by flboy » Thu May 10, 2018 4:16 pm
McDave... Not about the work or cost to install the first time around or necessarily about saving hundreds of dollars over a unit much larger than needed for a small CTC (although good incentive by itself).
You said it yourself, if we wanted poorly designed and fabricated junk, we'd buy a trailer off the lot.
In most cases, It is precisely about about the ongoing support, right size for small space, smaller generator needs, not having squirells chewing cowlings and making nests, roof leaks due to clogged condense drains, complexity and expense of repairs, etc. etc. Also the unit just sets up there and deteriorates in the elements whether it is used or not. Not the case when the unit is effectively inside the CTC. Window AC's last for many years this way (first hand experience).
Cost to install is arguable anyhow. In my case, the extra costs beside my labor was probably about $75.00 in material to include the vents, not hundreds. Needed the rack for fridge anyhow. AC included, less than $300 and I still have a roof vent for Maxxair that is very useful most of the time.
I suppose that is why RV makers throw in a big AC on a small camper instead of building in a smaller AC into a cabinet. It cost them more labor and that is the majority of thier costs in a build and it for sure does take up valuable cabinet real estate in a smaller camper.
Actually, some RV makers have wised up and are building the smaller window ACs into cabinets and etc. for trailers less than 18 feet where 13,500 BTU is way too big unless there is no insulation. They must have finally figured it out. I see it alot in the South for sure.
I have seen 8,000 BTU roof units. Very rare. Probably a good reason got that.
I can agree that it makes sense for that rooftop unit on anything larger than 18' which may require the capacity. It is easier to install in the build phase for sure and does not take up otherwise precious space. Has all the other drawbacks however and few benefits. You also seriously think a rooftop unit is quieter inside than a window unit? Not any I have seen.. blower is still inside.
You say you are an AC man. You seriously think 13,500 BTU is a good choice for a 6*12 insulated space just considering cooling needs only? Please do not say yes. In your case, I understand, you got the unit free. Why not make the best of it until it breaks. For sure a good decision for you. You saved hundreds of dollars there and life is full of compromises.
At the end of the day, people should get what they want or have means to acquire. Not about good, bad, right wrong. I do think folks asking for help deciding need to know the whole picture.. the good and bad. That is the purpose and spirit here. Not defending our choices but maybe explaining how we arrived at our choice so informed decisions can be made.
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Last edited by
flboy on Thu May 10, 2018 11:38 pm, edited 11 times in total.