What Advent Air Conditioner will Replace My Dometic Penguin AC Only?

Updated 09/08/2025 | Published 06/08/2025

Question:

I want to replace my failed 13,500Btu Dometic Penguin AC Only RV AC with an Advent for Dometic setup. I believe the 13,500 unit is model ASA99YR. I want to maybe go with the 15,000 unit ASA86YR but cannot seem to find it on your website - it only lists the black version. Do you have a white 15,000 btu Advent for Dometic setup? Also, what is the power demand of the 15,000 versus the 13,5000 unit?

asked by: Darrin E

Expert Reply:

Hello Darrin,

Sorry to hear that your Dometic Penguin went into retirement.

The RV AC's went to a new refrigerant this year, they went from the R410a to the R32. You cannot mix the old R410a parts with the new R32 parts, they have made them to not physically match up but that's only because if you do mix the parts it could cause a spark and result in a fire. As we sell out of our R410a parts, they are gone for good. The new R32 is more efficient than the R410a, so it is a win for all, the environment and the consumer.

With that said, if you wanted to keep your Penguin air distribution box, you will need an Advent set-up that is R410a, so here are your options on what we have left:

- 13.5K White # ASA99YR
- 13.5K Black # ASA56YR

We do not have any of the 15,000 BTU left for the Dometic Set-up.

Now since you already need to buy a new AC, if you do not mind spending a little more, I recommend getting a whole new system. Like I said before, when the R410 parts are gone, they are gone. So why not have all parts that are still going to be made, especially if you want to go up to the 15 BTU?

You asked about how much more of a power draw it will be, both the 15,000 and 13,500 BTU AC's have a power draw of 15 amps, where you are going to see the more power draw is in the compressor. The 13,500 BTU compressor is 9.9 amps, and the 15,000 BTU compressor is 12.4 amps.

Sounds like you would like a white set-up so here are your options for a whole new set-up with the R32 refrigerant:

- 13.5K with manual air distribution box # ADV45SR
- 13.5K with thermostat controlled air distribution box # ADV65SR

- 15K with manual air distribution box # ADV72SR
- 15K with thermostat controlled air distribution box # ADV82SR

What kind of camper is this going on? Any big adventures planned for this summer? If so, where are you headed?

expert reply by: Kate F

Kate F.

9/8/2025

Hey Darrin, Did you decide to go with a whole new AC system with the R32 refrigerant, or did you stick with the 13.5K setup? I'd love to hear your choice and how it's working out for you, as it could help others in a similar situation.