R-pod Owners Forum : Another AC Issue https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : Another AC Issue Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 21 May 2026 13:36:53 +0000 Wed, 26 Aug 2020 09:01:22 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=13904 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Another AC Issue : Congratulations on a successful... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135705#135705 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13904
Posted: 26 Aug 2020 at 9:01am

Congratulations on a successful repair! Well done! Hug Thumbs Up]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2020 09:01:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135705#135705 Another AC Issue : Great! Glad to hear you got it... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135692#135692 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13904
Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 6:07pm

Great! Glad to hear you got it fixed and didn't need a new a/c. Congrats!]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2020 18:07:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135692#135692 Another AC Issue : Replaced both capacitors and... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135690#135690 Author: Tibof
Subject: 13904
Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 5:48pm

Replaced both capacitors and PTCR (which came with the hard start cap).  Unit now runs fine.  I should have checked to see which component was at fault, but it was my young son up on the roof in the hot sun. Total cost of less than $100 and about 30 minutes worth of work. In any case, alls well and I really do appreciate all the insight.  In particular, offgrid alerted me to the fact that there were two capacitors]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2020 17:48:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135690#135690 Another AC Issue : And yes. Turns out the hard start... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135380#135380 Author: Tibof
Subject: 13904
Posted: 17 Aug 2020 at 1:26pm

And yes.  Turns out the hard start is standard on it and it needs both.  Thanks for your insight offgrid.  ]]> Mon, 17 Aug 2020 13:26:35 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135380#135380 Another AC Issue : I see what you mean. But you... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135375#135375 Author: Tibof
Subject: 13904
Posted: 17 Aug 2020 at 12:37pm

I see what you mean.  But you don't have the correct model.  The one my kids have is 641915C751J0.  It does have a hard start kit available, too.  But I don't yet know if that's standard and on there.

Sorry.  One number was incorrect.
]]> Mon, 17 Aug 2020 12:37:41 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135375#135375 Another AC Issue : https://www.dometic.com/en-us/... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135372#135372 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13904
Posted: 17 Aug 2020 at 10:15am

https://www.dometic.com/en-us/us/support/dometic-penguin-ii-_-20772

Hmmm...Schematic on pg 11 shows a run cap for the compressor and fan and a start cap for the compressor. That's how mine is, mine is also a 2015. 
]]> Mon, 17 Aug 2020 10:15:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135372#135372 Another AC Issue : Dometic Penguin641915C751J0.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135370#135370 Author: Tibof
Subject: 13904
Posted: 17 Aug 2020 at 10:08am

Dometic Penguin  641915C751J0.  Dometic parts for it show one capacitor.]]> Mon, 17 Aug 2020 10:08:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135370#135370 Another AC Issue : Originally posted by TibofGiven... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135359#135359 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13904
Posted: 17 Aug 2020 at 6:21am

Originally posted by Tibof

Given the small cost involved, I am going to replace the capacitor (there's only one) as soon as I can get one.  I can do all of the testing necessary, but if its not the capacitor, then the unit is toast.  Clearly it is getting power.  To me, the fan starting with an asset is the revealing clue pointing to capacitor.  I'll eventually report back.

Only one? There should be 2 capacitors in there, at least that is what I've seen. What model a/c do you have?
]]> Mon, 17 Aug 2020 06:21:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135359#135359 Another AC Issue : +1 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135327#135327 Author: mcarter
Subject: 13904
Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 2:39pm

+1]]> Sun, 16 Aug 2020 14:39:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135327#135327 Another AC Issue : I look forward to reading your... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135326#135326 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13904
Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 2:31pm

I look forward to reading your report.]]> Sun, 16 Aug 2020 14:31:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135326#135326 Another AC Issue : Given the small cost involved,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135323#135323 Author: Tibof
Subject: 13904
Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 1:48pm

Given the small cost involved, I am going to replace the capacitor (there's only one) as soon as I can get one.  I can do all of the testing necessary, but if its not the capacitor, then the unit is toast.  Clearly it is getting power.  To me, the fan starting with an asset is the revealing clue pointing to capacitor.  I'll eventually report back.]]> Sun, 16 Aug 2020 13:48:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135323#135323 Another AC Issue : First thing to address is the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135317#135317 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13904
Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 7:40am

