Replacing Airxcel AC on 2012 Durango 1500 5th Wheel

Updated 08/28/2025 | Published 06/03/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Advent Air RV Air Conditioner - 15,000 Btu - White - R32

(941)

$761.26

Electric Heat Strip for Advent Air RV Air Conditioners - 5,500 BTU - R32

(21)

$98.23

Advent Air RV Air Conditioner System - Single Zone - 15,000 Btu - Black - R32

(216)

$936.64

Advent Air RV Air Conditioner System - Single Zone - 15,000 Btu - White - R32

(216)

$936.64

Advent Air RV Air Conditioner System - Single Zone - 13,500 Btu - White - R32

(216)

$902.58

Question:

I have an airxcel mod48253b866 ducted ac unit in my 2012 Durango 1500 5th wheel. Old unit is 13k and thermostat runs my propane heater as well. Could I upgrade to a 15k and maybe incorporate the electric heater element. Also I have a 9 prong plug that only 6 terminals are being used. Thank you for your time

asked by: Eddie.klein

Expert Reply:

Hey Eddie! You can upgrade to a 15k Btu AC and also add the heat strip. The heat strip isn't a substitute for the furnace but it is nice to have the extra help when it is cold out. The # ADV86SR is a new R32 unit, and just the AC unit, so you need to replace the air distribution box along with the thermostat for everything to work. I do recommend switching to one of the new R32 units since all of the old R410A models and parts are getting phased out.

With a ducted setup you will need one of the following:

-Advent Air RV Air Conditioner System - Single Zone - 15,000 Btu - White - R32 # ADV92SR

-Advent Air RV Air Conditioner System - Single Zone - 15,000 Btu - Black - R32 # ADV62SR

The heat strip is sold separately # ADV34QR. If you have any other questions feel free to reach out in the comments below.

expert reply by: Robin H

Advent Air R32 AC
(click to enlarge)

Eddie K.

6/5/2025

Robin H Thanks for your reply. I went in to purchase and it is telling me delivery on this unit is August 21. Is this possible. What other options for sooner delivery day?

Robin H.

6/5/2025

@EddieK oh no! I guess we burned through that stock now, it is that time of year so AC units are starting to run out. You could use the GE # GE95ZR for a replacement which won't have heat, or the # GE85ZR with a heat pump. Same thing here, R32 systems, complete replacement. Both are available right now.

Eddie

6/5/2025

Do they make that advent package with a 13.5 Btu unit . Instead the 15k btu. Maybe that is stockable?

Robin H.

6/5/2025

@Eddie yes, the # ADV95SR is still here. Same heat strip for this one.

Ronald

8/27/2025

Robin, I had a Mach 8 AC unit go bad. A mobile repair service replaced it with a 15k Advent. They later sent me a 5,500 heat strip. I just went to install the strip and things aren't making sense. The repair company re used my Mach 8 control box and thermostat. How do I install the heat strip?

Robin H.

8/28/2025

@Ronald it mounts to the evaporator inside the AC with the screws, should be plug and play. They don't have them hosted online but if you don't have instructions I would reach out to the manufacturer, ASA Electronics, and they will be able to send them to you.