R-pod Owners Forum : 182G New A/C Install https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : 182G New A/C Install Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 21 May 2026 12:25:50 +0000 Mon, 13 Jul 2020 16:05:50 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=13557 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ 182G New A/C Install : So what do you do with the coil... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=133657#133657 Author: TimK182G
Subject: 13557
Posted: 13 Jul 2020 at 4:05pm

So what do you do with the coil sensor? I forgot to ask and can’t find instructions in the manual. ]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2020 16:05:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=133657#133657 182G New A/C Install : You guys could both be right.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132799#132799 Author: TimK182G
Subject: 13557
Posted: 23 Jun 2020 at 7:59am

You guys could both be right.  It isn't a hollow tube, it is a copper wire, I did end up attaching the "wire" to a screw on the frame.  If it is some sort of temperature probe, I don't know how it would apply to my system.  It's ductless direct below the unit and the selector controls are directly controlling the unit (one selector going from warm to cool the other fan speeds and A/C speeds).  I did a test run with the A/C and it cooled the trailer off in a half hour in the middle of the day so I'm happy.  I managed to run it on low cool without tripping my 15 amp house breaker that it was plugged so all of the wiring seems to be good. 
]]> Tue, 23 Jun 2020 07:59:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132799#132799 182G New A/C Install : Is this the copper wire you are... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132731#132731 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 13557
Posted: 21 Jun 2020 at 7:05am

Is this the copper wire you are talking about? 
]]> Sun, 21 Jun 2020 07:05:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132731#132731 182G New A/C Install : Whoa there a sec. Ijust now... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132707#132707 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13557
Posted: 20 Jun 2020 at 1:16pm

Whoa there a sec. I  just now got back on my PC and was able to navigate the photo. Hard to get my bearings in the photo but I think what you're calling a bare copper wire is really the temp probe for the thermostat. Do not cut, bend, or damage it. Does it seem like it might be a tube?  trace it back ans see where its coming from. ]]> Sat, 20 Jun 2020 13:16:10 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132707#132707 182G New A/C Install : Thanks offgrid. Sorry about that... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132697#132697 Author: TimK182G
Subject: 13557
Posted: 20 Jun 2020 at 10:12am

Thanks offgrid. Sorry about that picture. It didn’t resize ]]> Sat, 20 Jun 2020 10:12:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132697#132697 182G New A/C Install : If the manual doesnt have a suggestion... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132695#132695 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13557
Posted: 20 Jun 2020 at 9:21am

If the manual doesnt have a suggestion I think anywhere to metal that wont cause clearance problems would be ok. You could use a ring terminal to help with the clearance.]]> Sat, 20 Jun 2020 09:21:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132695#132695 182G New A/C Install : I read through the manual and... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132692#132692 Author: TimK182G
Subject: 13557
Posted: 20 Jun 2020 at 7:49am

I read through the manual and finally did find the detailed wiring section.  It was as you said.  Black to black, white to white and bare copper to green as you said offgrid.  Where on the frame should I attach that bare copper wire?]]> Sat, 20 Jun 2020 07:49:58 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132692#132692 182G New A/C Install : See if you can trace where in... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132570#132570 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13557
Posted: 17 Jun 2020 at 4:30pm

See if you can trace where in the a/c the bare copper pigtail goes. I suspect it goes to metal, in which case you can attach it to the rpod frame and you'll be good to go. ]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2020 16:30:51 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132570#132570 182G New A/C Install : The install manual is very vague.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132566#132566 Author: TimK182G
Subject: 13557
Posted: 17 Jun 2020 at 3:17pm

The install manual is very vague. I’ll take some pics and post them. ]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2020 15:17:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132566#132566 182G New A/C Install : Hmmm. The bare copper wire in... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132448#132448 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13557
Posted: 15 Jun 2020 at 4:33pm

Hmmm. The bare copper wire in the supply cable should go to the green pigtail of the a/c. The bare copper wire in the a/c might be there to provide a frame ground to the RV. Can you tell what it’s connected to? Any mention of it in the install manual? ]]> Mon, 15 Jun 2020 16:33:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132448#132448 182G New A/C Install : Quick question on the electrical... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132437#132437 Author: TimK182G
Subject: 13557
Posted: 15 Jun 2020 at 3:00pm

