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RE: Roadtrek HELP
I think you're being confused by RT's re-use of model numbers. The older '90's 210 and the current 210 are entirely different critters. The '94 you're looking at is built in a long G-series van, while the current 210's they're talking about are built on a platform that involves cutting most of the body off of an Express van, and replacing it with a new fiberglass body .
IIRC, the older 210 uses an 8,000 Btu Fedders unit (Errol, correct me here if needed). Not sure if it's still available, but I believe the replacement procedure is similar to the same-era Dodge RT's, which used to be on-line, and may still be. Perhaps someone here can point you to it.
If you haven't already, read the FAQ's here, especially those that cover buying a used B. Lots of good information there.
Jim, "Mo' coffee!"
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Handbasket
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05/20/08 05:36am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Would you believe.....
Thanks, everyone. I didn't know about the slide out AC units. I am going down to New Braunfels tomorrow to have the Fedders installed. We already paid for the unit before they orderd it :(
Hello Class B Manufacturers..........take some notes here!
I think we'll need a new muffler soon but other than that (and the window AC!!!!) the old van is working well.
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GizmosMom
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03/27/08 04:22pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Would you believe.....
We also lost the cooling in the Fedders unit in our 2001 Roadtrek 200 Popular (previous owner had replaced unit two years prior to our purchase) that was only 2 years old in May of 2001.
Our cost was $279.00 for the Fedders 10,000 BTU unit which is an exact replacement unit (on-line direct from Fedders with free shipping) and 6.1 hours of labor to take out old unit and replace with the new one (additional hours were required for taking off and replacing our solar panel and for several "alterations" they said had to be made to the unit). At $89.00 per hour plus 6% sales tax on labor, it was a lot to put into the "trek" for a unit that we are crossing our fingers will last longer than 2 years.
Morrie
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Drmjwnj
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03/27/08 03:37pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Would you believe.....
Well, we think it's high, too. The last (few) times it took them about 3 hours to pull the old unit out and then about 3 more hours to install the new unit. I found a Fedders online for $230.00. Two years ago they charged $90.00 per hour labor and it's probably more now so I am thinking it's about right (for them).
But thanks, Wayne, for your response. When I was searching for info I read your project thread. You amaze me!
If either of us had your skills, we could remove that darn AC unit and install one ourselves. Alas...we can barely catch largemouth bass but we try!
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GizmosMom
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03/22/08 03:22pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Would you believe.....
Window A/C's....
Sorry to hear the a/c problems are still ongoing. :(
I realize it probably too late for this, but our air conditioner supplier (at the paper mill where I work) is firmly convinced that Gibson holds up better than many others in our particular environment. He feels that the lines are sturdier and soldered better than in the Fedders, Maytag and LG units that he also supplies. He's convinced they are 'better built'. He also likes 'em because he has far fewer warranty claims to deal with.
I know that Consumer Reports likes many of the Frigidaire units per their last testing.
And guess what? The 6,000 btu Frigidaire I bought at Lowes has the same manual as the 6,000 Gibson he has supplied. Both are made by Electrolux.
And Maytag is made by Fedders....
Lastly, I gotta wonder if the a/c ($150 - $200?) and labor ($677 + ?) aren't a little high. :?
Oh. here's a link to chart who makes what.
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ARcruiser
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03/21/08 08:37pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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Would you believe.....
Our rear window air conditioner stopped cooling right before Christmas? I have spent countless hours performing Internet searches for a unit that would fit in the opening and for other solutions. Portable units, other inexpensive models, roof-top, etc. Nothing was practical enough in the long run. We camped during Spring Break and luckily it was cool enough and we did not need the AC.
We have been SO careful with the replacement unit: Didn't run it when the van was on a slant and turned it on monthly with the generator running. We just think the unit was a lemon and now (of course) the warranty time period is finished.
We finally said "Uncle" and ordered another unit. Yes, another Fedders unit. The current one was installed in September, 2003, and quit on us twice after that. We had to pay (both times)for the labor to remove the unit, wait for it to be repaired, then pay for the repaired unit to be re-installed.
