Air conditioner replacement

[JW Hendry]

I purchased my 2012 Montana Hickory 3800RE last year close to fall. Now that it is warming up my front ac isn’t cooling. It’s a 13.5k brisk 1. I called Dometic and they ran the numbers and it came back as that. I’m going to replace it with a Dometic 15k ac. I have the dual zone 10 button ccc2 controls. Which unit would be the best option. I’m going to purchase one in the next week. It’s getting hot here in Texas. Thanks for the help in advance.

[Daryles]

Compare the dimensions of the new one to the old one for ceiling hole fit and HEIGHT.
It may make your rig taller???

[twindman]

Make sure you get a low profile unit. Being on the front up high means you don't have much clearance up there.

[JW Hendry]

I was thinking about the penguin II. The brisk one is a taller unit than the penguin II. I have the Brisk II on the rear it’s a 15k and it’s still cooling good right now.

[JW Hendry]

I was thinking about the penguin II. The brisk 1 is a taller unit than the penguin II. I have the Brisk II on the rear it’s a 15k and it’s still cooling good right now

[twindman]

JW - that is exactly what I have in both units, I think. I have replaced them both. One last summer and other 2-3 years ago. I have a 13 Mountaineer so would guess heights may be similar. I am a little front high (2-3 inches) and measure 13'4 or 5 inches! Not much wiggle room for some underpasses!!!!

[JW Hendry]

Twindman- Yes about the same on mine. The penguin is much shorter which is why I’m looking it that one. I will replace the rear at some point also.

[Bourbon County]

I believe the rough-in opening in the roof is a universal size regardless of BTU; 14-1/4" by 14-1/4". The question is how accurately was the opening framed in?

As others have mentioned before, You need to be aware of overall height of the rig. I don't think Dometic makes a 15K BTU in a low profile unit. If you do much camping in cooler weather, might be worth looking at a heat pump unit, I think they are $300-400 more.

[jimcol]

Insure what you choose is compatible with the thermostat you have.

[wed]

Just make sure the size is ok and fits

[Hoyett]

I am installing a new air conditioning unit in my 3402RL as well. How do these things seal? Is there anything I can do other than clean off the roof as good as I can so it makes a better seal? Please help! Thanks!

[JW Hendry]

I have the CCC2 thermostat already. From what I’ve researched it fits the 14x14 hole.

[JW Hendry]

Hoyett - I have seen people do it several ways. Clean roof and just set it over the hole then I have seen people put the butal tape under the gasket. When I installed some on my car hauler I just set it over the hole with the gasket. Someone with more experience than me can prob help us both out.

[firestation12]

It wouldn't take but 15 minutes to remove the compressor's start/run capacitor. Take the capacitor to any hvac tech and have them test it for you........UNLESS you really are set on replacing the whole unit. Another cheap option in lieu of having the capacitor tested, is to purchase a replacement capacitor from Amazon for under $15 and see if you get lucky. The 2 main components that need to run are the blower motor and the compressor. If those 2 items are functioning, then one could assume the thermostat is ok, otherwise they wouldn't be running. I could be talked into a new a/c unit if the compressor has failed or the freon has leaked out.

[jimc100]

I agree with testing or just replacing the capacitor. It is an easy, fairly cheap job that just might save a lot of $. If dead it would look like you have a problem with the compressor.

[Kyle and Lisa]

Maintenance / troubleshooting.

[ojo123]

Been thinking of adding a soft-start or smart start to my two ac units. Anyone done that and what are the results after using the two ac units at the same time with 30 amp or 4500 onan generator.

[AZ Traveler]

Herb,

Here is a thread on your question. https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=87148

[mlh]

Originally Posted by ojo123

Been thinking of adding a soft-start or smart start to my two ac units. Anyone done that and what are the results after using the two ac units at the same time with 30 amp or 4500 onan generator.

I added a soft start. They are worth it. There is a new one well new to me that just plugs in to the electrical system no insulation required. Wish I had one.
Lynwood

[Daryles]

I put a SoftStartRV on the front AC unit. I can run it on a 2000w (4000w surge) inverter from the batteries.
I can run both on 30A. Start the one without the SoftStartRV first. Once it's running, then start the one with the SoftStartRV. You can't run anything else doing this.