News:

SMF - Just Installed!

Main Menu

Adding a window a/c

Started by heygirl, Feb 19, 2008, 07:35 PM

Previous topic - Next topic
Print
Go Down Pages1
User actions

heygirl

Feb 19, 2008, 07:35 PM
Hi, I want to add a window a/c to my pup.  A roof mount won't work but want to find out if there are any options besides cutting a hole in the pup itself.  I'm open to any suggestions, just want to figure out which way is the best to go.
 
Thanks!

wavery

#1
Feb 19, 2008, 07:41 PM
Quote from: heygirlHi, I want to add a window a/c to my pup.  A roof mount won't work but want to find out if there are any options besides cutting a hole in the pup itself.  I'm open to any suggestions, just want to figure out which way is the best to go.
 
Thanks!
I love it when people ask this question. It gives me a chance to post my favorite picture  :sombraro: :

rccs

#2
Feb 19, 2008, 08:03 PM
I seen someone at a campground once that had a window unit sitting on a table near their popup and had made a box to fit the cold air side of the A/C and from it had two white plastic flexible dryer vent hoses running from the box into the popup under the canvas on each bunk end. No holes anywhere in the camper that way.

heygirl

#3
Feb 20, 2008, 08:51 PM
That picture is great!!!  I'm still cracking up!  The table idea is worth thinking about.  I guess I'd need to go to Wallyworld and see if I can lift one in a box to see how heavy it is.  I like the idea of a permanent install but the way the pop-up is designed, it would have to go in the side.  We did see a new pop-up (can't remember the brand) but it had a side-mounted window a/c that looked like it slid in and out.
 
Thanks!

ScouterMom

#4
Feb 20, 2008, 09:35 PM
I've seen a few arrangements - depends on your camper size and configuration, of course....

Some have permanantly mounted the AC on the front tongue, where the propane tanks would normally go, and cut a hole into the front wall of the camper, so the AC unit face is just under the front bed.  ( For me, that wouldn't work - I have a dinette table up there, and I need all the space on my frame for the propane tanks)  another consideration is that cold air falls and hot air rises - which is why roof mounts generally work better ( more cool air movement) in a PUP.  But not all campers can take the weight - esp if you have an older pup (mines a 1973 - no support at all)

I have seen a number of 'window' adaptations.  This appeals to me because it doesn't involve cutting into the camper itself - at the most, only into the window screening or plastic - and Sewing a new screen is an easy repair.  Also, if it's a 'movable' adaption, I don't always have to take the heavy AC unit with me on early spring or late fall trips - right?

the simplest I've seen make use of a shelf ledge that hangs on the side of the camper, much like the dinette tables or outside stoves hook on - with some kind of arrangement for eather and angled support against the side of the camper (if your walls are sturdy enough for the weight and won't bow out) or some kind of length-adjustable legs to support the outside of the shelf. You set the window AC unit on the shelf with it's face thru the screen (or possibly, even right up against the screen)and the whole unit and all it's connections are OUTSIDE the camper.

This guy made a nice steel tray with angle supports:
http://www.larryandhollycrockett.com/ACfinished.jpg

This one is a little rougher 'shelf' - and the legs aren't adjustable - so if his site isn't level, it might not work as well, but he actually made a zippered opening in his screen and vinyl for the face of the AC, so he can use the camper with or without it -

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1147167350054070047vRyIwq?vhost=travel

Another advantage of the 'zipper' one is that it's higher, so the AC will blow OVER stuff that WILL accumulate on any table in front of it - and the higher the AC, the more likely it can circulate at body/ bed level.

Look around the photo sites - I'm sure you can find more examples to get ideas from!

Laura

LimeJeeeep

#5
Feb 21, 2008, 03:27 AM
get a free standing a/c at lowes and all you need is a 1 dryer vent to pipe out the hot air

heygirl

#6
Feb 21, 2008, 02:24 PM
Thanks Laura, those are good examples and Limejeep, another good suggestion as well. I'll have to check into a free-standing unit to see how that would work. The only option I have is a side mount and I'm not sure if cutting a hole in the side will work.
 
Linda

haroldPE

#7
Feb 22, 2008, 05:36 PM
nice, but pretty $salty$ though...  still, some a little cheaper than traditional opup a/c...
http://tinyurl.com/ypkoo9


 
 
Quote from: LimeJeeeepget a free standing a/c at lowes and all you need is a 1 dryer vent to pipe out the hot air

haroldPE

#9
Feb 22, 2008, 05:45 PM
wow- down around $300 - that's cool..

heygirl

#10
Feb 22, 2008, 09:52 PM
I like the idea of the portable a/c, don't have to cut any holes and I can leave it home during the spring and fall camping.  I don't have a costco membership but I'm going to see if Sam's has them.
Print
Go Up Pages1
User actions