Life's Sweet Journey: Replacing a Dometic RV AC Unit

Friday, May 29, 2020

Replacing a Dometic RV AC Unit

Replacing an RV AC Unit

Summer is upon us and here in Florida it is already H-O-T, HOT! 
Knowing that and getting ready to plan more adventures makes me all the more thankful for our new AC unit in the RV! Replacing our RV AC ourselves was actually a lot easier to do that I thought it would be, so here are a few tips if you are looking at a Summer filled with warm blowing air from your own RV AC unit. 

We spent the beginning of our full-time RV adventure in much cooler weather, so we did not need to use the AC in our 2011 Keystone Cougar. The previous owners had taken great care of it, but it spent most of it's time in Florida and that takes a toll on a rooftop AC unit trying to cool a 34ft 5th wheel. We were in Kanab, Utah when things started to heat up and we realized our Dometic AC unit just wasn't keeping up and was mostly blowing warm air through the rig. We looked into all kinds of options, but found out that ultimately it would cost just as much to recharge the current one (and may not even work) than it would be to just replace it. Trying to wait for an RV repair man can take a long time and we were not staying in one place; we couldn't take it anywhere and leave it, because where would we live. So, replacing the ac unit became our first big RV DIY project- you can see an in-depth walk through in the video below with step-by-step ways to replace it or read through some of our tips to tackle it too! It definitely saved us a ton of money doing it ourselves than if we had paid to have it done. 

How to Replace a RV Dometic AC Unit



Equipment Needed:
- AC Duct Tape (HVAC silver tape) 
- Screwdriver 

Tips for replacing an RV AC Unit

Tip #1: Call the RV AC Manufacturer

We did call the manufacturer to make sure the new unit we were getting was compatible with the thermostat we have in our rig (we did not replace that, just the actual rooftop ac unit) before making our purchase. 


Tip #2: Loosen the Existing AC Unit 

After unscrewing the old unit from the rig it's best to push up from the bottom to loosen it first, before sliding it out at the top. 

Tip #3: Check the Duct Work for Better Efficiency 

We were't originally going to do any duct work, but when we took the old unit out Babe noticed a ton of spots that weren't properly sealed meaning even when the cold air was blowing we were loosing some of it in the living space and we need the full cooler air to reach the bedroom. If you watch towards the middle of the video you can see where he applied a lot more duct tape (the silver foil kind, not to be confused with the heavy gray stuff) to allow the air to carry more evenly throughout the camper. 


Replacing RV AC Unit
Replacing Dometic RV AC Unit
Replacing RV AC Unit

Tip #4: Haul the new AC Unit Up in the Box

Leave the new unit in the box when carrying to the top of the camper; it made it a lot easier to handle and also was somewhat better protected in case we did drop it. 

I'm definitely thankful for such a handy guy, because when I say we replaced it ourselves what I mostly mean is he replaced it! I helped, but he was definitely the heavy lifting. However, it only took about 3 hours with him videoing it, so if you were just working straight through it shouldn't take more than a few hours to replace your old AC unit with the new one. We went with the Dometic unit similar to one we had and it has now been going strong for two years and even survived two Florida summers!


Stay Cool Fellow Travelers! 
Any questions just let us know (I'll ask Baba- haha)!
Have you had an RV DIY repairs?!

Check out more RV DIY in our Replacing RV Slide Out Seals post or

PIN IT FOR LATER
Replace Dometic RV AC

37 comments:

  1. Outstanding post, you have pointed out some fantastic points , I too conceive this s a very good website.Air conditioning companies near me

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. Air conditioning Sydney

    ReplyDelete
  3. I truly welcome this superb post that you have accommodated us. I guarantee this would be valuable for the vast majority of the general population.
    lake nona florida air conditioning repair

    ReplyDelete
  4. I enjoy every one of the posts, I must say i adored, I want more details with this, mainly because it is rather excellent., Thanks pertaining to speaking about. denver ac repair

    ReplyDelete
  5. In contrast to other develop service businesses, the rental car industry is exceptionally solidified which normally puts expected new comers at a cost-detriment since they face high info costs with decreased chance of economies of scale. travel trailer

    ReplyDelete
  6. Got Flow Plumbing & AC Services Some of them incorporates focal air overlooking, the versatile, and ductless and room climate control systems

    ReplyDelete
  7. Car account has become huge business. An enormous number of new and trade-in vehicle purchasers in the UK are making their vehicle buy on money or some likeness thereof. Used rvs for sale in missouri

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. With different makers and sellers guaranteeing that anyplace somewhere in the range of 40% and 87% of car buys are today being made on account or the like, it isn't astonishing that there are heaps of individuals getting on board with the car money temporary fad to benefit from purchasers' cravings to have the freshest. Used rvs for sale in Arkansas

    ReplyDelete
  10. I ran ¾" electrifies pipe under the shop floor to three controllers at three diverse advantageous areas.air compressor Indiana

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Two stage air conditioner cost Wow, cool post. I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article... but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though.

    ReplyDelete
  13. The most predominant concerns are a frozen curl welcomed on by low refrigerant or messy channels, for instance. Air Conditioning Repair

    ReplyDelete
  14. Both the evaporator and condenser are sealed units and you cannot carry out any air conditioner repairs to these yourself: you will have to call a trained professional. Air Pro Heating & Air Conditioning

    ReplyDelete
  15. This progression typically comprises of a long reach plan which separates the moves to be made dependent on best profit from venture. Diminishing your structure load permits the current HVAC framework to work all the more effectively. Daily Heating and Cooling

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for spending the time to record and post this, it really helped me!! I've got a 2002 DuoTherm and Dometic followed back up with me to narrow down the model I could use so I didnt have to replace anything but the roof top unit. Having that slide out made the lifting a bit easier. I ended up having to use an extension ladder and made a trolley to hold the AC and slid it up like they do with shingles on a roof.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Smart way to get it up there! Glad you found this helpful!

      Delete
  17. Here are a couple of focuses you could remember while looking for an agency: https://www.wtfixair.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  18. . Try not to enlist an agency that guarantees the work will be done in a jiffy. You will be had a good time with in a jiffy as well. Decide on a trustworthy agency. It is one method of guaranteeing that you get your cash's worth. https://www.wtfixair.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  19. I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. https://www.wtfixair.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  20. As a shopper you certainly need to track down the best performing unit for you.https://proaireq.com/air-duct-cleaning-equipment/

    ReplyDelete
  21. I think this is a real great blog post. Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.ac repair rowlett

    ReplyDelete
  22. When contrasted with air conditioners, evaporative coolers utilize a normal of 75% less power. Evaporative coolers are very energy proficient.
    Sydney air conditioning services

    ReplyDelete
  23. In case you are an enormous business building proprietor, track down a business HVAC company for ordinary support and a decent mechanical designer for explicit direction. HVAC Repair Tampa

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow i can say that this is another great article as expected of this blog.Bookmarked this site.. rv profy

    ReplyDelete
  25. Enjoyed every bit of your article. Thanks Again. Really Great.HVAC Repair in Rowlett

    ReplyDelete
  26. Very useful post. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. Really its great article. Keep it up. umrah packages

    ReplyDelete
  27. Nice to read your article! I am looking forward to sharing your adventures and experiences. visit this site

    ReplyDelete
  28. In 1900 there was almost no individuals could do during a sweltering spell aside from protest about the climate or - if they could manage the cost of it - disappear to the mountains or the coastline. instalación aire acondicionado zaragoza

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thank you given for this service. Your service are good. Moreover, We should remove your extra house appliance. Appliance Removal in Claremont, CA service provide you this opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  30. You deliver the informative post related to replacing domestic RV AC unit. You provide the complete method. Further, If you want to get movers services then you should hire Residential moving services in Sandy Springs for quality work.

    ReplyDelete
  31. You have a genuine capacity to compose a substance that is useful for us. You have shared an amazing post about Jayco Seismic for us .Much obliged to you for your endeavors in sharing such information with us.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Truth be told, we may nearly say that air conditioning implies making a counterfeit, agreeable environment. In this article we will examine just cooling.Sunshine Coast Aircon

    ReplyDelete
  33. Indeed, we could nearly say that air conditioning implies making a counterfeit, agreeable environment. In this article we will talk about just cooling.
    Aircon Servicing in Singapore

    ReplyDelete
  34. Before signing up for any HVAC training, you’ll need to confirm that that program you’re enrolling in will be relevant to the state you live in or intend to work in start here

    ReplyDelete
  35. I must admit that I enjoyed every blog post and wanted to know more which browser you prefer. Every blog you post is very interesting and has simple language. Denver HVAC Services

    ReplyDelete
  36. Upgrading my RV's AC unit was a game-changer! Cooler travels and better sleep make every adventure unforgettable. Thanks for sharing your experience! Cool Gactory, INC

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by for a bit!
I love comments, they make me smile :) Hope you are having a wonderful day!