1993 trailmanor 3225 problem with A/C

Hello! We are new owners of a wonderful 93 3225. We are loving the space, it appears to be pretty sturdy. We are readying it for our first week end camping trip. When we turn on the A/C, it runs for a few minutes and then blows the fuse. I looked through the instruction manual we have, but do not see anything on this. Any ideas?

[Padgett]

None that you want to hear but suspect the compressor motor is on its last legs. Think you should start shopping for a replacement AC.

If you have an electrical friend you might run a load current test but suspect it is out of spec.

Good news is that ACs from this century are much more efficient and a new 13,500 btu roof unit is in the $350-$400 range.

When finding a replacement ac, is there a particular size or brand we should look for?

[Padgett]

If you have three responses you will have four opinions. (really old joke). A lot depends on where you expect to be travelling and what temperature you find comfortable.

Most have a 13,500 btu unit. I had a 5,000 btu window unit in my Westphalia. Was fine in shade or at night, not so in sunlight.

Another issue is whether you plan to dry camp (no hookup) and need AC then. I had a Honda EU2000i that was fine for the Vixen with some mods. With the TM AC it really grunted the turned on & dropped to about 65 VAC briefly then the AC started and it came back to 120VAC. And this near sea level (about 150 feet) when the gen has max power.

Keep in mind that the Honda is rated for 2000w surge and 1600W continuous.

OK generators is another thread but should be a consideration if you need AC when dry camping. A 11,000 btu unit may be "enough" for you while having lower power requirements than a 13,500 or the 15,000 a salesman may try to sell you.

I'd have someone knowledgeable check out the electrics before spending a lot of money but suspect you need to be prepared for a new a/c.

Meanwhile I'd like to find the dimbulb with a bigger air gun than IQ who managed to put metric lug nuts on my SAE axle.

[Bill]

As Padgett suggested, get someone who knows air conditioners to check the electrics. The problem is almost certainly a dried-out capacitor, which can be replaced for a very few bucks. Been there, done that.

Bill

[hillbillyhotel]

just to chime in,
is this not a side mount ac on this early model? if so, life just got a lot cheaper to replace, just one about the same size, just a room window ac from one of the mart-brothers (wall-mart,,k-mart)
just be carefull taking out, will need the flaps and such that is attached to it now, going back in.
couple good (older)threads on this if you do a search

[Padgett]

Just a thought but if the condenser is clogged or the airway is blocked or the condenser fan fails, the pressure will go through the roof and something will fail (fuse or high pressure switch). Would explain the delay between turn on and fuse blow.

[wbmiller3]

If it's a side mount, as I suspect, there is an LG model sold at Lowe's that is a near fit.

I am puzzled by your comment about blowing the fuse though. Our 2001 does not have a fuse in the AC circuit, just breakers.

I have a 1995 3225 and the roof mounted air conditioner works.......sort of. After about 10 minutes, the cold air is no longer cold. Do these A/C's operate like a car A/c, in that they can be recharged or do I just suck it up and buy a new air conditioner???