Bedroom a/c - Montana Owners Club

mont · 07-31-2011, 07:56 AM

Could anyone tell me what size a/c sould I get for the bedroon and how hard is it to install in my 3400 thanks

bw2 · 07-31-2011, 08:16 AM

The size would be your choice. I wanted to have a low profile, so I purchased the Penguin 13.5 btu. I self installed the AC. My 3400 was pre-wired for the front air so no fishing of the wire was required. Along with the pre-wire came a separate circuit breaker. The hardest part was getting the AC unit onto the roof. You will need someone to help with moving the AC onto the roof and positioning the unit over the opening. I removed the vent and cleaned the roof of the self leveling sealant. Followed the installation instructions and all was went fairly well.

hookman · 07-31-2011, 08:21 AM

We had the same as the factory was installing which is a 13,500 dometic. For instillation it depends on the year as some of the earlier one where not prewired. Some of the newer one hook up to the vent system and thermostat.

jackel1959 · 07-31-2011, 08:34 AM

We just had a second A/C installed on our rig which is a 3455SA. We also opted for the "LOW PROFILE" Penguin 13.5 BTU unit. We did not do the install ourselves, but had it done by an RV center. Our rig was pre-wired and works with our thermostat to control both zones. Cost was right at $1k with labor and the control box to make it work with the thermostat. It is nice to have two separate units and to be able to control them independently. We sometimes camp with a lady who has had cancer and she gets very cold even though it may be hot, so we can cool off the bedroom area and still leave the living area warm enough for her.

R,
Jack

Clemson1881 · 07-31-2011, 09:54 AM

I recently had problems with my front A/C a Carrier 13.5K low profile. While I was waiting to find out if it would be replaced under warranty I went ahead and did some research on replacement options. What I found to be the best option was a 15K Dometic Penquin Low Profile with the electronic controls for the factory thermostat built in (no additional control box required). The 15K was only $20 more than the 13.5K and actually drew less amps according to the specifications listed! The upper unit and the ducted ceiling assembly was all going to be $749. I found this deal at American RV Company online. There was actually an electronic coupon out there for 5% off also. All of this would depend on what year is your rig, is it prewired, and what kind of thermostat do you have. Like others posted earlier the install is a breeze if it is prewired. The toughest part is getting it on the roof. I ended up getting a replacement under warranty by Carrier. They honored my request and sent me the 15K. I have found there are times you need all the BTUs you can get!

HOOK · 07-31-2011, 11:33 AM

We had ours installed upon purchase of Monty. We had a matching Dometic except 13500. Our dealer suggested that there were some maint. problems with the Penguin. I think I also read on this forum something the positioning of the compressor in the Penguin. Maybe someone will remember.

Clemson1881 · 07-31-2011, 12:55 PM

It was the Carrier low profile's compressor that was mentioned as it is positioned on its side. I would say the absolute safest bet is to go with the standard unit, but I feel the clearance issues are even more risky than maintainence fears. The standard units are cheaper too by a good bit. It all depends on where you drive.

mont · 08-01-2011, 11:25 AM

Thanks for all the advice

gregh9999 · 08-02-2011, 03:20 AM

You can also install the 13.5 Penguin heat pump. It cost a bit more. It works fine with the dual zone thermostat. It runs as a normal A/C unit, or as a heat source in place of the furnace.

BB_TX · 08-02-2011, 08:30 AM

I recently had a 13.5 Penguin low profile installed. I seriously considered doing it myself, but had no good way to get that 100 pound thing up there. So I gave in and had CW do it.
BUT FYI for anyone planning on doing it.
Trying to keep a long story short. CW said it would take about 1 1/2 hours. The CW installer began installing it. And after 4 hours, they said something was wrong with it and they would have to order another unit. Went back the next week to have that one replaced. A service tech worked on it this time (rather than the original installer). After about an hour, he came out and said it was ready to go. He said he had loosened the bolts, adjusted the position, and it ran fine. Said the fan was hitting the shroud and would not turn. Said that was not unusual for that model as it was a fairly close tolerance. (He had not been told it was supposedly bad and he was supposed to replace it. He assumed he was supposed to troubleshoot the problem of the one already installed. But that is another story.)
So, if you have a problem, check the alignment.

