Air conditioning
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5939
Printed Date: 04 May 2024 at 7:33am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Air conditioning
Posted By: johnandwendee
Subject: Air conditioning
Date Posted: 13 Mar 2015 at 10:58pm
|
I don't know how to post in forums which I think are more suited to this question. If the question should be posted elsewhere, please post it in the proper forum.
DOMETIC AIR CONDITIONER. SHOULD THE FAN SHUT OFF WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER SHUTS OFF? Our fan keeps running when the a/c shuts off after reaching the desired temperature. thanks John ------------- John and Wendee Bracebridge, Ontario Canada |
Replies:
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 13 Mar 2015 at 11:34pm
|
I'll move this to the podmods/maintenance section. The answer to your problem is you need to change your thermostat, the fan can be set either to "on" (which yours is currently set to), or to "auto" where it will shut off between cycles. We preferred "auto" during the day and "on" at night so it wouldn't wake us up each time it turned on. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: johnandwendee
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2015 at 10:19pm
|
thanks Techntrek. Auto works great. No A/C issues. Great website as always. More thanks ------------- John and Wendee Bracebridge, Ontario Canada |
Posted By: tscampers
Date Posted: 01 Aug 2015 at 9:51pm
| I also am not crazy about the fan running continuously. Are you saying I need to replace the thermostat or is there an automatic setting I am missing. |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2015 at 2:31pm
You need to set your current thermostat to AU.. Use the mode button to get to "FAN", then the +/- buttons to cycle to "AU" ------------- |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2015 at 2:55pm
|
I have a AC problem. We are in Tennessee and using power from our house a outlet connected to a 20 amp. breaker. The first night the AC worked second night everytime I turn the AC on it trips the breaker. The fan only on the AC works but not the cool with compressor. The microwave works and everything else in camper. Our camper has the 13.5 btu I am wondering using a 50 ft. 12 gauge extension cord may have been to light of a cord and damaged compressor. When we had our r-pod with the 11.5 AC there was never a problem using same extension cord. If anyone knows what the problem may be I would appreciate the help. Thank you
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: CFWARREN
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2015 at 3:23pm
|
I don't think the AC will run connected to 20 amp, that's why it's tripping the breaker. I'm no expert on these things, though, maybe someone else will confirm that? ------------- 2016 179 - Hood River Edition 2008 Nissan Xterra |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2015 at 10:03pm
|
I don't see a problem with any of those numbers. 20 amps is more than enough for the A/C, and while there would be some voltage drop with a 12 gauge extension cord it shouldn't be enough over 50 feet to drop the voltage below 108 volts (the minimum). ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2015 at 12:05am
|
I have a 120 volt 20 amp outlet on the side of my house that I plug my trailer into with a 12 gauge power cord I made that has the 30 amp twist lock on one end and its only 10 feet long. When I have the AC running that is the only thing I can have on. The AC compressors draw about 13 amps and the fan motor draws 3.5 amps. The lock rotor amps for the compressor are 61 amps so it takes a big spike of current to get it spinning. The higher the voltage drops because of length of run and wire gauge size, the more current will be needed to get the compressor spinning. When the AC is running you do not want to draw more than 80% of the rated amps from an outlet so for a 20 amp breaker that’s 16 amps. The wire and outlets could start to get warm if you draw more. Also make sure you have a good quality specification/commercial grade outlet and plug. In Dometics installation instructions manual the minimum wire size is 12 gauge up to 24 feet. ------------- JandL 2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2015 at 3:20pm
|
I am going to wait until I get back to our home in Florida and plug the camper into a 30 amp. outlet. If that doesn't work I guess I will need to get a professional AC repair person. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2015 at 12:37pm
I'll bet that it's an AC problem. I've run our AC just fine with a Yamaha 2400 iSHC that only has 20 amp outlets. Granted, it can really ramp up to take the strain of starting the compressor (why I bought it), but I've also run the AC when our shore power was just 20 amps as well, and many others here have as well. Perhaps someone at an RV shop can take a look at it while you're traveling. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2015 at 8:55pm
|
We arrived back at home in SWFL and after unloading refrigerator next was to try out the AC plugged into 30 amps. It works no problem, what I didn't understand it worked in Tn first night but then the second night and there after it kept tripping the 20 amp. breaker. The microwave would work but the AC as was mentioned it requires a lot of amps when compressor first starts. Our 2009 r-pod with the 11.5 AC it wasn't a problem, this was first time in TN using the 13.5 AC in the VIBE. We only use the camper to sleep in and with the hot weather I didn't mind but my wife she slept on the floor in the house that has a working AC. Next time we go up in the Summer to TN she wants to bring a bed for the house to sleep in. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2015 at 12:54pm
