New roof-top air conditioner

G

gordon gibson

New member
Oct 3, 2012
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Hello all

As a northerner, the only time we used the rooftop aircon unit on our Class C in 10 years of ownership was on the four short camping trips we took to
Murrels Inlet South Carolina with the kids. But my travel plans with the GMC are a little more ambitious, and since I intend to visit the U.S. south
west, I guess a replacement unit for the GMC is probably in order (according to the POs, the current one is beyond toast).

I have been seduced by the low profiles of the Dometic Penguin II and the Coleman Mach 8. Does anyone out there in GMC land have experience - bad
or good - with either of these units? Any other brands and models I should be looking at?

Will 13.5 K BTU be enough for a 23", or should I spring for a 15 K model? BTW - my generator will be a Honda EV6000 so there shouldn't be a problem
in this area regardless of capacity.

Thanks in advance

Gordon
--
Gordon Gibson
1976 23" Norris Upfit
Montreal West, Quebec, Canada
 
Living in the Deep South, you could never go wrong with the larger unit. But, realistically a 23' should be fine with the 13.5 unit. Your ev6010 will
power anything that you put on the roof.
Tom, MS II - 26' with two A/C's and the ev6010
--
1975 GMC Avion
KA4CSG
 
Thanks Tom. Any preference as to brand and model?
--
Gordon Gibson
1976 23" Norris Upfit
Montreal West, Quebec, Canada
 
We have sold many of both brands.
Most RV shops will tell you that the Dometic unit is constructed cheaply
compared to Colman.
Should you want a quote on a delivered price,we can do so at competitive
prices.
The Low profile is my choice,Lower wind drag and the 13.5 is all you need.
One hint is to turn on the unit before it reaches high temperature inside
as it is not the air, but the content in the coach that is soaked with
heat, and it does not dissipates readily.

On Wed, Jan 18, 2017 at 4:47 PM, Gordon Gibson
wrote:

> Thanks Tom. Any preference as to brand and model?
> --
> Gordon Gibson
> 1976 23" Norris Upfit
> Montreal West, Quebec, Canada
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
> Hello all
>
>
> As a northerner, the only time we used the rooftop aircon unit on our Class C in 10 years of ownership was on the four short camping trips we took
> to Murrels Inlet South Carolina with the kids. But my travel plans with the GMC are a little more ambitious, and since I intend to visit the U.S.
> south west, I guess a replacement unit for the GMC is probably in order (according to the POs, the current one is beyond toast).
>
> I have been seduced by the low profiles of the Dometic Penguin II and the Coleman Mach 8. Does anyone out there in GMC land have experience -
> bad or good - with either of these units? Any other brands and models I should be looking at?
>
> Will 13.5 K BTU be enough for a 23", or should I spring for a 15 K model? BTW - my generator will be a Honda EV6000 so there shouldn't be a
> problem in this area regardless of capacity.
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> Gordon

Gordon,

The unit we have is no longer available. It is a 15.5 and even in the hottest times in Michigan we could use it to age beef. It is nice to have and
it was only a small cost increase, but I am not sure I would pay it again. One thing I would buy again (and just did as the original flamed out) is
the heat strip. This is not a heat pump, just an electric element in the air stream, but real nice to have if you are paying FHU already.

Matt

--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
I've been looking to add an air conditioner in the rear of my Kingsley to replace the fan.
The Atwood 15026 heat pump is about what I'm looking for.
The problem that I have is not knowing how long it is from the 14" x 14" hole. I don't want it to interfere with the running lights and don't want to
mount it backwards.
Anyone know if it might fit or another heat pump that will?

--
1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts
 
http://www.atwoodmobile.com/manuals/ac/MPD_15000_AC_IOM_NON-DUCTED_02_09_2016_rev_9.pdf

> I've been looking to add an air conditioner in the rear of my Kingsley to
> replace the fan.
> The Atwood 15026 heat pump is about what I'm looking for.
> The problem that I have is not knowing how long it is from the 14" x 14"
> hole. I don't want it to interfere with the running lights and don't want to
> mount it backwards.
> Anyone know if it might fit or another heat pump that will?
>
> --
> 1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
There's Jim with the good thinking again " ... it is not the air, but the
content in the coach that is soaked with
heat, and it does not dissipates readily."

Now why didn't I think of that !

Mike in NS

> http://www.atwoodmobile.com/manuals/ac/MPD_15000_AC_IOM_
> NON-DUCTED_02_09_2016_rev_9.pdf
>

>
> > I've been looking to add an air conditioner in the rear of my Kingsley to
> > replace the fan.
> > The Atwood 15026 heat pump is about what I'm looking for.
> > The problem that I have is not knowing how long it is from the 14" x 14"
> > hole. I don't want it to interfere with the running lights and don't
> want to
> > mount it backwards.
> > Anyone know if it might fit or another heat pump that will?
> >
> > --
> > 1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS

Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !
 
Mike,

In the "business" the time to get a heat soaked aircraft down to a
reasonable temp is called the "pull down time."

