Hey all - just went to check the 2015 MB at the storage unit (it has 30 amp power in the storage garage) and the temp inside the RV was 94 and the air conditioner was not running. The thermostat showed an E7 code for lost AC power, even though the microwave clock was still at the correct time (so no rig power interruption). We reset the thermostat with no change then checked the circuit breakers. Sure enough, the air conditioner 20 amp breaker was tripped. After resetting the breaker all is well. However, we are planning a trip to hot, humid Florida from currently even more humid and hotter Alabama and want to be confident that we don’t have any lurking problems with this 6 year old Dometic Penguin II air conditioner. We never have had that breaker or any breaker trip. The unit has worked fine for the six years except for some moisture issues with the communications wiring, which has yielded the thermostat “32 degree problem” (fixed in a few hours by letting the wiring and connector dry out). So, any suggestions on some preventive checks to see if there are gremlins lurking about in the ac? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
We will have the MB in the driveway for a couple of days with the air conditioner running a lot while we pack the rig for the road. So, there will be plenty of opportunities to keep an eye on its performance.
Sometimes surges and such especially during T-storms can cause that. May happen once in 10 years.
Thanks. Given the summer pop up storms, it may be a possibility.
As a follow-up….after working for a day and a half in high 90s heat index, it stopped working. The fan rises to come on and just stops. So, we are at a local (trusted) service center waiting for a diagnosis. Hopefully it is something in the start up chain (capacitor?) that won’t call for a new ac. If it does, any ideas for a quieter ac than the Dometic Penguin II?
Hi Don; Rich is in the process of replacing his roof AirCon with a quieter small scroll compressor type for RV's.
Turbro inverter A/C - considering it (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=40088.msg261675#msg261675) here on this site. RonB
Hi Don; Rich is in the process of replacing his roof AirCon with a quieter small scroll compressor type for RV's.
Turbro inverter A/C - considering it (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=40088.msg261675#msg261675) here on this site. RonB
The Turbro definitely uses less power than other RV A/Cs, and it's quieter than what I replaced (2003 Dometic DuoTherm). It's not what I would call 'quiet' though.
This video compared sound levels to some other choices.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I__fHbYPbH0&t=442s&ab_channel=AllAboutRV%27s
The Turbro also has heatpump heating. The other inverter A/C on the market right now is Gree/Tosot EcoCool. It's probably quieter but intrudes a bit more on headroom inside the coach (important to me, maybe not to others).
Rich
If it does, any ideas for a quieter ac than the Dometic Penguin II?
We went with the RecPro (aka Houghton) A/C, as have others in this group. It is quieter and seems to be a better design vs Dometic. It definitely functions better overall. We remain very happy with it. I did a “review” of ours which I posted here, search my name with keyword “RecPro.”
Thanks. Given the summer pop up storms, it may be a possibility.
As a follow-up….after working for a day and a half in high 90s heat index, it stopped working. The fan rises to come on and just stops. So, we are at a local (trusted) service center waiting for a diagnosis. Hopefully it is something in the start up chain (capacitor?) that won’t call for a new ac. If it does, any ideas for a quieter ac than the Dometic Penguin II?
Any updates yet from their diagnosis?
Thanks to all for your suggestions and advice. After several hours of trouble shooting and part replacement to eliminate the different symptoms that started to present, we thought the problems were solved. Unfortunately the compressor showed that it was drawing over 22 amps (and rising) until it tripped the ac breaker on the breaker panel. So, with even with the ac “guts” somewhat rebuilt, the compressor was not functioning properly and we had to move to replace the unit.
Unfortunately, since we are on a tight time budget to head out for a family medical issue, there is no time for adequate research and order time. So, we are replacing this 7-ish year old Dometic Penguin II heat pump with its newest version. Hopefully we will be back on the road by 5 today. It’s been a long day at the shop.