9 replies to this topic

[Joe/GA]

I installed a Turbo/Maxx vent fan on our camper last weekend. I had the AC running so I'd be cool while doing the inside work. When I removed the inside trim piece from the vent, there was a blast of cold air coming out of the access hole in the steel rafter. I knew that didn't seem right and figured there was a duct disconnected or missing somewhere. This past Friday, I dropped the lower half of the AC to check things out. I found that the duct that went forward to the bath and bedroom area was not properly installed and a lot of the cold air was being sent into the area between the roof and the ceiling. Also, the cold discharge air was being directed back into the return air supply. We haven't camped yet to see if my fix has helped, but it sure seems to be better. I didn't check the temps inside, but I have to believe it was at least 85 degrees in there when I fired up the AC and set it for 73 degrees. I noted the time and in 35 minutes it shut off. I would imagine that everyone else with an Outback probably has the issue with the opening in the rafter on the discharge side of the AC. If you look in my picture gallery, the pictures tell the whole story. I wish I could duplicate the conditions that we had at Anastasia State Park and see if this "fix" made any appreciable difference. Clicky thing to my pics

[Rollrs45]

Thanks for the pics! I've complained about my AC since the day we bought the camper. I'll definitely be checking my ducts. Thanks!

Mike

[jambalaya]

Joe that is wild. I bet our Outback has the same malady. I have noticed places on the ceiling where condensation forms and the surface is obviously colder to touch than the surrounding area. I held my hand near where openings have been cut to install lights and the various alarms on the ceiling. I can feel a cold draft of air coming from each. I am air conditioning the ceiling roof space!

I see you used wood, foam and tape to block the gaps. Do you think that the spray expandable Stuff might work as well?

Stopping this leakage is going to be my summer project.

Have a great 4th.

Billy

[Joe/GA]

jambalaya, on 04 July 2010 - 09:21 AM, said:

Joe that is wild. I bet our Outback has the same malady. I have noticed places on the ceiling where condensation forms and the surface is obviously colder to touch than the surrounding area. I held my hand near where openings have been cut to install lights and the various alarms on the ceiling. I can feel a cold draft of air coming from each. I am air conditioning the ceiling roof space!

I see you used wood, foam and tape to block the gaps. Do you think that the spray expandable Stuff might work as well?

Stopping this leakage is going to be my summer project.

Have a great 4th.

Billy

Hey Billy!
I actually looked to see if I had any Great Stuff to spray in there and I did not, so I used what I had available. Yup. I'll bet the expandable foam would work just fine.
Hope you and your family have a great 4th, also.

[Joe/GA]

Rollrs45, on 04 July 2010 - 08:07 AM, said:

Thanks for the pics! I've complained about my AC since the day we bought the camper. I'll definitely be checking my ducts. Thanks!

Mike

Hey Mike. One of the easiest things to do is drop the inside trim from one of your center mounted roof vents while the AC fan is running. If you feel the blast of air from the attic, you know yours is the same way. BTW, when I was ready to remove the 4 bolts that secures the bottom of the AC to the top half, I found 2 of the bolts were only finger tight. The upper half of the AC sits on a thick rubber gasket. The 4 bolts that secure the bottom to the top, pulls against that gasket. Like any gasket, you don't want to distort it by over tightening. Snug is all you need to get a little compression of the rubber gasket.
Have a great 4th!

Joe

[Crawfish]

Great info Joe. I had a 26' Outback before we got the 5er and I had the same problem. I checked the 5er during the PDI and all was well. That is some good info about the four bolts also. You do not want to tighten them all the way down or the gasket will leak. Thanks for sharing.


Leon

[Rollrs45]

Thanks for the tip. I plan on checking my AC this week.

Mike

[Gilligan]

This is a FEATURE. While it is common for some trailers to have a "heated underbelly", some Outback models have a "cooled ceiling". It keeps the ceiling area from getting hot from light fixtures, wiring, etc. Make sense?

Gilligan

[Joe/GA]

Hmmm...I do have the heated underbelly, so it makes sense that I would also have the cooled ceiling! Thanks Gilligan!

[Reverie]

I have to go back and tighten my air conditioning bolts yearly. I actually had the condensed moisture coming back from the roof but once I tightened the bolts that problem went away. During the summer rally at Saint Augustine I had condensation forming in my ductwork and dripping down ever so slightly. I think I need to spend some quality time with my ductwork in a week or two...

Reverie