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Swamp cooler, heater grate questions
Hi, I’m a new owner of an 1989 M22 that I’m renovating. Have a couple questions for the group.

I have a swamp cooler that works, sorta. The fan spins, but is loud. I turned on the cooler pump - it made some pumping noises and then stopped , I think it’s might be done. Is it worth it to try to fix the cooler pump and try to quiet the fan, or should I just put in one of those Fan-tastic 3 speed fans? I’ve never had a swamp cooler so I have no idea how well they work compared to a regular fan. I live in Los Angeles (dry climate).

Also, can you paint the metal grate over the heater?
Thanks,
Greg
Re: Swamp cooler, heater grate questions
Reply #1 –
"I have a swamp cooler that works, sorta."

Greg

I'm the last guy you'd want to answer your question but I suggest you use the search function here on the forum to seek answers about swamp coolers.

Now as to replacing the cooler with a fan I would investigate the MaxxAir fans as opposed to the Fantastic!   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Swamp cooler, heater grate questions
Reply #2 –
A working evaporative cooler will help some in hot, dry weather, they are worthless when it's humid. They require a water source and do not provide much ventilation. Finding parts and maintaining them is a hassle, they build up mineral deposits that need to be removed periodically.
As Steve suggested, replacing it with a MaxxAir fan is a good idea.
I used to recommend Fantastic Fans but the newer, pancake motors are noisy and the remote controls troublesome.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Swamp cooler, heater grate questions
Reply #3 –
I  also have a 1989. The swamp cooler is a great feature for desert camping!

On mine the fan worked but the pump didn't. I bought a small 12v aquarium pump and replaced the original one.

Here is what I used: Mini Submersible Water Pump (240L/H, 3.6W), Electric Brushless Fountain Pump, Powerful Water Pumps Ultra-Quiet, Dual-Purpose Design for Aquariums, Fish Tank, Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Ponds Amazon.com: Mini Submersible Water Pump (240L/H, 3.6W), Electric Brushless...

Be careful with the cover, they are typically fragile and can break if you try to force it.
—
Harvey, the RV
1989 22' Front Lounge
Re: Swamp cooler, heater grate questions
Reply #4 –
Quote from: pierats  - 
I  also have a 1989. The swamp cooler is a great feature for desert camping!
I agree, though I have a TurboKool on my Class C, and I've used it on a slide-in camper, a Class B MH, and a previous Class C. Plenty of ventilation, it helps a lot in humidifies under 30%, uses a small plastic tubing connection to the pressurized motorhome water system, so no pump is needed. A float valve keeps the water level correct in the unit. It helps in higher humidities, even though it doesn't cool as much. It provides about 90% of our air conditioning needs in places like Nevada and Utah. We love the quiet fan, and since it runs on batteries, no generator noise. Mineral deposits build up on the foam filter, so I replace or "refresh" it yearly. Refreshing is just soaking it in a 50/50 vinegar water mixture for an hour or so, which dissolves the minerals.
2005 Jayco 24SS
Re: Swamp cooler, heater grate questions
Reply #5 –
I have a 91 with the swamp cooler. We have used it very rarely but we still have it and maintain it. If you keep it, I recommend you reinforce the cover with something like fiberglass layers. The cover becomes very brittle with age and replacements are no longer available since the company went out of business a couple of decades ago. If you do take it out, a fan or a skylight is a great replacement option.
You said the pump kind of works. There is a separate valve to turn on the water for the swamp cooler. Check to see that the water valve is open.
SoCal-Gal  (Tracy)
1991 26.5 RB
Previous 1988 22’ LD Multi plan
Previous 1992 Six-pack Camper
Spare the sealant, spoil the job.
Travelers: Tracy, spouse Anthony, Coton de Tulear, Gabby and parrotlet, Indigo
Re: Swamp cooler, heater grate questions
Reply #6 –
Quote from: pierats  - 
I  also have a 1989. The swamp cooler is a great feature for desert camping!

On mine the fan worked but the pump didn't. I bought a small 12v aquarium pump and replaced the original one.

Here is what I used: Mini Submersible Water Pump (240L/H, 3.6W), Electric Brushless Fountain Pump, Powerful Water Pumps Ultra-Quiet, Dual-Purpose Design for Aquariums, Fish Tank, Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Ponds Amazon.com: Mini Submersible Water Pump (240L/H, 3.6W), Electric Brushless...

Be careful with the cover, they are typically fragile and can break if you try to force it.


Thanks a lot, I’m going to replace our pump with this one and give it a shot!
Re: Swamp cooler, heater grate questions
Reply #7 –
Quote from: SoCal-Gal  - 
I have a 91 with the swamp cooler. We have used it very rarely but we still have it and maintain it. If you keep it, I recommend you reinforce the cover with something like fiberglass layers. The cover becomes very brittle with age and replacements are no longer available since the company went out of business a couple of decades ago. If you do take it out, a fan or a skylight is a great replacement option.
You said the pump kind of works. There is a separate valve to turn on the water for the swamp cooler. Check to see that the water valve is open.

I’ve discovered the cooler pump (under the sink) works, but the water pump (at the top of the unit) doesn’t. I’m going to replace the pump at the top and see how it goes. Definitely going to need to do something about the cover, it’s cracked and is missing a few pieces. I’ll look up how to reinforce with fiberglass layering as you suggested, but if you have any specific recommendations please let me know!
 
Re: Swamp cooler, heater grate questions
Reply #8 –
Years ago someone made a mold of the cover. That’s probably the best way to fix it. But I would probably just use a marine epoxy with some fiberglass and cover it on the outside to reinforce the existing cover.

PS: there are some previous threads that might help. Here’s one: 1997 Lazy Daze swamp cooler question
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Harvey, the RV
1989 22' Front Lounge