Dometic FreshJet 5 Heat Pump RV AC | Black | Penguin II | FJX5557EHP

Replace your Penguin II with the next-generation Dometic FreshJet 5 with Heat Pump — Black (Part #FJX5557EHPBKCS / SKU 9620017217). Direct low-profile replacement engineered to match the existing Penguin II 10.5" installed height and mounting footprint — no roof modifications needed. Approximately 15,000 BTU cooling AND integrated heat pump for efficient electric heating. Pre-installed electronic control board, built-in hard start, and R32 refrigerant.

Prefer White Instead?

Also available in white as the Dometic FreshJet 5 with Heat Pump — White (FJX5557EHPWHCS). Same construction and features — white finish for traditional exterior color schemes.

⚠️ CRITICAL — Thermostat Requirements (Electronic Heat Pump Units)

Before ordering, read this section carefully. The FreshJet 5 Electronic Heat Pump has specific thermostat compatibility requirements — the wrong setup can prevent operation entirely. Contact us before ordering if you have any doubt about your configuration.

Scenario 1 — Multi-Zone with another Penguin II using the 10-button CCC2 thermostat:

• You MAY HAVE to switch the thermostat to the new Connect Essential Thermostat (9610007991)
• This is the only way to pair the FJ5 with Heat Pump and a Penguin II together simultaneously out of the box.

⚠️ Want to Keep Your CCC2 Thermostat? Alternative Installation Available

The standard FJ5 installation is not compatible with CCC2 (Comfort Control Center 2) thermostats. If you're replacing a Penguin II and want to continue using your existing CCC2 thermostat, there's an alternative installation approach that reuses the original Penguin II control board with the new FJ5 HP unit:

• 📹 Video walkthrough: Alternative FJ5 HP installation with CCC2 thermostat retention — shows how to keep the old Penguin II board so the CCC2 can continue to be used.
• 📄 Forest River memo sheet: Step-by-step board-swap reference sheet — reference alongside the video.

⚠️ Not a simple process — this alternative install requires board swapping and rewiring. It can be done, but it's not recommended for first-time DIY installers. If you'd rather use the FJ5's native controls or upgrade to a compatible Dometic thermostat, the standard installation is much more straightforward.

Scenario 2 — Multi-Zone with another Penguin II using a DIFFERENT thermostat (not 10-button CCC2):

• Please reach out to us before ordering — you may or may not be forced to switch BOTH ACs to make the system work

Scenario 3 — Single Zone install (only this AC on the system):

• The FJ5 Heat Pump AC typically will not work without a newer Connect Essential thermostat
• You can use the Connect Essential Thermostat v1 (4471011652)

⭐ Furnace + Heat Pump — Managed by One Thermostat

Important capability: the Connect Essential thermostat manages both this heat pump AC AND a furnace simultaneously. The system automatically prioritizes heat pump operation until the outdoor ambient temperature reaches near freezing, then switches over to furnace operation for efficient cold-weather heating. No need for a separate furnace-only thermostat.

⚠️ This Guidance Applies to Electronic Heat Pump Units ONLY

The above thermostat requirements apply specifically to the electronic control board FJ5 Heat Pump units (the FJX5557EHP series — white and black). Requirements are meaningfully different for the mechanical heat pump variants (FJX5557MHP series).

⭐ Direct Penguin II Replacement — Same Height and Footprint

The FreshJet 5 is engineered as a drop-in replacement for the Dometic Penguin II:

• Same 10.5" installed height as Penguin II
• Same mounting footprint
• No roof modifications required

⭐ Integrated Heat Pump for Electric Heating

• Reversible refrigerant cycle for efficient electric heat
• Cooling AND heating from one rooftop unit
• Reduced propane/furnace dependency in mild weather

⭐ Pre-Installed Electronic Control Board

Critical difference from the FreshJet 3 mechanical models: this unit comes with a pre-installed Multi-Zone FreshJet electronic control board.

⚠️ RJ-11 to RJ-45 Adapter Required for Most Penguin II Replacements

Where the existing installation uses RJ-11 wiring (from the legacy Penguin II era) that needs to tie into the new RJ-45-based FreshJet 5 system, the Dometic RJ-11 to RJ-45 Adapter Harness Kit (9610008210) is required if using the pre-installed board. Typical requirement: 2 kits per FreshJet 5 unit (one at the unit, one at the thermostat).

⭐ Built-In Hard Start

Built-in hard start improves startup performance and reduces the chance of tripping breakers when multiple appliances start simultaneously. Meaningful for RVs on 30-amp service or generator power.

