Posted 2016-09-09 5:29 PM (#168348) Subject: installing ac units
Member
Posts: 11
Location: NC
So we just bought a new to us,used, gooseneck trailer. Its a 4h with dressing room. Is there a way to put an ac unit in? Its a 1996 sundowner and has a small sunroof in dressing room. Can you put an ac there? If anyone has had one installed, how much did they run please? TIA
Posted 2016-09-09 8:38 PM (#168349 - in reply to #168348) Subject: RE: installing ac units
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448 Location: Los Angeles, Ca.
Dometic B57915.XX1C0 Brisk II Polar White Air Conditioner (13,500 BTU 410A)
by Dometic (on Amazon) Fits 14"x14" opening on roof. Not too bad to install. You will need to provide power to it.
Posted 2016-09-10 6:54 AM (#168354 - in reply to #168348) Subject: RE: installing ac units
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
You'll have to inspect the roof area where you want to install the A/C unit. As was stated, you'll need a 14" square area for the hole. This will have to be reinforced by structural elements to allow for the extra weight on the roof. And as was also stated, you will need to install an ac power source to the air conditioner.
?Some trailer manufacturers include this bracing in their equipment, even if no A/C unit is initially ordered. Additional metallic supports can be installed by fabricators. Some time ago I helped install a wooden framing for an after market A/C intsallation, and it has continued to work well. You will need the extra supporting structure, necessary to carry the additional weight. The original roofing "skin" is not rigid enough.
Some trailer and RV sales will install after market A/C units. If you are somewhat handy with DIY projects, this may be within your scope of efforts.
Posted 2016-09-10 8:15 AM (#168358 - in reply to #168348) Subject: RE: installing ac units
With you having the vent, you have the hole. But as mentioned before, you need to make sure it is reinforced. The reinforcement gives a clamp surface, and also ties 2 roof bows together so the 150+ pound AC unit doesn't damage the roof. Think how it will bounce on rough roads. Some SD were braced (it was optional) others were not. If there is a tubing frame around your vent running from one bow to the other, yours is. If it is an aluminum panel frame, this was just for the vent (all of this assuming an aluminum trailer, you didn't state)
Posted 2016-09-12 11:41 PM (#168377 - in reply to #168348) Subject: RE: installing ac units
Veteran
Posts: 183 Location: riverside ca
almost every trailer i have seen has the roof reinforced so you can simply pull the vent out and drop and a/c in. I have never seen one that weight 150 lbs, more like 30-50, the real issue is running the wire, i normally just run it in 1./2 conduit secured to the inside of the trailer with straps.
Posted 2016-09-23 7:44 AM (#168449 - in reply to #168348) Subject: RE: installing ac units
I had this discussion with a friend of mine, and this would be going in a different direction. He decided to go with a potable air conditioner. The cost is much less no holes in the roof and most of them run on 110 voltage. You can store them anywhere and all you need is a place to put a hose for run off. Or in his case, he is running though the shower drain.
installing ac units
