Cruiseair A/C Pan Replacement

[Dasch Boat]

Everyone,
I tried to get a filter too, but no luck. (I'm counting my blessings as it is.) They did tell me that it is just screen mesh and I could cut my own for much cheaper than buying one.
The filter is similar to the replaceable mesh filters that are used in kitchen range hoods, available at the depot or local hardware store

 

[Cincy Aquaholic]

Everyone,

After my post above, where I called and was told they could do nothing for me, I sent an e-mail to the e-mail addy on the website. After a few e-mails and pictures, I received my new pan - stainless steel covered with the black stuff inside - at no charge. (My old pan was painted white.) I tried to get a filter too, but no luck. (I'm counting my blessings as it is.) They did tell me that it is just screen mesh and I could cut my own for much cheaper than buying one. The person I was in contact with at Dometic was very accomodating (not just because he replaced my drip pan) and listened to my issue. He agreed after seeing the pictures that it was pretty bad, even for me being one year outside of my warranty.

My suggestion is to shoot an e-mail. After all, a few minutes of your time may turn into a $100+ drip pan - if you can still find one at all.

That's good to hear. Mine is still sitting in my garage because I haven't found time to replace it. If you have a step by step replacement procedure post that would be GREATLY appreciated. I did get some helpful tips from another poster but apparently I'll need a rivet tool?

 

[matthewmiller01]

In stead of buying a new SS pan, why couldn't you use your existing pan and rubber coat it?

I could, but I don't know if it is structurally worth saving and recoating. (It is not out yet, so I just don't know at this time.) Plus, this one is coated stainless steel vice painted steel, so I think it will last longer.

That's good to hear. Mine is still sitting in my garage because I haven't found time to replace it. If you have a step by step replacement procedure post that would be GREATLY appreciated. I did get some helpful tips from another poster but apparently I'll need a rivet tool?

I only know what has been posted on here. I don't have a rivet tool either. BTW, my new pan is exactly like the one you posted a picture of.




Can this replacement be done without riveting? What, exactly, gets riveted?

 

[jerryd5515]

When I replaced my pan, the original one had several pop rivets holding the A/C frame to the pan. I had to drill the pop rivet head out with a large bit, just to remove the head portion, then the back side of the pop rivet came out. After moving the A/C components to the new pan, all the pop rivet holes were pre-drilled in the new pan. I bought a pop rivet gun at the local hardware store and it came with an assortment of rivets. If you use the steel rivets, they will rust after a while, so I used the aluminum rivets. If you have never used a pop rivet gun before, it is pretty simple. Just insert the new rivet pin (long shaft) into the pop rivet gun opening and then insert the barrel of the rivet through the pan wall and through the A/C frame and squeeze the pop rivet gun handle until the rivet pin breaks. Make sure the pan and the A/C frame are tight against each other before squeezing the pop rivet gun handle. Also the better pop rivet guns come with interchangable rivet tips, for the different rivet pin sizes. Just use the one that fits your rivet and you are good to go.

 

[matthewmiller01]

I went down to the boat today to look at starting the drip pan replacement. I can't figure out how to get the bench seat bottom up. Any ideas? Pic below.

I've taken up all the screws that are seen, but this bench is still down secure. I can't see any way that it would be attached, though it definitely is.

 

[jerryd5515]

I had the exact same issue. Along both sides you have to push the cushion back slightly and feel through the tan material covering the cushion, with your finger, along the edge of the plywood that the cushion sits on. You will feel several screw holes or screw heads if they were not sunk deep and when you feel a screw hole or head, look closely at the material and you should see a small slit where SR put the screw driver through the material to tighten the screw. I think there were two on each side. Be patient because it took several tries before I found all the screws.

 

[matthewmiller01]

Thank you. I found the slits in the material and got the screws out. All is done now. Woohoo!

 

[matthewmiller01]

...and here is what came out (of course I added the rivet pieces). Glad that is over!