Recommended Replacement For A Ducted Dometic RV Air Conditioner System

Updated 07/07/2025 | Published 04/29/2022

Question:

I need to replace my air condition unit in my 5th wheel. My unit is ducted through vents inside my RV. Its mounted to the top of my RV. My A/C unit is not exposed inside the RV at all, it is controlled by a thermostat. What would be your recommendation for the type of A/C to replace this model #? My RV is located in a campground and uses shore power only, so a capacity probably would not be necessary. Would the Furion be the better choice?

asked by: THOMAS T

Helpful Expert Reply:

To replace just your rooftop condenser unit I recommend the Furrion Chill Replacement RV Air Conditioner # FR42PV. This unit is designed to work with ducted systems, like you currently have, and comes with wiring harness adapter that will make the wiring a simple plug and play installation. This will also allow you to retain use of your current thermostat so that you don't have to run any wires or make any new holes in your trailer.

It does already have a start capacitor installed on it which will help your unit run smoother to increase its lifespan. Even though you're going to be on campground shore power there is still a chance the the power pedestal can face a surge if everyone in the campground has their AC's running. The capacitor is going to take the edge off and make it easier to run.

Of the current options on the market I do recommend the Furrion as it's quieter, runs more efficiently.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Kurt

5/27/2024

I'm can't find the controle board Ina demetis ac with jaycommand. The only number I got 8530A140. Where can I find this

Kevin C.

5/28/2024

@Kurt Dometic will some times hide the controller inside of the rooftop unit. In the attached video below you can see where I ran into this same issue and then removed and mounted it in the same place on the new unit I was installing. You'll most likely need to remove the plastic shroud and then the second metal cover on the unit to find it.

Helpful Links

tv-review-asa-coleman-adapter-wiring-kit-for-advent-rv-air-conditioner-accolkit.aspx

Paula L.

10/25/2024

Will this Furion model, FR42PV, work with any thermostate? Our 5th wheel has the dometic CCII thermostates.

Kevin C.

10/25/2024

@PaulaL The Furrion Chill HE Replacement RV Air Conditioner # FR42PV would plug into the controller for the Dometic system which would be what communicates with the thermostat so you shouldn't have an issue. You will need to check that your controller is mounted with the air distribution box in the ceiling and not inside the rooftop unit though. If it is you'll need to see if you can relocate it in to the space where the air distribution box sits or replace the entire system.

Paula L.

10/26/2024

@KevinC Like Thomas T above, the A/C units in our 5th wheel are not exposed inside the RV at all, there is no distribution box, it is ducted only. I believe when we changed one of the units 5 years ago the controller was in the A/C unit, but we might be able to move it, we will have to check that.

Kevin C.

10/27/2024

@PaulaL

Dick

7/6/2025

I am looking to replace my 2017 Forest River Gray Wolf Ltd w a single dometic 13500 ducted with a more efficient ac that will be a non modification needed fit drop in w my thermostat and would you recommend any other adds

Robin H.

7/7/2025

@Dick everything is switching to the new R32 refrigerant and all of our old R410A stock for Dometic setups is gone. The new parts aren't backwards compatible so you will need a complete system. Even if this switch wasn't happening, we no longer recommend swapping the AC unit unless it is the exact same model due to compatibility issues. The most efficient replacement out there right now is the new Furrion Chill Cube. This uses a variable speed compressor so it is unmatched in efficiency, cooling power, and is incredibly quiet. Since you have a ducted setup you need the # FR99TD (White) or # FR39TD (Black). This comes with a new ADB and a remote which acts as the thermostat.

Helpful Links

tv-mdemo-vendor-lippert-rv-ac-fr99td.aspx

Dick

7/7/2025

I looked at those initially and started a chat with your chat line ,my thermostat has the furnace with it so your chat recommended the following with a heat pump . I assume the control box mounts inside with the distribution box next to it? GE Appliances Deluxe Plus RV AC System w/ Heat Pump - Ducted - 15,000 Btu - White - Complete System