Quick question on the electrical hookup.  Anybody installed a Colman-Mach A/C in their R Pod themselves?  I have it installed and in place but I have a question on wiring.  R Pod is prewired with Black (hot), White (neutral) and bare copper (ground).  The A/C comes wired with white, black and green wires along with a bare copper wire.  I know white goes with white and black goes with black but do I wire the existing bare copper wire to the bare copper wire on the A/C unit or does it get connected to the green wire?  From what I have read, you should wire bare to bare for the ground current if that's how the wiring is set up.  So does that mean I leave the green wire unconnected and capped?  I just want to make sure I am connecting everything properly.
]]> Mon, 15 Jun 2020 15:00:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=132437#132437 182G New A/C Install : ^^^^^Thank you! That will be the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131682#131682 Author: TimK182G
Subject: 13557
Posted: 28 May 2020 at 9:39am

^^^^^
Thank you!  That will be the next challenge when the unit is shipped here Smile
]]> Thu, 28 May 2020 09:39:21 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131682#131682 182G New A/C Install : Sounds like you have it well in... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131645#131645 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13557
Posted: 27 May 2020 at 5:15pm

Sounds like you have it well in hand, just be sure to have a safe back saving plan for getting that big heavy thang up on top of the trailer! Shade tree and a block and tackle should work. ]]> Wed, 27 May 2020 17:15:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131645#131645 182G New A/C Install : I ended up getting the Coleman... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131644#131644 Author: TimK182G
Subject: 13557
Posted: 27 May 2020 at 12:24pm

I ended up getting the Coleman regular profile 13500 BTU roof mount.  It was cheaper than the 9K BTU low profile unit so I figured I'd get the bigger one. Just have to order the gasket seal now.
]]> Wed, 27 May 2020 12:24:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131644#131644 182G New A/C Install : A 9000 btu minisplit is whisper... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131480#131480 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13557
Posted: 22 May 2020 at 7:14pm

A 9000 btu minisplit is whisper quiet inside and out and has no ductwork. So it is very possible. The problem is that RV owners and manufacturers have not insisted on improvement from Dometic and the other roof a/c manufacturers.]]> Fri, 22 May 2020 19:14:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131480#131480 182G New A/C Install : The compressor is not the loud... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131479#131479 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13557
Posted: 22 May 2020 at 6:16pm

The compressor is not the loud part. What is loud is the air flow. The height of the unit won't affect that. There are a few things that can be done.
1. Close the big center vent. That is probably the biggest thing that will help with the sound level.
2. Remove the inside shroud. Use thin, closed-cell foam and glue it to the inside of the shroud, avoiding all sliding/moving parts. This helps too.
3. At night, run the AC with the fan set to Low instead of Auto. The constant fan sound is better for sleeping than the on/off cycling of the fan plus the pauses and shifts between high and low speeds.

The problem is not the unit. It is actually pretty quiet. Go outside and listen and I guarantee you that the Dometic Penguin II will be quieter than some of the units used on the big rigs. The problem on the inside is the limited space and no ducting. Ducting would go a long way to making it quiet, but there is likely no good way to run duct work. I don't know of any unit of equivalent size that would be any quieter. A 9,000 BTU unit likely would be quieter, but by how much I could not say.
]]> Fri, 22 May 2020 18:16:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131479#131479 182G New A/C Install : Cheaper always gets my vote too... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131478#131478 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13557
Posted: 22 May 2020 at 1:21pm

Cheaper always gets my vote too unless there is a compelling reason to spend more hard earned $$$.]]> Fri, 22 May 2020 13:21:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131478#131478 182G New A/C Install : Thanks again. I think I am going... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131477#131477 Author: TimK182G
Subject: 13557
Posted: 22 May 2020 at 12:52pm

Thanks again.  I think I am going with the regular profile unit.  I've read quite a few places that the compressor on the low profile tends to be louder.  Could be purely anecdotal but the costs are much less and as you said the drag of a regular profile vs. a low profile when on the move is negligible.]]> Fri, 22 May 2020 12:52:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131477#131477 182G New A/C Install : I don't know if it is or... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131473#131473 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13557
Posted: 22 May 2020 at 10:15am

