Air Conditioner Recomendations

[shaun]

Anyone know how many BTU's are recommended for a pop up? I live in georgia where it gets pretty darn hot. Carrier carries a 13.5 and a 15 BTU. Will the 13.5 work? If so how well? Thanks

[GrizzlyTaco]

I live here in Vegas and it can get to 120* dry heat in the summer and I have a 13,500 BTU A/C on my PU. I also have PU Gizmo covers for the bunk ends and i cut and fit Refletic to fit EVERY window in my PU. I found that the radient heat that came through the windows before kept the A/C from doing its job. Since i put in the reflectic i dont have that problem anymore. The last time we took it out in 110* heat the inside of the PU stayed around 76* !!! The only thing, the PU kinda looks like the old Jiffy Pop Popcorn, but i dont care because were nice and cool..............Ed C  :sombraro:

[shaun]

Thanks for your input! I am also thinking of getting a window unit.. Will this work instead of a roof mount?

[wavery]

Thanks for your input! I am also thinking of getting a window unit.. Will this work instead of a roof mount?

Here's a custom installation of a window unit:
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I love that picture :p

Hey......I just noticed that taillight........I'm missing one off of my camper, just like that :swear:

[tknick]

I have to second Ed's advice with the popup gizmos.  We have a 13.5 BTU and to be honest, on max cool we were fine.  With the popup gizmos on the ends, we can run low cool most of the time and be in the 68-70 range.  We usually camp in NC, SC, GA like the heat you're talking about.  We also bought some of those foil covered windshield covers from wal-mart and cut them to fit the side windows of the bunk ends (very similar to Ed as well).  Not only does that help a bunch with keeping the heat out and the cool in, but they do a great job of keeping the sunlight out when you are trying to sleep.

As for the window unit, it will work fine provided it is properly installed, supported, sealed, etc.  The only issue you might have is circulating the cool air.  Since the PUP units mount in the roof, the vents point out towards the bunk ends helping to circulate the air.  Also, the fact that the colder air falls helps as well.  The clip on fans do a great job making sure the air gets circulated.  I don't know how well the unit will circulate if the air is blowing out on the floor since that cold air will want to pool on the floor.

good luck either way.
travis

[GrizzlyTaco]

Shaun, my A/C is on the roof..............

[shaun]

Thanks guys. Now I am torn between a 15 btu and a 13.5? I just want to make sure that we are comfortable. Also I dont anticipate putting a ton of money in buying bunk end covers and such as I already have too much money in it already..

[fleabags3]

well, we just went through the install process and here's a list of things to ask.  maybe these are common q's and i'm just a do do. lol
i called three places over time--each 2-3 times and got more info with each call....

two places estimated the "installation" at close to $300
a third place was much cheaper at $85 (don't get excited yet)

be sure to ask exactly WHAT is installed for the "a/c install price"
the third place charges the $85 just to put in the unit (ceiling adapter and a/c unit) this means JUST THAT--it will not run like this... (go figure!!!)
-POWER CORD--it'll set you back another $85 to install it and  tack it to the ceiling. (you and i know it needs power to run, but they don't)
-add in the cost of the power cord too.  
-SUPPORT kit--see if your camper already has two support beams in the ceiling to hold the weight of the A/C.  if not the support beam kit will set you back about another $150 [plus install for that i'm sure]
         i did not get this info until my 3rd call....
-ALSO, ...they'll charge you even more if they have to wire anything.....

WOW! and our pop-up was A/C READY!!!??!!(luckily we had support beams)

on a side note--question SPECIFICALLY HOW (what path) they will run that power cord and if it will be covered to blend w/ the ceiling.