have a 2014 Forest River Surveyor Cadet, bought new in August 2014, with a Dometic AC. Only used the camper 3 since August. This past weekend finally got to go camping, when setting up we had the thermostat set for 68 and the outside temp was 83, it ran for over an hour and only dropped the inside temp to 78 degrees, it does not seem to be cooling. Everything seems to be functioning fine. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[captnrick3]

Since it's less than a year old, I would take back to the dealer (or a dealer) to check for proper coolant charge. That does seem pretty feeble if the outside temp is only 83. Should still be under warrantee.

[Crockett]

make sure:

1. water heater 110 is switched off.
2. adequate extension cord if used.
3. ducting is adequate.

it you just are getting set up, and the door is opened and closed alot, youll take longer to cool. youll also keep introducing humidity to the coach that the AC will have to pull before cooling the air in the coach.

[TURBS]

Is the quick cool dump open?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded, 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "2 nights"

[ftroop82]

Quick cool dump is open

[bryanteddie0924]

Have a 2014 Wildcat. Had to have the A/C replaced because it kept freezing up. Took it out after replacement and did not cool, just kept running. Took back to repair shop- they had mixed up 2 of the lines. Take yours back and have it check while under warranty.

[butchlochala]

Unplug ac power and battery power at same time. On some brands will reset a c.

[tragusa3]

This is my first ducted system, can you explain the purpose of the "quick dump"? I wasn't sure why it was there. Do you get more total air flow using it? Or is it meant to cool the living space faster?

Mine does get much louder with the dump open.

[Stormrider151]

I believe it is used to bring the temp inside the coach down quicker than using the ducting. Then once the coach has cooled you switch over to the ducting to maintain the temp. That's what I do anyway. Works well.

[tragusa3]

Thanks, I've been on a youtube search, and this guy said the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ja9zhyfrIqE

[Dubeone]

I have a 2009 and the A/c was warranted 3 years from the manufacturer when I bought it and Dometic offered another 3 for a nominal fee...
Good Luck and hope it works out for you..

[ftroop82]

Thanks for all the info

[doodler]

Just got mine back from dealer because my dometic a/c wasn't cooling on my 2014 puma 351THSS. Still under warranty, said compressor was bad, and replaced the whole unit.

[ftroop82]

Called around and the closest Forest River Warranty repair dealer wasCamping World. I hate to say it, but in the past, with our old camper, theyusually tore up more than they repaired. Would I be able to take it to anotherdealer just for the AC warranty repair or would it have to be a Forest RiverDealer? Can anyone suggest a GOOD/TRUSTED repair dealer in Charleston, SC area?

[twitty529]

I too bought a new RV last year, a Forrest River Salem 32 BHDS, and I am having AC problems. I only got to use it twice, the 1st time the weather was comfortable so the AC wasn't noticed but the 2nd time was in 90°July heat. It wasnt blowing cold air. The inside temperature kept rising while it was running. I called everyone from F.R. to Dometic, to the dealer. I took it to a local dealer, they said it was an installation error & they fixed it. Now yesterday I was de-winterizing the RV, I turn on the AC, same thing, isn't cooling. I'm running in circles here. Any ideas?

[twitty529]

In anyone's professional or personal opinion, would the AC work the same outside in the heat & direct sunlight and inside a dealers shady cool shop/warehouse? It's not working correctly for me at home or at a campground but it is for the dealer at their shop. Always plugged into 30 amp service. Any help here?

[ftroop82]

Got the results from a Dometic service repair. The new unit was very low on Freon and must have a leak. Dometic is sending a new unit to be installed but will not pay for service technician labor cost. Is this the norm for this type of repair?

[Crockett]

direct sunlight is harder on the unit...will not cool as well. make sure you have adequate power. at least 108 volts at a receptacle in the coach with AC on. make sure 110 element on Waterheater is off. 20 to 22 degrees temp differential between incoming and outgoing air is the best your gonna do.

[Crockett]

Originally Posted by ftroop82

Got the results from a Dometic service repair. The new unit was very low on Freon and must have a leak. Dometic is sending a new unit to be installed but will not pay for service technician labor cost. Is this the norm for this type of repair?

typically dometic is 1 year parts and labor. 2nd year is parts only...thats if my faltering memory serves me at all...

edit: if its leaking, there will be oil...

edit x2: 1 to 1.5 hours max on this swap out with troubleshooting IMHO...

[D&Ro]

Our Dometic AC worked fine from April until early this month. Took it to the dealer today for repair/replacement. According to him, he's had to replace many Dometic units - and all are on Forest River RV's. FR must have gotten a big shipment of defective units!