A/C Installation Question

Ganglin · 03-21-2008, 10:36 PM

We had planned to install a Coleman AC - have used them in the past with no problems and they have an interior cover that better matches the ceiling shape.

Ran across a really good deal on a Carrier Low Profile so now I may be leaning that direction instead.

Talked to the dealer about installation in an Airstream and they said they had done it many times. The question - they said it was necessary to install a couple pieces of treated lumber between the inner and outer skins to reinforce the roof/installation. "you'll see what I mean when you pull the old one".

Has anyone done that - if so can you tell me what was involved....

goransons · 03-21-2008, 10:44 PM

yes we did, but I personally wouldn't use wood, we used 2" aluminum C channel. Basically the sheet metal needs "studs" to fill in between the skins, just basically like putting a new opening in a house.

we documented the install here:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f427...day-35176.html

Ganglin · 03-21-2008, 10:59 PM

Thanks - so this pic is the C channel you used instead of lumber..?

goransons · 03-21-2008, 11:07 PM

Yes, I cut the hole where Inland Andy said to, which left a few inches towards the front of unsupported skin, and a foot plus behind it, then side to side also. I made 2 of them attach to the existing framing, then the two that go front to back attach to the newly installed ones, so the skin was not holding the blocking in place, the frame held the blocking, then attached skin to new blocking.

markdoane · 03-22-2008, 04:58 AM

I agree, don't use treated lumber in contact with aluminum. There are copper salts in some treated lumber that will cause corrosion problems.

I did the same aluminum framing that Goransons used. Here's a link.

juel · 03-22-2008, 06:46 AM

Now, where is this great deal on the low profile?

markdoane · 03-22-2008, 06:51 AM

Palomino. Talk to Jevin.

lewster · 03-22-2008, 08:07 AM

................BUT...................

I've had nothing but problems with warranty service from Carrier. Yes, they make a nice unit but I will no longer service them under warranty because they do not pay in a timely fashion and have a very, very poor response to tech support questions.

IMHO, you should carefully weigh this into your purchase decisions.

Ganglin · 03-22-2008, 11:45 AM

Lew - I just chunked out $725 minutes before seeing your reply...!!!

Well - I've made my bed - so not much I can do about it now. If you really don't think this is a good unit I could trying calling the dealer on Monday and see if they will let me apply the cash to a different unit? It's Family RV in New Port Richey, FL.

Link to the item on Ebay.

eBay Motors: NEW LOW PROFILE CARRIER 15K RV,AC,BOAT,AIR CONDITIONER (item 160218588828 end time Mar-24-08 02:47:08 PDT)

goransons · 03-22-2008, 11:58 AM

We've had our low profile for a year now, and love it so far, though must confess we haven't had a warranty issue to date (knock on wood) and also got ours through family RV on ebay (arrived in 24 hours). Hopefully if we have issues a local dealer won't have yet had that kind of luck processing warranty claims or carrier has fixed the problem. We've been very pleased with that purchase so far so don't kick yourself too hard.

Ganglin · 03-22-2008, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goransons

We've had our low profile for a year now, and love it so far, though must confess we haven't had a warranty issue to date (knock on wood) and also got ours through family RV on ebay (arrived in 24 hours). Hopefully if we have issues a local dealer won't have yet had that kind of luck processing warranty claims or carrier has fixed the problem. We've been very pleased with that purchase so far so don't kick yourself too hard.

Thanks - it's good to hear that. Hopefully we'll have good experience with it also. I use A/C so little it won't take much of a beating.

adonh · 03-22-2008, 04:09 PM

I to went with the Carrier AC a few years ago, no problems at all. I have the 15,000BTU unit and it will keep you cool. The only complaint that I have against the Carrier is the fan speed. Its 2 speeds, Hi and Higher. No real low speed for those times when you need just a little cooling.

Also on my 76 for the curved inside ceiling I built a spacer that fits the curved ceiling and then provids a flat surface to mount the cover. The spacer is a separate piece that is bolted on with the long bolts that hold the unit down. I think I have some pictures and will post them if I can locate them.

Also, the Carrier has a small pan at the bottom of the fan that allows the fan to sling the condensation and in theory less water runs down the side. I had a small brass fitting attached to the bottom of the pan and then hooked up my old drain line that was used for the old Armstrong and no water running down the side.

Don
1976 31' Sovereign

Ganglin · 03-22-2008, 04:54 PM

Don,

I'd be interested in how you did the spacer. One of the reason I originally thought about the Coleman was the curved inner cover. The dealer mentioned they have taken the Carrier and cut it down with a Dremel to match the ceiling - not sure I want to dive into that. Their other solution was to cut a piece of foam from the packing material to place in the gap.

goransons · 03-22-2008, 05:07 PM

I don't know if the 71 still has the seperate panel down the center on the ceiling with the two channels for wiring, but if you look in the pics on our install you'll see we had just a piece of poplar with miters on each end. I little caulk and painting the ceiling it all blended in very well and lets teh bottom unit stay its true form without distorting.