g00s3 wrote:Thanks for the great info Tom. Are you planning to use Shadow Catcher's hack on the window unit?
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=44561 I am nearly done with my cabinets and galley so my next task would be to build my tongue box and work through the a/c challenge so if this is something you are planning soon I'd love to collaborate with you on it. The window unit definitely appeals to me because it is a much lower cost option than the ClimateRight and since I am yet to purchase a ClimateRight I am definitely open to alternatives.
I appreciate all of the work Shadow Catcher did and will use his experiences for my approach. The primary differences are that I want to use supply and return air duct work that is the same cross-sectional area as it is when it leaves the A/C unit (to hopefully prevent freezing of the evaporator coils), and that I am doing a permanent installation rather than a portable solution.
I want to keep the same ducting arrangement as I have with the PetCool. The supply air will go from the tongue box through the front wall of the teardrop and turn up to flow out of the top of the headboard cabinet. The return air will collect at the bulkhead and flow under the teardrop back to the tongue box.
I have purchased a 5000 Btuh Frigidaire window unit with mechanical controls. (
http://www.amazon.com/Frigidaire-FFRA0511R1-Window-Mounted-Mini-Compact-Conditioner/dp/B00W2KG92Y?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01) My first hack will be to remove the front cover and take measurements. I want to relocate the front panel controller to the interior of the teardrop, so my next hack will be to cut the wiring and add about ten feet of wire length to see if the additional wiring will work. I think - I'm not an electrician or electrical engineer - and am hopeful that the mechanical controls and their line voltage will be less sensitive to voltage drop of the longer wiring than "digital" controls.
If this pans out electrically, then I will construct the tongue box, build the ducting - probably galvanized metal insulted EPS insulation - do the electrical work relocate to the controller, etc. If it doesn't then I'll need to think about leaving the controls on or near the unit and figure out a different tongue box arrangement.
As you can see, this is still a mental exercise for me and a work in progress. As it also turns out, my WFCO converter has failed on the DC side of things, so I have purchased a PD converter and will be installing it too. That will be my first priority and then I will refocus on the A/C install.
g00s3 wrote:As always, I really appreciate the great information on this forum and everyone's willingness to share what they know.
I echo your comments. Without the information sharing on this forum, I never would have been able to build my teardrop.