AC and sliders

[SmokeyBob]

Here we go again, build #2. Basically the same design as the first, only bigger and the door in the rear.

This one will be 5' wide, 8' long and 6' high. I'm not starting until the monsoon season is over here in Texas. Working outdoors under a carport really sucks trying to keep everything dry when it's raining.

In the meantime I need some help from people who know more about this than I do. I would like to iron out a few build problems before I get started.

In this build I thought about installing an AC unit that slides in and out. Like the one George T did on his pop up camper. Bandit did his using sliders but there are no pics. I have PMed both but so far no response.

Pics of GeorgeT AC unit.




In George's pic it looks like you just push the unit out on these wood rails. If you don't have a lot of arm strength this could be difficult. I like his idea for simplicity but I have no way of knowing how easy this would work.

I have never built anything using sliders so I have no idea as to the correct way to install them. I'm sure there are things to consider so they will work correctly.

Can the sliders be attached directly to the AC unit. Or would it be better to build some type of shelf to set the AC unit on. Like the ones people have done with their coolers. I would think that you would only set the front half of the AC unit on the shelf so when extended out you wouldn't collect water in the shelf if it were raining. Bandit didn't indicate how he used the sliders on his AC unit.

From reading other post there seems to be a weight factor in deciding what type of slider to use. Also the length of the slider. Does the length indicate how far something will slid in or out?

I'm sure I'll have other questions but for now I'll start with this one.

[toypusher]

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I have never built anything using sliders so I have no idea as to the correct way to install them. I'm sure there are things to consider so they will work correctly.

Can the sliders be attached directly to the AC unit. Or would it be better to build some type of shelf to set the AC unit on. Like the ones people have done with their coolers. I would think that you would only set the front half of the AC unit on the shelf so when extended out you wouldn't collect water in the shelf if it were raining. Bandit didn't indicate how he used the sliders on his AC unit.

From reading other post there seems to be a weight factor in deciding what type of slider to use. Also the length of the slider. Does the length indicate how far something will slid in or out?

I'm sure I'll have other questions but for now I'll start with this one.

OK!

First I would make a tray to set the AC on and let the 'vented' section that goes outside when in use hang off the shelf. I suggest the shelf because it will be easier to attach sliders to it. Or make it full length with drain holes a ensure that it is completely waterproof.

I am not sure about side mount or undermount sliders. That depends on what you can find and like.

Weight is a fact as the sliders are rated by weight.

The length will in fact determine how far they slide.

Hope this helps!!

[mikeschn]

I don't know if this will help, but here's a couple pics of the mod I did on the EH...






Mike...

[SmokeyBob]

Thanks Kerry for the info. I could build a tray just large enough for the front half of the AC to sit on, then the vented half wouldn't have anything under it to catch water. Any information or ideas I can get will be helpful on this project.

Mike thanks for the pics. It looks like you mounted the sliders to the AC. Did you have any proplems in doing it that way? I'm thinking that the distance between the two vertical walls is critical in order for the sliders to function properly. I would have attached the sliders to the AC and measured the distance from the outside edges of the sliders to get that distance. Did you do it that way or use some other method? Or do the sliders come with instructions that would give you that measurement?

PS: Forgot to ask, what type of slider did you use.

[mikeschn]

The sliders are 1/2" wide.

The important thing is to go wider rather than narrower...

then when you install your ac, you shim up one slide to fit...

Let me get a pic of my shim...

Mike..

[mikeschn]

here ya go...



Mike...

[SmokeyBob]

Thanks Mike
Your pics gave me an idea on how I can install an AC in my other camper.

You never know when one thing will lead to another.