Air Conditioner
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins
Forum Discription: Have a warranty or service experience to share?
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3765
Printed Date: 17 May 2024 at 5:55am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Air Conditioner
Posted By: Robwid
Subject: Air Conditioner
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2013 at 2:36pm
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Hi folks, The AC on our 2012 model 177 has stopped working and is being replaced under extended warranty. Has anyone else had an AC unit fail? Ours saw almost no use (Oregon weather) but apparently lost it's charge. And, I've been told no one repairs the units or tries to fix leaks and recharge them - they simply replace them. I was also told that this would have been over $1000 if not for the warranty! Best, Rob ------------- Rob 2012 HRE 177 2010 Toyota Tacoma |
Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2013 at 4:06pm
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That price is high unless you are paying for labor also, but I am pretty sure this is the first one I have heard of going out. An internet search should find you a "Polar Cub", which is what I would go with if I needed to, for under $625 complete (inside and outside parts). ------------- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2013 at 1:01am
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Ditto everything furpod said. I'm very, very seriously considering swapping my A/C with the Polar Cub. It is sized more properly for the pod's needs.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2013 at 6:27pm
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I had my A/C "repaired" under warranty - it was freezing up. I assume it was low on refrigerant and they simply recharged it, although I never did ask what specifically was wrong. Its been fine for the past three years. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: Robwid
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2013 at 2:47pm
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Thanks for the advice gents. I'll let you know the outcome when it's complete. ------------- Rob 2012 HRE 177 2010 Toyota Tacoma |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2013 at 3:43pm
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BTW, if you need to, in the future, mess with it again.. they are stupid simple to replace. If you can put a window a/c in a house, you can do one of these. They all fit the same size hole. There is some caulking to be done, and of course the elctrical hook up,but I reckon a handy guy could do it in under an hour, first time. Took two on the 'stream, but I was scared of the "roof".. ------------- |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2013 at 6:14pm
The roof is very scary, just washing my AC last night I almost lost my ladder twice. DW had headphones on and couldn't hear my screaming.  ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2013 at 12:11am
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Definitely not safe getting up there on a 6 foot ladder, but I wised up this year and used my back porch as a work platform. I posted photos a month or so ago somewhere around here.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2013 at 10:43am
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I have often wondered if the roof of the R-Pods will support the weight of a 200# person. I always walked on the roof of my past RVs for general cleaning and maintenance tasks, adding roof vent covers, etc. My only reason for asking is that I want to replace the A/C starting capacity and removing the shroud would me much simpler if I were on the roof. Yes, I am aware of the fall potential, but I would stay near the peak of the roof and use a non-slip mat to kneel on. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2013 at 11:12am
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When I replaced the start capacitor on my A/C, I just used a tall step ladder beside the r-pod and stood on the ladder/laid my weight on the roof's edge so that the vertical studs in the wall were bearing most my weight. It was a close enough reach to unscrew the shroud (had to move the ladder to the other side to get the other screws), zip-tie in the new capacitor and move the connectors. I left the old start capacitor in-place because there was plenty of room for both and I figured why not leave a spare? Frankly, on that roof, I wouldn't want to put any more than 30 or 40 pounds on a point load the area of a shoe. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2013 at 1:53pm
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I have crawled on my roof several times to spread out the weight when washing and repairing AC. I weigh a 165 Lbs. I have had no problem, you do need be very careful near the front or back that you do not slide off. With the 171's you have some support from the wet bath under the roof. I have always climbed on the roof from the right side the side of the bath. I would not walk on the roof that would be to much weight in a small area. This is my own experience not recommending it for everyone you do need to use caution and your own judgement. I am lite weight someone much heavier I would recommend not to get on the roof. David ------------- 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: 28 Jul 2013 at 1:58pm
