Winnebago AC MODS | RV Airflow Systems better than DIY?

[@rickc9873]

Great video ! With the homemade version , if you cut the foam out would the wind speed numbers be close to the manufactured version. Wouldn’t that have been a better comparison ? Thanks

[@rvlifediy]

I have thought about that, but for comparison, either though I made the opening wider, I also had to reduce the height by 1/4" for the RV Airflow to fit (so the overall opening stayed about the same size), so I think the RV Airflow worked better due to the smooth design. Now with the opening wider, and then doing a homemade kit, it will be better than before, but there would still be a lot of turbulence and more static pressure than a smooth curved path. Ideally, if RV Airflow could make their piece 1/4" taller, it would get the max performance. It's just a choice one would have to make.

[@zerk4042]

What year is your rv and your a/c btu rating? I believe they sell 13,500 and 15,000 btu a/c units. Thanks

[@rvlifediy]

2020 View and it's a 15000 btu.

[@davidthomson9457]

Thanks for the great video! When I started watching, I was dubious that there was a fairly simple upgrade an end-user could do that would make much difference, but I think the effect is pretty dramatic. This is one of those things that the RV manufacturer should just do from the beginning!

[@rvlifediy]

I agree. I know Grand Designs on their trailers do these from the factory now (owned by Winnebago) but not built the same as a Winnebago. I think a couple of others are starting to do these as well, but it is definitely needed.

[@markanthonymunoz9241]

could you please share the details of your cab curtain and the installation process? thanks

[@rvlifediy]

I used to have a link, but someone commented that they didn't fit brcause the seller sent the track in 2 pices and it needs to be a 1 piece track, so I removed the link. You may just want to call them. I purchased from Amazon, but the manufacturer is OMAC USA. They may be able to confirm.

[@markanthonymunoz9241]

@@rvlifediy thanks a lot

[@markanthonymunoz9241]

I have 2021J- I placed an order from RV air flow as per your above description, hope it's gonna fit on my rig.Thanks

[@rvlifediy]

You will have to cut out the foam like the video shows and make sure you have the coleman AC. During covid shortage, some manufacturers changed AC brands.

[@yewlingchan465]

This is probably the longest video you done so far, but I think it is all worth it for anybody who is thinking about doing this modification, ( should be much better than any instructions on 2 pieces of paper), for sure it is another one of the many projects that I want to include to my long list of modifications, although I live in cooler Canada, any improvement to my rv will make live easier and also help Retired Seniors find something to putt around. I have viewed many ac modifying videos already, not realizing there are different depth until you point that out. Thanks for taking the time to shoot this video, now I just have to decide to diy or buy the kit before I motivate my self to take the plunge and do it.

[@rvlifediy]

Yes, I thought about cutting the video time down, but realized it's important for people to see the complete picture on how things are done. It always looks easier on the short videos. Many of the AC plenums vary slightly so you do want to check it.

[@gereshomeE]

Any thoughts on your electric powered awning vs the old manual awnings?! ☺

[@rvlifediy]

I still prefer the electric because I use it more often (due to convenience). The Carefree Brand/type that is used on the 2020-2023 Winnebago View has many reports of motor replacements being needed. I haven't had the issue yet. The Girald brand awning with the double pitch is the awning I wished I had.

[@gereshomeE]

@@rvlifediy I agree BUT I used to have an older American RV and I LOVED the stability of the older traditional type! I am thinking security as Europeans like climbing up things! Don't ask me -Why? 😊 NB: I prefer the American style RV black tanks over the small cassettes! Been there & done both! We have both BUT I just like the American RV wet bay "thing". It's definitely a man thing and only men really understand this!! ☺

[@volofly2011]

