Thanks for sharing this. It was helpful to know which tools were needed. After five years full-time, my evaporator were amazingly dirty, and although the fans were in good condition, they were filthy. Changed the fans and cleaned the evaporator. Afterward, I cleaned the original fans and will keep them as spares. Your video was very helpful. Thanks!
I really appreciate this video. It is really thoughtful to go through the trouble of filming and explaining the process. Good instruction. Thank you and to all those who do these types of videos. Invaluable.
David, your video made me very sad. As full timers, we have had two fans go out in less than two years and both times the repair persons said that once the fan cage goes, the whole unit needs replacing. I tried to remove the cage on mine the second time with no luck before calling a repair person. I now know from your video that next time I need to replace my Dometic units, I will do so with Coleman. I am impressed with the larger coils as well as both fans are independent and can be simply replaced. Thank you David as you have educated me on how to save $$ next time. Cheers.
Thanks Dave, it was a pleasure meeting and speaking with you here in Red Bay. Definitely going to get at least a spare cage. Going to go find your video on that 3 bladed fan you suggested. Thank you sir.
Your welcome. Here is the blog post on the Hush Kit if you did not find it... outsideourbubble.com/mach-8-rv-air-conditioner-hush-kit-install-review/ Nice to meet you.
David! Great to hear from you! Gary Lee Wingard ! Just wanted to see the T25 screwdriver size! Thanks for the video. Our heat pump blew one apart while on the road. Got one today in MT and getting my spare in ID tomorrow!
Thanks for the great instructional video. It was as easy as you described. When I got to the blower fan, I thought at first I must have a different problem. All the fan vanes were intact. But after starting it up again, with the outer and inner cover off, I could tell the noise was definitely coming from the fan. Once I got it off, sure enough there was a crack in the plastic edge of the cage - once it started spinning the centrifugal force opened the crack and the fan would rub. At least I didn't have to dig for missing blades. Again thanks much.
Haven’t had issues with the a/c blower yet . I did have an issue with one of my suburban gas heater blower wheels when it was only 2 months old . It came all apart just like the blower wheel in your video . Again it was plastic and I’ve been told it’s pretty common issue . Bought a new one and changed myself for less than 25 dollars.
I love your video. It’s exactly what I need. Thank you so much. But my next question is what if I had to replace the motor? That is what I need to do. I need to replace the whole fan motor. Can you please make a video or contact me or show me step-by-step on how to do that. The hamster cage on mine is fine, but I will replace it anyways, but my blower fan is not working and I need to replace it. Can you please make a video on how to do that or show me how?
Thanks for the great video David. I actually watched this a year or so ago, and ordered two replacement fans right after watching it. Sure enough, yesterday my Mach 8 front a/c fan blew up. What a racket-kinda scary. Anyway, your video made the job very easy, and I thank you for that. Safe travels. Mark
Sure makes allot of noise when they explode. Just went through this but had it repaired because I haven't ever messed with this system. Didn't realize what a simple system it is. Now I know. Thanks David.
This same thing just happened to one of my air conditioners. Happy to see this video, it’s just what I needed. Thanks for the valuable information and happy travels. 100 👍
I never see on any of the the many RV (motorhome) RUclips channels where people need to replace the desiccant air filter for motorhome chassis air systems. You need to add to your chassis maintenance schedule to replace annually the desiccant air filter for the air brake, air suspension and air horn system which removes moisture from that system. It looks like a big oil filter. This is often overlooked but should be done annually.
Hi... I got them from the same place that sells the Hush kit that I did a video on. See link below look in in the description for the link. If you have a Mach 8 air conditioner you're going to want the hush kit! ruclips.net/video/xfgwTkO98Bg/видео.html
Hi David, Thank you for making this video!! It was a great help to me as I tackled the replacement today and avoided a significant mobile mechanic charge. I also discovered a kinked condensation line that explained why so much water was running off the roof in the summer. Keep up the great, clear and educational videos. Thank you!!! BTW… I ordered and extra one to be ready for the next failure.
@@DavidBott a quick question for you. As I mentioned I found a kink in my condensation line which apparently caused water pooling and rusted the base of my fan motor. I expect it may need replaced and saw the mounting screws came from the underside of the Mach 8 unit. Is it possible to replace the motor without unseating the entire Mach 8 unit?
@@rney100 Sorry to say I am not sure has I have not worked on it. But pooling does happen as sometimes it can't pump put the water fast enough. I would not expect the motor to have been affected, just the mount as the motor is above the lip of the bottom part of the unit. (If I recall correctly. :))
Just as an aside (regarding the desiccant air filter) units pre 2003 it calls for 18 month Intervals and post 2003 36 month Intervals but for the low cost of the filter and depending on how humid the areas in which you travel I recommend that you do it annually.
Great job. Nice to know about these blow up squirrel cages, I better find a spare. HEY< > Tip, take a telescopic magnet with you up there. You can even use it against the extension to help hold the nut in the socket to start them OR just use a magnetic socket but you might want to have a small oring pick to get the nut out of the socket. Happy trails.
Dave, Great to see you again! Not to criticize but if you already open the A/C to change the Fan why not clean the coils? they looked like they need cleaning. There are plenty of videos on how to do it, but you just buy some spray, rinse it of and you are done!
Hi Elis!!!! I do mention right at the start of opening the unit that you should already know this part as you should be cleaning the inside of the unit for the condenser unit. Maybe you missed that. :) Here is the point I mention it... ruclips.net/video/SAAFKcxi3jg/видео.html Most people do not clean the inside cooler part as it is not something you would run water through as you do not want to get that into the vents channels of the inside of the coach. :)
Seem so easy? It actually is and why I wanted to make the video in hopes when, if, needed, people could feel good that they likely could do it and save some $$$. :) "You can do it!" Ok, Ok, maybe not everyone....my best friend will not get up on the roof at all!!!! :)
David, have you ever had a blower motor stop working? We have a 2015 Allegro Bus 45LP and my middle AC blower motor isn’t working. When I took the top off of the AC and felt the motor it is really hot to the touch. I’m going to take it apart all the way tomorrow and see if I can spin the fan shaft and see if it will start or see if the blower fan motor will even turn. Maybe its a starting capacitor but not sure if that would make the motor hot to the touch. My assumption is that the motor is bad and won’t turn. We heard a high pitch sound coming from the AC yesterday so maybe a bearing has gone bad. Thanks
Thanks for the detailed video. I just changed my squirrel cage per the instructions. The install went fine but when I turned the AC back on, I still had a rattle (after a few seconds). I reopened everything and tried it with the unit open. The squirrel cage is not broken and does not seem to rub on anything and everything seems tight. Any idea?
Hi...Sorry to read this. I would check new new squirrel cage to be sure there are no broken fins or the main chamber has any cracks. to be sure it is the squirrel cage, just turn on the FAN mode of the AC which only activates that fan and see or listen for what you may find. If it is not level, it surely would wobble and make for an issue. Hope this helps. More or less, it is is a simple repair. OH...MAKE SURE THE MOTOR MOUNT IS SECURE!!! That can become loose when you are pushing on things thus making it off center and thus have a wobble. That would the the clamp on the left side as you are facing the unit. LOL...Seeing that there is one motor, not sure why I needed to mention that. Good Luck!
@@DavidBott Thanks. The motor mount is secure (and I checked all other bolts I could see to make sure they're tight). I did not see any obvious damage on the new squirrel cage but will look again with a magnifying glass in case there's a fine crack that gets wider with the centrifugal force as it starts spinning. UPDATE: I did find a small crack in the new squirrel cage. Replaced it with another one and all it fine.
Mine has blown up twice now. When you’re trying to sleep and you start hearing a pulsing sound whuawhuawhuawhuawhuawhua. You’ve got probably minutes to turn the air off of flip the breaker because when it detonates it sounds awful and like there is going to be a fire on the roof. Pretty easy to change.
I 'think' we have a Mach 3 a/c on our 2012 Arctic Fox travel trailer. We've never been able to find anything on the a/c unit or in the a/c paperwork that actually tells us what model it is. So far, no issues. However, right now we're in an RV park in Houston for medical reasons and the a/c runs nonstop, 24/7. In the two months we've been here, we've used the a/c more than the past eight years combined! Your air conditioner looks nothing like ours.
Yes, the Mach 3 and 8 are different machines...This is surely a Mach 8 part issue. So that is good news for you. If I may ask, you mentioned being at an RV Park in Houston for medical reasons. Would you be going to a MD Anderson location by chance? And if so, what RV Park? I ask for we may find ourselves heading that way sad to say. Thank you.
It is MUCH different than a soft start as the soft start only controls the amount of AMP's needed to start up the unit and is only needed in low voltage type settings like starting off a low powered generator or lithium batteries. The HUSH KIT is a unit that slows down the top fan when it is not needed to run full on. As such, the noise level is GREATLY reduced. (Also if you have a 6 bladed fan and not a 3 bladed fan makes a difference.) Hope this helps. (Note...the newer 3 bladed fans move more air than the 6 bladed ones, thus you CAN slow it down without hurting the efficiency of the unit.) And YES, you can use both as they do different things.
Am I the only one that thinks the squirrel cage fan should have lasted the life of the unit? It sure doesn't say much about the quality of that model AC unit. I have one of these units and your right, they really are loud outside.
Yes they are!!!! You really should look at this post, if you have not, and you will be SO MUCH HAPPIER with the AC's... outsideourbubble.com/mach-8-rv-air-conditioner-hush-kit-install-review/ If you do a search about it, it is what everyone seems to say. Some replacement parts I have read only lasted a few months. It's all based on how well the plastic was done and it seems also depends on how clean one keeps the incoming air filters in the coach/RV. For once they get off balance from dust collection...They seem to just let loose.
@@DavidBott Thanks for the hush kit link! I just looked at your link for the squirrel cage fan..........$52.00.............Are You Serious! Coleman should just give you the part as a gesture of goodwill...............as far as I am concerned the original part was defective! These fans should not explode under normal usage, dust or no dust buildup. Thanks for making this video though, I am sure my fan replacement day is coming!
Yes, seeing the security video was in IR mode when it happened, 8 PM and we had the lights off for TV, it made it look like I had nothing on based on the color of the pants. :)
@@DavidBottNope, I can vogue for you I did one my self. However, the one you done on your coach was a little bit harder then the one I done but basically done the same way.
Thanks for sharing this. It was helpful to know which tools were needed. After five years full-time, my evaporator were amazingly dirty, and although the fans were in good condition, they were filthy. Changed the fans and cleaned the evaporator. Afterward, I cleaned the original fans and will keep them as spares. Your video was very helpful. Thanks!
I really appreciate this video. It is really thoughtful to go through the trouble of filming and explaining the process. Good instruction. Thank you and to all those who do these types of videos. Invaluable.
David, your video made me very sad. As full timers, we have had two fans go out in less than two years and both times the repair persons said that once the fan cage goes, the whole unit needs replacing. I tried to remove the cage on mine the second time with no luck before calling a repair person. I now know from your video that next time I need to replace my Dometic units, I will do so with Coleman. I am impressed with the larger coils as well as both fans are independent and can be simply replaced. Thank you David as you have educated me on how to save $$ next time. Cheers.
Thanks Dave, it was a pleasure meeting and speaking with you here in Red Bay. Definitely going to get at least a spare cage. Going to go find your video on that 3 bladed fan you suggested. Thank you sir.
Your welcome. Here is the blog post on the Hush Kit if you did not find it... outsideourbubble.com/mach-8-rv-air-conditioner-hush-kit-install-review/ Nice to meet you.
My fans blew up in 3 years on a 2020 Van Leigh 5th Wheel. Thanks to this video I saved about $300 in labor. Very grateful.
Great to read. Glad it helped.
David! Great to hear from you! Gary Lee Wingard !
Just wanted to see the T25 screwdriver size! Thanks for the video. Our heat pump blew one apart while on the road. Got one today in MT and getting my spare in ID tomorrow!
Thanks for the great instructional video. It was as easy as you described. When I got to the blower fan, I thought at first I must have a different problem. All the fan vanes were intact. But after starting it up again, with the outer and inner cover off, I could tell the noise was definitely coming from the fan. Once I got it off, sure enough there was a crack in the plastic edge of the cage - once it started spinning the centrifugal force opened the crack and the fan would rub. At least I didn't have to dig for missing blades. Again thanks much.
Glad the video helped you. And yes, you caught it just before it blow apart! :) Now make you you order another one so you have a backup. :)
Haven’t had issues with the a/c blower yet . I did have an issue with one of my suburban gas heater blower wheels when it was only 2 months old . It came all apart just like the blower wheel in your video . Again it was plastic and I’ve been told it’s pretty common issue . Bought a new one and changed myself for less than 25 dollars.
I love your video. It’s exactly what I need. Thank you so much. But my next question is what if I had to replace the motor? That is what I need to do. I need to replace the whole fan motor. Can you please make a video or contact me or show me step-by-step on how to do that. The hamster cage on mine is fine, but I will replace it anyways, but my blower fan is not working and I need to replace it. Can you please make a video on how to do that or show me how?
Thanks for the great video David. I actually watched this a year or so ago, and ordered two replacement fans right after watching it. Sure enough, yesterday my Mach 8 front a/c fan blew up. What a racket-kinda scary. Anyway, your video made the job very easy, and I thank you for that. Safe travels. Mark
Glad to read the video was of help and that you were prepared! Great going! RVingly Yours David
Sure makes allot of noise when they explode. Just went through this but had it repaired because I haven't ever messed with this system. Didn't realize what a simple system it is. Now I know. Thanks David.
Welcome Ron. Sorry I did not post it sooner for you but it just happened just over a week ago. Posted it as soon as I could. :)
Thank you so much! This video was clear and concise. Gave me the confidence to perform maintenance on our Mach 8 on our geo pro.
Hello David and Brenda
Thanks for the timely video! Mine blew up last week. Luckily found one. Install was easy peasy.
Hi Tim...Sorry to read but great to read I was able to be of help. Keep safe and thanks for taking the time to send the note.
This same thing just happened to one of my air conditioners. Happy to see this video, it’s just what I needed. Thanks for the valuable information and happy travels. 100 👍
Your welcome Pat. Glad it was of help to you! :)
Thank you for the video. I dropped the bolts and have to go looking. I had to quit. The rain came.
I never see on any of the the many RV (motorhome) RUclips channels where people need to replace the desiccant air filter for motorhome chassis air systems. You need to add to your chassis maintenance schedule to replace annually the desiccant air filter for the air brake, air suspension and air horn system which removes moisture from that system. It looks like a big oil filter. This is often overlooked but should be done annually.
Hi Dave where can I buy the aftermarket grills you mounted in your shroud
Hi... I got them from the same place that sells the Hush kit that I did a video on. See link below look in in the description for the link. If you have a Mach 8 air conditioner you're going to want the hush kit! ruclips.net/video/xfgwTkO98Bg/видео.html
Dave you wouldn’t have their telephone number by any chance unable to find anything
I always keep at least one spare extra squirrel cage in my rig at all times. Nice video.
That’s a really good idea. I think I’m gonna go and purchase another just for sh>#^s and giggles. Thank again!
AWSOME , thanks for the video , happy RV’ing
Hi David,
Thank you for making this video!! It was a great help to me as I tackled the replacement today and avoided a significant mobile mechanic charge. I also discovered a kinked condensation line that explained why so much water was running off the roof in the summer. Keep up the great, clear and educational videos. Thank you!!! BTW… I ordered and extra one to be ready for the next failure.
Your welcome. Glad it was of help to you.
@@DavidBott a quick question for you. As I mentioned I found a kink in my condensation line which apparently caused water pooling and rusted the base of my fan motor. I expect it may need replaced and saw the mounting screws came from the underside of the Mach 8 unit. Is it possible to replace the motor without unseating the entire Mach 8 unit?
@@rney100 Sorry to say I am not sure has I have not worked on it. But pooling does happen as sometimes it can't pump put the water fast enough. I would not expect the motor to have been affected, just the mount as the motor is above the lip of the bottom part of the unit. (If I recall correctly. :))
Just as an aside (regarding the desiccant air filter) units pre 2003 it calls for 18 month Intervals and post 2003 36 month Intervals but for the low cost of the filter and depending on how humid the areas in which you travel I recommend that you do it annually.