|
Are you sure the WH electric element isn't on? Something else must be adding a load. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2015 at 2:04pm
|
I had checked everything and our surge protector showed no amps. being used. I thought maybe it was the surge protector so I disconnected that. I am not very educated when it comes to electricity as I have said before so why it worked the first night then stopped I don't know. But thankfully at home connected to a 30 amp. outlet it works. Installing a 30 amp. outlet for our house in Tn will be on my list of things to do. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2015 at 9:59pm
|
Ultimately that is a band-aid. I would still add the 30 amp outlet, but it doesn't solve the sudden problem. My next guess is the startup capacitor on your A/C has gone bad. That will shoot your startup amperage up. So a 30 amp outlet can still handle it while a 15 amp outlet can't. It shouldn't be bad so soon, but that doesn't mean it can't be bad. I would look at that next. Even add a hard-start capacitor. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2015 at 8:05am
|
Thank you, Techntrek. I have a friend in church who is retired from Carrier as a service tech. and he has a motor home. I will ask him in church today if he could look at it and install a hard start capacitor. I will look over his shoulder and ask questions and hopefully learn something about electricity. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2015 at 9:05am
|
I have been thinking maybe I can do this myself. Is it that difficult, where could I buy the hard start capacitor, how do I know which one is correct for our AC ? The little I know about electricity it makes sense what you are saying and it wouldn't hurt and would be helpful if we ever wanted to use a generator. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2015 at 3:17pm
The cap you need.. two wires to install. http://www.amazon.com/SUPCO-SPP6-Start-Relay-Capacitor/dp/B0002YTLFE - CAP. ------------- |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2015 at 3:46pm
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2015 at 9:45pm
Has not hurt ours in 4 years.. from the description: "Applications: Room A/C units, Residential and commercial PSC A/C units and heat pumps, For all PSC A/C units from 4,000 thru 120,000 BTU's (1/2 thru 10 H.P.)" Don't take this wrong.. but all a/c units are pretty much exactly alike under the shroud. Really. ------------- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2015 at 11:15am
|
Yes. Capacitors are sized for the motor, not the model. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2015 at 5:43pm
|
Solved the problem of our AC my mother is moving and has a generator for us to use. She bought it when Hurricane Wilma hit south Florida and left her without electricity. It had been sitting for a long time but was able to get it running and it works the AC and microwave at the same time. It is a Dewalt DG4300 powered by a 8 hp. Honda engine. It's not the most quiet generator and heavy 150 lbs. but it will fit in the back of our truck with the tonneue cover closed and with the tail gate locked it will be secure when not in use. It will be nice to have in a rest area when it is hot like it was last two weeks when we were traveling. And for our house in TN I will install a 30 amp. outlet. I will not use it in a camp ground because of it being noisy and the camp grounds we stay at have 30 amp electrical hookups. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2015 at 5:55pm
|
I still would look into replacing the original start capacitor. If that is the problem it could continue to get worse until it won't start even with a 30 amp outlet. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2015 at 8:10pm
|
Ok I will order it from amazon.com. I had been thinking about it, you are most likely right. I thank you techntrek and furpod for your help this forum has been so helpful for myself and others. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 11 Aug 2015 at 9:29am
|
I ordered capacitor and a 30 amp. adapter for generator. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 11 Aug 2015 at 10:41am
Hopefully you weren't charged too much for it.  ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 12 Aug 2015 at 6:59am
It was put on my charge card. Hope my bill isn't to shocking !  ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 12 Aug 2015 at 8:45pm
|
Sizzle. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: Dr. Ed
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2015 at 9:43am
| A/C in our 179 ran fine when plugged into house current(using standard Forest River cable and grounded outlet from house). Runs for a few minutes and trips breaker now after return from week at FROG rally. Have not re-checked water heater switch position. Breaker was only `10 amp. Ran fine, but not now. Also trips 15 amp breaker in another outlet. Fridge was set to house current(changed to propane as there is food inside. Help! THANKS, POD friends!! |
Posted By: JDes
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2015 at 12:38pm
|
The Dometic 30 amp AC to Too Big and LOUD for a small space camper!!!