Great video, loved every second of it. Keep them long and detailed, very helpful. I'm sure we'll need to do a mod to the ac based on yours and Ron's videos. I think I'll at least take a swing at building my own first though. I am a retired aeronautical engineer afterall and experimental aerodynamics was my field of expertise 😉. One quick thought, other than it would probably be a lot louder, I wonder if cutting the ducts out of the loop completely and just having the AC just blow straight out at the unit would be more efficient? Especially in the D floorplan as it is basically one large room. (I know, I'm an aerodynamist on a heating and cool expert. Just thinking 🤔)

[@rvlifediy]

Great thought Mark. I tested it blowing straight down in 110 degree, and bright sun weather, and it works really well. Yes it was extremely loud, and straight down is definitely uncomfortable and turbulent. If you could channel it in two directions (forward and back) it would be more comfortable . Much of the noise is also from the return plenum being wide open. A lot to experiment with for sure, and someone that is good at 3D printing could fabricate such a device. Keep me posted on anything you do.

[@volofly2011]

@@rvlifediy I will do that. I've tinkered with building intake ducts and boxes out of thin sheet aluminum and metal tape on my car back in my "tuner" days so I'll probably try something like that. It's pretty easy to get an aerodynamically smooth surface that holds up under pressure loads with those materials. The V blocks that you and Ron used are easy but I'm thinking they leave a lot to be desired on aero smoothness. Anyway, I love tinkering with stuff like this so I'm not concerned about the trial and error process on this. Plus I've got lots of extra time these days. 😊

[@rvlifediy]

@@volofly2011 yes the homemade foam inserts have many deficiencies. Ron has the better Coleman AC unit that Winnebago quit using on the View/Navion in 2020+models. This model I have is not the greatest. I may switch the entire AC unit to the Truma Aventa Comfort once it becomes available aftermarket.

[@markpillori]

How about sound difference did you notice any reduction in air sound?

[@rvlifediy]

Was 75 decibals with the rv airflow and the diy foam kit with the meter sitting on the kitchen counter. Definitely quieter than the stock unit but I never did a DB reading with stock unit.

[@ChanceP]

Nice...

[@rvlifediy]

👍

[@gereshomeE]

I am still WATCHING and in utter disbelief (well I knew already!) It is all about OCCC weight vs "quality"! YT "On The Road with Ron" did his own to His Winnebago View a/c. An RV manufacturer contacted me, last night, but I have done more research on the 4-season capabilities of another unit on the Sprinter cut out chassis. The OCCC vs Quality ??? I prefer quality for winter camping & hot summers etc! ☺ NB: Keep you vids coming!

[@rvlifediy]

Yes I'd prefer better insulation over the occc. Especially knowing they could have saved weight in other areas. I saw Grandpa Ron's video before. His older Winnebago has the better coleman AC with 2 fans and the condenser fan on roof blowing up (better engineering) than the version I have. Winnebago went with a step down model of Coleman starting my year lol. His would do better with the RV Airflow than the DIY kit he made but RV airflow doesn't make a model for his style AC.

[@gereshomeE]

@@rvlifediy THANKS for your reply. That REALLY helps with cementing my decision! ☺

[@rvlifediy]

@@gereshomeE👍you could always build one?

[@gereshomeE]

@@rvlifediy I wish to buy FIRST and then slowly change (upgrade) bit by bit: -as and when necessary! I STILL want to go off and just enjoy the RV! ☺ I cannot WAIT! I miss being in it SO much and never quite sure where I am going next... well sort of-ish! 🤔

[@rvlifediy]

@@gereshomeE 👍

[@drewskatmyselfdotcom]

$170 for a flimsy chunk of foam that breaks so easily :(

[@rvlifediy]

Yes it's really expensive but does function really good. I wished I knew how to 3D print. It would be a better exact fit with a 3D printed product.

[@goofe.washington953]

It’s not the rigidity of the foam that matters as much as it is the aerodynamic improvement regarding the airflow. Additionally, the insert prevents cold, discharged air from being immediately sucked in by the return air side. Take it from me: I live in the Deep South and it gets hot down here. The RV Airflow made a dramatic - and I mean DRAMATIC - difference in my RV cooling.