AC maybe over working

[ChrisMaggie]

Hello i am just getting ready to go full time. I bought a 2013 Thor ACE 30.1 and have made some minor modes to it . I went out this last weekend, 106f for sat. My AC got very cold during the night but kept tripping the breaker about every hour during the day. I know I should not keep turning the breaker back on too often, I had a new breaker in my parts kit, so my daughter crawled under bed and changed it, hot and sweating job, the ac quite throwing the new breaker. Problem is that it did not seam to make it cool until sunset then cold again. Looking on line it is recommended to make sure there is nothing blocking the roof inlet. So that is on the list before i hit the road again. My question is this common or isolated? Also, does the row of light by the spade fuse light when working or when blown? Mine just stayed out, we checked a few and they were good, so I assume they light when popped. I posted this on the THOR forum page but since I am new here I copied it. I live in KS and plan on going south next month.

 

[Greg and Mary Brannon]

Welcome to the forum!

You mentioned minor mods. Were those electrical? Any that might cause a change in how the A/C operates or how the AC system is loaded?

You said the A/C ran without tripping the breaker once you changed it. Was the new breaker the same amperage as the one that was tripping?

You have one A/C unit? Do you know what its cooling capacity is (BTUs)? How large is your RV?

RV A/Cs often struggle to keep the interiors cool for various reasons. Run down the list of the common things to check and correct to see if they help, but your system may just be insufficient for the extreme temps you were experiencing.

Greg.

 

[d23haynes57]

Instead of guessing you should have a means t measure the power, current being consumed and also the voltage available, under load. Yes, an air conditioner will draw more power due to increased outside temp and also inside temp. Both raise the operating pressure of the refrigerant. Being a 2013 older tech and the AC may not be performing as it should. Have the coils been checked and cleaned? The condenser can be loaded with some dirt and often these have aluminum fins that can corrode and block air flow. For the evaporator inside, a lot of dirt will get past the filter and collect on the coils and fins. Again, remove the filter, look inside with a flashlight, and see what is in there. No next comes the bad part. Do you have one AC or two? If only one you just may not have enough capacity to cool a 31-foot RV. Poor insulation and single pane windows add to the load. For the most part your coach is designed for short term and fair-weather use. You can look at upgrading the AC or add a supplemental. Over cool it at night and try to minimize heat gain and ride out the increased temp during the day. Cover windows. Pick locations where "the weather suits your clothes".

 

[ChrisMaggie]

Welcome to the forum!

You mentioned minor mods. Were those electrical? Any that might cause a change in how the A/C operates or how the AC system is loaded?

You said the A/C ran without tripping the breaker once you changed it. Was the new breaker the same amperage as the one that was tripping?

You have one A/C unit? Do you know what its cooling capacity is (BTUs)? How large is your RV?

RV A/Cs often struggle to keep the interiors cool for various reasons. Run down the list of the common things to check and correct to see if they help, but your system may just be insufficient for the extreme temps you were experiencing.

Greg.

I have a 30.1, the mods were step replacement and swapping the sofa for power seats. CWD did both mods so i assume, yea I know, that they did it correctly .
The new breaker was the same fit form and function.
no idea about BTU's, is that on data plate or on the roof?
I thinking about one of those small wall AC unit that don't need to be plumbed, have you seen those?

- one option for more cool on really hot ones

Still learning a lot. thanks for the quick response.

been trying to update profile but can't add anything.

 

[ChrisMaggie]

Instead of guessing you should have a means t measure the power, current being consumed and also the voltage available, under load. Yes, an air conditioner will draw more power due to increased outside temp and also inside temp. Both raise the operating pressure of the refrigerant. Being a 2013 older tech and the AC may not be performing as it should. Have the coils been checked and cleaned? The condenser can be loaded with some dirt and often these have aluminum fins that can corrode and block air flow. For the evaporator inside, a lot of dirt will get past the filter and collect on the coils and fins. Again, remove the filter, look inside with a flashlight, and see what is in there. No next comes the bad part. Do you have one AC or two? If only one you just may not have enough capacity to cool a 31-foot RV. Poor insulation and single pane windows add to the load. For the most part your coach is designed for short term and fair-weather use. You can look at upgrading the AC or add a supplemental. Over cool it at night and try to minimize heat gain and ride out the increased temp during the day. Cover windows. Pick locations where "the weather suits your clothes".

you say "short term and fair weather" is there one best for long term? Since i only have one AC I'm have the AC unit checked as we speak by a PRO!

 

[d23haynes57]

you say "short term and fair weather" is there one best for long term? Since i only have one AC I'm have the AC unit checked as we speak by a PRO!

Yes, there are motor homes and trailers that are much better suited for weather extremes. Better box, better windows, more and larger AC, Heat, Tanks etc. There are some high-end gassers that come close matching some lower end or mid-range Diesels. Moving up to rigs that be like home. It would really be nice if the industry actually gave ratings for what the temp and time conditions are. As a guide most rigs larger than van-campers that only have a 30 amp feed will have some limitations. 30 feet with a single AC the low 90's and some sun is the limit for cooling. Heating you may be good to just below freezing. Single digits and the teens will be challenging and you will need a lot of propane.