First thing to address is the start/run capacitor since you say the fan will start if given an assist. I recently had to replace a start capacitor on a motor that also would just sit there and hum until given a push. Then it started and ran just fine. Once you get the fan fixed, you may (or may not) find that the compressor is okay. However, if you are going to try to fix it, address the fan motor first. It will likely be the most cost-effective route. If you get the fan working and then it still has issues, you won't be so financially in on it and it may make the decision to repair or replace easier.]]> Sun, 16 Aug 2020 07:40:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135317#135317 Another AC Issue : Sometimes shop recommendations... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135316#135316 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13904
Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 5:10am

Sometimes shop recommendations don't necessarily align with what an owner might do given a choice. Shop rates are high and its risky for them to turn a tech loose on something unknown which might take a few hours to troubleshoot and repair when just throwing on a new one can be done quickly for a known amount.

If you have a week or two to evaluate then I'd suggest getting a DMM that can measure capacitance and ac current as well as the usual voltage and resistance and doing some testing in the meantime. Can't really go wrong investing in the proper tools, and this stuff is so inexpensive now....If you don't already have one that does clamp on dc current then I'd highly recommend that too for future use on your 12V circuits. 

A quick look on Amazon shows that the latest ones also include temp and non contact voltage testers, how cool is that? Almost makes we want to buy another meter but I have 5 or 6 already dang it.  Wink
]]> Sun, 16 Aug 2020 05:10:30 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135316#135316 Another AC Issue : Originally posted by mcarterWhat... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135314#135314 Author: Tibof
Subject: 13904
Posted: 15 Aug 2020 at 11:17pm

Originally posted by mcarter

What did your AC tech say? No opinion.

To be clear, the unit has not been on-site examined by a tech.  They are slammed and two weeks out.  But he was kind and generous enough to offer an over the phone opinion based on what I had found to that point. He guessed it was a freon issue but was mystified by the breakers tripping. What I had not found then was that the fan will start with an assist spin.  And now no breakers are tripping.  Even if the unit is a dead, nothing new can be gotten due to Dometic covid/hurricane interruption (I am told).  So there's time to probe things.  And I've found  that in decision making situations where a variety of variables are involved and a wealth orf experience from others can be consulted, it pays to explore.  OTOH, if a competent tech had examined the unit and concluded it was time for the junk heap, I wouldn't be wasting my time of that of anyone else. So I appreciate all the insight.
]]> Sat, 15 Aug 2020 23:17:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135314#135314 Another AC Issue : What did your AC tech say? No... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135309#135309 Author: mcarter
Subject: 13904
Posted: 15 Aug 2020 at 6:37pm

What did your AC tech say? No opinion. ]]> Sat, 15 Aug 2020 18:37:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135309#135309 Another AC Issue : Basically, the capacitor is about... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135307#135307 Author: Tibof
Subject: 13904
Posted: 15 Aug 2020 at 6:26pm

Basically, the capacitor is about all that can be reasonably replaced.  Given the cost, my instinct was  to throw that part at the problem.  All of these opinions are helpful.

]]> Sat, 15 Aug 2020 18:26:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135307#135307 Another AC Issue : If both the compressor and fan... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135299#135299 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13904
Posted: 15 Aug 2020 at 5:10pm

If both the compressor and fan motor are having problems it might be the run/fan capacitor. If its bulging leaking or shorted then its toast. Be sure to short the terminals out on it before handling it, they hold a charge. Beyond that if you don't have access to a meter that can measure capacitance you could consider just replacing it and see if that helps. Cost is around $40. ]]> Sat, 15 Aug 2020 17:10:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135299#135299 Another AC Issue : I think I would trust the on-site... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135298#135298 Author: mcarter
Subject: 13904
Posted: 15 Aug 2020 at 5:05pm

