Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

by **Anita Rae** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 9:29 am

My other option is to put the AC over the kitchen cabinets. And make it so It could slide out when in use then slide in when we are going down the road. That sounds like a lot more trouble than just sticking it under the bed and venting it. ??? So I think I will try under the bed first, If it don't work, I will cut a piece of foam and plug that hole and move on. And the kitchen already has lots of stuff going into it so probably not.

Also, If under the bed doesn't work out, under the front seat is a maybe. I kind of don't want it there because that is where I think the battery is going and probably the generator will be in the front. So will I need to worry about fumes being sucked in by the AC? Waking up in the morning alive is a good thing.

by **GPW** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 10:15 am

AR, hereâ€™s the framing scheme I was planning on ...

by **atahoekid** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 10:22 am

Reading your struggles regarding the A/C unit got me to thinking. I know other conventional builders tried a "Pet Cool" with some success. I think they went out of business but a quick Google search found some similar items. Maybe mounting the unit inside or on your trailer isn't the answer.

Here are two of the links you might want to look at

http://www.thermassure3.com/
http://www.americas-pet-store.com/dog-h ... -unit.html

It isn't what I would call light or necessarily convenient to move around but it's an alternative :thinking:

. I wasn't planning an A/C unit but maybe...

by **GPW** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 10:44 am

600 bucks ... Ouch !!!

But looks like it does the job all year round ... Nice if you have the coin ... :roll:

by **Verna** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 4:22 pm

Anita:

If you haven't been able to find beeswax, just go to the plumbing section of your local hardware store and grab a toilet ring. Yes, maybe a bit gross, but they're made of beeswax. You can break it into sections, put it in a box, layer it, and use it to put your screw threads into before screwing them into the wood.

Oh yeah, great job!!! I'm loving reading about your build.

Verna

by **GPW** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 6:32 am

I just use an old Beeswax candle I had lying around ... lasted for years used for this and not lit .. :roll:

AR , got it done yet ?

by **mezmo** » Sat Sep 24, 2011 1:36 am

Hi Anita Rae,

A while ago I recall seeing a European RV AC manufacturer that has
'storage compartment AC' units. I just found it again:

http://www.truma.com/uk/en/air-conditio ... ystems.php

It gives you the knowledge that it is done/is doable. I'd imagine you
could install a small window unit [as is used a lot by forum members] in a
similar manner if you provided the correct sized ducting for the heat
dissipating side of the unit, and perhaps added an additional fan to aid
with that. This'd have the advantage of being built in and the lowest
position possible to help keep the center of gravity low. And the closer
to the center/or towards the axle you could get it - the better.

Here's one of their installation pages:
http://www.truma.com/uk/en/air-conditio ... lation.php

Here are a couple pics of a 2001 Wilk Topaz Caravan from South Africa
that shows an AC mounted under a front located island bed that is canted
45 degrees into the center of the trailer. I have no idea how it is installed
but it has to be one of the storage compartment type AC units. This is just
to show it is being done.

Long shot:

Close Shot:

Front shot of the 2001 Wilk Topaz, shows how they can cant the front
bed 45 degrees:

A 3/4 view:

A road ready side view:

I just added these last outside shots so you can see how they were able
to cant the bed 45 degrees. I'd venture to say that the design/look of
the Wilk Topaz Pop Top Caravan is probably one that people either love
or hate (!) as it is a bit unusual. I happen to think it is really kool! It
sure isn't a copycat design.

Good luck locating and designing in the AC. I'd say to floor mount it like
the Truma storage compartment ACs are done.

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

by **GPW** » Sat Sep 24, 2011 6:46 am

That Topaz sure is COOL ... IMHO

Iâ€™m still thinking a removable AC is the way to go, just to save 40 lb.. when not needed ...
:thinking:

by **Anita Rae** » Sat Sep 24, 2011 7:24 am

Hi guys, too much work the last few days and not nearly engough Fairydiddle time. I still don't have the last piece on the back but I plan on working on that today.

The pics of the AC under the bed are cool and that is kind of what I had in mind. I've also seen pics of where people have put them under the seating. I was at a trailer show last year, while I was still in the planning stages and I noticed an ultrilite that had a small window unit built into the upper kitchen cabinets.

And then somewhere on this forum, somewhere... I saw a picture a couple of weeks ago, and I thought "Yes, that is exactly how I am going to do mine" Wouldn't you know I can't remember where that picture is. Dang getting old sux. I thought it was in the "My away" build, but if it was, I can't find it now. Anyway, I think it have it in my head. So we will see.

Thanks so much for all the encouragement. You guys are the best.

by **GPW** » Sat Sep 24, 2011 10:38 am

AR, weâ€™re just anxious to see your progress , it was looking Good before er, Hubbyâ€™s error ...

by **CARS** » Sat Sep 24, 2011 10:51 am

Wouldn't a window unit under the bed get hot??

Any A/C techs out there???

My shop's window unit gives off alot of heat to the outside. I'm pretty sure that your bed would get awefull warm. Maybe even overheat the unit or worse. But I would ask a pro before I would listen to me!

by **Anita Rae** » Sat Sep 24, 2011 1:28 pm

GPW, don't make me come to NO and give you a spankin'. Now you know that is male pride your are dealing with, don't you? :lol:

It is looking even better now. Everything lined up just like it is supposed to. But I have to say that back piece is giving me a fit. I decided not to kerf it even though that is a really sharp bend. I just don't like messing with that saw. Charlie is working today... like a good hubby, so I am on my own. I decided to use two thin peices instead of a fat piece. It bent really nicely around the curve but straping it and holding it in place is a real challenge. I broke 4 screws off by over tightening the straps. So I now have the passenger side glued pretty good but the glue was too far gone to finish strapping down the driver side. So I am sitting and watching the glue dry. I gotta make sure that the passenger side is bone dry so I don't accidently pop it loose while I am messing with the Driver side.

Cars, Yes the AC will heat up the bed. Is that a bad thing? :shock:

I think I will need to find a way to either vent that heat out the side or under the trailer.

If I can get this finished, I will get some pictures this evening.

by **Anita Rae** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 10:36 am

Hi guys, I've been having serious computer problems and I couldn't upload pictures. After several trips to computer repair store, I think we have it worked out. I have to get some work caught up and then I will post the pics for you. It came out great after a few snags.