I don't know if it is or not. Its not really going to produce noticeably less air drag so if it has the same btu rating its going to be a matter of noise level and aesthetics. The standard 13.5K units are almost unbelievably noisy so it might be worth doing some checking on noise levels and basing your decision on that.]]> Fri, 22 May 2020 10:15:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131473#131473 182G New A/C Install : Think I’ll go with the roof... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131471#131471 Author: TimK182G
Subject: 13557
Posted: 22 May 2020 at 9:19am

Think I’ll go with the roof mount. Thanks off grid for all of the input. One other question, is the low profile unit worth the additional cost?]]> Fri, 22 May 2020 09:19:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131471#131471 182G New A/C Install : Ours factory installed A/C is... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131434#131434 Author: crw8sr
Subject: 13557
Posted: 20 May 2020 at 5:31pm

Ours factory installed A/C is so noisy we rarely use it.  I'm always on the look out for something better.]]> Wed, 20 May 2020 17:31:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131434#131434 182G New A/C Install : With a portable you... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131430#131430 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13557
Posted: 20 May 2020 at 4:39pm

With a portable you need to vent the hot air from the condenser out, not just the condensate water from the evaporator. That makes them inefficient because most of them have only one vent so have to bring in hot outside air to make up for that exhaust air. Plus it will always be getting in the way.  As to btu requirements, on a 90 to 95-ish degree high humidity day in NC I was getting about a 50% duty cycle on the 13.5K unit, so about 7K BTU/hr heat load. Its a small space but has a lot of poorly insulated wall, ceiling, and window surfaces. You need some additional capacity to pull down the temp in a reasonable amount of time when you get to camp so that's why I think that a 9K will be OK. But 5K  just wouldn't cut it even if all that 5K BTU/hr was going for cooling the interior and not wasted cooling down the exhaust make up air. I'd go with the roof mount.]]> Wed, 20 May 2020 16:39:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131430#131430 182G New A/C Install : If I do go the the roof mounted... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131428#131428 Author: TimK182G
Subject: 13557
Posted: 20 May 2020 at 4:25pm

If I do go the the roof mounted route I'm going with Coleman 9K BTU low profile.  Found the top and non ducted underpiece for under $700 total plus shipping. My R-pod is prewired up to the skylight with it's own dedicated 20 amp circuit, so connection should be simple.  Still debating as to trying a small portable and venting the drain pipe outside through the window above the kitchen sink.  Anybody trie this and have any suggestions for a portable?  Preferably something not to large, I think 5,000 BTUs would be more than enough, my rig is only about 85 sq feet from front to back.
]]> Wed, 20 May 2020 16:25:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131428#131428 182G New A/C Install : I get what OG's sayin'..... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131373#131373 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 13557
Posted: 19 May 2020 at 4:56pm

I get what OG's sayin'.. I also don't wish to bugger too deep in somethin' new. 

If you like what you have as a base to work up from, then why not? What really is the limit? 
]]> Tue, 19 May 2020 16:56:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131373#131373 182G New A/C Install : I kinda feel the opposite, I wouldn't... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131354#131354 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13557
Posted: 19 May 2020 at 12:12pm

I kinda feel the opposite, I wouldn't want to take the risk of buggering up a new trailerStar. And I haven't bought a new vehicle or trailer in - uh, well, I can't remember that far back. Besides, I'm a cheap old guy, I keep my stuff pretty much forever, as long as its still working anyhow. ]]> Tue, 19 May 2020 12:12:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131354#131354 182G New A/C Install : Originally posted by offgridNo... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131351#131351 Author: podwerkz
Subject: 13557
Posted: 19 May 2020 at 11:34am

Originally posted by offgrid

No need to cut into the frame with a mini split other than a 3 or so inch hole for the refrigerant tubing. The interior evaporator unit hangs on the wall. It only weighs about 20 lbs so screwing a aluminum plate into the wall framing (which is 1x1 aluminum tubing) and then attaching the evaporator to the plate should work. The condenser can mount on the tongue where the batteries are. On my 179 I would have to move my propane tank forward slightly and bolt or weld on brackets to mount the condenser on. I would need a cover for the condenser to avoid damage from road debris while towing. The batteries would need to be relocated to the interior of the trailer, I would change them for lithium ones at that point. Then I would need to route the two refrigerant lines, a condensate drip line, and a power line from the condenser to the evaporator. All that is bundled together in about a 3 inch diameter circle, which would be routed out at the front bottom of the trailer. The units some precharged so in theory you don't need am a/c tech to pull a vacuum on the lines when installing. They make a cover for the tubing which would be visible inside the trailer until it dived through the corner of the bed into the area where the water heater is under the mattress. 