I think I would trust the on-site AC tech. Always good to get second opinion, before complete replacement, however his assessment seems right to me.]]> Sat, 15 Aug 2020 17:05:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135298#135298 Another AC Issue : It does not run long enough... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135295#135295 Author: Tibof
Subject: 13904
Posted: 15 Aug 2020 at 2:30pm

It does not run long enough to get cold, even if there is no problem.  Couple of minutes is all.  It struggles to start.  Discovered fan requires a spin to start.  Then runs and restarts just fine.  Will take it in for a diagnosis or do one myself before tossing the unit and getting a new one.  But the local shop was puzzled as to reason for breaker on shore source tripping — which it is no longer doing.  That has me wondering about freon being the issue.  ]]> Sat, 15 Aug 2020 14:30:27 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135295#135295 Another AC Issue : If the evaporator doesn't... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135291#135291 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13904
Posted: 15 Aug 2020 at 11:29am

If the evaporator doesn't get cold at all in the short time the compressor is on then its probably the refrigerant as your service center suggests. Otherwise I'd suspect the thermostat. Both the compressor overload and freeze protection shutoffs can also cause short cycling. If you have a clamp on current meter you could see what the compressor is drawing, that might tell you something. ]]> Sat, 15 Aug 2020 11:29:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135291#135291 Another AC Issue : Cycling without cooling anything... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135290#135290 Author: Tibof
Subject: 13904
Posted: 15 Aug 2020 at 10:31am

Cycling without cooling anything is the issue. Cycling after just several minutes.  OTOH, it is still a mystery why it was previously tripping shore source breakers at campground and back home — no breaker tripped in Pod. Now its not doing that.  ]]> Sat, 15 Aug 2020 10:31:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135290#135290 Another AC Issue : Originally posted by TibofGot... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135275#135275 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13904
Posted: 14 Aug 2020 at 8:33pm

Originally posted by Tibof

Got the unit to kick on and start.  Fan runs but AC cycles on and off every few minutes.  Local AC RV repair says in their opinion, it's a freon issue and not worth repairing.  Five years old, used very little, and ready for the trash.  New ones are slow in production and not available.  When they are, the cost is around $1000 or so, just for the unit.  Has this been a great RV  or what!   

When you say its cycling on and off, you mean the compressor is cycling? Is the pod getting cool when the compressor is running? If so then it sounds normal. My a/c runs pretty short cycles as well, especially if its not very hot out. Might only be on for 3-4 minutes, then off for 5-6 or so. The temp differential between compressor turn on and off is called hysteresis and is set by the thermostat not the a/c. 

OTOH if the compressor is running but the a/c isn't cooling the pod then that is quite likely a refrigerant leak...


]]> Fri, 14 Aug 2020 20:33:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135275#135275 Another AC Issue : Got the unit to kick on and start.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135270#135270 Author: Tibof
Subject: 13904
Posted: 14 Aug 2020 at 6:09pm

Got the unit to kick on and start.  Fan runs but AC cycles on and off every few minutes.  Local AC RV repair says in their opinion, it's a freon issue and not worth repairing.  Five years old, used very little, and ready for the trash.  New ones are slow in production and not available.  When they are, the cost is around $1000 or so, just for the unit.  Has this been a great RV  or what!   ]]> Fri, 14 Aug 2020 18:09:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135270#135270 Another AC Issue : Sorry for the doublesubforum post.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135247#135247 Author: Tibof
Subject: 13904
Posted: 13 Aug 2020 at 7:59pm

Sorry for the double subforum post.  I mistakenly initially posted this under "Maintenance". 

AC has been fine to this point.  Now, when plugged into shore power (home or campground) it blows the shore breaker.  Generator ran the AC just fine, but now it shuts down in overload.  I have no experience with AC, so suggestions as to starting point would be much appreciated.  I can check the compressor and the capacitor, but I want to consult the collective wisdom of the Forum before tearing into this. All other systems in the Pod are running fine. My son recently reported that AC attempted to start with a groan then shut down.
]]> Thu, 13 Aug 2020 19:59:28 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13904&PID=135247#135247