Goodman Downflow Conversion Kit for 4 - 5 Ton AMST & AMVT Air Handlers DFKE-03
Larger fan coils move more air across a bigger drain pan, and in a downflow layout that pan is the surface most likely to sweat. The Goodman DFKE-03 is the downflow kit dimensioned for 4 and 5 ton AMST and AMVT air handlers, applying to the bottom of the drain pan so moisture never forms there once the unit is discharging downward. Contractors reach for this part number on the AMST48C, AMST60D, AMVT48C, AMVT48D, and AMVT60D chassis, where the smaller DFKE-02 will not cover the pan footprint.
Does Your Air Handler Take the DFKE-03?
Goodman splits its air handler downflow kits by chassis footprint. The DFKE-03 is the upper kit in that pair, covering the 4 ton AMST48C and 5 ton AMST60D on the AMST side, and the AMVT48C, AMVT48D, and AMVT60D on the variable-speed side. Note that 4 ton AMVT units exist in both C and D cabinet widths and both take this kit. Anything at 3.5 tons or below runs the smaller kit instead.
Sizing here is not a comfort calculation, it is a parts-matching step, so the answer lives on the unit data plate. Pull the full model number, read the cabinet letter and the capacity digits, and match it to the list above. Getting it wrong means a kit that does not cover the pan, which defeats the purpose of buying one.
Ideal for: 4 and 5 ton AMST and AMVT air handlers going into downflow closets, mechanical rooms, and platform installations, including humid return-air environments where pan sweating is a known risk.
Working with a smaller cabinet? The Goodman Downflow Conversion Kit DFKE-02 covers 1.5 through 3.5 ton B and C chassis air handlers.
Downflow kit fitment is determined by the air handler's exact model and cabinet designation, not by nominal tonnage alone. Request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Kit Model | DFKE-03 — Goodman Downflow Conversion Kit |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Prevents condensation forming on the drain pan in downflow applications |
| Mounting Location | Applied to the bottom of the evaporator drain pan |
| Cabinet Sizes Covered | C and D Chassis (4 - 5 Ton) |
| AMST Models | AMST48C, AMST60D |
| AMVT Models | AMVT48C, AMVT48D, AMVT60D |
| Nominal Capacity Range | 4 and 5 Tons |
| Application | Downflow / Counterflow Air Handler Installation |
This is a separately ordered field accessory. The downflow conversion has the installer slide the coil assembly back into the cabinet on the downflow brackets, and the DFKE-03 goes onto the pan during that step, so it needs to be on the truck before the fan coil is set. Pairing it with the air handler at the time of purchase avoids stopping a large-tonnage change-out halfway through.
Downflow Kit & Air Handler Features
DFKE-03 Downflow Conversion Kit
- Genuine Goodman accessory for large-chassis AMST and AMVT cabinets
- Dimensioned for 4 and 5 ton drain pan footprints
- Applies to the underside of the evaporator drain pan
- Stops condensation from forming on the pan in downflow orientation
- Fits both C and D cabinet 4 ton AMVT variants
- Covers AMST48C and AMST60D on the multi-speed side
- Specified with the High Humidity Kit above 65 percent return-air humidity
- Installed in the field during the downflow coil conversion
- Guards ductwork and finished surfaces below from condensate drip
- Keeps large downflow installations aligned with Goodman guidance
Compatible 4 - 5 Ton AMST & AMVT Air Handlers
- Multi-position chassis approved for downflow operation
- Direct-drive ECM blower motors
- All-aluminum evaporator coils
- Higher airflow across a larger coil face
- AMST60D and AMVT60D use the widest D cabinet
- AMVT variable-speed operation for improved humidity control
- Accepts field-installed electric heater kits up to 25 kW
- Downflow with electric heat needs an L-shaped sheet metal supply duct
- No registers or outlets directly beneath the heater in downflow
- Current R-32 builds meet 2023 EPA refrigerant requirements
Building the whole system? See the 4 ton AMST48CU1300 air handler and the 5 ton AMST60DU1300 air handler, browse the full standard Goodman air handler range, or add Goodman heat strips for supplemental electric heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a separate kit required for 4 and 5 ton air handlers?
Because the drain pan on a large-chassis fan coil has a bigger footprint than the pan in a 1.5 to 3.5 ton cabinet. Goodman covers the smaller sizes with the DFKE-02 and the 4 to 5 ton sizes with the DFKE-03 so the pan is fully addressed in each case.
Which AMST and AMVT models call for the DFKE-03?
AMST48C and AMST60D on the multi-speed side, and AMVT48C, AMVT48D, and AMVT60D on the variable-speed side. The 4 ton AMVT is built in both C and D cabinet widths, and both widths use this kit.
Is the DFKE-03 needed on a horizontal installation?
Goodman's AMST literature ties the Downflow Kit to the horizontal left or right position as well when the return air exceeds 65 percent relative humidity, where it is used together with the High Humidity Kit to keep the coil pan from sweating. In normal humidity, the kit's primary role is the downflow conversion.
Will the DFKE-03 fit a D cabinet AMVT48DP?
Yes. Both the 21 inch C cabinet AMVT48C and the wider D cabinet AMVT48D are covered by the DFKE-03. The 4 ton AMVT is the one capacity where two cabinet widths share the same downflow kit.
What problem shows up if the downflow kit is left out?
Condensation forms on the drain pan in the downflow airstream and drips where it should not, typically into the supply plenum or onto the platform, subfloor, or ceiling below the unit. It usually surfaces as a water stain callback weeks after the install rather than at startup.
Is the DFKE-03 sold with the air handler or purchased separately?
Separately. It is a field-installed accessory ordered by part number alongside the fan coil, and it goes on during the conversion while the coil assembly is out of the cabinet.
