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Topic: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound (Read 1230 times) previous topic - next topic
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RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
I am thinking of upgrading to the RecPro RV Air Conditioner Low Profile 13.5K Quiet AC Unit with Heat Pump, Remote, Non-Ducted sku RP-AC3400. 
They have an option for "Extending Bolts for Thick Roofs (>3-3/8")".  I don't think I need that.

I am thinking of getting the soft start, we currently do not have a generator for the RV, we may never have one, if so it would be a small quiet one.  Maybe I can wait and add the soft start later if I do get a small generator.

Our current AC is original from 1999 and the fan lately needs a push start to get going. I probably could fix it with a new start capacitor, but I would love to get a quieter one and now is probably the time.

I noticed that the 13.5 with heat pump is quieter than the 13.5 without heat pump and the 15K is close, also they both draw the same amperage.
13.5 non heat pump.
   Houghton   
  Power Demand           
  Approx. Full-Load Amps/Cooling   14A   
  Cubic Feet Per Minute   341   320   387
  Sound           
  dB Indoor High Speed   59.7 db   
  dB Indoor Low Speed   55.4 db   

13.5 with heat pump
   Houghton   
Power Demand           
Approx. Full-Load Amps/Cooling   14A   
Approx. Full-Load Amps/Heating   10A   
Cubic Feet Per Minute   318   320   300
Sound           
dB Indoor High Speed   56 dB   
dB Indoor Low Speed   47 dB   

15K with heat pump
   Houghton   
  Power Demand           
  Approx. Full-Load Amps/Cooling   14A   
  Approx. Full-Load Amps/Heating   12A   
  Cubic Feet Per Minute   341   320   300
  Sound           
  dB Indoor High Speed   59.1 db   
  dB Indoor Low Speed   55.4 db   

Quite interesting.  Add the heat pump to the 13.5 and it is quieter. The 15K is a bit quieter on high.










Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #1 –

The thick roof option is not needed.
With a MB, I would get the 15k version, it's what I plan on getting if and when the A/C finally dies in our 24' Front Lounge.

Since these A/Cs do not have inverter drives, I would install a soft-start when the A/C is installed. This should allow running the A/C on a small generator, such as a quiet Honda 2200.
A small generator may not be adequate if camping at high altitudes,  probably not much of a problem in Florida.
Please report back after the new A/C is installed.

If the fan doesn't want to start easily, remove the roof cover and oil the motor bearings, they are exposed and not hard to get to.
Amazon.com: 3-IN-ONE Motor Oil, 3 oz. : Automotive

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
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: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #2 –
Hi Steve;  I also have an original A/C unit, also a '99 and I've been watching it's performance degrade slowly over the last year. Probably also the starting or run capacitor.  Without the dual thermal pane windows, the 13.5k btuh can be marginal in high temperatures, say over 105 degrees outside.  I've been watching the owners of the Houghton unit for comments, and the 15k btuh unit is likely the 'heir apparent' since a lot of my camping is in the south western states.
    The Decibel scale is logarithmic, so a little difference in number can represent quite a difference in perceived loudness.   Houghton has an option for a soft start capacitor. I would definitely get that.  RV Air Conditioner 15K Quiet AC Unit with Heat Pump, Remote Control - RecPro
    Thanks for the comparison numbers.  I'm probably going to go for the 15k btuh Rec Air (Houghton) unit. The remote would be helpful allowing me to control it from our rear dinette. I would prefer the lower profile, like the A/C unit Brisk Air Dometic that I've had.  That taller 15k unit will raise my 'safe' bridge level a few inches.
     My hearing loss from a career working in 85 db+ environments without hearing protection means that the A/C running won't bother me much.  My wife and cats would prefer a quieter unit. Possibly I can run the higher capacity unit on the low setting more often.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #3 –
I heard back from REC pro.
The compressor size between the 13.5K and 15K are close in size, that is why there is little to no amperage difference.
As far as noise, the 13.5 with heat pump is lower to ceiling and the 15K's compressor is behind some components.

Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #4 –
The 15K I listed has a condensation pump for a drain, probably not the model I wanted.
RP-AC3800 is the one.

