Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Another A/C idea.

Having read most of the A/C discussion and doing extensive research on the Internet I have an idea that I will try to implement.

Considerations:

1- I purchased a new carpenter built Ben Roy Teardrop and my preference is to do NO cutting or drilling of this work of expert craftsmanship.
2- I live in Florida and have used a 5000 BTU window A/C unit in a tent with no insulation and temperature and humidity in 90’s so I know that the smallest window unit will cool and dehumidify my 4’x6’ TD cabin.

My Solution
1- The Teardrop has two large doors.
2- My idea is to cut a piece of exterior grade plywood the exact size as the opening of one of the doors.
3- Next cut a hole in the plywood and mount the window A/C unit to the plywood.
4- Mount four double-sided wood blocks on the plywood replacement door to hold in place.
5- When I set up at campsite I would open one of the doors and insert this unit. The TD door would remain open fastened back.
6- When I am ready to pack up I remove the plywood -A/C unit. Close the door and be on my way.

Any comments/suggestions are appreciated

I camp about 40 weeks a year and have used tent, popup, travel trailer, conversion van and back to tent.

Sonds like a good idea, as long as you have room to carry the AC/Door panel to and from campouts.

CD

I use the same set up.

Caveat...be sure to have a way to protect your original door from the elements when a/c is in use. You would not want to damage the interior side of the door when rain comes.

I saw one like that setup at a gathering about a year ago. If I recall the design right the door panel with the A/C replaced the exsisting door itself. The original door was mounted on door hinges that allowed the door to be easily removed and the A/C installed panel to be installed in it's place like the door it replaced. So when the weather turned bad the interior skin of the door did not get damaged from weather. It is one one way to cool a teardrop when you need it and when you don't leave it at home

This is what we did with a PetCool . . .



Replaced a screen with a piece of plywood and screwed the ducts that came with the unit to the plywood after drilling the appropriate holes. Had to ease the edges of the plywood a bit so that they might fit in the screen slot, but all in all a satisfactory installation. Only extra needed is a small roll-up table.

Tear Fan

Pblichfeldt,

I've got two doors and I am planning the same thing....an insert.

As far as the rain and my door being left open the td will be under an awning. Right now I could leave the door open with my screen insert in a rainstorm and the open door stays dry.

We had a lot of heat and humidity this week but I had no spare time to fool with the a/c. Would have been nice to test the a/c out but I think it is going to be one of those fall or winter upgrades when I have more time to play in the garage.

Barb

Another similar way is to have your doors mounted with torpedo hinges so they can be easily removed, then build a third door with the air conditioner mounted in it so you can put the third door in when needed.

I watched these guys do this on a blog last year about "Three Texas Tears", and they really did a nice job of it!!! I don't know who the three amigos are, but they were sure fine craftsmaen!!!! Three Texas Tears

I made an insert that I close in the window for a petcool:



Bruce

what if its raining and you have the petcool on?

PetCool is designed to be outside. Rain is not supposed to hurt them.

I just got home from hospital. I live in Orlando and drove up to Ohio to pick my TD. Then turned around and drove back to Orlando. Other then gas and quick rest stops and few hours of sleep, I just drove. When I got home my left leg was quite swollen. I thought it was a stress injury from exercising. When I told my doctor about the exercise injury and the drive he immediately said"BLOOD CLOT". Immediate ultra sound and admitance to hospital as clots were several and moving.
I am posting this as a lesson learned. What I was told is that when I drive long distances STOP EVERY TWO HOUR AND WALK FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. TO THE REST ROOM AND BACK IS NOT ENOUGH.
I will be getting twice daily shots for a couple of weeks minimum and then on blood thinner for several months and blood testing every two days.
Hopefully this account will prevent similiar occourance.
Back to my TD as soon as able.

Day-um!!!

I always thought that happened to other people.

The NBC news correspondent (David Bloom) died from the same thing riding in an armored vehicle the first week or so of thr Iraq invasion.

Y'all be careful out there.

Look in my album for a mounting board for your air unit.

This idea coud be used if you have a window the size or larger then you air unit. I took out a rubber sealed window in a pop up and put velcro as shown on the wall and board. Mount the air to the board and set the air resting on the bottom sill of the opening matching up the velcro. Nice tight fit supported by the sill opening. When your ready to go home just pull the mounting board away from the velcro (be carefull not to spill water on you) reinstall window and your ready to go. This only works for windows with a rubber seal as caulked windows can't be removed. The air unit is light enough to haul in trunk or back of pickup. Takes me all of five minutes to mount board, remove window (screws) and install air. this mounting is on the inside. I use round weather molding to stuff the outside for protection against rain. You could also use duct tape (many colors available) but have never had a leak with the moulding.
If it is too nice you don't need to install but in thise dog days of summer in five minutes you are cooling your bedroom.

Hi Bruce

Do you have any pictures of the A/C mounted in the window frame. With a est. 40lb A/C hanging out of window frame I am interested in the rest of the mountings.
Thank Peter

I really like the idea of replacing a simple part of the window with a piece of plwood (or higher tech material). The noizzzzze and vibration of a window mounted ac unit would drive me crazy (ok, ok, crazier). Have looked at ac units (at HD and Lowes) and would not be difficult to replace the front with a piece of something that allows you to gather the air at the discharge of the evaporator and after routing it through the td duct it back in for a closed look. Small ac units can he had for less than $100. One could accuire a thermostat , small transformer, and a relay (or get a thermostat (ie from WWGrainger, a good place for cool stuff but you or someone you know must have a business account,I'm fortunate to know someone with an account) one that will handle the 120 volt load) and have it thermostaticly controled from inside the TD.