Window unit AC size question

[roadinspector]

I am interested in installing a window unit in my CT thru the wall. As thing go with time, it will need to be replaced eventually. I don't want to cut a hole in my CT to fit one AC unit and not be able to find a replacement the same size. Has anyone considered this or have found this to be a problem. I do have a roof top AC off my old 5th wheel that works great. Had plans to use it but in my overthinking process I considered the cost of replacing it when it goes out and the most cost effective route I can come up with is installing a window unit instead. Which takes me back to the question about size consistency of the units. I'm starting to feel like a dog chasing his tail while beating a dead horse! Out of all the Southern Engineers that are on this forum, I can't be the only one that has considered this.

Thanks
Earnest

[jwhite]

I bought a 8000 btu on sale at the end of last year from lowes and I just noticed them at walmart for 200.00 so you can't beat the price and it was fairly small for it's size,I also didn't think I would need a bigger size but I did cut the hole larger and shimed it up with some wood.
But mine is in a rear wall that is wood and opens and closes so going larger is not a problem,either way the 8000 btu is more than enough for my 7x16, I haven't tested in in the full summer heat yet but I think it will be enough.
One of the main things I was looking for was that I could use my honda 2000 generator because most times I don't have power and I didn't want to large a AC that the generator wouldn't be able to handle = but so far so good.
I do like that in about a hour the trailer is pretty cool,I ran mine for 3 days straight in south GA and it was always cool when I went inside really nice to have in the summer.

[roadinspector]

For the reason you mentioned is why I am wanting to go with the window unit. I will not have a rear wall due to the ramp. When I cut a hole for it, I really don't want resizing being an option. I could install a hatch with hole that is larger than the AC unit, build a flexible seal out of inner tube that will slide over the unit when it is in the exterior operational position. Even if the seal size is too different, it would be a lot easier to adjust the size of the seal than the hole in the wall. Hmm...

[Glenlivet]

I had this same consideration doing mine. In my time of measuring window shakers in stores and in windows that I have access to, I've found that the actual window A/C case sizes are all over the map, with there being no standard of any recognizable form.
Therefor I figured I'd make the hole and frame it for what I have now and if it should fail and I can't find another that goes into that hole then what the heck, I'm the guy that made the hole, I can make it bigger. Or I could buy two cheap shakers the same size and mothball one in the attic for potential future activation as a spare. (didn't do that)

Odd how there has been no standard window A/C case size. Like home refrigerators in width and height, they are random sizes all over the place, yet common kitchen stoves have standardized sizes wide, 24" and 30".

[roadinspector]

That's what I figured. I guess they build them where they are to go in a window & as long they will stick in the hole, all is good. With this in mind, I may just use my roof model until it does die. I won't lose out, if anything I will just have another roof vent at that time depending on the dollar I got at the time for replacement.
Thanks for the responses!
Earnest

[Partsman]

This is the reason I put in a trailer house window. I can fit most window units.

[b.bodemer]

Roadinspector,

I had a cargo door built in and then added my a/c to slide out atop a cabinet. This way I could have the a/c in for the summer season and garage it in the off season.

http://cttraveltrailer.blogspot.com/201 ... alled.html

If I needed to I could put in a larger unit.
BArb

[planovet]

I have thought about this very question. But since I use the AC only a few days out of the year I'm hoping the AC will last a long time. If not, I am hoping that I can find another that is similar in size since I made the box it is in pretty tight around it.

We will see...

[roadinspector]

Bodemer: what you have is what I envisioned would be the best for me.
Thanks everyone for the ideas!
Earnest

[pete42]

I'm glad barb answered your question she has a good setup.
if you could incorporate the slide so the AC does not have to be moved for travel
would be great I too like barb's and if things go right I'll be doing something like hers.


pete

[Glenlivet]

Barb's sliding window A/C is just... elegant.

[roadinspector]

I do like Barb's idea! Mike has a good point too. It will only be ran a few days a year so hopefully it will last a long time. It's like my opinion of extended warranty. If I need one, I bought the wrong product.

Thanks again
Earnest