| Author |
Message |
John and Barb Tesser (Bigrigger)
Registered Member
Username: Bigrigger
Post Number: 15
Registered: 9-2007
Posted From: 24.197.246.104
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 9:28 am: | |
We are planning to purchase 2 rooftop air units for our MC5C and are looking for some guidance especially concerning the interior noise level of various models. Some I have seen make conversation almost impossible. Any thoughts? |
Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member
Username: Buswarrior
Post Number: 1099
Registered: 12-2000
Posted From: 76.68.121.96
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 9:45 am: | |
I am growing tired of noise, as I approach the curmuggeon phase...
At some point, I am going to knock the roof airs off and join the basement AC crowd with large ductwork and silent air movement, never mind the loss of space, I want it cool AND quiet.
Roof airs may be adequately toned down with good ceiling ductwork, but that requires a roof raise.
If someone builds a silent roof air, I'll drive a path to their door!
happy coaching!
buswarrior |
Nick Badame Refrigeration Co. (Dnick85)
Registered Member
Username: Dnick85
Post Number: 183
Registered: 2-2006
Posted From: 75.198.201.30
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 10:09 am: | |
Hi John & Barb,
Here is some information for you to read on the Dometic penguin's. They are the most used unit on hi end coaches because of their 3 speed fan and reliability.
http://www.dometicusa.com/climate.php?product=50
Good Luck
Nick- |
James Robinson (Jjrbus)
Registered Member
Username: Jjrbus
Post Number: 101
Registered: 12-2000
Posted From: 71.51.167.56
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 11:59 am: | |
Did you look at "mini splits"? As an option. |
JR Lynch (Njt5047)
Registered Member
Username: Njt5047
Post Number: 191
Registered: 7-2006
Posted From: 69.132.233.230
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 9:15 pm: | |
I have two Dometic rooftop heat pumps which have two speed fans. The units are tolerable on low. They stay on low most of the time. Only use high when driving. Both units running, even on low, can turn the bus into a meat locker. Thermostats prevent that from happening.
Ducted rooftops are quiet...but, as Buswarrior says, the roof must be raised. Rooftops on a raised roof could be a height problem? While it can be done, the bus will be tall. Standard MC9 height with rooftops is proximal to 12'3"..with low profile ACs. Add 8" to that?? Gotta watch your overhead!
Basement ACs are nice, but $$$$$$.
However, all ducted AC systems (anything other than RV style rooftops require a ton of work to install. Even bay mounted splits should have ducting to pull the heat from the ceiling. And ideally, cold from the floor when camping in the winter.
You may find that the rooftop noise is a small price to pay for an easy to install, very dependable, easy to service, highly efficient air conditioning system.
My Dometic heat pumps offer a good bit of heat too. Down to the lower 40s they're great. Below that, they ain't great. Got an RV Hydroflame LP furnace for the worse case cold.
To raise..or not to raise? It all comes down to how much work and $$ you want to throw at the problem. This is the reason you see so many 'noisy' 'camel-hump' RV styled rooftop ACs on coaches. Rooftops make 15000 btu of cold. This is very good in hot weather.
JR |
John and Barb Tesser (Bigrigger)
Registered Member
Username: Bigrigger
Post Number: 16
Registered: 9-2007
Posted From: 24.197.246.104
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 9:48 pm: | |
Thanks all, We have been mulling over the options since we got the bus and decided to go with rooftop due to the low overhead clearance(no i dont want to raise the roof) and the lack of bay storage for a basement unit ( this Saudi MC5C has a middle door). I just know some of them are noisier than others, but it may come down to a matter of $$$$ as the range on the rooftops goes from $500 to almost $1000 each. I guess I will buy something I can afford and a set of ear plugs!! |
John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member
Username: John_mc9
Post Number: 541
Registered: 7-2006
Posted From: 66.217.101.33
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 11:28 pm: | |
I put a new Coleman low profile unit atop our class-b van camper.
Aside from the usual fan sound, the noise isn't all that bad.
The manufacturers have addressed the noise factor, and the
newer compressors are much quieter than the older types!
Best bet? Take a peek at some RVs at any local RV sales
shop, and have 'em run the ACs for you. You don't have
to buy to look, and they welcome the chance to have
anyone look.. |