Portable vs. Window AC...the never ending debate

[linuxmanxxx]

I put 8k portable in my 4 x 8 mini today vented out the floor single hose and 100 degrees. Cooled to 76 in 15 minutes so they work just fine.

[Shadow Catcher]

Or go with



viewtopic.php?f=30&t=44561&hilit=Hacking+a

[Glenlivet]

Now that's just elegant, Shadow Catcher!
I completely missed that earlier thread. It's got the gears turning in my head, you betcha. Thanks much.

[b.bodemer]

I just tested my window a/c setup. Sure was nice feeling cold air in the trailer.

The holiday weekend in Cleveland is expected to be hot and humid. Instead of turning on the air for the house I'll be using the trailer to sleep in overnight!!!!!

Whatever system works is one that keeps you cooled off!

Barb

[tinksdad]

As the thread title says..... A Never Ending Debate. Everybody has to decide for themselves which method works best.
If I want to camp in the summer time in Mississippi, I need to keep "she who camps with me" comfortable. Trying to figure out what method I was going to use without cutting holes in the '47 was paramount. It may be redneck; but I was recently given this unit for FREE. I'm thinking I will just set this up on milk crates or something similar against the fully open window on the non-door side and let it crank. Probably maake some kind of waterproof shround to cover the open window and the top half of the unit. It has 2 automatic shut offs. One is a 6 hour timer and the other is a catch jug for condensation that switches the unit off when it becomes full. If it works, it will be a PITA transporting and setting up; but the benefits will be worth it.

[drcurran]

OK I'll throw out a question, not about portable or window, but if you have decided to go with a window unit, what size? I was looking at a 5,000 BTU at HD about $100. Nice physical size and as the suggested (I think) rooms size is for 10 X 15, should be plenty for a 6 X 12 X 6 but. . . .the last thing I want to do is get the 5,000 and then realize the 8,000 (at twice the price) would have been the way to go. Any thoughts on this issue will be appreciated. Thanks
dan

[linuxmanxxx]

If you install it correctly, 5k will work very well if you insulated your walls.

[b.bodemer]

I went with a 6500BTU. It was on sale and had a remote. The ct is a 7 x 12.

[flboy]

OK I'll throw out a question, not about portable or window, but if you have decided to go with a window unit, what size? I was looking at a 5,000 BTU at HD about $100. Nice physical size and as the suggested (I think) rooms size is for 10 X 15, should be plenty for a 6 X 12 X 6 but. . . .the last thing I want to do is get the 5,000 and then realize the 8,000 (at twice the price) would have been the way to go. Any thoughts on this issue will be appreciated. Thanks
dan

If the 5000 BTU will do it (it should if insultated well), I'd go with it especially if you ever plan to run from generator power or inverter. It will draw much less and allow for other things to run with a smaller generator. If you plan on running with shore power always... it really doesn't matter unless the size and wieght is an issue.

[thejonescompany1]

I love my 5000 btu window AC. Installed in the right side of the V-nose it keeps my 12X6 very cool (68F) even on a hot day (100F) in the summer. It takes almost no space, is nice and high for good cooling, and runs great on my small generator. I’m really happy my AC has digital temp control!!!!! It ensures the unit cools enough but not too cold. I set it and forget it is even on.
Disclaimer: my roof is insulated with 1 in pink foam, it made a big difference.

roof not insulated in this pic.

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IMG_1320.jpg (51.79 KiB) Viewed 3402 times

[flboy]

I love my 5000 btu window AC. Installed in the right side of the V-nose it keeps my 12X6 very cool (68F) even on a hot day (100F) in the summer. It takes almost no space, is nice and high for good cooling, and runs great on my small generator. I’m really happy my AC has digital temp control!!!!! It ensures the unit cools enough but not too cold. I set it and forget it is even on.
Disclaimer: my roof is insulated with 1 in pink foam, it made a big difference.

IMG_1632.jpg

IMG_1320.jpg

What size generator are you runnng the 5,000 BTU on? What is the running KW and Surge? Thanks.

[linuxmanxxx]

Avg is 700 running and 1200 startup.

[thejonescompany1]

Flboy
I have to say I guess I underrated my generator. I said “my small generator”, I guess I should have said medium generator. It is a Colman with a 6hp Brigs, rated at 3750 surge / 3000 running. Most window units are rated at or less that 15 amps max (1725 watts), hence the 15A plug. This also accounts for turn-on surge.
I agree with linuxmanxxx, 700 running and 1200 surge is about right for a 5K unit.

Good luck with your build.

[flboy]

Flboy
I have to say I guess I underrated my generator. I said “my small generator”, I guess I should have said medium generator. It is a Colman with a 6hp Brigs, rated at 3750 surge / 3000 running. Most window units are rated at or less that 15 amps max (1725 watts), hence the 15A plug. This also accounts for turn-on surge.
I agree with linuxmanxxx, 700 running and 1200 surge is about right for a 5K unit.

Good luck with your build.

Thanks for the information. I am using a portable vented through the floor below in my CT Conversion. It works well, but i know for 7000 BTU it is not real efficient due to the way the one hose sysem constantly pulls ambient air in from outside. It should only draw about 800Watts when running, but my 1500 W 2000W Surge chokes when the compressor kicks in. I'd like to keep the generator and I am thinking of trying a 5000 BTU portable and venting through the ramp door at floor level. If the Portable ever breaks... that is what I will try. Most of the time I have power.. but I want to be self contained when I am really remote.




Straps to the side when the bikes are loaded in.

[satch]

I rigged a flexi tube to a $99 window unit. It works fine for me


I rigged up a thermostat to a relay to turn it on/off

Since here in Cali, we don't have the humidity issues, I just let it vent outside. Crack open the windows and it works good, at least for me