Our van is now 8 years old and Joe says we will keep it forever(HA! He doesn't know that in a couple of years I will drag him Class B shopping!).
Total for the removal, new unit and installation will be $877.00.
Almost the same amount that I budgeted for gas expenses for our trip this summer to Colorado. OUCH!
I have been RAGING but now I am calm enough to post. I am also in a snit over the Rally because I can't go with all of you. Someday....
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GizmosMom
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03/21/08 06:01pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Air conditioner goes "blooie"
Clayway
The ones on the fedders site are mostly rebuilt units. Fedders Q code and Maytag Q code are identical and made by fedders, however most of the time the Maytags are cheaper if can be found retail. There is one other brand that is made by fedders but it excapes me right now as so many things do lately.
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larryb346
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12/25/07 06:08pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Air conditioner goes "blooie"
Here is the site and pricing
http://www.fedders.com/catalog/appliances/roomac/index.htm
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clayway
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12/25/07 03:43pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Air conditioner goes "blooie"
Drmjwj
The fedders is a issue. I have a 2003 200p. Replaced the AC unit last year and the new one lasted about 3 months. It is not simply remove and go anywhere and get something and put in the hole. RT in its all knowing wisdom made the roof and cabinet and the complete rear of the 200 to fit the dimensions of the fedders unit. The fedders/maytag is the only AC unit I have been able to find with the dimensions needed to work. The one in mine is a factory 8000 btu. If you have a 5000 are several different brands that will fit. In the 8000 all but the fedders/maytag are too tall or too wide to fit the hole, The body is made and a hole cut in the fiberglass body and the interior cabinets made to fit the molded body so not a simple matter to make the hole larger and not possible to make the hole taller due to the top fitting and bottom being the molded roof. I have step by step instructions with pictures I can email you if your interested. The 8000 fedd and the maytag are the same unit and are as far as i have been bale to tell no longer being produced. They are hard to find, however not expensive if you locate one.
Larry
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larryb346
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12/25/07 11:32am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Air conditioner goes "blooie"
I would replace with the same Fedders unit, you can order direct from them. The movement of the van probably was not the issue, my guess is just a bad unit.
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clayway
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12/25/07 11:24am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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Air conditioner goes "blooie"
2001 Roadtrek 200 Popular. The air conditioner unit that was installed last year (June, 2006) by the former owners was a standard Fedders (5000 BTU, I think) window air conditioner. While on our trip down to Florida (we're there now), the unit stopped putting out cold air (very, very boo!).
The first service guy I spoke with (and this was confirmed by my heating/air conditioner future son-in-law) stated that if the unit isn't designed for the RV world (something about the venting and drawing in the warm air, etc.) it probably won't last long (and it obviously didn't) as the compressor will seize up. It also seems that they agree that it is a better idea to replace the unit instead of just the compressor.
The questions: 1. Does all of that make sense?
2. What is the experience on replacement of the air conditioning unit (i.e., time to remove and replace with new one because we are down here for only 8 more days)?
3. What should I be looking for in a replacement unit?
4. Could I get one of the newer heat pump/air conditioner combination units as a replacement in the 200 Popular?
5. Any experience with a dealer/service company in the Naples, FL area?
6. How much will this hurt ($$$)?
Thanks.
Morrie Wiener
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Drmjwnj
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12/24/07 06:25pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Pleasure-Way Traverse
I spoke to Phil this morning asking about a few things (like why no A/C in the back door anymore and specific storage compartment measurements). Anyway, I asked him about the production and he said they debated it awhile back as they are so slammed on their other models. They decided to continue the Traverse and build pretty much on an as needed basis. They did 30 last year, 20 this and I'll bet a larger run next year as gas edges higher.
On the A/C, he said they stopped putting it because they were getting too many failures of the unit as they were not designed for OTR use. I pointed out at $80 a pop for the Fedders 5k unit they used, it was still a better alternative than a $3 Starkool. It was not an issue with Ford saying don't do it (as I'd read somewhere online). He says they still sell a trim kit and cover if one wanted to add it aftermarket.