nosticks · 08-02-2011, 09:26 AM

Another thing on the Penguin. I had a problem, after several months, with the unit dripping water, and it was enough to soak the bedding when it first happened. I pulled the air box off and saw where it was leaking, it was the gasket around the opening. The Penguin only has three mounting bolts, not four. One in the rear center and two in the front corners. Installation manual says to torque them to 50 inch lbs. Not having a torque wrench that would read that low, I just started turning them down with a 1/4" drive alternating front corner to rear to other front corner half turn at a time and was very careful. Each bolt was noticeably loose. Problem fixed. Thought about putting thread locker on them, and if it happens again, I will.

mhs4771 · 08-02-2011, 09:56 AM

Also had the 13.5K Penguin installed on our rig. Puts us at or just over 13 feet. Standard Dometic would have put us very close to the 13' 6" magic number. Like many, will run both during the day, switch to the BR unit in the evening while watching the Tele or checking the posts on the Montana Forum, then switch to the LR unit when we go to bed to keep the noise a little farther away. Works for us

Clemson1881 · 08-02-2011, 01:59 PM

My factory installed main unit leaked during a hard rain storm on our first trip. I had to tighten up the bolts some. They must be snug, but the gasket is not designed to be completely squeezed down flat.

oldelmer1 · 08-04-2011, 08:35 AM

Dont know if this is a good price or not, but just got the add from Camping World and they have the Penguin 13.5 AC on sale for $754.99 with $111.00 for installation, plus tax, im sure.

Clemson1881 · 08-04-2011, 02:57 PM

$754.99 + tax, + lower ceiling unit, + fee for removing existing ceiling vent, +the store price versus the internet price, +some other BS Camping World always comes up with after they start the job. They burned me twice with these tactics. Never again. Buyer beware with those guys.

BB_TX · 08-04-2011, 04:21 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Clemson1881

$754.99 + tax, + lower ceiling unit, + fee for removing existing ceiling vent, +the store price versus the internet price, +some other BS Camping World always comes up with after they start the job. They burned me twice with these tactics. Never again. Buyer beware with those guys.

You obviously have had bad experiences with them.
I needed a 2nd unit installed in June as the temps where we were going were already over 100. Didn't have time to wait for a sale. Called the local CW, they quoted a price installed, I told them to order it as it was not in stock, and made an appointment the next week for installation. They had some initial problems getting it to work right. For that they dropped the quoted price by about $150 and gave me a free renewal of my Presidents Club membership.
Guess it depends on the location.

Clemson1881 · 08-04-2011, 04:31 PM

You are right it does depend on location. I'm glad to hear the location you dealt with took care of you.

exav8tr · 08-04-2011, 04:35 PM

I bought one for around $564 and they had a quoted install price and that is all I paid. I think the install was about $110. Just go over the install with the service manager and ask if there could be any other fees involved, when he says no, then hold him to it......

milkman · 08-05-2011, 05:11 PM

Has anyone tried to duct the front air conditioner into the ducted rear air system? I have conflicting answers when I look into having mine ducted. 2008 model 3400, 10th Anniversary Edition. Two different answers from Keystone.

Driftwoodgal · 08-05-2011, 07:47 PM

Milkman,

Our 2006 3400RL AC unit can cool our living area and our bedroom. We installed our second AC when we had temperatures hotter than the one AC could handle. We installed a 13500 BTU Dometic unit that is controlled only by the switches in the bedroom. We love it as I can start it before we are even set up. I can go into the bedroom and manually switch it on. Even in hot Texas weather we can run either unit after the rig is cooled down. I am a light sleeper and hate to hear the sound of diesel trucks starting in the morning. The constant sound of the fan in the bedroom helps block unwanted noise.

I love this board.... some like it quiet... some like it a constant noise.....I am thinking that hubby measured and ours was 13'4... hhmmmm we are traveling soon he best go remeasure.

Mont, even in our hottest weather here in Texas the two units can freeze you out once you have your rig cooled down. We do have the silver lining for our windows, so that helps to keep our rig cooler. This lining is a waffle board that keeps heat as well as cold out. After cooling down the rig we normally run one or the other unit to keep us cool. We did not install our second AC, this was done at our dealership. Thinking back....prices posted are cheaper than what we paid.

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