Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Now that I've finally started the build the only obstacle I've run into is trying to figure out how to install the AC. It's going in a 6x10 Interstate Cargo.

I bought a used 5,000 BTU GE window unit. It is only 18in wide x 14 tall.

I looked in a new Jayco that had one permanently mounted in an upper cabinet with a vent on the outside. I wonder to prevent leaks going that route?

I have come across a post on here before about using a cargo door with a slide.

Any ideas??

I cannot seem to find a small enough cargo door with a lock. I'd like one no wider than 21in If I go that route.

As soon I I get started with the actual building I'm posting pictures of my progress

Thanks

I was going to go the route of a side cargo door with a tin covered drawer that came out, but I've recently changed my mind in favor of putting the unit in basically a closet that is sectioned off from the living area and just running a vent and small blower fan into that area to help keep the heat down at the compressor. I just couldn't find a cargo door the right size for a reasonable cost. I know this will be a little less efficient, but I've made my peace with that. I hopefully won't need to use it that much anyway with the insulation and the fact that I don't camp that much in the middle of summer anyway.

Don

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I used a cargo door with a slider. Can take the a/c out when not needed leaving trailer lighter and with more space.

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

Barb

I made a box for the unit to sit in that sits over a hole in the floor. Inside the box I have a board running at an angle to deflect the heat down and out the bottom side of the trailer. I also made a cutout that fits over the back of the unit to seperate the hot exhausted air from the intake air. Works good.

Lotsa_cold_beer wrote:I made a box for the unit to sit in that sits over a hole in the floor. Inside the box I have a board running at an angle to deflect the heat down and out the bottom side of the trailer. I also made a cutout that fits over the back of the unit to seperate the hot exhausted air from the intake air. Works good.

Got a picture of that?

Mike...

Sorry for the bad pictures and the bad posting of them, I'm still figuring this site out.

b.bodemer wrote:I used a cargo door with a slider. Can take the a/c out when not needed leaving trailer lighter and with more space.

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

Barb

Where did you buy your Cargo door? I think I'm going that route.

The cargo door was installed at the factory. Any manufactuer would be able to do the same thing. I wanted mine at window height and the a/c window unit cools the trailer very nicely.
Barb

lotsa cold beer how do you deal with the condensation from the ac does it drain thru the floor vent

The condensation and heat from the unit both exahust through the hole I cut in the floor. The hole is just slightly smaller that the outside perimeter of the box. I couldn't bring myself to cut a hole in the side of my trailer, it's easier to replace the floor.

Another reason I like this setup is it provides an escape route if you've read other threads on here about people's concerns with being locked inside their trailer.

Lotsa_cold_beer
Maybe you can add your box to the hacking ac section from Shadow catcher


http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=44561&hilit=Hacking+a


http://overthetopcargotrailer.blogspot.com/

I thought about creating a similar setup, but I know some of the places I take my redneck rig it wouldn't be safe from someone deciding to relieve themself on top of it so I opted for this setup.

I installed mine in a cargo door I found on eBay. It was the perfect size for my unit. It's own weight holds it in place. A piece of angle aluminum screwed to the top of the unit holds the top in place.

Neil

I took a different approach. Didn't want any extra openings in the trailer wall. I saw a post by someone here named WA a year or two ago who built a nice little conversion with a permanent half box in the back to hold a window unit.

I really liked his idea, but we needed to be able to remove the AC box when the weather was cooler. The fantastic fan with our window configuration cools in all but the hottest weather. We also needed to be able to unload kayaks and bikes as well.

Here is my solution: A removable, insulated box to hold an inexpensive window unit. The box is primarily supported by the now infamous vertical e-track and a couple of 2 x 4s.

Here's the box before finishing. Insulated with 1" styrofoam, and sealed mating surfaces.


The box slides into the e-track fittings, then is secured by carriage bolts and wingnuts. Also attached cargo door side wall at top and bottom with brackets.


When using the A/C, I open the left door to exhaust the hot air, and close the right door to seal the trailer interior. I put a simple brace to hold the door in the slight open position, and installed a CPVC condensate drain with a removable pipe to route the water out to the ground. (as far as the open door...I'll decide what to do about a thunderstorm when it occurs)


Here is the door arrangement in the"unloading mode".


Here's the view from the inside. This is a 6,500 BTU Frigidaire, it is much quieter than I thought and cools the trailer down pretty fast. I have the trailer insulated with 1" styrofoam throughout and fiberglass in the upper curve sections. It really makes a difference.


It would have been easier to install a roof unit of course, but it would have cost me a little more, and wouldn't have been as much fun.

Thanks again to all on this forum who are inspiring and willing to share ideas. See y'all on the rivers or the mountain bike trails...

(And thanks "WA")
David