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12-17-2015, 06:16 AM
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#1
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 73
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Basement A/C
We know there must be threads already addressing this question. So, either tell us your thoughts on basement A/C, or point us to other threads. Thanks
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12-17-2015, 07:09 AM
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#2
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Weyauwega, WI US
Posts: 1,486
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We are now owners of our 2nd Winnebago MH with basement A/C. We have not had any problems with either. It cools well and is quieter than our roof airs in previous MHs. We are very happy with our Basement air.
Don
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Don & Bev Morgan Weyauwega WI, 05 Itasca Horizon 40KD, 400 HP Cummins, Delorme GPS LT 40, Toad 07 Saturn Vue AWD, Air Force One, TST 510 TPMS, Mayor of Weyauwega 2007 - 2013, Waupaca Co Board Supervisor 2010 - 2014
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12-17-2015, 07:14 AM
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#3
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Home on the hill in Georgia
Posts: 296
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Do a search on this site and you will find several discussions. As Don said, it is quieter than most roof units and has served us will. It is backed up by a propane furnace for colder temps.
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Jerry & Patsy Potter, Taz & Jake Jr.
2000 Winnebago Journey
2006 Ford Explorer 4X4
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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12-17-2015, 07:16 AM
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#4
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Freedom, NH
Posts: 83
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X3!
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Fran, Mary & Zoey (silver Cocker)
2006 Itasca Sunrise 35A, 2005 W-22, Allison 1000 5 speed
'13 Ford Focus ST or '10 Prius on Master Tow Dolly 80THD-SB or '00 Jeep Cherokee 4-down
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12-17-2015, 08:42 AM
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#5
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by peterson
We know there must be threads already addressing this question. So, either tell us your thoughts on basement A/C, or point us to other threads. Thanks
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Just for thought, try " bye-bye basement air "
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JIM & Martha ,rescue buddies ,Bacon & Molly ,2006 Itasca Meridian CAT 350, Jeep Wrangler tow.
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12-17-2015, 09:58 AM
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#6
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Out there, somewhere
Posts: 1,744
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Quote:
Originally Posted by peterson
We know there must be threads already addressing this question. So, either tell us your thoughts on basement A/C, or point us to other threads. Thanks
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As has been pointed out, yes, there are numerous threads about the "infamous" basement air. Just in case you don't know, the basement air unit is basically a home air conditioning unit, along with a heat pump. It works almost exactly the same. So, with that being said, as usual, you will find some that are and never were, all that happy with it. But, based on the many threads/posts I've read and, also the four coaches we've owned with both roof and basement air, we're pleasantly happy with our basement air.
Some will state it's noisier than roof air but, by and large, the majority of them will state the opposite, that's quieter. I guess it all depends on the individual(s) using either one.
The good points about them are that in most cases, they can be serviced by basic home A/C techs due to the fact that, THEY ARE THE SAME. Another good point is, even the average do-it-yourselfer can actually remove that unit and set it on some saw horses right along side the coach, and service some points on it themselves, and even "bench" test it right there on the saw horses due to the fact that the electrical umbilical cords, stay connected when the unit is serviced in that fashion.
There are normally two systems or, two compressors in those units. One will normally come on and, when the system says it's ok to do so, the second one will come on too.
A bad point about them is, since Winne and Itasca both dropped the basement air a few years ago, it's SLOWLY getting a bit harder to find parts etc. for them. But, not to panic, there are still places that sell brand new ones and, parts. As for noise and efficiency, well, like stated, many like them and some don't. If you're thinking of a coach that has it, my suggestion would be to put that unit through its paces and, see, feel and hear for yourself, how it sounds, how well it works, and what you yourself think is: too noisy, not efficient, works well, what? Good luck.
Scott
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2004 ITASCA HORIZON 36GD, 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 Toad '08 GL 1800 Gold Wing
Retired-29.5 yrs, SDFD, Ham - KI6OND
Me, Karla and the Sophie character, (mini Schnauzer)
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12-17-2015, 10:17 AM
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#7
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: SE Minnesota
Posts: 228
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A friend of ours has a 2009 Tour and his unit is extremely loud, so bad that we never sit on his patio when it is running. He and I have always wondered what is it that makes his so loud because we have both seen others not nearly as loud. You would think they would all be the same as far as the noise they make.
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06 TS-42-DS04
1040 watts of solar
2014 Jeep Rubicon/2003 Honda CRV
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12-17-2015, 10:33 AM
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#8
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 478
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Quote:
Originally Posted by becks
A friend of ours has a 2009 Tour and his unit is extremely loud, so bad that we never sit on his patio when it is running. He and I have always wondered what is it that makes his so loud because we have both seen others not nearly as loud. You would think they would all be the same as far as the noise they make.
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Mine was very loud until I pulled the unit and replaced bearings. What a difference in noise level.
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Bob, Sandi & Marmaduke the Big Pug
SW OREGON 2004 Journey 39K, 330 Cat
If towing: a 2006 Mini Cooper or 1995 Wrangler
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12-17-2015, 10:33 AM
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#9
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: NE WA or S TX
Posts: 298
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Scott "Fire up" express my feelings very well, we like it!
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04 Horizon QD, 12 Ford Flex, Excalibar, Brakemaster, Winter Texan, RVin! since 1974
Norm, Donna 01 Z3
Life is a Timed Event, you only get One Go Around!
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12-17-2015, 10:39 AM
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#10
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: SE Minnesota
Posts: 228
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Bob, we have wondered if it could be something like that, as it was not that loud when new. It has simply gotten louder over time since new to the point where it is now unbearable.