   Houghton   
  Power Demand           
  Approx. Full-Load Amps/Cooling   14A   
  Approx. Full-Load Amps/Heating   12A   
  Cubic Feet Per Minute   341   
  Sound           
  dB Indoor High Speed   59.1 db   
  dB Indoor Low Speed   55.4 db   

I see amperage and db are the same as the other one.

This is a tough decision being things vary a bit from what is expected.  IE, seeking mostly less noise as our original 13.5 cooled well enough for us.  Wasn't seeking a heat pump because if we have 120VAC we find an electric tower heater on low maintains. But the heat pump ones are quietest. The 13.5 with heat pump is the quietest, low profile (doesn't matter to us) and it is $100 more than the 15K. It is 3 to 7 db less than the 15K.   The 15K oddly is 80.3 lbs vs the 13.5k at 99 lbs. Weird.
Lighter could be easier for me to handle.  So 15K for being lighter and having more btu's at 100 dollars less, or the heavier 13.5K for 100 dollars more and a bit less noise.
I wish it was simpler, IE, less btu one being quieter, less amperage, less weight and less price, larger btu one being noisier, more amperage, heavier and more money.. I think they did this on purpose.    
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #5 –
Few things in life are simple. I would get the 15 K because our summers can get toasty, and the Factory 13K A/'C has trouble keeping the interior cool in 100+ temps..
My experience with Florida's summer heat and humidity would encourage buying as big an A/C as possible.YMMV

If we lived in Europe, Dometic sells inverter A/Cs there but they do not seem to be available in the US.
RV Air Conditioners | Dometic International
Inverter drives can allow variable speed or output. Our home heat pump has a variable output of heat or cold depending on where the thermostat is set.  This would be a nice feature in an RV A/C.

Edit: Houghton's Europe operation sells an inverter A/C, wired for Europe's 240-volt/50-cycle power.
240V AC / 50 Hz | Houghton Leisure Products Pty Ltd

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: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #6 –
I made a decision. I ordered the 15K with heat pump, white and with the soft start installed.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #7 –
Quote from: StevenJill  - 
I made a decision. I ordered the 15K with heat pump, white and with the soft start installed.

Please consider a cooling and dB review at some point.   Many of us would be interested and grateful.

Updated Question.   Some owners of this A/C have reported that the unit doesn’t remove humidity and may actually introduce humidity into the RV.   I’m very interested in feedback on this observation.
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #8 –
Has anyone tried cutting the gasket from the inside with a vibratory tool?

Or from the top with a something like a PVC pipe cable saw? 

I'll probably have to do this in the next few years, so I'm looking for tips....

Rich

2003 MB
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #9 –
Quote from: rich  - 
Has anyone tried cutting the gasket from the inside with a vibratory tool?

Or from the top with a something like a PVC pipe cable saw? 

The A/C gasket is about 1-1/2" wide, so cutting it in half from the inside would require a long blade. However, it should work.
A coarse hacksaw blade may also be useful when held with a blade holder.
Viganoc Hacksaw, Aluminum Frame Compact Hand Operating Hand Saw with 12 Inch...

A PVC cable saw would require drilling a hole through the gasket, threading the cable through the gasket, and then requiring two people, one inside and another on the roof, to attempt to coordinate the push and pull of the saw.
I would try the vibratory tool or a hacksaw first.

Lifting the A/C first and blocking it would put the gasket in tension. This may help in cutting it free from the inside.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
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: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #10 –
Here is the db of the 1999 AC.
The new unit should be in next week.

I edited to add a screenshot of the db right under the unit while on high fan with compressor on.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #11 –
Today I removed the old unit. Here are two pictures of what it looked like removed before cleaning.
I used a small cordless reciprocating saw to cut the gasket so I could remove the AC.
It might barely clear the solar panel, we will see.
Done for the day.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #12 –
Quote from: StevenJill  - 
Today I removed the old unit.
I used a small cordless reciprocating saw to cut the gasket so I could remove the AC.

Good to know this works, the old method of prying the A/C and gasket loose seems to be a good way of damaging the roof.
Looking forward to how well it works and the noise level. Our A/C is old with thousands of hours of operation in our hot summers and will need replacement at some point.

