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Dometic AC noise reduction


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We don't use our AC very often, but when we do it would be nice if it didn't scare the dog and stess-out the cat. I didn't want to buy one of the newer (quieter) models just yet, so I looked into how I could insulate the stock Dometic unit better and achieve a noticeable reduction in noise. It took a 3-step approach, but I got it down to 65dB which is a significant reduction from the 75+dB level before. I took the attached dB reading in the center of our LE2 right under the front of the AC unit.Screenshot_20240528_153643_SoundMeter.thumb.jpg.e06a1eaea31c3153d4a794520810c57b.jpg I have attached photos of the 3 items that I added; (1) dense foam insulation to fill the hollow area to the rear of the return air intake vents between the roof-top unit and the ceiling panel,20240526_090540.thumb.jpg.c795b1643f16275b4b4b81b4d0e19cff.jpg (2) I added a .4" layer of stick-on foam insulation over the very thin layer that came on the inside of the ceiling panel along with another piece of dense foam between the the center sliding vent cover (which is right below the fan motor) and the added layer of foam insulation (I did this so the cool air would be directed out the 2 side vents, and the front and rear vents instead),20240527_190809.thumb.jpg.d3181979342676ffe17a4f2e2add30b9.jpg and (3) I installed an AC compressor noise reduction blanket.20240528_125605.thumb.jpg.b51182e7afbb6663cb3d18fefb4dd5ed.jpg We are very happy with results!!! Joe/769

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2021 Oliver LEII Hull #769, Anderson weight distribution hitch.

2021 Tundra 5.7L V8, 4X4 with 4.30 front and rear axle ratios.

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@Just Joe

We chose not to continue with the noise level of the Demonic Penguin and moved on the Truma Aventa Retro fit professionally installed by Oliver. We could not be happier. With your handy work, hopefully now you can listen to music, talk on the phone and even watch a movie.


Necessity is the mother of invention, nice work! 👍🏻

 

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ALAZARCOCTDEGAIDILIAKSKYMEMDMAMOMTNENHNM

2020 OLEII - Hull #634 aka-  “XPLOR”

TV 2021 F350 6.7 liter Diesel Lariat Ultimate Tremor 

Retro upgrades - Truma Aventa 13.5 AC, Alcan 5 leaf pack, Alcan HD shackles & HD wet bolts, 5200lb axles.

XPEL 10 mil PPF front both front corners, 30 lb LP tanks, Sea Biscuit Front Cargo Storage box.

North Carolina 🇺🇸

 

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I've watched a number of YouTube vids on how to lessen the A/C noise of RV A/C units.

Your approach looks similar to many - a combination of sound deadening materials plus smoothing the airflow inside the unit.

 

Nice job with nice results.  Thanks for posting this.

Bil

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2023 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5EB FX4 Max Towing, Max Payload, 2016 Oliver Elite II - Hull #117 "Twist"

Near Asheville, NC

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@Just Joe - Great move, Joe!  Will do something similar to our "After-burner Penguin" before our next trip.  Thanks for posting your optimum results....

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Art, Diane, Magnus & Oscar (double-Aaarrf!)

  • 2022 TUNDRA
  • 2017 LE II; Hull #226 "Casablanca"
  • HAM call-sign:  W0ABX

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@Just Joe  I have done something similar but have never added the compressor blanket and was wondering if it did much and where you got it. Thank you! Glad it worked for you. My current sound level is 65db.

 

 

2019 Ram 1500 5.7L V8, 3.92 axle ratio - 2020 LEll - Hull676

 

 

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The compressor does make a little extra noise that the blanket helped to dampen a bit. However, it made the least amount of difference of the three things that I did, but every little bit helps! The attached blanket is the one that I used. It was a challenge to get it wrapped around the compressor. Joe/769Screenshot_20240605_085447_AmazonShopping.thumb.jpg.55faa50f82b208c74822d154892487d4.jpg

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2021 Oliver LEII Hull #769, Anderson weight distribution hitch.

2021 Tundra 5.7L V8, 4X4 with 4.30 front and rear axle ratios.

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This is great info and something I want to try before moving forward with a unit replacement, a 10dB reduction is huge. Two questions, 1) regarding the additional piece of dense foam added between the center sliding vent cover (which is right below the fan motor) and the added layer of foam insulation. Are you saying it was added under the .4" layer of stick on foam and was it cut to match the shape of the vent.  I have not yet removed the grill so I don't know what things look like yet and 2) is all the work done from inside the trailer, especially wrapping the compressor?  The dB reduction you achieved is at the medium setting of the Truma Aventa unit. I would appreciate and additional details you can provide.  

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Been working in the Oliver afternoons, shore power connected with AC on. Loud as a diesel truck and on-n-off it starts singing. Must be fan bearing going. Will replace with any non-Dometic model before travel this fall. It is and sounds like an albatross! I would not spend a penny on it. 

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Chris & John in Prescott, AZ | 2016 EII #113 | '01 Ram 2500 Cummins!

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Yes, the foam insulation was added in the indentation under the stick-on foil covered insulation. It was cut to fit the area where the sliding vent is located. All the work was done from inside the camper except the compressor blanket which is installed under the exterior AC cover. It's too bad that the Dometic unit only has a two speed fan motor; a lower speed setting like the Truma unit has would likely reduce the sound below 60dB. Joe/769

2021 Oliver LEII Hull #769, Anderson weight distribution hitch.

2021 Tundra 5.7L V8, 4X4 with 4.30 front and rear axle ratios.

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  • 3 weeks later...
Posted (edited)

A friend of mine installed a mini split on his big Rv     And you can hardly hear it.   Why can’t Oliver figure out how to install a quiet ac . we can not use ours because of the overwhelming noise

Edited by Skipster
No reason

skip and cyd nielsen  hull #822 Elite     tow vehicle 2017 jeep trailhawk v6 

 

 

olivermapstates.jpg.c8bd6cd2cc4fc816b40e3b1f419bc43c.jpg

 

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2 hours ago, In Pursuit said:

Is it safe to cover the compressor with a blanket? 

No, too much insulation in some of these mods will produce too much heat  retention and bearings or seals will fail over time.

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Chris & John in Prescott, AZ | 2016 EII #113 | '01 Ram 2500 Cummins!

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14 hours ago, In Pursuit said:

Is it safe to cover the compressor with a blanket? 

That's a question for the manufacturer of the AC unit. Many make optional compressor blankets for their units to reduce the sound level when needed and since the compressor is cooled via the refrigerant it usually isn't a problem to run one. A problem can occur though if it affects the flow of air through the condenser coils.

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2010 Elite II, Hull #45.  2014 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD 5.7 with tow package.

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