How well does the X-160 A/C work?

Magellan · 06-27-2019, 03:36 PM

I am sure y'all are getting tired of hearing my woes, but here goes. I am getting ready to replace the rooftop A/C on my X-160 but before I do I was wondering...Does this RV ever get cooler than 78 degrees? It's also always warm in the cabinets and under the fridge and bed too. I bought a portable with 11,000 (7,000 in the real world) BTUs and the only time the RV gets below 78 degrees is at night and in the early morning, and then I'm freezing. The RV is only like 150 sq ft. I even insulated the exhaust hose so there is no heat coming from there. Are these RVs that badly insulated? Is the rooftop A/C able to keep up with 100 deg. temperatures?

Eagle · 07-04-2019, 11:38 AM

On some really hot days around 100 F, I've turned my thermostat down to 68 at night as the other half likes it cool. No problem getting to that temp but never tried lower.

Perhaps your A/C unit has a leak and low on freon. I've read they are a throw away and replace type of unit.

Magellan · 07-05-2019, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle

On some really hot days around 100 F, I've turned my thermostat down to 68 at night as the other half likes it cool. No problem getting to that temp but never tried lower.

Perhaps your A/C unit has a leak and low on freon. I've read they are a throw away and replace type of unit.

I have heard that about these A/Cs too which is sad when you consider how much they cost. I saw a YouTube video where a guy made a tap into the line so he was able to check the Freon level and add. It was pretty cool, lol. I just want to make sure before I spend that much money that it will cool the RV

Eagle · 07-05-2019, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magellan

I have heard that about these A/Cs too which is sad when you consider how much they cost. I saw a YouTube video where a guy made a tap into the line so he was able to check the Freon level and add. It was pretty cool, lol. I just want to make sure before I spend that much money that it will cool the RV

Perhaps contact the mfg. and inquire what temperature the cooled air from the A/C should be. Then turn on your A/C and check the temperature with a thermometer.

OR...any quality local A/C service firm should be able to check it out, I would think.

Dutchman · 07-07-2019, 01:06 PM

A properly functioning AC with clean coils and filters will easily cool down at least 20 degrees below outside temp. In our trailer I can get 30 deg lower. The inside of cabinets, under the bed etc will not cool down because they're dead air spaces nor is there a need to cool them down.

code2e · 07-07-2019, 02:09 PM

The first thing I learned, years ago, air conditioners do not make cold air. They remove heat from inside and deposit it outside. You mention outside temp was 100 and inside was cooled to 78. That is a 22 degree reduction. Another owner mentioned, he was getting 30 degrees of cooling. The most you can expect is about 35 degrees from a perfectly operating unit. The most common cause of poor performance is low refrigerant charge. You could look into adding fittings to charge, providing you have access to refrigerant and a gauge set. One thing to check, are all your windows and roof vents closed? Hot air coming in will offset cooling gains. Good luck.

Magellan · 07-08-2019, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle

Perhaps contact the mfg. and inquire what temperature the cooled air from the A/C should be. Then turn on your A/C and check the temperature with a thermometer.

OR...any quality local A/C service firm should be able to check it out, I would think.

One of my RV neighbors gave me the name of a guy he trusts so I will probably give him a call, thanks ☺️

Magellan · 07-08-2019, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutchman

A properly functioning AC with clean coils and filters will easily cool down at least 20 degrees below outside temp. In our trailer I can get 30 deg lower. The inside of cabinets, under the bed etc will not cool down because they're dead air spaces nor is there a need to cool them down.

I would be happy with a 30 degree reduction in temperature. I understand the dead space thing but the heat coming from under the bed feels like a heater that’s on. I’ll just open the cabinet a little to let some cool air in to solve that problem. I got a name of an A/C guy now so I’ll give him a call

Magellan · 07-08-2019, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by code2e

The first thing I learned, years ago, air conditioners do not make cold air. They remove heat from inside and deposit it outside. You mention outside temp was 100 and inside was cooled to 78. That is a 22 degree reduction. Another owner mentioned, he was getting 30 degrees of cooling. The most you can expect is about 35 degrees from a perfectly operating unit. The most common cause of poor performance is low refrigerant charge. You could look into adding fittings to charge, providing you have access to refrigerant and a gauge set. One thing to check, are all your windows and roof vents closed? Hot air coming in will offset cooling gains. Good luck.

Yes, everything is closed. I bought some insulated drapes (yes I did ��) to cover the door and windows and that seems to have helped. I would be happy with a 30 degree reduction in temperature. I understand the dead space thing but the heat coming from under the bed feels like a heater that’s on. I got a name of an A/C guy now so I’ll give him a call and see how much he’ll charge. Thanks!

twinster2 · 07-10-2019, 01:53 PM

Magellan

Not sure of the age of your FF but I think Cruiser only started to add significant insulation beneath the floor starting in 2009 along with a thick plastic weave barrier. Before 2009 I'm not sure they added much insulation at all.

Eagle · 07-10-2019, 02:06 PM

My 2012 XT-276 Toy Hauler has zero floor insulation. The plywood flooring is visible from underneath and all the plumbing, electrical, gas lines, etc. are open and visible.
Makes it very easy to work on anything under the toy hauler.

Magellan · 07-10-2019, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinster2

Magellan

Not sure of the age of your FF but I think Cruiser only started to add significant insulation beneath the floor starting in 2009 along with a thick plastic weave barrier. Before 2009 I'm not sure they added much insulation at all.

That’s what I’m afraid of. I’m afraid to spend $1,000+ to find out that it won’t get cooler than 78-80 degrees. The portable I have going should be cooling it, it’s rated for 3 times the square footage. I even used an insulated vent hose and am sure there is no heat coming in from the unit, the hose is cool inside. I’m going to have an A/C guy that was recommended to me come take a peek. I really just have to get through the next 2 months. I stinks being poor 😂😂 but I’ll have my degree next year.

Magellan · 07-12-2019, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinster2

Magellan

Not sure of the age of your FF but I think Cruiser only started to add significant insulation beneath the floor starting in 2009 along with a thick plastic weave barrier. Before 2009 I'm not sure they added much insulation at all.

Thanks, I’ll hang a thermal curtain then to keep the heat under the bed then 😂. Maybe I won’t need to. The A/C guy said the unit is a great unit, the coils look brand new and that the problem was the capacitor and the thermostat. He says this unit should put icicles on my nose.