Buying a used ac unit
rosewood
Reg. Feb 2010
Posted 2010-07-26 3:26 PM (#122799)
Subject: Buying a used ac unit


Member


Posts: 11

Location: Thunder Bay, On, Can

Hi guys:  Looking for more "free" advice.

I'm going to look at a couple of used ac units tomorrow from a guy who sounds like he parts out old travel trailers. This is the info he has given me.

ONE UNIT IS A COLEMAN MACK 3, 13,500 BTU COOLING AND IS WIRED FOR OPTIONAL HEAT ELEMENT (5600 BTU), BELIEVE PURCHASED IN 2000.
 
THE OTHER IS A DUO THERM,13,500 BTU ALSO WIRED FOR OPTIONAL HEATING ELEMENT (5600 BTU) FROM 2005 TRAILER.

I have a 2004 Exiss with a small living quarters and the conversion was done by Sierra.  It is wired for AC but one has never been installed.

He is asking $300 canadian for each unit.

Any thoughts?  How complicated are these to install?  What should I look at as far as condition etc.?  I know this isn't much to go on.  I'll post again after I go to look at them (of course I don't know what I'm looking at but I'll go and try and look knowledgeable  )

Thanks for your time.

Maryann



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gard
Reg. Aug 2007
Posted 2010-07-26 3:40 PM (#122802 - in reply to #122799)
Subject: RE: Buying a used ac unit


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Location: western PA		Look at the newest unit and have him run it to prove it works. Have him remove the outer cover and inspect the coils/fins for any damage. There are some parts you will need for your installation, brackets, seal, bolts and especially the inner shroud with the filter and control knobs. It's not hard to install, the instructions can usually be found on the internet.
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retento
Reg. Aug 2004
Posted 2010-07-26 4:01 PM (#122806 - in reply to #122799)
Subject: RE: Buying a used ac unit


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Location: Rocky Mount N.C.

That Coleman Mach III is alot better made unit than the Duotherm... I have had both, been there done that. I would stay away from the Duo-therm unit, slow fan, low air movement, hard to see controls, can't quite understand how it gets a 13,500 BTU rating. Still have a 10 year old Cloeman Mach III that ran about 20 hours this past weekend. 106 degrees Saturday afternoon and it was 81 degrees inside a 10' short wall, partially insulated dressing room with the wife and I in and out all day...... Never put a wrench on it in 10 years. I clean the filter about every 20 hours or so. Only thing it does need is some of the plasic shroud parts. They can be ordered from.... http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-air-conditioners/rv-air-conditioner.htm

 

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Duckman
Reg. Oct 2004
Posted 2010-07-26 4:33 PM (#122807 - in reply to #122799)
Subject: RE: Buying a used ac unit


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Why would you take a chance on a used A/C when new ones sell for $6-700? Never buy used appliances or mattresses.
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hosspuller
Reg. Oct 2003
Posted 2010-07-26 11:34 PM (#122830 - in reply to #122799)
Subject: RE: Buying a used ac unit


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Location: North Carolina

Duckman posts good advice.

Here's a source.  http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-CARRIER-13-5btu-RV-AC-ROOF-AIR-CONDITIONER-SYSTEM-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem255be1de87QQitemZ160455319175QQptZMotorsQ5fRVQ5fTrailerQ5fCamperQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Buying a new unit gets you all the mounting pieces and a new boot between the upper unit and the lower control unit.  It makes for an easy install rather than chasing replacement parts.

I wouldn't trust a used unit.  Long, under sized extension cards abuse compressor motors.

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