I removed the Emergency window and placed a small window AC in a cut out board that is fitted in the window seal. R-Pod factory should have simply placed a window air unit in a wall somewhere. We can now sleep in a quiet R-Pod and have a conversation or watch TV without a LOUD AC coming on and off constantly!!! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2015 at 2:14pm
|
Welcome, and welcome. I agree about the A/C sizing. Not only is it too loud, it should run longer on each cycle to extract more moisture. I have a long thread on this forum where I investigated alternatives. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2015 at 1:22pm
|
OK the capacitor arrived in the mail and I have another question does the capacitor hurt the compressor in any way. For now the AC is working well with the 30 amp outlet we have it hooked up to in FL. So would it still be good to attach the start up capacitor SUPCO SPP6 even though the AC appears to be working without any problems. I may be able to turn on a light switch but when it comes to understanding electricity I am still in the dark. Thank you
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2015 at 10:17pm
|
It can only help by reducing the stress on it during startups. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2015 at 11:07am
|
Please I need help! I have the start capacitor, I disconnected power from camper and removed AC cover then removed cover to electrical connections. The wiring diagram for the AC shows a start capacitor and a run capacitor which do I connect the new SUPCO SPP6 capacitor to. On top of the run capacitor there are two available connectors do I connect the new capacitor to those. I wish I had good instructions for our AC instructions with pictures. Thank you for anyone that can help. I am sure this is simple for someone who understands what they are doing right now that doesn't include me. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2015 at 1:07pm
|
I went to amazon.com and got the instructions and connected everything the correct way but the capacitor what I thought was getting to warm so I disconnected it. I decided to leave it alone and if the AC stops working I will take it to a AC repairman. I will stick to woodworking, electricity I don't know that much about. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2015 at 7:52pm
|
Too warm, like you couldn't touch it? ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2015 at 8:14pm
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2015 at 7:10pm
|
It could be an indicator of a problem, but usually if something is wrong electrically you'll trip a breaker or the problem part will be hot. I've never installed a hard-start cap so I can't comment on that specifically. I would try it on a 15 amp outlet again to be sure it is failing like it did before, then reconnect the cap and run your test again. If it solves the problem I would close it up and go camping. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 29 Aug 2015 at 3:18pm
|
I think that there may be a problem with AC, according to the surge protector the AC is using 15 to 16 amps. while operating and the compressor cycles on and off about every 5 minutes. It is still within the 2 year warranty I think I will have Camping World look at it. " I just got off the phone with Camping World and explained the problems and they said it is not operating normally and was told it should only be using 12.5 amps. and the compressor cycling on and off every 5 minutes is not normal. It will be covered under warranty and will bring it in Tuesday morning." Thank you, for the help ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2015 at 8:03pm
|
I agree that doesn't sound right, glad you are covered. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2015 at 5:41pm
|
I have good news with our AC, its being replaced under warranty and not only AC but the refrigerator too. When I took the AC in to be checked out I mentioned the refrigerator did not seem to be working properly, I was recommended to have it checked too since the warranty would be over in November. Thankful I listened to the good advice because the refrigerator was leaking ammonia. Within the past 12 months the axle which included the tires ,wheels with brakes were all replaced and now AC and refrigerator. It's almost like having a new camper even though it is a 2012.
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2015 at 9:30pm
|
Ouch, and good that it was all caught under the warranty. You do NOT want to replace either of those things on your own. You'll be good to go for another 100,000 miles. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2015 at 3:02pm
|
What surprised me is they replaced them instead of repairing. Must be the cost of labor and parts in that it was less money to replace. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 13 Sep 2015 at 3:21pm
|
I think in a lot of cases it is cheaper to ship the whole thing back and repair it at the factory. I had a transmission with a bad solenoid on my prior minivan, replaced under warranty. They replaced the whole thing. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|