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: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #13 –
Larry,
     Back in February I replaced my Dometic AC/HP that was leaking water in the coach with the RecPro 15K btu AC/HP. Best thing I did as it is easier to operate with a remote control instead of a wall mount controller. It is definitely quieter than the Dometic at all fan speeds. It starts without the 'Bump' of the compressor starting and I realize the 'Soft start' option was not necessary. It is good to have two different fan motors that are selective for what is required at each location (upper coils & lower coils). Heating and cooling is very good and more than adequate for our rear bath.
    The Dometic removal and the RecPro installation was done in about 4-hours with help of my nephew. Removing the roof gasket did require the vibrating tool and cleaning the glue from the metal. The four short mounting bolts worked well. The long ones were not necessary. We did have to expand the roof opening about 1/8th inch in two corners for the bolts and housing to properly fit the roof opening. Again the vibrating saw helped here. We cut off the Dometic controller wires as the only wire connections required are for the AC power. The RecPro is noticeably lighter to handle than the Dometic which made for easier handling. I had an easy way to remove and replace the units on the roof. Others, with help, just slide the RecPro box up a ladder to the roof and use a rope to lower the Dometic down.
    I think that the 15K unit would be best for your 23' coach as it won't have to run much to do its job. Once installed, you will be very pleased with the new unit.
   
2026 Coach House 27' "Casa Azul"
2010 RB "Monty"  &  2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #14 –
Great photos and a beautiful coach. I love the green. Re Dometic removal, rather than roping it down, a good push is more cathartic.
jor

09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #15 –
That Rec Pro really looks like a quality A/C unit.

Jon
1994 MB
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #16 –
A forum member asked why I removed the Dometic HP on my 2021 RB as he was having a similar water leaking problem with his 2022 coach.
To Bob,
What you experienced is exactly what happened to my Dometic HP. My coach was sitting in our driveway (level) while we were spending a few days preparing for a trip. It had been raining creating "Lake Newton" around the Dometic which had never been a problem in the past with ether of my 2010 or 2021 rear bath coaches. We were running the heat pump the entire time it was parked there and yes, as soon as I turned the fan off water started dripping onto the floor. It quit when I turned the fan back on. I surmised the water could have been coming from one of two places, the roof via a breach of the roof AC gasket or the more than likely from condensation pan below the coils. I tilted the coach with my Bigfoot jacks to drain the roof water and checked the condensation pan drains on both sides of the unit that was not blocked at the drain base. Then I ran the HP for a while longer still having water drip in when the fan was turned off. I believe the running fan held back the water in the pan keeping it going over the pan's edge. It was probably something blocking the opening of those two drains in the pan causing it to fill higher or a design flaw.  
      I have never been pleased with the blower sound level of the Dometic and I didn't want to take apart (and probably destroy) the styrofoam cover over the coils to inspect the drain pan so I decided to replace the Dometic and take a chance with the RecPro heat pump. So far that was a very good choice.  We now sleep well in the cab over bunk bed, enjoy watching TV  and having good conversations with guest with the lower HP fan sound levels. 
Mike C
2026 Coach House 27' "Casa Azul"
2010 RB "Monty"  &  2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23
Re: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #17 –
Quote from: Mike Coachman  - 
I think that the 15K unit would be best for your 23' coach as it won't have to run much to do its job. Once installed, you will be very pleased with the new unit.

Mike
Thanks for the details on the installation and performance. It's nice to have a fork-lift attachment, it makes installing a rooftop A/C easy.
I would want the 15K unit,  the cost is reasonable compared to some of the Dometic units.
Using a remote control eliminates having to use a wall-mounted thermostat, known to cause problems that are hard and expensive to solve.
A soft-start is a must-have, either the RecPro or the transfer of our existing soft-start.
In the past, brown-outs have twice damaged our Factory A/C.  A soft-start is cheap insurance and it eliminates the 'bump' in the night when the compressor turns on or off and reduces the stress on the compressor and other electrical parts.
Luckily, with so many solar panel installations in Southern California, brownouts have become rare during extreme heat events.
We do our best to head for cooler climates in the summer.

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: RecPro 13.5k longer bolts, size and sound
Reply #18 –
I haven't posted the "after" noise decibels yet. I seems quieter but the first attempt to read sound levels with my phone only showed a small improvement.  I will measure it again after I do a few things to the RV (trans fluid) and then plug it back in to the electrical outlet.
I think the compressor is quieter but the blower fan is more powerful. Standing up between the AC and the front of the vehicle blows hard in my face.
I will take the readings again. Overall I am happy with it.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath