I have a 2011 Winnebago Esperance 7.93m with Dometic B3000. Cooling struggled last summer, but the continue thump when starting up/recycling during the night was the killer. Lying in bed and anticipating when it kicks in next (every 5-10 mins) is not conducive to restful sleep.
My research suggested Harrier Plus may be a good option for a) better cooling and b) quieter startup/recycling as it is an inverter model.
I prefer however to get the forums view as to whether Harrier Plus has better cooling than (a 11yo) B3000; is quieter; and other models which may be better either in cooling or quietness than Harrier Plus.
On a technical point, what is expected temperature cooling reduction of RV air cons? I thought it was around !0-12 degrees, but am no expert.
Welcome to the Forum Graeme,
I no next to nothing about the units you are wishing to compare but, it has been my experience that, anything new now days doesn't have the life expectancy of goods made over ten years ago.
Electronics has replaced most of the electromechanical controls and switches - Great when they work but virtually impossible to repair.
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Agreed. Goods these days are designed to have limited life and be replaced not repaired. But alas, I live in this consumerism world and seek those creature comforts, which my parents never had. I still remember the days traveling in boiling non air conditioned cars and caravans.
I was not happy with the Ibis unit on our van, spent a real long time researching different units and eventually settled on this...
Houghton Belaire HB3500 Reverse Cycle Roof Top Air Conditioner, 2 Year Warranty. The Houghton 3500 is a robust, high performance, high output unit. The roof top air conditions has an elegant design to suit a modern caravan and motorhome, the HB3500 is ideal for Australia's climate due to its large capacity.
The Houghton Belaire HB3500 comes with an easy to use remote control with heating, cooling, dry, sleep, dehumidifying and timing functions. Patented three speed, ultra-quiet, high efficiency fan.
Features:
Large capacity
Three speeds, ultra-quiet, high efficiency fan
Thermal protection to the evaporator
Classic remote control
Added benefit was lower cost than most others and a unit was available in Adelaide so no wait for delivery. Removing the old unit and installing the new one was under 2 hours. Very happy with the new unit but more importantly the wife is now happier.
I would like to know more. This HB3500 Unit was also suggested by an RV air con installer in Adelaide. When questioning him, he said the Unit has higher cooling capacity the Harrier Plus but a potentially noisier outlet noise as air outflow is greater than Harrier Plus.
He made a comment on how 'overpriced' the Dometic is. It is truly significantly cheaper, but then I rotate between 'you get what you pay for' v 'brand name premium/overprice'.
Sorry for the "20 questions"
1. How long have you had yours?
2. What was the Ibis model it replaced?
3. Is it noticeably cooler than the Ibis?
4. How does noise re air flow compare to Ibis. Noise is obviously subjective :)
5. Do you know of an Adelaide showroom that may have it installed in an RV and hence be able to experience noise first hand?
My biggest fear is to buy one and be disappointed. Just as hard as comparing health insurance policies.
G'day Graeme, have had this for about 18 months and have done a couple of long trips including Darwin and Exmouth. Cools down and starts cycling much sooner than the Ibis Sparrow 4. Don't know of one in a showroom but you are welcome to see our unit in operation in Blakeview 5114.
Agreed. Goods these days are designed to have limited life and be replaced not repaired. But alas, I live in this consumerism world and seek those creature comforts, which my parents never had. I still remember the days traveling in boiling non air conditioned cars and caravans.
Agree - wife said she need a new iron - old one is leaking. I sad "What - it's almost new!" In researching a new one, I came across a comment from a manufacturer that steam irons only have a life expectancy of 3-4 years. What a BS attitude! My mum's old Sunbeam lasted for decades.
