Just bought this 1996 Fifth wheel in May. The Dometic 15K ducted ceiling unit gave up it started by a buzzing sound when first turned on in the Low fan mode; would come on Ok in High fan mode. Then it would do it in both modes. Cleaned the condenser and the evaporator of debris. Then it seemed to work good until I shut it down one cooler evening. Then it would cause problems in both modes; starting would pop the breaker. So flipped it back on and it worked; left it run one hotter night and it quit completely; nothing; no noise.
Today took the relay unit out; opened up the cover and there is the printed circuit board with a relay that had melted and turned the board black. I just wonder how come the breaker didn't pop off that night. I am thankful it didn't burn the RV up and maybe me with it!! You realize how quick these things burn???
I found that PPLRV A dealer in Houston TX. will ship a new 13.5K unit with a warranty for $480 or a 15K unit for $545.00 shipped. I also found a slightly used 13.5K unit local on Craigslist for $400.00 and the person will show me it works and hooks up to my duct work! I will offer $325.00 for the used one and if he don't bite I will get the 13.5K from PPL. in the Spring.
I have to get the new 10 gallon electric/propane w/DS water heater before Winter as it has a leak in the tank and will get worse going from cold to hot. It is $397.00 shipped from PPL! Such is life when you buy used; but I will have less than $5k in this unit which sells for $7800.00 to $15,500.00 on dealers lots w no warranty.
-- Edited by PIEERE on Thursday 25th of September 2014 07:44:42 AM
-- Edited by PIEERE on Thursday 25th of September 2014 07:46:31 AM
-- Edited by PIEERE on Thursday 25th of September 2014 07:47:35 AM
Sushidog said
07:28 PM Feb 7, 2015
For a handy guy like you, Pieere it sounds like used is the way to go -if you check out the major issues (like leaks) ahead of time. Just think, it could be much worse. I got a quote on replacing the AC in my old S&B (before I let it go) for $6,000 installed. That's more than you paid for your entire RV! RVs are certainly more affordable than a S&B - by a factor of 10.
I'd definitely buy that new unit from PPL for $480 (with a warranty) over a used AC - even for $325 (with no warranty.) The newer model is probably more efficient too, costing less to operate over the long term.
Chip
-- Edited by Sushidog on Saturday 7th of February 2015 07:28:51 PM
PIEERE said
10:26 AM Feb 9, 2015
Thanks Chip! I have decided to go with new from PPL. The new/used one was a 1993 unit. The seller tried to hide that info, I took the cover off, it was not ducted either.
Today took the relay unit out; opened up the cover and there is the printed circuit board with a relay that had melted and turned the board black. I just wonder how come the breaker didn't pop off that night. I am thankful it didn't burn the RV up and maybe me with it!! You realize how quick these things burn???
I found that PPLRV A dealer in Houston TX. will ship a new 13.5K unit with a warranty for $480 or a 15K unit for $545.00 shipped. I also found a slightly used 13.5K unit local on Craigslist for $400.00 and the person will show me it works and hooks up to my duct work! I will offer $325.00 for the used one and if he don't bite I will get the 13.5K from PPL. in the Spring.
I have to get the new 10 gallon electric/propane w/DS water heater before Winter as it has a leak in the tank and will get worse going from cold to hot. It is $397.00 shipped from PPL!
Such is life when you buy used; but I will have less than $5k in this unit which sells for $7800.00 to $15,500.00 on dealers lots w no warranty.
-- Edited by PIEERE on Thursday 25th of September 2014 07:44:42 AM
-- Edited by PIEERE on Thursday 25th of September 2014 07:46:31 AM
-- Edited by PIEERE on Thursday 25th of September 2014 07:47:35 AM
For a handy guy like you, Pieere it sounds like used is the way to go -if you check out the major issues (like leaks) ahead of time. Just think, it could be much worse. I got a quote on replacing the AC in my old S&B (before I let it go) for $6,000 installed. That's more than you paid for your entire RV! RVs are certainly more affordable than a S&B - by a factor of 10.
I'd definitely buy that new unit from PPL for $480 (with a warranty) over a used AC - even for $325 (with no warranty.) The newer model is probably more efficient too, costing less to operate over the long term.
Chip
-- Edited by Sushidog on Saturday 7th of February 2015 07:28:51 PM