Meanwhile, I am wondering if I'm a fool to buy one sight unseen and have it shipped by a car carrier. St. Louis is 1500-1800 miles away and we're heading into colder, more unpredictable weather. There's a closer dealer but they'd have to sell me one of theirs for a LOT less than Van City's quote.
In any event, I dreamed about one last night. Am I obsessed?? ;)
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CSG
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11/21/07 09:49am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: How to cool a 1980 Dodge Xplorer with no roof-top A/C
Several boaters have used the single hose portables with success. The 11,000 BTU one from "pep boys" runs on an EU 2000 genset. But these all take room. I have put the 14 x 14" hole in the top of several vans and several boats. Not really a bid deal, if you are careful where you cut. I like to re-enforce the fiberglass with a level lip about 1 1/4" wide, built up of glass and epoxy strips, on fiberglass tops. Underneath cut 1/2 x 1 1/2" oak strips to fit the contour (file or belt sander to get the contour) of the inside of the van/RV. In metal, just cut and put the AC unit on top....
I think that the 5,000 BTU AC units in the back widow took tacky--but it is another solution. Having ot move a unit in and out would really be a pain. I happen to love how Road trek solves the issues, with a shelf mounted standard Fedders air conditioner in the back roof over the bunk/settee.
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thataway
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07/15/07 11:13pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Clean those AC filters
Oh, I've been wondering about this. I have a 94 Roadtrek with a Fedders A/C. Where is the filter? Also, just curious...how do you clean the stuff behind the outside vents on the back. Looks like to me the only way would be to remove the black rubber stuff (and I don't think I want to do that). HELP!
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InMyLane
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07/05/07 09:27am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: A/C hurdles
Hamid: I'm afraid I did not explain myself well.
The van came with a windows type AC unit made by Fedders. That is the type we had repeated trouble with but it was repaired.
The last time it was broken was when I checked into the Carrier roof top AC.
If you would like for me to take some photos of the inside of our AC unit I can and I could email them to you. For some reason, I just cannot figure out how to post a photo here on the forum. Let me know.
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GizmosMom
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07/02/07 07:42pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: RT rear grill install help
A couple of years ago someone either here or on the Roadtrek International site posted complete instructions on replacing the Fedders AC, including the rear grill. Did you search our archives?
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Rodger
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05/20/07 09:45pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Coach Air Conditioning in Pleasure Way Traverse
Traverse A/C Replacement:
I removed a 5000 btu Kenmore a/c and needed a new unit to fit the existing opening... ended up with a 5200 btu Fedders. The Fedders was correct for Height and Width but was not as Deep. I needed to maintain the same amount of protrusion to the exterior so the cover would still fit properly. The result was more room on the interior.
The original installation utilized small 'L' brackets down the sides to hold in place, my replacement had some nice attachment points built-in along the top and bottom, so I utilized those and only needed to use a couple of the 'L' brackets.
Target has a 5200 btu Haier unit listed today for $79.99 - now I'm wondering if I shouldn't just get that instead of the 6000.
Original Kenmore:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/arcruiser/PICT0019smac.jpg
Fedders Replacement:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/arcruiser/PICT0041sm.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/arcruiser/PICT0025sm.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/arcruiser/PICT0026sm.jpg
Yeah, the cut along the top is pretty ragged.... but it works and ya can't see it with the trim installed.
Nowadays I'd use the 'nibbler' for a nicer cut. :B
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/arcruiser/PICT0034sm.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/arcruiser/PICT0035sm.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/arcruiser/PICT0037sm.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/arcruiser/PICT0039smacext.jpg
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ARcruiser
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05/20/07 09:43am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Coach Air Conditioning in Pleasure Way Traverse
Geez, I wish ya hadn't asked. :R
All BS aside, I have agonized over this subject for months and it has actually 'semi-halted' my project. Well, I do procrastinate anyway's... and the Casita is a nice diversion.
But, back to the a/c.... here's a regurgitation of my thoughts:
Window unit in rear door: Nope, hate the location... and I think the vibration isn't very good on the a/c. I had to replace the inoperable Kenmore? unit in my Traverse and it appeared to have never been used. The guy I sold it to had a refrigerant leak on the Fedders unit I put back in it's place.... hmmm....
