Heat Strip Help for MS. Fix-it

[GuzmanGang]

Since my husband is as mechanically challenged as I am, I will be the one performing this mod. I ordered a heat strip for our Coleman AC. The guy at the dealership made it sound like it was a really easy thing to install. So I was picturing a piece that popped into place or something. :eyecrazy:  I got it in the mail today and it doesn't look that simple. Has anybody done this install who might be able to offer advice, or should I give up now, tow the pup to Camping World and pay the $68 for them to do the install?

[zamboni]

I mounted one in my Coleman AC unit.  It was very easy.

Disable the AC unit's electricity (can just unplug your whole camper!)

Remove all plastic covers.

Remove thermostat circuit.

Plug in new thermostat circuit, run wire about 18 inches across to plug it into the fan/cool dial (which will now have a new setting on the new dial cover you were given that says "low heat" instead of 2 "low fan" settings)

Screw in heater - this goes vertically, up into the air duct.

Plug it in, replace plastic covers.

When it first turns on, it will seem cool.  It takes time for the 1500 watt elements to heat up.  Also, bear in mind that you are pushing a LOT of air over only 1500 watts (10x as much air, but same heat as a hair dryer) -- so, though it might feel cooler than you expect, you are still putting 1500 watts of heat energy into your camper.

[wynot]

I mounted one in my Coleman AC unit. It was very easy.
 
Disable the AC unit's electricity (can just unplug your whole camper!)
 
Remove all plastic covers.
 
Remove thermostat circuit.
 
Plug in new thermostat circuit, run wire about 18 inches across to plug it into the fan/cool dial (which will now have a new setting on the new dial cover you were given that says "low heat" instead of 2 "low fan" settings)
 
Screw in heater - this goes vertically, up into the air duct.
 
Plug it in, replace plastic covers.
 
When it first turns on, it will seem cool. It takes time for the 1500 watt elements to heat up. Also, bear in mind that you are pushing a LOT of air over only 1500 watts (10x as much air, but same heat as a hair dryer) -- so, though it might feel cooler than you expect, you are still putting 1500 watts of heat energy into your camper.

Just a clarification on the excellent notes above, what you're essentially doing is a couple of things.  You're replacing the bottom metal plate of the A/C with a plate holding the heating element.  You're replacing the thermostat control.  You're providing a power lead to the heating element.  It takes about 30 minutes to do the changeover (In my case, I ran the power line neatly across, up, and out of the way).
 
Since installing our heat strip, I have not used the propane heater at all and have been a lot more comfortable, even down slightly below freezing.  In fact, we needed to lower the heat - it got too warm after a while.

[GuzmanGang]

Thank you for the excellent (and specific) help! I got nervous when the first page of the directions said don't try it if you're not a professional. After I put it in, I'll check back in and let you guys know how it went. Thanks for saving me the $70 install!