When I bought Double trouble it had one 13,500 BTU unit up front. When I
discovered it came pre wired for a second down the back I bought two Dometic
Brisk Air 13,500 BTU units as they drew the lowest amperage so now I have
two. When Helen and I arrived at a RV park I'd plug into the 50 amp service
and fire both units up. Even on the hottest days Double Trouble would be
cool as a cucumber in 10 - 15 minutes. Also whenever I'd take a shower I'd
open the bathroom door and hook it to the closet on the other side isolating
the back of the coach from the front. I'd fire the rear unit up and when I
got out of the shower it was most refreshing to dry myself off in the cool
environment.

However, those units are made in China and the quality control was piss
poor. The inside cover didn't align with the control knobs which are
attached to the roof unit. I had to do some rework to make them align
properly.

I don't know if the Brisk Air II models are better or not; IIRC Kelvin Dietz
bought one; perhaps he will read this and comment.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808


-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Kingsley
Coach
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2017 11:58 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New roof-top air conditioner

There's Jim with the good thinking again " ... it is not the air, but the
content in the coach that is soaked with
heat, and it does not dissipates readily."

Now why didn't I think of that !

Mike in NS

> http://www.atwoodmobile.com/manuals/ac/MPD_15000_AC_IOM_
> NON-DUCTED_02_09_2016_rev_9.pdf
>

>
> > I've been looking to add an air conditioner in the rear of my Kingsley
to
> > replace the fan.
> > The Atwood 15026 heat pump is about what I'm looking for.
> > The problem that I have is not knowing how long it is from the 14" x 14"
> > hole. I don't want it to interfere with the running lights and don't
> want to
> > mount it backwards.
> > Anyone know if it might fit or another heat pump that will?
> >
> > --
> > 1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS

Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
The brisk air II units DO NOT blow air out the front. ONLY to the rear and
sides.

bdub

I don't know if the Brisk Air II models are better or not; IIRC Kelvin Dietz
bought one; perhaps he will read this and comment.
 
The venting is a problem that I didn't know. I the Brisk 2 was my first consideration be course it looked like it would fit in the rear. Looks like
that's not a great option now.
The Atwood seams like a good option. Quiet and the venting seems good just not sure on the size, need the dimension from the 14" hole to the rear of
the unit. I have the roof rails that I don't mind cutting for the air conditioner but don't want it to interfere with the running lights.

> The brisk air II units DO NOT blow air out the front. ONLY to the rear and
> sides.
>
> bdub
>
>

>
>
> I don't know if the Brisk Air II models are better or not; IIRC Kelvin Dietz
> bought one; perhaps he will read this and comment.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

--
1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts
 
Mike,

For The Blue Streak here in Sydney I purchased two of these:

https://www.caravansplus.com.au/pdf/IBIS%20owners%20manual.pdf

I will mount one facing forward and one facing rearwards you can do the same
with a Penguin.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Mike
Hamm
Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2017 1:12 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New roof-top air conditioner

The venting is a problem that I didn't know. I the Brisk 2 was my first
consideration be course it looked like it would fit in the rear. Looks like
that's not a great option now.
The Atwood seams like a good option. Quiet and the venting seems good just
not sure on the size, need the dimension from the 14" hole to the rear of
the unit. I have the roof rails that I don't mind cutting for the air
conditioner but don't want it to interfere with the running lights.

> The brisk air II units DO NOT blow air out the front. ONLY to the rear
and
> sides.
>
> bdub
>
>

>
>
> I don't know if the Brisk Air II models are better or not; IIRC Kelvin
Dietz
> bought one; perhaps he will read this and comment.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

--
1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts

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GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
I can try and find a moment this weekend to take a measurement off the atwood, but I am guessing it will interfere with the lights or ladder rail.
it is longer and skinnier then the OEM.

I thought there was someone that did install 2 atwoods out there.

I also do not think the dometic penguin has the same inside unit as the normal dometic brisk air junk RV air conditioner Billy mentioned. Maybe I am
wrong?

Penguin:
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/dometic-brisk-air-13-500-btu-air-conditioner-black/48888

dometic brisk aire:
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/universal-air-distribution-box-for-brisk-ii-heat-pump/69944

I was thinking that dometic just recently re-did there A/C product line, and that penguin ii is newer to market again.

--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
Jon,

Don't bother, it WILL.

IIRC the Brisk air units have an overhang of 14 inches whereas the Dometics
are twenty something.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808


-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Jon
Roche
Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2017 9:32 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New roof-top air conditioner

I can try and find a moment this weekend to take a measurement off the
atwood, but I am guessing it will interfere with the lights or ladder rail.

it is longer and skinnier then the OEM.

I thought there was someone that did install 2 atwoods out there.

I also do not think the dometic penguin has the same inside unit as the
normal dometic brisk air junk RV air conditioner Billy mentioned. Maybe I
am
wrong?

Penguin:
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/dometic-brisk-air-13-500-btu-air-c
onditioner-black/48888

dometic brisk aire:
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/universal-air-distribution-box-for
-brisk-ii-heat-pump/69944

I was thinking that dometic just recently re-did there A/C product line, and
that penguin ii is newer to market again.

--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/

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