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 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?

I will be taking photos of the unit tomorrow(actually today) and writing up the install. But there really isn't much to tell. Yes it fits perfectly onto that riser and the panel on the inside fits just right into where the panel that had the Coleman distribution panel. It was a no-brainer install. Basically took the old one out and replaced it with the Atwood like it was made to go there....like I said before, the only con to the Artwood is the filters...they slide out from the sides and with it being up in that riser like it is, there is no sliding room to do that...so to clean the filters you'll (I'll) have to take down the air distribution panel (4 screws) to un-slide out the filters...other than that, it's worlds better than the RUMBLER WHOOS-A-MATIC it replaced! Get the 15K unit with the heat pump (it's standard). You'll love the quiet!
Tom

[Padgett]

Do you have a way to measure the peak surge current (amps) when the AC starts ?

[davlin]

Probably this one?

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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