Atwood A/C installation took 1 and 1/2 hours

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Is all it took to plop in my new Atwood 15K A/C. Sorry Bill, no special braces, measurements, photos, or tongue positions. Removed the old Coleman. That was the hardest part just getting it down. However I did have some help from TD RV mobile service who came by and did most of the work and did it for the old Coleman so that didn't cost me any $$$. We positioned the Atwood in it's place and raised the TM back up so we could finish the inside part of the job which included cutting the duct that they provide down to the right size for this fit (2 1/4" long was the final measurement)...and I must say, the Atwood is oooo sooo quiet! So much so that Dan, (Mr. TD RV) said he wanted to get one for his rig (he had never worked on one of these or heard them run...or is that NOT heard them run?)!

The remote control is a nice feature too as well as the heat pump (hey if you want to pump some heat step outside here in Austin).... So it fit perfectly....the ONLY con to the Atwood is that the filters slide out to the sides, and the way that the unit is positioned into that recess, there just isn't any room to slide them out....so...to clean the filters I will have to drop the plenum (that's what they call the air distribution panel). Four screws and it will come down....however, where there is a will there is a better way to do this...I'll come up with something you bet your booty...but until then I'll enjoy the quiet and will be able to finally hear the television for a change. NO more RUMBLE RUMBLE of the compressor...yeah! Plus no more WHOOOOOSH from the blower because this unit has two motors. One for the condenser and a separate one that runs the blower inside. That way the needs of one is not affected by the constraints of the other. But best of all "The Management" is happy!
Tom

[BrucePerens]

Does this unit have an inverter-driven motor? The clue would be whether it pulls a lot of current at start-up or not. Also, if you have a schematic we can read it.

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Originally Posted by BrucePerens

Does this unit have an inverter-driven motor? The clue would be whether it pulls a lot of current at start-up or not. Also, if you have a schematic we can read it.

I wouldn't think that it takes any more (probably less) amps to start this since it has two motors...however, this and the inverter question, would be a question for Dometic...who owns Atwood now.

I emailed Dometic before I bought this to see if they were going to discontinue the line and they wrote back saying that they planned to continue selling and making the Atwood A/Cs...nothing like being in competition with yourself...RIGHT?!!...so I got one....and I am SO glad I did! All the reviews I read said that the Atwood was so much more quieter than the Dometics, Colemans, and Advent A/Cs.
and Day Wuz Rat!
Tom

[Padgett]

Do you have a schematic you could scan and send ? Would like to see it & how to add a soft-start.

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Originally Posted by Padgett

Do you have a schematic you could scan and send ? Would like to see it & how to add a soft-start.

I don't have a schematic for the Atwood...maybe contact Dometic and ask them for one.
good luck
Tom

[Shane826]

When will this show up on the site? I wanna see the details involved in replacing it. Does the A/C sit in a riser like the roof vents?

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Originally Posted by Padgett

Do you have a schematic you could scan and send ? Would like to see it & how to add a soft-start.

I did find somewhat of a schematic in the back of the installation manual. I will publish it on my website in the next couple of days.
Tom

[Darrowman]

Do you have a model number for this unit? Where did you buy it? Is there much weight difference in the 2 units? And finally, you mention your website, but didn't list it. Can you share it please.
Thanks!

[simoesxp]

It is 2024 and I am in the market for a new AC - contacted Dometic because the Atwood model mentioned here is discontinued. Here is their response:
“
Thank you for contacting Dometic. We do not have decibel ratings on our units. The Air Command has been discontinued. The FreshJet is currently our quietest unit, however this is currently only offered as a cool only air conditioner. The Penguin would be the current recommended option if you wish to have a heat pump installed. “

Other TM owner installed the Coleman Mach 8 not sure how much quieter it is. The search continues …

[Bill]

If it is going to affect your choice of units, be sure you understand the difference between a "heat pump" and a "heat strip".

A "heat strip" is a simple electric heating element, the same thing you would buy at some place like Walmart for $20, but mounted inside the air conditioner enclosure. They generally consume about 1500 watts and provide about 5000 BTU of heat - a rather small amount. In the world of air conditioners, these are often called Chill Chasers, because they can't do any serious heating.

By contrast, a "heat pump" is a completely different animal. It is an integral part of the air conditioner's cooling mechanism. For the same electrical power consumption, it can produce a good deal more heat. It will also cost a good deal more, and limit your choices.

Still reading? Our TM air conditioner came with a Chill Chaser. We don't use it, and not only because of the small amount of heat produced. The other reason is that, being built into the air conditioner, it uses the air conditioner fan, which is noisy. A better solution for us was to buy one of those $20 portable electric heaters. It is small, sits on a countertop, has three fan speeds and an adjustable thermostat, is very quiet, and can be aimed in any direction. Perfect!

A couple notes if you go the portable heater route. First, for safety, the unit should have an overheat shutoff and a tip-over switch. I think they all do, but check it.

Second, for $20 each, we bought two of them, for times when more serious heat is needed. We run one of them on an extension cord which goes under a Velcro flap and out to the campground power post. That way, they don't use up any of the 30 amp capacity of the TM 30-amp main breaker.

Third - you can buy fancy versions of the portable electric heater. They can be tall and skinny, they can look like a fireplace or an apartment radiator, they can oscillate. They can use words like "oil", they can say "ceramic" or "quartz", and so forth. Lots of cool-sounding but meaningless words. All of them produce exactly the same amount of heat, so save your money.

Your choice, of course.

Bill