Noisy Dometic AC - Event Date: 14 Jul 2018 - 21 Jul 2018

Originally posted by crw8sr Has anyone put a rheostat on the fan motor to slow the fan speed down?  Any drawbacks to doing that?

I found this which might help some.

http://www.technology.niagarac.on.ca/people/mcsele/hobby/rv-fan-speed-controller/

Sorry, I don't know where you "heard" this, but we have no plans to produce a hush kit for a dometic ac unit, just no demand for it. Our plans might change if demand suddenly increases, but no plans at this time. Thank you for your inquiry. Regards, Claire 469-312-1222

 

Website: http://www.perfectcasita.com

Facebook: Orbital Machine Works

I can't believe there are that many Casitas out and about. Sure I see one almost every time we camp out. But that's true of R-pods (and R-pod clones) as well.

For those technically inclined:

 I've investigated the Dometic 13.5k BTU AC on my RPod to see if it is feasible to use a speed control, like those sold for the Casita, to reduce noise.  While it may be possible, it would involve too much effort due to the type of fan motor used.  The Dometic fan motor is a different type than that used in the Coleman Mach 8 AC.  So, please do not call or email the company I listed requesting they make a speed control for Dometic AC.  I should not have suggested doing so.

For those questioning the need:

I like well-engineered products.  The RPod is pretty well engineered.  I have some QC issues with mine and there's some simply crappy workmanship that I failed to notice before buying mine..  Noise is a factor for me.  If I cannot use the AC because it's too noisy, I want to change it.  With my AC, I find it quite difficult to talk and especially to sleep in hot weather.  That then makes the Dometic AC unit virtually useless to me.

In my opinion, Forest River installed an AC that is much too big for my 177.  Business-wise, they most likely got a good deal from Dometic for the AC units and put them on everything because of it.  If I could do it all over again (and I might sell my 177), I'd special order an RPOD with a Coleman Mach 8 AC in which I could put a $100 speed control.

This reminds me of my flying days.  I owned a small 2 seat plane which had straight exhaust stacks and it was pretty noisy in the cockpit.  I put in an intercom and had headsets for each person.  One day I did a check ride with an older instructor who told me that using headsets while sitting side-by-side was stupid and in all his flying time, he'd never needed ear protection.  And he told me this outside the airplane before we even started it.  In a very loud voice.  Because he had significant hearing damage.

As usual, your situation will likely be different.