Advise for rear AC unit

[Christine]

I need advise. I am converting a 2004 Bluebird Bus with a huge non-working AC unit over my engine in rear of bus. My thoughts are to remove the unit to give myself space and create a back window. I figured I could just install AC units on roof.
I am no expert, but would like some info before I take bus over to Thermoking or some place like that to discuss. Last time this girl showed up driving the bus to Thermoking, you would have thought I was an alien stepping off a space ship!

TIA,
Christine

[cadillackid]

it all depends on what you want.. if you want A/C while driving down the road, you will want to try and keep that A/C unit unless you are going to VERY INSULATE and seal up your bus during the conversion.. then perhaps you can get away and be sort of cool in a texas summer driving with several rooftop units (and your generator) running.. that A/C unit will only work when the bus is being driven (like a car).. and not for when you are camping with the engine off

personally I like to be cool on hot summer 1000 mile drives so I have my A/C systems kept and running..

you dont necvessarily have to drive that to thermoking.. an independent garage may be able to troubleshoot it.. the MOST likely culprit is that it sprung a leak and lost its freon.. but you can also do the easy stuff like check the fuses and make sure the belts are on the compressor pulleys under the hood.
if i remember right the 2004 Thermokings had the electronic control pad on the dash? if its completely blank and wont do anything when you press its buttons, then theres a good chance a fuse is popped someplace..
-Christopher

[cadillackid]

the only unfortunate thing about that unit is if it is in fact out of freon it runs R22 which hasnt been made for some-time and is expensive.. (plus requires EPA cert to buy.. I just boiught some recently to fix an old A/C in a bar...).

-Christopher

[Christine]

Thank you Cadillackid! Good advise.

[PNW_Steve]

My $0.02...

I removed the factory air conditioning from my last bus. Then I installed RV windows, insulated with spray foam and installed two RV roof air conditioners.

Then I spent six years kicking myself in the butt for removing the factory air conditioning. The roof units could not keep up while running down the road in warm weather.

If I were in your shoes, I would certainly give fixing the factory air conditioning a shot.

Good luck!