Question Dometic Fresh Jet AC conversion

[lostinfla]

Forgive me if this has been hashed out before, but I am thinking of changing out the AC's on the coach at some point in the near future. In going with the Fresh jet units replacing the Penguins, I'd like to get some reliable info from anyone here who has done the switchover. I'd like to know what's involved with reconfiguring the Newmar plenum and/or gasket design (if necessary), also, if there's an ability to run them with the Micro Air thermostat. Thanks in advance for any knowledgeable responses!

 

[TheLooks]

Microair should work, Newmar is the best bet for telling you what will work as to their plenum design. I used to have a site that told me all the units within a manufacturer that were compatible, but they didn't include Newmars design change.

 

[Neal]

Would be great for Newmar to put out official guidance for all of their customers with Dometic if in fact we still can't source replacements. Be proactive Newmar!

 

[NWIP]

Spoke with Newmar and they have Penguin II 13500 btu in stock but no 15000 btu. Since we think our bedroom AC might need replaced we would elect the 13500 as a replacement.

They say they have not done a Freshjet replacement yet.

 

[Chuggs]

The plenum issue is covered on Newgle. It just requires an additional piece of foam seal material. I'll see if I can find a photo.

 

[Chuggs]

Newmar places a welded aluminum support...which the supply and return ducting is connected a foil taped to. If you look...you'll see the standard square...and the new A/C will have a foam square seal. You habe to add an additional section of foam to match that dividing welding.

Mounting holes for freshjet are the same as the penquin II.

I haven't had my hands on the new Heat Pump version. Out of desperation I installed the AC only version...which didn't come with a control board. I retired mine using g my Penguin II control board, freeze sensor, Molex power plug, Outside Air temp, and moved my MicroAir Easy Start over, as well. They moved the capacitors, to a different location. Not too much different otherwise.

 

[NWIP]

Thanks for the pic and additional info. I had mine checked and all voltages we good but since still have some issues with AC, even tripped the breaker once. Currently in MT and only using heat pump

 

[Chuggs]

They're a crap shoot. My rear unit is original 2016. Still works, although I did habe to replace the capacitor, fan wouldn't start. My front was replaced with another penquin II, and at the tine my wife wouldn't let me up on the roof for a job like that. (recent Heart Attack, may have been a factor ) Not too fat beyond warranty, that one went...compressor overheating) We had a big trip planned to go out to the mighty five and balloon fiesta. Nobody had any Penguin II 15k heat pumps. So, out of desperation I got a Freshjet5 A/C shipped down from Atlanta...and my wofe actually helped me hoist it up on the roof No more roof restrictions .

I do, at some point, want to swap out both with new 15k heat pumps. We got by with Oasis and a si gle heatpump this past winter. Back into full time A/C use again now.