Almost exactly how I did it.. I did remove the old cap. I don't think the roof structure is to much different from the floor structure.. ------------- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2013 at 9:13pm
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Ditto when I cleaned mine - only the weight of my torso and that was laid mostly on the edge or flat across the roof when I was reaching to the middle. There is no way it will support someone walking on it, the floor has the metal frame but the roof is just some thin wood slats, insulation and fiberglass.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2013 at 8:29pm
Kymooses, watch out you guys are close enough to me I might be able to hear you screaming on the way down. LOL  ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2013 at 9:28am
I sounded very alike a frightened little girl I'm sure and it was certainly loud. Just not loud enough that my wife paid me any attention. New Pod rule is, when I'm washing the room and AC no MP3 players or mowing. That is now designated as pull weeds time so she can hear me! ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2013 at 4:50am
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I w as on the Camping World Web site and noticed that Atwood is selling RV air conditioners manufactured I believe in Australia. The smallest they sell is 13.5 BTU a little to large for the r-pods. ------------- 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: TerryM
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2013 at 7:01am
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Look at this AC: http://pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-air-conditioners/small-rv-air-conditioner.htm - http://pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-air-conditioners/small-rv-air-conditioner.htm http://climaterightair.com/rv-trailer-air-conditioning-and-heating - http://climaterightair.com/rv-trailer-air-conditioning-and-heating Terry ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2013 at 8:30am
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Those are both neat installation possibilities. Terry, I am not one for cutting openings in the pod exterior, but when I looked at the A/C unit you found, right away I thought of usiing a simple window A/C instead. It would take but one opening and would be very inexpensive and not as susceptible to damage when towing. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2013 at 2:55pm
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I would put it inside during travel times. The first one is a better choice. Terry ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2013 at 8:05pm
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My long investigation into alternatives. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1433&KW=polar&PN=1&title=possible-replacement-for-the-a-c - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1433&KW=polar&PN=1&title=possible-replacement-for-the-a-c I still would love the first one I mention, very very low power with possibilities for battery operation (via inverter). But it has a complicated installation and is very expensive. The Polar Cub makes the most sense overall. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Folornhope
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2013 at 4:05pm
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I had to have the the AC replaced on my pod, dealer said the compressor had died. ------------- Eddy the Escape Pod...177 Ford F150 |
Posted By: Robwid
Date Posted: 05 Aug 2013 at 9:53pm
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Well, I just picked up the Pod with the new AC unit and a new propane regulator both replaced under warranty. Total for both with labor came would have been $1255.00! Glad it was covered by warranty! Thanks for all the advice and suggestions.. ------------- Rob 2012 HRE 177 2010 Toyota Tacoma |
Posted By: g4royce
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2013 at 10:36am
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Our a/c never worked from the beginning as the dealer lied to us. The compressor would go on but it never got cold as the refrigerant had leaked out through cracks in the the tubing. We were trying to find a guy who would repair the cracks and install a fill-cap. Never got around to it as we had TV problems the past 2 years so wouldn't be podding during a heat wave when a/c would be most needed. On top of the whole a/c not working thing, we found that the filters were never in place and have trouble finding replacements :( ------------- ChaiPod 2009 RP152 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5L V6 |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2013 at 12:07pm
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The filters are for sure available from FR, saw somebody buy a set while at the Int'l rally.
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Posted By: sammycamper
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2013 at 11:54pm
Sam ------------- 2012 rPod 173 2008 Trailblazer 4WD V6 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2013 at 9:39am
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A/Cs need to be sized for the space they are conditioning. 11,000 BTUs provides too much cooling power, so it doesn't run long enough to remove moisture properly. We really should have about 5000 BTUs in our pods, 8000 for the pop-out tent models (since they have more air exchange with the outside). Since I don't want to mess with adding a window A/C I'll have to settle for the smallest RV A/C on the market which is the 9000 BTU Polar Cub. From what I've read they used to make a 7000 BTU polar cub which would be better, but not anymore. A bigger issue for me is the noise. Because they are so oversized for the space they produce a lot more noise which then bounces off all the hard surfaces in the pods. I had a 13,500 BTU A/C in my popup but since it was so much larger (about 26 feet open) and was all tenting and soft window plastic it sounded a lot quieter than the 11,000 BTU unit in my pod. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2013 at 12:05pm
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I see quite a few comments on the 13,500 BTU A/C being oversized. First off, definately loud! I was out for 3 days this past weekend, temps around 88-90 (half sun/half shade throughout the day). Thermostats are definately not accurate. I kept mine (thermostat) at 66 which actually per my inside thermometer (not the wall thermostat)was about 72. The air runs alot even at night time. Seems to run for a couple of minutes, shut off for a couple of minutes, etc. Is this others experience? If this is the case (which I have seen in the colder temps with the heater), it seems the pod is poorly insulated, or maybe this is the standard. This is my first camper, so maybe this is normal. The A/C does get good and cold however. Also mine makes a pretty good "thump" when the compressor turns on and off. Techntrek, are you saying a smaller version A/C would be more efficient and actually cool better? Just curious. Again, not unhappy, just curious as to why it (A/C) runs so much for the size unit and small pod. hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: sammycamper
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2013 at 12:34pm
We have only used the A/C since the dealer sealed things properly, and have been quite satisfied. We camped under extremely warm and muggy conditions the last time out, and the only place we could get comfortable was inside the rPod. It's a small space, so the A/C and furnace fans do seem loud; but they are actually a little quieter than what we had in our last camper. I don't think we have experienced the thump sound that you mentioned when it turns on, though.
One "problem" I did experience with the A/C was that the fan kept running constantly, and it was annoying the heck out of me. It seemed to me that it hadn't done that on a previous trip. Then I discovered that there are two settings for the fan at the thermostat: ON and AUTO. I must have inadvertantly set it to ON, and when I switched it back to AUTO, all was well.
Sam ------------- 2012 rPod 173 2008 Trailblazer 4WD V6 |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2013 at 1:16pm
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I have mentioned this before but did not receive much, if any, feedback from my comments. We have had several RVs in the past and have found the Coleman units to be much quieter than the Dometics. Our last trailer had a Dometic and we could always hear it cylcle on and off, it would "thump" sometimes, and the fan was very noisy. Our pod has a Coleman and we never notice when the compressor cycles on or off and the fan is very quiet compared to the Dometic. In 2001 we lived in a new motor home for 6 months while our home here in Florida was being built. We used the 2 Coleman units for both cooling and for heating, and normally did not even notice when one or both of the units units were on or off. In the pod, we keep the Coleman running all the time, mostly to create a little "white noise" to keep our dogs distracted from outside noise and to keep them comfortable while we are on excursions. With the fan running continuously, we don't know when the compressor is running or not. That brings up my question. Do all of you that are complaining about excessive noise have Dometic air conditioners? Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2013 at 1:29pm
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I forgot to mention that I agree with Doug's comment about sizing an A/C unit to the size of the space to be cooled. The pod is the smallest RV I have owned with a full-size A/C unit, but here in Florida (and during our recent trip to the Southwest), the "excess" capacity is great when we pull into a campground. It quickly cools the interior to a pleasant temperature which we always welcome. Inside humidity is kept at a comfortable level. What one has to remember is that a properly sized unit is ideal if you are maintaining a comfortable temperature for several days, much like it is ideal for home cooling. In an RV, which is much too warm when you reach a destination, I appreciate the quick cooling which the standard pod A/C gives. There are two sides to the coin, and each person much choose the side he or she prefers. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2013 at 1:56pm
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My A/C is dometic. I have always run it in the auto position, so the whole unit does cycle off. I am by no means unhappy how it cools, I'm just amazed at how long it runs and quickly cycles considering the size of the pod. Granted, I keep it cool, but still. And as I said, it blows out some nice cool air. Blinds are always closed in these conditions. Sammycamper, do you recall where they may have found areas that were poorly sealed with foam, etc, at least those that would be accessable? I have looked around, but didn't find anything striking. The other night when it thumped, Pam said "I think somebody just hit us"!!! ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2013 at 2:11pm