Portable A/C vented thru sidewall or floor: Wow, these ain't cheap! And you gotta look long and hard to find any positive reviews. Negatives reviews all over the place. Dual hose design 'sposed to be better - still very little positive testimonial activity to support the idea.... plus the thing takes up a LOT of room. A/C alone @ $275 and up single hose, $400+ and up for dual hose.
Window unit in a cabinet on side wall: American Cruiser did it and it worked OK, I guess. Hmmmm... I'll install in the cabinets... gotta get air flow to the coils, so I'll have a 4" - 6" intake with a duct boost-fan drawing air into the cabinet and exhaust to the rear with a refrigerator vent installed on the van exterior. Have a metal pan fabricated to catch condensate overflow to drain thru floor to exterior drain and a bit more sheet metal work to build baffles in the cabinet to control separation of intake air - forcing proper exhausting. A/C cost $125 for 6,000 btu, duct fans up to @ $130, exterior vent, cabinetry, sheet metal work, etc.
I could spend $3,000 plus to have Sportsmobile install the Starcool system....
OK, I'm 99% sure it's gonna end up being a 6,000 btu a/c in the rear door....
( back to square one! )
Why? Simplicity, Space Utilization, and Cost.
Simplest installation of all (almost) - just cut the hole in the rear door and add a little wood to support it. I'll trim it out and come up with some kinda cover, but it's still the simplest option (except for the Portable Units which may or may not be effective) I can send pictures of my Traverse' installation.
Space efficiency. Portables take up a lot of room and the idea of the cabinet-installed window unit still takes up cabinet space in a premium location . Only thing I ever planned for the rear door was to maybe store my water hose and electrical cords, so now they go in the other door or under the bed.
Cost: Window units in the 5,000 to 6,000 range start at $89 or so... OK, vibration may kill it in a year or 2 or 3 or 4. At $89 per unit it's gonna take a long time before it woulda been more cost effective to have had the Starcool installed.
Lastly, since my dinette/bed is gonna be the crosswise sleeping arrangement, the rear door a/c will be less intrusive than in the lengthwise sleeping arrangement. We won't be trying to lay a pillow on the a/c - that's where our lower legs will be.
I never totally disliked the exterior appearance of the Traverse a/c.... looks a lot better than older vans I have seen with an a/c unit in place of a window in the rear doors.
GTRV has also used the a/c in the rear door set-up.
GTRV has also installed them in the side walls, using a very large exterior grille for airflow - and taking up a lot of cabinet space on the inside.
Tough call, but I do expect to install one in my rear door within 30 days.....
unless I change my mind......
again.
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ARcruiser
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05/16/07 09:52pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Need A/C gurus trobleshooting input!
The AC thread from long ago can is here .
A couple of thoughts: After all of our troubles we thought that the unit had gone south again last spring. But it turned out that it was the voltage at a campground that we stayed at. Do you have a generator and if so have you tried running your AC with it on?
As much as I've asked and written you would think I would know about amps but it seems to me that 15 amps is not enough to run your AC.
Also, it is probably mentioned in the above thread but I will again say that after all of our problems we learned that we should not run the Fedders AD unit when we are not level. NO WHERE in any manual was that ever written. The service manager told us that. We had been running it while packing on our sloped driveway.
After you read the thread if you have any additional problems I urge you to post again.
I feel your pain.
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GizmosMom
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04/20/07 07:55pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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Need A/C gurus trobleshooting input!
The Fedders a/c unit on my 98 RT seems to have gone south. The unit comes on, compressor kicks on when I turn the thermostat to the cool direction, but no coolness and the coils are not warm to the touch. I have no water draining anywhere either. Could it be out of freon? Bad thermostat? Shouldn't be a power problem, I'm plugged unto 15 amp house receptacle direct from the coach. Any help would be appreciated!
I just got this RT a couple of months ago (turned on a/c at the time and it felt cold but it was cool outside anyway). My last 93 RT had it's share of repairs but the a/c wasn't one of em!
I've checked the obvious things: dirty filter, dirty coils, level surface..
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himarks
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04/20/07 07:05pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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