Great job. Nice to know about these blow up squirrel cages, I better find a spare. HEY< > Tip, take a telescopic magnet with you up there. You can even use it against the extension to help hold the nut in the socket to start them OR just use a magnetic socket but you might want to have a small oring pick to get the nut out of the socket. Happy trails.
Good to see you 😃 we’ve been wondering where you were.
Life gets in the way. That and we don't do this RUclips stiff or blog posting to make a living. :) Thanks for thinking of us. Very kind.
Dave,
Great to see you again!
Not to criticize but if you already open the A/C to change the Fan why not clean the coils? they looked like they need cleaning. There are plenty of videos on how to do it, but you just buy some spray, rinse it of and you are done!
Hi Elis!!!! I do mention right at the start of opening the unit that you should already know this part as you should be cleaning the inside of the unit for the condenser unit. Maybe you missed that. :) Here is the point I mention it... ruclips.net/video/SAAFKcxi3jg/видео.html Most people do not clean the inside cooler part as it is not something you would run water through as you do not want to get that into the vents channels of the inside of the coach. :)
Thank you David for making this seam so easy!
SPELLING!!!- seem
Seem so easy? It actually is and why I wanted to make the video in hopes when, if, needed, people could feel good that they likely could do it and save some $$$. :) "You can do it!" Ok, Ok, maybe not everyone....my best friend will not get up on the roof at all!!!! :)
Just had the pleasure of replacing our front fan. Pretty easy to do but as you said tough to find the part.
Yes....SO EASY....But SO HARD! :) (To find the part)
David, have you ever had a blower motor stop working? We have a 2015 Allegro Bus 45LP and my middle AC blower motor isn’t working. When I took the top off of the AC and felt the motor it is really hot to the touch. I’m going to take it apart all the way tomorrow and see if I can spin the fan shaft and see if it will start or see if the blower fan motor will even turn. Maybe its a starting capacitor but not sure if that would make the motor hot to the touch. My assumption is that the motor is bad and won’t turn. We heard a high pitch sound coming from the AC yesterday so maybe a bearing has gone bad.
Thanks
Another great video David! Hope your summer stay in NY is awesome!
So far, so good. (For the most part.) :)
Miss you guys. Hope you are well. Hugs to Loki.
Thanks for the detailed video. I just changed my squirrel cage per the instructions. The install went fine but when I turned the AC back on, I still had a rattle (after a few seconds). I reopened everything and tried it with the unit open. The squirrel cage is not broken and does not seem to rub on anything and everything seems tight. Any idea?
Hi...Sorry to read this. I would check new new squirrel cage to be sure there are no broken fins or the main chamber has any cracks. to be sure it is the squirrel cage, just turn on the FAN mode of the AC which only activates that fan and see or listen for what you may find. If it is not level, it surely would wobble and make for an issue. Hope this helps. More or less, it is is a simple repair. OH...MAKE SURE THE MOTOR MOUNT IS SECURE!!! That can become loose when you are pushing on things thus making it off center and thus have a wobble. That would the the clamp on the left side as you are facing the unit. LOL...Seeing that there is one motor, not sure why I needed to mention that. Good Luck!
@@DavidBott Thanks. The motor mount is secure (and I checked all other bolts I could see to make sure they're tight). I did not see any obvious damage on the new squirrel cage but will look again with a magnifying glass in case there's a fine crack that gets wider with the centrifugal force as it starts spinning.
UPDATE: I did find a small crack in the new squirrel cage. Replaced it with another one and all it fine.
Thanks, that is very helpful. Mine just blew up yesterday. Found one on Amazon.
You're welcome. I'm glad it helped you.
@DavidBott good morning. I received my part yesterday, and I installed it all is good.
@@robertdelgadillo4892Great to read.
Hi David,
You made the climb onto the roof look easy. What kind of ladder do you have?
Terry
I have a 14.5 foot telescoping ladder that I keep in the cargo bay... amzn.to/30Aw5EV
Did you add a soft start on these AC units. ?
@@TomUmberger-fx5gw No, I did not.
Great work as always
Thank you kindly. We post what we can when we can to help.
Mine has blown up twice now. When you’re trying to sleep and you start hearing a pulsing sound whuawhuawhuawhuawhuawhua. You’ve got probably minutes to turn the air off of flip the breaker because when it detonates it sounds awful and like there is going to be a fire on the roof. Pretty easy to change.
Is there a better 9000 BTU AC out there?
David will you be coming to Quartzsite next January?
We will not be coming out to AZ at all this winter due to CV19. So sorry to say no OOBerfest or even the Fountain Hills area which we so enjoy.
I 'think' we have a Mach 3 a/c on our 2012 Arctic Fox travel trailer. We've never been able to find anything on the a/c unit or in the a/c paperwork that actually tells us what model it is. So far, no issues. However, right now we're in an RV park in Houston for medical reasons and the a/c runs nonstop, 24/7. In the two months we've been here, we've used the a/c more than the past eight years combined! Your air conditioner looks nothing like ours.
Yes, the Mach 3 and 8 are different machines...This is surely a Mach 8 part issue. So that is good news for you. If I may ask, you mentioned being at an RV Park in Houston for medical reasons. Would you be going to a MD Anderson location by chance? And if so, what RV Park? I ask for we may find ourselves heading that way sad to say. Thank you.
Is that hush thing on your air like the soft start? If not can they be used together?
It is MUCH different than a soft start as the soft start only controls the amount of AMP's needed to start up the unit and is only needed in low voltage type settings like starting off a low powered generator or lithium batteries. The HUSH KIT is a unit that slows down the top fan when it is not needed to run full on. As such, the noise level is GREATLY reduced. (Also if you have a 6 bladed fan and not a 3 bladed fan makes a difference.) Hope this helps. (Note...the newer 3 bladed fans move more air than the 6 bladed ones, thus you CAN slow it down without hurting the efficiency of the unit.) And YES, you can use both as they do different things.
Great video Thanks
LOL just when I was going to comment about power been off, you mentioned.... LOL
Yes, When I released thatI did not say that in the beginning when I was editing the video, I made sure to add TEXT about it. :)
Am I the only one that thinks the squirrel cage fan should have lasted the life of the unit? It sure doesn't say much about the quality of that model AC unit. I have one of these units and your right, they really are loud outside.
Yes they are!!!! You really should look at this post, if you have not, and you will be SO MUCH HAPPIER with the AC's... outsideourbubble.com/mach-8-rv-air-conditioner-hush-kit-install-review/ If you do a search about it, it is what everyone seems to say. Some replacement parts I have read only lasted a few months. It's all based on how well the plastic was done and it seems also depends on how clean one keeps the incoming air filters in the coach/RV. For once they get off balance from dust collection...They seem to just let loose.
@@DavidBott Thanks for the hush kit link! I just looked at your link for the squirrel cage fan..........$52.00.............Are You Serious! Coleman should just give you the part as a gesture of goodwill...............as far as I am concerned the original part was defective! These fans should not explode under normal usage, dust or no dust buildup. Thanks for making this video though, I am sure my fan replacement day is coming!
@@CC-fx4nn The Hush Kit is a total must have IMHO. :) Yes, I bough 3 of the fans so I have 2 backup's. It sucks, but it is what it is.
Thank you explaining that you have pants on...lol...lol... Great video thank you for sharing.
Yes, seeing the security video was in IR mode when it happened, 8 PM and we had the lights off for TV, it made it look like I had nothing on based on the color of the pants. :)
We have a 2017 Tiffin Phaeton and have had 2 break. Just waiting on the 3rd one to go.
See...To think.... people think I make this stuff up for something to do. :)
Thanks y
OK Talk and work
Hi, David & Brenda. I just changed one of those out in my truck how ironic is that? lol
See...and people think I make this stuff up for something to do. :)
@@DavidBottNope, I can vogue for you I did one my self. However, the one you done on your coach was a little bit harder then the one I done but basically done the same way.
You didn’t tighten the front two nuts on the inner cover!!!!!!
Hi...Yes I did... See here... ruclips.net/video/SAAFKcxi3jg/видео.html