Air Conditioning

[jwh92020]

For those of you not using roof top a/c's, can you please post pics of your a/c install? I'm going back & forth over using a 12k BTU portable that I have or buying a window unit. I need inspiration.

[Socal Tom]

Check the hacking a fridgedaire thread.

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[working on it]

I chose to mount my 5k BTU A/C unit inside, permanently, away from outdoor hazards. I over-complicated the design, by wanting to be able to run it while the rear hatch was closed; I could've vented it straight out the back, but, I was committed to a side-exhaust. Live and learn. Here's a collage of pics in another post :http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=66805#p1183955

sidevented exhaust (boxed in red).jpg (110.43 KiB) Viewed 3717 times

[jwh92020]

SoCal - I read that thread. It's a great idea, but I'm trying to keep everything in the trailer, except for vent covers.

WOI - Nice work. I'm not putting in a false rear wall because I need access for plywood & tools. I thought about having a frame made and mounting it on one of the rear doors, but after talking with the manufacturer about how the door is built, that's a no go.

[Shadow Catcher]

A variation on this, there have been a number of them, would work. I used 5,000 BTU but an 8,000BTU with larger hoses would work.
I started with a 2,500 BTU Pet Coo and our tear at 400 cubic feet interior volume would not cool down enough to be comfortable.
This is the thread http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=44561. It has been interesting to see how others have adapted the design. Get creative and add to that thread if you go that route.

[McDave]

I don't seem to have an interior shot of the vents and controls, but they extend down about 2" from the headliner and are approx.18x18" square. The rooftop unit is located directly over the axle. I just welded a frame around the existing vent hole. Same size 14x 14 and welded braces to roof spars forward and behind. Here's the best pics I have.









Check out Martin's solution. It's pretty darn slick. Halfway down page.
viewtopic.php?f=42&t=65440&start=75

McDave

Edit:
I just re-read your original post, "For those NOT using rooftop AC", sorry. Still check out Martin.

[NO David!]

Lots here on portable vs window capabilities:
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=50223

Here's mine: (the whole thread is good for window A/C discussion)
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=49438#p956281
I enjoy the option of removing the A/C "closet" as a complete assembly in cooler weather.

My original inspiration:
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=40504

[jwh92020]

These are all great ideas. I am a traveling cabinet refacer for a couple of the big box stores, so I have to keep a 4' x 8' section of the floor open for materials and have a dedicated spot at the rear of the trailer for my saw. That means I can't build an interior rear wall to mount a window unit. The trailer is a 7 x 14 dual axle bull nose. the front section is the bathroom. Since it will be 99% me only in the trailer, I'm using a twin mattress on a bed that will fold to the side wall length ways. The roof was not framed for a roof top a/c. I used a 12k btu dual hose portable in my last build and it worked very well. I have another of the same unit and I was planning on using it in this build, but I wanted to see some other options. When the wife goes, I have to make room for the recliner she sleeps in (long story). Here is a floor plan idea I'm looking at.

Floor Plan Ideas0001.jpg (173.12 KiB) Viewed 3550 times

[m.colley]

SoCal - I read that thread. It's a great idea, but I'm trying to keep everything in the trailer, except for vent covers.

WOI - Nice work. I'm not putting in a false rear wall because I need access for plywood & tools. I thought about having a frame made and mounting it on one of the rear doors, but after talking with the manufacturer about how the door is built, that's a no go.

If your looking to keep everything BUT the vent covers inside the trailer I'd suggest Flboy build out. If going through your rear door is a option I'd suggest mine or Mtn Don's build.


Martin

[flboy]

It may give you some ideas. The following is the start of my AC install. Will have to go through a few pages.

http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?p=1176629#p1176629

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[jwh92020]

Don - I've been following your build. Absolutely incredible work. I did basically the same thing in a vintage trailer remodel a couple of years ago. I used the existing frig vent for exhaust and the heater vent for intake (aided by a fan) from below. I like your a/c install, but I have major trepidation about cutting a hole in the roof for the intake. I'm still on the fence about using the portable I have vs buying a window unit. Thanks for the input and guidance.

[flboy]

Thanks.

A hole in the roof is no major deal if you avoid the trusses. Just use a good Dicor tape and finish with the Dicor self leveling sealer. I may have to replace the vent cover at some point, but I don't think it will ever leak. I had a lot of trepidation on cutting holes in the CTC anywhere at first, but I quickly got over it. Cutting holes in the sides and roof was not avoidable for me the way I chose to lay the CTC out.

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[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Jwh

" I'm trying to keep everything in the trailer, except for vent covers"


I have a 12k btu mini split completely inside my trailer , both units. Has soft stsrt, 200 watts, runs on 100% solar only uses about 250 watts per hour.

Cheers

Overthetopcargotrailer

[flboy]

Check out how this guy used his VNose area and installed a minisplit and an OD hotwater heater. Very innovative. May give you some ideas.

https://youtu.be/Ro4HYLXoWqM

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[jwh92020]

OTTCT - Nice install. At this point, the mini split is above my price range, and even if I got the CFO to agree, I'd have to tear out 1/2 of my build to make one work.

Don - Just like I told OTTCT, the mini split will have to wait for the next(?) build. Thanks for the idea. I'm starting to lean toward a window unit. I'd want the portable hidden in a cabinet and unless I vent down through the floor, I'll have to put holes in the side of the trailer. If I go through the floor, I'm going to give up a lot of floor space that I really want to keep.