halonut Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Hello, I will be adding rooftop AC to my '87 Dolphin and would like some advice. 1) what is a good overall unit & value? (is the Coleman Mach 3 a good choice?) 2) Is something that I can probably install my self (above average mechanical knowledge & a decent set of tools) and what is the basic steps/procedure of the installation? Thank you all, I really appreciate your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halonut Posted June 16, 2008 Author Share Posted June 16, 2008 oh....and it DOES have the panel on the ceiling that I have been told is the wiring for the AC & a wall thermostat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turtle Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 If I were going to add an AC unit I would get one of the low profile 13.5 BTU unit because of their small (vertical) footprint. Carrier, Duo-Therm, and Coleman all make low profile RV AC units. At just 7 1/2" the Carrier is the smallest in height. They are all self contained so it is just a matter of removing the old vent, dropping on the new AC, tightening up the 4 bolts that hold it down, and hooking up the electric connections (which should already be waiting for you) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halonut Posted June 16, 2008 Author Share Posted June 16, 2008 Thanks Diesel, Sounds pretty simple. I'm gonna give it a go! As usual your advice is straightforward easy to understand and highly appreciated! I do have one more question about the water heater, The drain at the bottom is all rusted and non-functional (won't turn). If I try to get it out and replace it do I run the risk of damaging the fitting it goes in & making the situation worse? (it does not leak but I imagine that it probably could use a good flush). Thanks again! ps: That sure is a clean & beautiful rig that you have! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turtle Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 The water heater drain "should" be a white nylon 1/2" plug unless someone has replaced it with something else. If your nylon plug has been replaced with metal, get it out and use the proper nylon drain plug. http://www.rvpartscenter.com/ProductDetail...&CategoryID Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halonut Posted June 24, 2008 Author Share Posted June 24, 2008 I got the AC unit (coleman mach 3) and have a question about where to mount it: Which existing vent should I use? The one in the rear, where the wires are located? Or the one in the middle of the coach? If I used the middle hole how can I cleanly route the wiring to it? Also, any suggestions on how to actually get this thing on the roof? Its pretty heavy and a lot larger than I had thought. (2 people on ground and two on top?) Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turtle Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 AC units are heavy and awkward. Get it on the roof the best way you can (grunt, push, shove, sweat)... Get a couple of friends to give you a hand with it. I purchased a small rolling scaffolding unit that has been invaluable when working on these motor homes. Something like this would be very helpful for getting an AC unit up and down from the roof. http://www.toymike.com/diesel/pics/toyhouseScaffolding.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halonut Posted June 25, 2008 Author Share Posted June 25, 2008 ok, thanks. I'm sure it will be alot of fun! Anyway which vent hole should I use? rear or middle? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turtle Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 Use the vent that is wired for the AC unit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halonut Posted June 25, 2008 Author Share Posted June 25, 2008 Thanks for all your help, Mike! I'll let you know how it turns out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knowltondata Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 See if there is a business nearby who will let you use their forklift for a few minutes.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halonut Posted July 1, 2008 Author Share Posted July 1, 2008 well with 4 people we got it up there with no trouble. installation was easy & it works great...thanks for all your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diesel_Aggie Posted July 5, 2008 Share Posted July 5, 2008 If you frequently use your RV in cooler weather with full hookups you might consider one of the 13,500btu A/C models that also has a 13,500btu electric heat pump. This will save you money on propane. Dometic makes them as well as others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turtle Posted July 5, 2008 Share Posted July 5, 2008 I believe that now all roof top ac units offer a heat strip option that can be easily added at a later date. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diesel_Aggie Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 (edited) Just to clarify I'm actually talking about something different than the heat strip that most a/c units are prewired for. The heat strips typically put out 5600btus of heat. http://www.dometic.com/enus/Americas/USA/R...uctdataid=66934 is one example of a heat pump model made by Dometic. It provides 13,500btus of both cooling and heating. This http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-air-...t-strip-kit.htm is an example of a heat strip putting out 5600btus. I installed a Dometic 15,000btu ac/heat pump on a 5th wheel and it certainly helped out. The drawback is below about 40 degrees the heat pump can't provide much heat. Here is a Dometic brochure on all the heat pump models http://www.dometic.com/f0493afb-4b19-459b-...32be76248.fodoc Edited July 6, 2008 by Diesel_Aggie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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