V-nose 6X12 aluminum cargo air conditioner install (Advice please)

[Stovlar]

Hello, I am attempting to install a window air conditioner in my V-nose cargo trailer. I've already tried the portable air conditioners and it lasted a few days, I returned it and bought this 8000 BTU window air conditioner and from my experience, you cannot beat a house window air conditioner for cooling. I plan to put it in the front center of the V-nose as shown in the outline in the picture.

BTW this is the front nose.

Also, this is the air conditioner. The air conditioner weighs 45 pounds.

I just want to know that if it's OK to cut the 4 aluminum frame tubing and just stick the air conditioner in its place or do I need to brace it up? I plan on having the air conditioner sit on that horizontal brace at the bottom, but I'm kind of worried about the top.

 

[DrewsBrews]

The roof spot there seems it might be ok to hold itself up, but under the A/C hole there is nothing much holding the nose from crumpling backwards. 1) (red) Probably need to add braces from those nose studs back to the next studs on the left/right. 2) (blue) Then add some structure for the skin to brace against around the A/C hole so it can't be pushed in.

 

[Stovlar]

The roof spot there seems it might be ok to hold itself up, but under the A/C hole there is nothing much holding the nose from crumpling backwards. 1) (red) Probably need to add braces from those nose studs back to the next studs on the left/right. 2) (blue) Then add something for the skin to brace against around the A/C hole.View attachment 1319977

The thing is, the only thing I can use is wood to brace it. I have a meg welder, but I've never tried to weld aluminum, I can get aluminum wire, but like I said I've never welded aluminum.

 

[DrewsBrews]

Do what you can. wood could possibly work if you can get screws through into the studs with a decent hold. But that is probably tricky due to the thin studs. For a less sketchy option: You can get aluminum angle at most hardware stores, cut a notch out to create a tab at the end and bend it down/inward. If you do that on both sides, then slide it between the studs, you can then use screws or pop rivets to attach to the the sides of the studs. Then continue the same method with the rest of the sections. Looks like it should deal with more compressive force than tensile. So I bet that would hold up decently well as long as bending the tab doesn't fatigue the aluminum too much (visible cracks forming as it is bent). Steel angle could work too and probably handle bending better. Might take some experimentation to find the best solution. But this is what I would try if I were doing the same.

The angle stock should allow you to rivet the skin to it in order to secure it down. Or use exterior grade double sided (VHB type) tape, applied before the brace is fully installed.

 

[Stovlar]

yes, VHB tape is designed to replace mechanical fasteners like screws and rivets in various applications. I'm glad I just didn't start cutting like I would've done 20 years ago. A lot of things change when you get into your 50s and 60s. Thanks, Drews

 

[Stovlar]

So it got to the point; "chit or get off the pot" so I took a last look, and it is solid as it was built where the tubing was, like a header for doorway. So in my mind if I cut it, it should not move either way.
I Flip a coin and then cut it and both ends were solid as a rock. It turned out very well, I'm very happy with it, and the air conditioner cooled excellently. It's 90° here and humid and It's cycles at 70° I just couldn't be a happier camper. I still have to frame the outside and the inside, I checked Lowe's, and they have plenty of aluminum for framing, and this is the result so far.

This is the outside, I have yet to trim it;

And tomorrow I'm going to run it with my predator 3500 generator,

it should run fine because the air conditioner only uses 450 watts.

Man, it was tough making that first cut!

 

[Camping Cur]

WOW! That must have been super-scary cutting into the nose of a NEW, ALL Aluminum beautiful cargo trailer! Nice job, though! The front of the V-nose will need to be sealed extra well to keep out that rain when cruising down the Interstate. Also, in addition to a cover for the AC (similar to what an Aliner comes with using a side-mount unit, it might be good to have a sheet of 3/4" or so foam board to absorb the blow from rocks hitting the cooling fins. Sorry the portable did not work out. The 10K unit we use here in SW Fla gets the inside down from 95 to 75 in about 2 hours. My dual hose adapter seems to have really helped as now I am drawing in outside air from under the trailer to help cool the unit and then pushing it out the other side as VERY hot air. I had to insulate the exhaust tube because it was almost too hot too touch! Hope this unit you have does the trick. Room AC units don't like much vibration and bumping so maybe if you could take a pool noodle and slice it so that it could rest on some cushy foam it might extend the working life a bit more. Aliner units would fail early due to being solidly mounted to the side wall of the camper. (Mine failed in less than 2 years). Keeping it simple, eh? LOL! Please keep us posted as to the progress of your trailer. Good pics, BTW! Thanks!

 

[Stovlar]

WOW! That must have been super-scary cutting into the nose of a NEW, ALL Aluminum beautiful cargo trailer! Nice job, though! The front of the V-nose will need to be sealed extra well to keep out that rain when cruising down the Interstate. Also, in addition to a cover for the AC (similar to what an Aliner comes with using a side-mount unit, it might be good to have a sheet of 3/4" or so foam board to absorb the blow from rocks hitting the cooling fins. Sorry the portable did not work out. The 10K unit we use here in SW Fla gets the inside down from 95 to 75 in about 2 hours. My dual hose adapter seems to have really helped as now I am drawing in outside air from under the trailer to help cool the unit and then pushing it out the other side as VERY hot air. I had to insulate the exhaust tube because it was almost too hot too touch! Hope this unit you have does the trick. Room AC units don't like much vibration and bumping so maybe if you could take a pool noodle and slice it so that it could rest on some cushy foam it might extend the working life a bit more. Aliner units would fail early due to being solidly mounted to the side wall of the camper. (Mine failed in less than 2 years). Keeping it simple, eh? LOL! Please keep us posted as to the progress of your trailer. Good pics, BTW! Thanks!

lol thanks for your reply, you ain't bullchitting! Scared chitless to be honest, but I had to put everything aside and just do it or return the air conditioner, but everyone knows if you going to camp in a cargo trailer, you need some type of conditioned air or stay out of the south. The AC is sealed very well and I'm also going to get a piece of that diamond sheet to cover the condenser and Velcro it on. I try to explain to everyone that has a single exhaust hose, portable air conditioner is not going to work, I know it's not going to work because I had one. I'm not sure how well for you a 2 Duct exhaust does in a cargo trailer but I'll take your word for it . I just couldn't stand the negative suction from a Single Duct unit. The new AC is working excellent, I have it cycling at 70° and I love that there's no negative suction.

Camping Cur 95 to 75 in about 2 hours

that seems long, I'll see what mine does it in, I would think like 30 minutes or so

Here's the outside finish, thanks for your reply and advice.

The trailer is actually level, I have a bout a 3/8" lean on the AC. Looks a bit much but window air conditioners are cheap.

 

[Chief-John]

Wow, Looks pretty good! I was worried about your ability to tip the AC for drainage but it looks like you solved that problem...