15,000 BTU High-Efficiency Cooling

• Approximately 15,000 BTU cooling capacity
• High-Efficiency model — strong cooling performance with lower power consumption
• R32 refrigerant — enhanced efficiency and reduced environmental impact
• Reinforced steel base for long-term durability

⭐ Up to 9dB Quieter (Non-Ducted Setups)

Upgraded motor and blower system: up to 9dB quieter operation in non-ducted setups.

⚠️ R32 Refrigerant Compatibility

• R410A equipment may be replaced with R32-designed components
• R410A equipment CANNOT be used in R32-designed systems
• R32 refrigerant CANNOT be used in R410A-based air conditioners

Ducted OR Non-Ducted Installation

⭐ Pre-Installed Roof Compression Gasket

Comes with a pre-installed roof compression gasket on the base of the unit — no additional sealant or roof gasket required.

⭐ SHIPS FREE via Freight to the 48 States

Free freight shipping to the 48 contiguous states. Most orders arrive within a week.

⚠️ Freight Shipping Note

Large-format freight item — inspect thoroughly upon delivery and note any damage on the delivery receipt before signing.

Cross-Reference Part Numbers

• Manufacturer Part: FJX5557EHPBKCS
• SKU: 9620017217

Black Finish

⚠️ Professional Installation Required

Installation involves rooftop mounting, weather sealing, 120V AC electrical wiring, control network wiring (potentially with RJ-11 to RJ-45 adapters), and thermostat integration. Installation should be performed by a qualified RV service technician.

2-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Genuine Dometic OEM

Key Features

• Genuine Dometic OEM FreshJet 5 with Heat Pump rooftop AC
• Part number: FJX5557EHPBKCS (SKU 9620017217)
• Direct low-profile replacement for Dometic Penguin II — same 10.5" height and mounting footprint
• Approximately 15,000 BTU cooling — High-Efficiency model
• Integrated heat pump for efficient electric heating
• R32 refrigerant
• Pre-installed Multi-Zone FreshJet electronic control board
• ⚠️ Requires Connect Essential thermostat for single-zone installs (v1 4471011652 or CMC 9610007991)
• ⚠️ Multi-zone with Penguin II on 10-button CCC2: MUST switch to Connect Essential 9610007991 — only path to pair FJ5 HP + P2 together
• ⚠️ Multi-zone with P2 on different thermostat: contact us before ordering
• ⚠️ Furnace + heat pump: requires a separate furnace-only external thermostat (Dometic has no combined solution)
• Built-in hard start — improved startup reliability
• Up to 9dB quieter in non-ducted setups
• Reinforced steel base for durability
• Ducted OR non-ducted installation
• Pre-installed roof compression gasket — no additional sealant needed
• White color sibling available: FJX5557EHPWHCS
• RJ-11 to RJ-45 adapter typically required for Penguin II wiring replacement (SKU 9610008210 — usually 2 per unit)
• Black finish
• SHIPS FREE via freight to 48 states
  
• Backed by 2-year manufacturer warranty

Specifications

• Brand: Dometic
• Series: FreshJet 5
• Part Number: FJX5557EHPBKCS
• SKU: 9620017217
• Type: RV Rooftop Air Conditioner with Integrated Heat Pump (Low-Profile)
• Cooling Capacity: Approximately 15,000 BTU (High Efficiency)
• Heat Pump: Yes (integrated electric heating)
• Refrigerant: R32
• Hard Start: Built-in
• Configuration: Ducted OR Non-Ducted
• Installed Height: 10.5" (matches Penguin II)
• Mounting Footprint: Matches Penguin II
• Direct Replaces: Dometic Penguin II
• Noise Reduction: Up to 9dB quieter in non-ducted setups
• Control Board: Pre-installed Multi-Zone FreshJet electronic control board
• Compatible Thermostats: Dometic Connect Essential v1 (4471011652), Dometic Connect Essential RV-C and CMC (9610007991)
• ⭐ Furnace + heat pump: managed by one Connect Essential thermostat with automatic switchover based on outdoor temp
• Base Construction: Reinforced steel
• Roof Compression Gasket: Pre-installed
• Required Companion (for Penguin II replacements with existing RJ-11 wiring): RJ-11 to RJ-45 Adapter Kit (SKU 9610008210) — typically 2 per unit
• Color: Black
• White Color Sibling: Dometic FJX5557EHPWHCS
• Shipping: Ships FREE via freight to 48 states (typical arrival within a week)
  
• Warranty: 2-year manufacturer warranty