But its definitely not for the faint of heart, its a major mod with a lot of little things to sort out or it could go wrong. The payoff is the top of the trailer is clear, the a/c is whisper quiet inside and out, energy usage is cut in half, and its a heat pump as well. I plan on covering the top of the trailer with solar modules, leaving a couple of inches of air space for cooling and the vents underneath. 



I can see doing all of that on a brand new trailer ordered with no roof A/C installed, but on yours, being a 2015 model, and presumably about halfway thru it's expected service life...man I'm just not seeing the payback...ROI, in other words is not there. Or so it seems to me.  

Save all that work for the next new one you own!
]]> Tue, 19 May 2020 11:34:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131351#131351 182G New A/C Install : They make flush mounted cassette... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131344#131344 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13557
Posted: 19 May 2020 at 10:29am

They make flush mounted cassette evaporators for installation in ceiling cavities that you would need to build a cover for where it came up through the roof, they're about 10 inches tall but much smaller than a roof a/c.  But the condensers are all for ground or wall mounting. Some folks have mounted them on the rear bumper. The refrigerant lines would have to lead up the outside wall which might be pretty funky. Placing the condenser above the evaporator creates some problems with oil migration that have to be worked out. 
'
]]> Tue, 19 May 2020 10:29:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131344#131344 182G New A/C Install : Someone could make a killing by... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131343#131343 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 13557
Posted: 19 May 2020 at 10:08am

Someone could make a killing by making a mini split where the condenser could be mounted on the roof, and the evaporator could be ceiling mounted directly underneath.]]> Tue, 19 May 2020 10:08:41 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131343#131343 182G New A/C Install : No need to cut into the frame... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131336#131336 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13557
Posted: 19 May 2020 at 8:57am

No need to cut into the frame with a mini split other than a 3 or so inch hole for the refrigerant tubing. The interior evaporator unit hangs on the wall. It only weighs about 20 lbs so screwing a aluminum plate into the wall framing (which is 1x1 aluminum tubing) and then attaching the evaporator to the plate should work. The condenser can mount on the tongue where the batteries are. On my 179 I would have to move my propane tank forward slightly and bolt or weld on brackets to mount the condenser on. I would need a cover for the condenser to avoid damage from road debris while towing. The batteries would need to be relocated to the interior of the trailer, I would change them for lithium ones at that point. Then I would need to route the two refrigerant lines, a condensate drip line, and a power line from the condenser to the evaporator. All that is bundled together in about a 3 inch diameter circle, which would be routed out at the front bottom of the trailer. The units some precharged so in theory you don't need am a/c tech to pull a vacuum on the lines when installing. They make a cover for the tubing which would be visible inside the trailer until it dived through the corner of the bed into the area where the water heater is under the mattress. 

But its definitely not for the faint of heart, its a major mod with a lot of little things to sort out or it could go wrong. The payoff is the top of the trailer is clear, the a/c is whisper quiet inside and out, energy usage is cut in half, and its a heat pump as well. I plan on covering the top of the trailer with solar modules, leaving a couple of inches of air space for cooling and the vents underneath. 


]]> Tue, 19 May 2020 08:57:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131336#131336 182G New A/C Install : Thank you! I'm looking at... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131335#131335 Author: TimK182G
Subject: 13557
Posted: 19 May 2020 at 8:22am

Thank you!  I'm looking at alternatives to the roof mounted unit as well. Your idea of a mini- split is very fascinating. After reading other posts, losing the light and air flow from the current free skylight in the center of our roof has me a bit hesitant to block it up with an A/C roof unit.  I like the idea of being able to open up that window to let hot air vent out naturally and it also lets a ton of light in right now.  I haven't found any small portable units that make any sense at this point.  Putting a mini split or regular window A/C unit above the bed would be a great option but I'd be terrified to do that myself.  Cutting into the frame does not seems like something I would ever be comfortable doing.  Going to keep researching for now, campgrounds are still closed here for at least 3 more weeks here so we won't be going anywhere soon.
]]> Tue, 19 May 2020 08:22:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13557&PID=131335#131335