James at Fit RV Tests Quiet Coleman AC

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by Byu2

How is your Mach8 Plus holding up? I'm debating Mach8 Plus or more Expensive Houghton.

Welcome to the forum Byu2!

My Mach 8 Plus is doing fine after 1-1/2 yrs, but we travel in cool weather so only have about 75 hours on it. It is quieter and more efficient than the 7 yr. old unit it replaced., but I would not recommend it based on reviews on the new Coleman NDQ units which are even more quiet and efficient.

The NDQ is the unit you should be comparing to the Houghton. Not as quiet as the Houghton (based on ARV's comparison to Fit RV test),

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKTU641d7lE

but probably a big improvement over what you have. I had to go with the Mach 8 Plus because the NDQ was not yet available and my application required an ultra-low profile (see pic as to how my unit is tucked under a roof shroud at roof height). Plus by staying with the same brand (swapping an older coleman for a newer coleman) made the swap an easy plug and play for my do-it-myself swap.

[Davydd]

I've heard the Houghton in a Sprinter ARV and an upgraded other brand Promaster. I can't imaging getting a quieter air conditioner in a van. My next van by default will get the Houghton from ARV so I don't have to make a decision. Until the Houghton, I was entertaining how I could get my next van without air conditioning.

ARV claims 20% energy savings with the Houghton as well. I don't know if that makes any difference other than attempting to get through the night with air conditioning on high amperage lithium ion batteries such as the Volta system. If you have 400ah or less you probably would be on shore power anyway or just run for an hour for convenience to shop or lunch with pets on board.