We bought our 13' Scamp new in 2011. Last summer I noticed some greasy residue running down from the roof. When we took it out for a trip this summer in 100 degree heat, we discovered the AC unit didn't work. When I removed the cover I found the compressor had come loose from its mounts and broken free of the coolant lines as well. I called Coleman and was asked about how it was mounted. It appeared the unit was over tightened according to Coleman's installation specifications. So, Coleman said it was Scamp's responsibility.
After multiple contacts with Scamp, they claim it would leak if installed according to Coleman's specs. They also pointed out that it is out of warrantee.
I'm curious to know if this is an isolated case or if other Scamp owners have had this problem?
I like the lower profile of the Coleman Mach 8 Cub, but am reluctant to go with a Coleman again. Scamp has switched to Dometic AC units. Any insight or suggestions will be appreciated. Also, if anyone has thoughts on adding the heater element to the AC unit, I would appreciate hearing them.
Thanks,
Dan Hemmelgarn
Heat strips. Some people like them but the A/C fan has to run to get the heat. I like a ceramic cube heater it is much quieter and easy to replace. Some people use a small in wall mounted bath heater. But with the heat strip you can wire one thermostat to control both.
Info from the Casita forum:
Mach 8 had noise issues in the early days and after many mods they are quieter but some still dislike them due to noise and they press the limits of a 2KW generator. Little house Customs has replaced a bunch of Mach 8's with Mach 1's They are quieter and pose no power issues with a 2 KW Gen. The draw back it is 5" taller. I looks kind of like the Dometic. I can't speak for the Dometic but it is a little tall. I looked into the Penguin, it's low and sleek but a little expensive and not the best reviews. There are lots of posts over on the Casita forum on the Mach 8. All I can say is I have not seen any negative posts on the Dometic A/C so if they had issues you would surely hear about them on this and other Forums.
Good luck with your search.
Eddie
Thanks Eddie!
Dan
" Last summer I noticed some greasy residue running down from the roof. "
I noticed this earlier this season. Did you find out the source?
I am just guessing, but the oily residuel was probably the oil from inside the Air Conditioner (oil is mixed with the Freon to lubricate the inside of the compressor).
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!
Yes, you're certainly correct. I didn't know it at the time and just cleaned it off without much thought. We rarely used the AC unit and it was a year before we discovered it not working. So, I'm still trying to get it resolved.
Happy Scamping!
It had come from the broken coolant line. The AC unit is not repairable after the coolant line breaks.What model unit do you have?