RV AC Longevity

[Endricken]

I just replaced my Fourth AC on my 2005 Fiver.
Most recent two ACs lasted only 5 and 6 years. Both were installed at the same time.
The Coleman Mach Low Profile 13.5K Bedroom AC that wasn't used that often lasted only 5 years.
The Dometic Brisk Air 15K Ducted/Main AC lasted 6 years.
We do use / live in our RV about 9 months per year (in the Summer or South TX for the Winter which means AC is used a LOT) so for most RVers won't have to replace so often, but I wonder how this might compare to Fulltimers...
Also replaced the OEM Suburban Furnace last Fall as the Blower got noisy. New Furnace is much quieter.
Glad I can fix most systems on the RV myself...

[solismaris]

15 years so far; no problems. And I don't hesitate to run it even when the voltage is as 105 volts or lower which is quite common in many campgrounds, and is supposedly bad for ACs.
That being said I use AC rarely; probably 2 or 3 days a year.

[mike_brez]

Just replaced my 21 year old Dometic with new ones. We shall see.

[Veebyes]

Replaced a 10 year old Coleman this year. Not much use really but has experienced low voltage a number of times. First the fan motor seized. Replaced that & gave everything a good cleaning. Two weeks later the compressor died. Bought new unit & salvaged slightly used fan motor as spare for new unit.

[Endricken]

Followup: I use a 50amp Surgeguard all the time.
It was running when it failed, just "groaning" to a stop so I figured it was "shot" and not worth trying to figure out what was wrong being 6 years old (after losing a lightly used Coleman AC after only 5 years).
I will admit to not maintaining the failed Brisk Air recently as well as I should since the Shroud screws stripped from earlier cleanings with AC coil cleaner and inspection/cleaning showed little dirt. However, dumping the Brisk Air off the Roof "removed" the shroud and the Condenser and Squirrel Cage Fan were pretty dusty dirty. On this new one I will be sure to replace any stripped Shroud screws with better ones as needed so I can stay on top of cleaning.

[CavemanCharlie]

You may have a low voltage problem. My 1993 TT still has the original AC.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Was it a motor failure? If so, I'd encourage you to get an autoformer.

[mdcamping]

I've replaced OEM coils that have lasted almost 40 yrs, the replacements lasted 10 yrs. compressors, motors, controls, bearings and even v-belts just don't last as long... this is a overall trend I have had to deal with.

Mike

[jplante4]

Highly dependent on voltage. My 24 year old Penguins are still going, knock wood. I put in a Progressive surge protector/EMS and keep a good eye on the volts and amp draw.

However, you are correct The new ones don't seem to last as long. I bet we sold 30 AC units this summer and half of them went to 2-5 year old campers.

[valhalla360]

Keep an eye on park voltage.

Heavy usage (within reason) is actually better than just sitting for months at a time.

But if you are running at low voltage, it can burn up pretty quick.

15-20yr is pretty normal.

[2oldman]

My 17 yo Brisk air is fine. Replaced squealing furnace motor at 16 years. Not a diy.

[T18skyguy]

It seems nothing lasts as long as it use to. I visit all the rv forums, and AC's failing early is a common thread. Since we can't make it ourselves, we have to keep buying poor quality.

[Flute_Man]

I am a full-timer in my motorhome and My two air-conditioners have lasted 15 years and still going strong.

Jerry Parr