aggie79 wrote:flboy wrote:John61CT wrote:Units designed to handle bouncing around will last longer
What makes a unit designed better to handle being bounced around? Just curious.
I don't want to get too far off topic, but the stresses of caused by "bouncing around" are minuscule compared to the normal operating stresses of an air conditioner - compressor vibration, thermal cycling, etc.
I have cleaned the coils several times on my travel trailer's Atwood air conditioner. Visually, there is very little difference in construction between that unit and the window unit I used in my teardrop. The RV unit has more sheet metal bracing, and the motor shaft of the blower and fan is a little larger in diameter (probably due to its much greater length), but the coils, refrigerant lines, and wiring are built and packaged the same as a window unit.
Back to the topic: I think Don "hit the nail on the head". Low voltage appears to be the culprit. What gauge wiring did you use to wire the trailer? Are there any other fixtures or appliances running on the same circuit as the A/C unit. How are you providing power to the CT conversion? It is by generator or campground pedestal? If the latter, they are notorious for not providing correct voltage (low voltage).
I agree and that was the point of my question which was not answered. Based on my research and my personal experience over the years, the rooftop AC is only rooftop/RV centric specifically because the RV manufactures and Utility Trailer manufacturers all make standard 14 inch vent tops so an AC can be installed at the factory or aftermarket (assuming appropriate bracing) anytime without consideration of any other design aspect. It is simply the easiest thing to do, less costly from a labor perspective, a standard, and a very good use of space for large RV's. I have had them all apart before, and I see nothing different for the most part.. if things seem more robust, it is usually due to a 12,500 BTU unit being compared to a 5,000 BTU for instance.. Need to compare apples to apples.
In any case... for every
anecdotal case of a window unit not holding up, there dozens of other applications you never hear of because they work just fine for many years trouble free. Rooftop units fail prematurely in some cases as well and many work for years trouble free. One thing I suspect is that there are many more manufactures of Window AC's (and prices) due to larger market and subsequently, more variance in quality.... and RV Air Conditioners are only made by a few (again due to a comparatively limited market)... so quality is probably more on par with less variance. I'd also wager, the RV AC Manufactures are buying key components (compressors, coils, and etc,) from the same suppliers... It is just the way it is.
In any case... this is an age old discussion... folks should just get what they want that fits their needs, comfort level, budget, etc.. It is all good.