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06 TS-42-DS04
1040 watts of solar
2014 Jeep Rubicon/2003 Honda CRV
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12-17-2015, 10:51 AM
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#11
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 478
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Quote:
Originally Posted by becks
Bob, we have wondered if it could be something like that, as it was not that loud when new. It has simply gotten louder over time since new to the point where it is now unbearable.
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If mechanically inclined you can pull the unit and replace the bearings. I did it myself but would have been easier with a little help. Probably a couple hours to get it out, a few minutes to replace the bearings and a couple hours getting it back in - at least that's the way I remember it.
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Bob, Sandi & Marmaduke the Big Pug
SW OREGON 2004 Journey 39K, 330 Cat
If towing: a 2006 Mini Cooper or 1995 Wrangler
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12-17-2015, 02:16 PM
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#12
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Out there, somewhere
Posts: 1,744
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Quote:
Originally Posted by becks
A friend of ours has a 2009 Tour and his unit is extremely loud, so bad that we never sit on his patio when it is running. He and I have always wondered what is it that makes his so loud because we have both seen others not nearly as loud. You would think they would all be the same as far as the noise they make.
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Well,
The first thing is, what's meant by "loud"? Are you talking squealing, rubbing, fan air noise, motor noise, what? What Bob primarily is talking about is a sort of, kind of, banging, shaft turning, semi-grinding noise. All of which is indicative of bad bearing. Well, to those that don't know, the basement air units, while a good unit and actually puts out a ton (or two tons actually) of A/C, the morons decided to cheapen out and install bronze, lubable bushings for the fans.
Talk about "Mad Max" archaic thought processes in the 21st century Well, what Bob and I and a few others have done is, simply remove that A/C unit from it's cradle, set it on some saw horses or, what ever would work for you and, remove just some of the sheet metal surrounding the unit. Mostly just the top is fine.
Then that will reveal the bronze bushing in it's housing. It's the kind like you used to see in the 20's through the 50s for motor bushings. You lift up a tiny little hatch/door and drop a few drops of 3-in-1 oil and, you're good for a month. Well, those air heads want you to do that, in a $2,000 dollar basement A/C unit, that you have to completely remove from the coach, in order to do it. Now that's some serious wrong there.
So, what we did was, simply remove that bronze bushing and, install in its place, a $19.00 permenantly lubed, sealed bearing. Talk about a worlds difference. Now, there's also better and quieter fans that can be purchased and installed that are supposedly more efficient and quieter than the originals. I may get around to picking up some of those too, at a later date, we'll see.
Anyway, that's what most of the NOISE that most hear on those is, a bad bushing.
Scott
__________________
2004 ITASCA HORIZON 36GD, 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 Toad '08 GL 1800 Gold Wing
Retired-29.5 yrs, SDFD, Ham - KI6OND
Me, Karla and the Sophie character, (mini Schnauzer)
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12-17-2015, 10:18 PM
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#13
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 73
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You are all such wonderful people to take your time and write about this topic. I feel very fortunate that you are ready to share your time and knowledge. Thank you again and again.
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12-17-2015, 10:35 PM
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#14
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 139
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On my Itasca 37H and I assume the Journey 37H also, the return air is right next to the bed. This makes it quite loud from fan and compressor noise. That said, it can be a benefit in noisy sites, especially Walmart and truck stops. When the noise level outside is high, I will set the fan to constant run to drown out the more objectionable outside noise. Reliability has been fine except for a bad connection at one of the reversing solinoids that required removal of the heavy unit to access.
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2008 Itasca Meridian 37H & 2015 Flagstaff T12RBST
2011 & 2012 Len & Pat's "One lap of America"
27K miles & 41 states in 13 months - Woo Woo
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Yellowstone Lake 6-1-2012
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12-19-2015, 11:07 AM
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#15
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 274
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01-21-2016, 02:48 PM
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#16
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 11
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I have been concerned about pulling out the unit because of the plenum and return connections, isn't there a chance of damage to these? How do they connect to unit?
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01-21-2016, 02:58 PM
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#17
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: 5 miles south of Lakeville, Mn
Posts: 518
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We had ours worked on last Fall and it was pretty simple. The tech dropped the unit down out of the coach and worked on it right on the floor. Parts are available on the market from Grainger or other vendors.
Just find a tech that knows what he's doing.
__________________
Jim and Carol Cooper with Oreo the Kitty
FAA ATC ret, VFW, Legion, VVA, NRA
2012 Journey 36M, Cummins 360hp, 2015 Ford Explorer Blue Ox, AF1
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01-22-2016, 02:09 PM
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#18
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: North America somewhere
Posts: 2,148
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Previous thread with links to almost everything about the basement heat pump unit:
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f101/a-c-...of-158086.html
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2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA 1SG, retired;PPA,Good Sam Life member,FMCA. "We the people are the rightful masters of both the Congress and the Courts - not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow men who pervert the Constitution." Abraham Lincoln
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01-22-2016, 02:10 PM
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#19
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: North America somewhere
Posts: 2,148
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Quote:
Originally Posted by grant3791
I have been concerned about pulling out the unit because of the plenum and return connections, isn't there a chance of damage to these? How do they connect to unit?
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That is described in detail in this thread: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f101/a-c-...of-158086.html
__________________
2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA 1SG, retired;PPA,Good Sam Life member,FMCA. "We the people are the rightful masters of both the Congress and the Courts - not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow men who pervert the Constitution." Abraham Lincoln
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01-26-2016, 04:47 PM
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#20
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 9
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I have a 2008 Winnebago Adventurer with basement A/C. If the unit is like a home unit, can the freon / coolant be recharged? Or is it a sealed system?
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