How big of an AC unit?

[lrrowe]

I think I might have a chance to look at a 13.5K roof mounted AC unit that the owner took off of a relatively new RV because it would not fit into his garage at a very good price. But I am concerned that this is too much for a 6 x 12 (6.5 roof height) unit with 3 foot V-Nose. Could it be run on the lowest setting and still work?
Any thoughts?

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Get it ..... You can never have to much ac
Only crazy OTTCT uses less

[eamarquardt]

Get it ..... You can never have to much ac
Only crazy OTTCT uses less

Not entirely true. A major part of the air conditioner's job is to lower the humidity of the air. If the moisture isn't removed the air feels cold but clammy and is uncomfortable. Removing the moisture takes time and several passes of the air over the evaporator coils. An air conditioner that is too large will cool the air very quickly with few passes over the evaporator coils and the moisture won't be removed.

There are a lot of variables that factor into the "equation". How big is your trailer, how well insulated is it, will it be in full sun, the temperature, the relative humidity where you camp, to mention a few.

If it's cheap I'd go for it and see how it works. Just be aware that it may not be the optimum size for your trailer and it may not remove enough moisture to make you comfortable. 5k to 6k BTU units can be had at the end of the summer (and on sale) for less than a hundred bucks at the big box stores.

Knowledge is power.

Cheers,

Gus

[lrrowe]

Thanks Jerry and Gus,
But the ones on sale at the end of the year are window fans, right? And this one is a top mount for $250 (asking price).
That only complicates the decision making.
And I did wonder about too much cooling power.
Bob

[eamarquardt]

Thanks Jerry and Gus,
But the ones on sale at the end of the year are window fans, right? And this one is a top mount for $250 (asking price).
That only complicates the decision making.
And I did wonder about too much cooling power.
Bob

The ones sold at the big box stores (for cheap) are designed to be mounted in windows. There are also units with separate compressor and evaporator modules connected by the refrigerant lines available but they are a lot more expensive.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CARRIER-PORTABL ... 0396453%26

Shadow Catcher has modified a "window shaker" to connect to his trailer with hoses. That way he can take it with him or leave it home. He is also able to regulate the efficiency of the unit a bit and increase the cycle times (as I recall).

Use the unknowns as a bargaining chip and see if you can get it for less. All's fair in bargaining, ha.

Cheers,

Gus

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

At $250 for almost new roof unit your robbing him blind
You can always sell if for that or much more in the summer.....
Some people when they see a good deal , will try for another 80%
I kick those to the curb.

[PaulS]

I have a 13500 btu colman Mach 3 roof top ac on my 6x14 ct with 1inch of foam in the walls and ceiling and it works good

[lrrowe]

Thanks PaulS,
I think I will call the owner and see if I can get it now. Even if it does turn out to be tooooo big, I could always resell it.
Bob

[tnriverluver]

13.5K on my 7X14 v nose and it has to work hard on those hot summer days. RV air is the only way to go with these trailers IMHO. They will cool your trailer down in just a matter of minutes, unlike window units and portables. I started out with a 12K portable and that was a huge and expensive mistake. There is nothing nicer when you are camped in a campground with full hook-ups than being able to walk into a 65 degree trailer on a 100 degree day

[lrrowe]

Thanks...I made my call to the seller....100 miles away, but in the scheme of things, not bad. Now my fingers are crossed that he did not sell it already.

Good input all. Thanks to you.