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Several motor homes ago, I read about the benefits of using foil insulation on the inside of all the windows. This is the same product sold at Camping World, Home Depot, Lowes, etc., and is very similar to the sun shades sold for car windshields. We keep ours on all the windows when the RV is in storage or we have a sunny camp site with little or no shade. On the R-Pod, I pre-cut the insulation and fit it behind the blinds. The valances hold it next to the window and the bottom rests on the blind brackets. With the R-Pod, I have been using a small strip of Velco on either side, to keep the insulation even closer to the window. The foil is highly reflective, keeping the heat or cold outside and dramatically reduces the run time of the A/C. One small electric heater will keep the pod toasty warm. On our last trip, at 7000 feet, the temperature one night dropped to 37, and the single heater kept us warm. As for drafts, we have not found any. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2013 at 2:18pm
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Sleepless: How about the re-foaming the dealer did after you picked it up and found the breaches? ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2013 at 3:04pm
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Yes, I notice a definite thump when the compressor cycles on. We keep the fan set to "on" partially for the white noise (to mask the compressor cycling, and outside noise), partially to keep the air temp uniform all over. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2013 at 3:30pm
That must have been another member. I bought my pod used and have never taken it to a dealer. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2013 at 4:02pm
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Sorry, that question regarding lack of foam should of said "sammycamper". I guess I'm still wondering what a smaller a/c unit would do; actually cool better, less noisy, more environmentally friendly, ???; or all them. I would bet it costs more to cool my pod than my house seeing how hard and often it runs. ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2013 at 4:21pm
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I have read the Dometic AC has a automatic shut off when it reaches a factory set low temp. I read the Coleman too has a factory low temp set where it will shut off. The difference was said that the Coleman will be aloud to reach a colder temp than the Dometic before the compressor turns off. As far as I know all factory installed AC's in the r-pods are the Dometic brand. If we could afford it we would like to replace the AC with a quieter AC but until the Dometic wears out and needs replaced we will be keeping it. David
------------- 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: hogone
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2013 at 4:32pm
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Over the weekend I did crank it down to 65 (per my own thermometer, not the thermostat reading as this is not accurate). So I do no it can get down that cold. ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2013 at 5:30pm
I asked the original owner of my pod about the A/C unit. He assured me that the Coleman unit was factory-installed. I checked my owner's manual and the 2010 specs and found out that the 2010's came with an 11K BTU unit. Apparently FR switched to Dometic at a later date and changed the size from 11K BTUs to 13.5K. I don't know this for fact, just guessing. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: sammycamper
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2013 at 5:43pm
  
Hogone,
The worst areas were around the refrigerator and the hoses to/from the hot water heater. You can see in the first two pictures, taken from the back of the refrigerator, where the dealer filled significant spaces with yellow foam. The third picture shows the hot water heater area. They also installed foam around the vent openings.
Basically, anywhere that there is a hole or cutout through the wall, floor, or ceiling of the camper should be sealed. That wasn't done by the factory, and the air leaks made our rPod virtually impossible to heat. We could feel a significant breeze next to the refrigerator that first night out, and I stuffed paper towels between the fridge and the wall inside the camper to slow it down temporarily.
Sam ------------- 2012 rPod 173 2008 Trailblazer 4WD V6 |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 27 Aug 2013 at 9:32am
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Wow, thanks. I'm going to do a better inspection. ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 27 Aug 2013 at 12:09pm
All AC units have a temperature sensor that shuts down the compressor when the coil temperature gets too low this is to stop the cooling coil form freezing up. The sensor went on mine when I first got it and the AC would shut down when the coil froze up and then it would melt and dump water all over the floor. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 27 Aug 2013 at 6:14pm
We have not used the Polar Cub extensively yet, but have been satisfied so far with both its performance and noise level. Also, now that I've towed the pod numerous times with the Polar Cub on top, it must really upset the wind drag at the back of the Pod (the Cub is longer and more squared off at the rear than the factory installed Dometics). My towing MPG has increased. In 2.5 years before the recall wing and A/C install I had one tank over 13 MPG and now twelve tanks at 13-14.4 MPG since. ------------- '10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL '12 Toyota Tundra '05 Sportster (half a Harley) Retired-We're on Beach Time! |