Adding Air Conditioning

[kevinjensen68]

Hello everyone I am new to the forum

I own a 6x12 interstate cargo trailer that I have converted into a mobile espresso stand. I am looking to add an AC unit in the 14x14 vent space provided on the roof. The RV units I have looked at are the coleman, duo therm, and carrier. My price range is 5-600 dollars, I think I would be good with a 13,500 btu unit with a heat strip, just looking for some good ones or units to stay away from? Or any other helpfull info in installing this as I have never done one before, thanks guys! Can check my rig out at countryroadespressollc.yolasite.com to see what I am talking about.

[theycallmemorris]

I would think that 13,500 btu would be plenty for that trailer. Not sure if the heat strip would be sufficient in the winter, but it sure makes things more convenient. I would look on Craigslist for an A/C. I lucked out and my neighbor gave me his water damaged 5th wheel to part out and got two of them for free, but before that I came across several for pretty cheap on Craigslist. If the one you get doesn't already have the heat strip in it, you may be able to add one. Mine has the controls and plug for one and it's really easy to install. You can get the correct one for different models on Ebay for pretty cheap.

As for installation, if you get one with the controls on it, instead of with a thermostat, the installation couldn't be simpler. It took me under an hour to install mine. Just pull the vent off the hole, slide the A/C over it, screw the four long screws in, hook up the 110V wires, plug the bottom control part on, and then screw that to the unit. Instant A/C! There's really not much to it all. I ran the wiring for mine when I did the roof insulation and paneling, but put off putting the A/C on for months because I thought it would be a pain, but it really was simple.

[Curtis in Texas]

A 13,500 btu AC unit should be plenty for your little trailer. I had a 24' Pop Up Trailer with one on it, and it was plenty even with all the canvas walls.

It had a heat strip in it as well and if the temps were above 40 degrees it was able to take the chill out of the camper. It wouldn't make you toasty, but comfortable. An additional propane camper heater helped bring the temps up, then shut off and the strip would maintain the temps for a long time if the doors were kept closed.

My thermostat was mounted in the roof unit and I had no issues with it.

I'm building a 7 X 16 cargo trailer and plan to use a 13,5 on it by next summer. Should be plenty for it since the walls are hardened and insulated.

I say go for it!

[edcasey]

Duo-therm, Carrier, and Coleman are all excellent units. I have been installing and servicing all 3 brands for over 15 years and don't have a preference. As Curtis mentioned, the heat strip is good for taking the chill out of the air on moderately cold days but wont replace a furnace if you plan on cold whether campers. 13,500 BTU is overkill for our campers but as long as you have 30 amp electrical service available it wont be a problem. Just be sure to keep the filters clean to prevent freezing. Coleman does make a low profile 9,200 BTU low-profile unit but it runs about $150 more than the standard height 13,500. Years ago Coleman made a 7000 BTU but they also sold for more than a 13,500 making it a tough sell. Your price range is doable but just be aware that the Air conditioner price does not include the ceiling unit which must be ordered separately.

Ed

[Matap]

I've heard that those portable a/c units do pretty well also. I've heard from couple people personally that they work really good. The one benefit of is not having to cut into the trailer body or frame, well only a smal vent to the side to vent out the hot air that the unit makes, but that's not that bad. I will be purchasing my cargo trailer sometime in December and will plan to use one of those. we will see.