Results 1 to 10 of 21

Thread: A/C & Heat

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Posts
    963

    Default A/C & Heat

    After looking at lots of late model XL shell coaches, one difference between most of the Liberty and Marathon conversions is the amount of A/C and heat. Many of the Marathons have 3 Cruiseairs and 40k Webasto, while the Libertys have 4 cruiseairs, 80k Webasto and OTR air.

    I understand the difference b/w the OTR and non OTR systems. My question is are 3 cruiseairs enough to cool a 45' bus in hot weather while camped? Is the Liberty system overkill and Marathon sufficient or is the 3 Cruiseair setup marginal?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Port St. Lucie, FL
    Posts
    1,745

    Default

    In my opinion, you'll want the 4 cruise airs.

    Sooner or later, one of the AC's will stop cooling, and the 3 remaining will be sufficient to do the job until repairs can be made.

    Two ain't gonna cut it during the heat of summer unless you're in a very cool part of the country.

    There's a LOT of redundancy built into the Liberty bus conversions, and this is but one example.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Port St. Lucie, FL
    Posts
    1,745

    Default

    And Gordon, there have been a few times when I've had all 4 cruise airs running to cool the bus.

    And I have the electric bills to prove it

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Houma, LA
    Posts
    1,783

    Default

    Paul,

    How many amps do the 4 cruise airs draw? I have 4 - 14,000 BTU AC compressors and my amp draw is about 44 amps or 11 amps per compressor.

    You are correct with the 4 units being better than 3. In my 2 previous coaches I had 3 ACs in each; one with roof ACs and the other with cruise airs. Two out of the three units crapped out at the same time on both coaches. Talk about bad luck!

    The OTR air is a big deal in my opinion. I wish I had it.

    Buy the Liberty Gordon.
    Tuga & Karen Gaidry

    2012 Honda Pilot

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    thomasville,nc
    Posts
    1,209

    Default

    Depending on outside temperature I have seen as much as a 14 amp load for a cruise air unit,normally 12-13 amp load.I sure like 4 units,all 3 coaches that I have owned have not had the proper charge on the cruise air units,the performance of the cruise air is very sensitive to the correct freon charge.Johnny at AAP Power is the guru on how to charge the cruise airs for best cooling.

  6. #6
    Joe Cannarozzi Guest

    Default

    Jack did you have to make an adjustment on the charge on the bus you are in now? Interesting.

    I like the cruse air for nothing on the roof and for the quieter operation. I will put up with their additional costs over roof air. Their temperamental nature with a slight incorrect charge I can do without. Not full timing the loss of basement space is a non issue.

    If you could get AAP and that tech to make it to Ok. rally that would be a great thing.

    Our bus is an orphan with OTR a/c and we used it a few times before getting it fixed.

    I do not think we would be happy with one without.

    The cockpit is a greenhouse traveling into the sun and if the OTR has trouble keeping things cold enough adding that front house a/c unit whatever you have keeps things nice even on the hottest of days. W/O the OTR it gets warm up front.
    Last edited by Joe Cannarozzi; 03-20-2009 at 03:14 PM.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Alexandria
    Posts
    2,161

    Default

    Gordon,

    I have both and the 40k Webasto does a great job in keeping the Marathon warm, the Liberty is overkill.

    Three cruise airs will do the job, but Paul is right, it's nice to have a backup. My 2000 Marathon does have 4 cruise airs.

    Mike

Similar Threads

  1. Engine Heat
    By dalej in forum Busted Knuckles and Greasy Jeans
    Replies: 35
    Last Post: 01-14-2009, 05:19 PM
  2. Heat Pumps
    By Joe Cannarozzi in forum Quirks and little known Prevost Information
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 01-29-2008, 06:12 PM
  3. Pro Heat
    By Joe Cannarozzi in forum WANT/NEED PARTS?
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 09-30-2006, 06:53 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •