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JLGT5107 · 09-02-2015, 05:23 PM

Greetings, I am leaning towards installing an A/C unit through the rear window
in my 65 Globetrotter. I have seen some pictures from others who have done this. My question is in regards to the wiring. As the shower occupies the the center area, it seems obvious that I would not want a hot 110 outlet in that area.I don't think I can be diligent in shutting off a breaker. If the unit is hard wired I would not be able to remove it when on the road or when not needed. It seems to me that this is the best location to avoid the direct blast in sleeping and work areas. I plan to have a desk/eating counter on the curb side below thse windows and cutting a new hole will adversly affect storage. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions. Thanks, Jim

perryg114 · 09-02-2015, 06:06 PM

Are you wanting to do this because you don't want to pay for a roof unit? The purists on here won't like that idea. You can also go with a split unit that does not have the roof box.

You might also consider the ones that just have an in and out hose that sits on the floor.

Perry

CRH · 09-02-2015, 06:10 PM

Cut a hole? No, thanks. I would buy a roof top unit.

rideair · 09-02-2015, 06:32 PM

Best and fastest way would be to just hang the plug that comes off the AC unit to the outside, use another extension cord to it for the electrical box and you're done.

I've done this more than once.

Enjoy,

JLGT5107 · 09-03-2015, 05:18 PM

Although expense is a consideration, it is more about the looks of the unit on the roof and wondering about the actual use of the unit. I live in the north east
and if my primary use of the trailer is here it is not as important as in other parts of the country. However, as I think about it, the time it takes to set up at each stop might become ponderous. The trailer is gutted now so cutting hole in roof and running electric and drain would be simple. What is a split unit? Also i am planning on using a CAT heater so is an A/C with heating coil of any benifit?
Thanks for your input. Jim

mandolindave · 09-03-2015, 05:36 PM

There are reasons why manufacturers don't use window air conditioners, and CAT heaters.

nrgtrakr · 09-03-2015, 05:44 PM

The down sides of a window AC is holding it in place and whether or not it will survive bouncing around.
The down side of CAT heat is CO, keeping enough ventilation going so you don't die.
I'd go rooftop AC and a forced air furnace.

JLGT5107 · 09-03-2015, 06:18 PM

Death is inevitable, but I would prefer to get as many years of airstream use as I will have put into airstream restoration. Thanks for your advice, Jim

reinergirl · 09-03-2015, 06:52 PM

Here's some ideas for a removable front window A/C. If you put an awning shade on the window no one would even know it's there!

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f427...tml#post426245

Off-Grid COOLING & AIR CONDITIONING | Livin' Lightly

perryg114 · 09-04-2015, 09:56 AM

A mini split system has most of the guts outside say on the tongue of the trailer and the blower inside. Personally, I think you are better off with a roof unit. Someone on here has done the split unit with the air handler in the front under the bed or something. You can get a low profile roof unit if you want it to blend in better.

How to Install a Mini-Split Air Conditioner | Video | This Old House

Perry

Foiled Again · 09-04-2015, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reinergirl

Here's some ideas for a removable front window A/C. If you put an awning shade on the window no one would even know it's there!

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f427...tml#post426245

Off-Grid COOLING & AIR CONDITIONING | Livin' Lightly

Agree - and the best part of this idea is that you plug it in to the post and it doesn't blow breakers if you're using an induction burner or a curling iron while the A/C is running. On a bigger unit like a 30' or 33' you don't need 2 roof units and 50 amp service. For someone in the NE, the only time they'd need an A/C at all is when camping in a commercial cement slab campground in July. In some place like Penn Woods or most state campgrounds you're in the shade and pretty comfortable with just a fan or two going.

A really small unit 8000 BTU or less is only slightly bigger than a milk crate and can be left at home in the garage during the spring and fall.

Paula

ALANSD · 09-04-2015, 04:30 PM

We have been using a window unit In our 66 for three years. I got the idea from another owner here. It sits on a small wooden snack table that has its front legs resting on the propane tanks. The back legs are cut off and the support sits over the front window ledge. It plugs into the nearby outlet. I fashioned a surround out of heavy clear vinyl and it gets velcroed to the wall around the front window.
Works very well, except when it's 95 out and the trailer is in the sun. I will see if I can find a photo. The unit cost me 35 bucks and rides in the Expedition when traveling.

ALANSD · 09-04-2015, 04:34 PM

Only photo I could find..sorry its not more helpful?.rideair in the link above has the same set up

carver 1 · 09-04-2015, 05:52 PM

Check with Colin Hyde about his personal AS that has a window A/C installed on the curb side of his vintage AS

>>ron<<

TouringDan · 09-18-2015, 11:12 PM

65 GT Man

I designed a window mount for my 66 TW and it works great. Mostly it rides in the bottom of the wardrobe closet. It only takes 10 minutes to install. I could not wait to get that ugly wart off the top of my Airstream.

For photos and lots of details I have a thread dated June 1, 2012 titled 5000 btu/hr AC powered by a 1,000 watt Genny.

I hope this helps.

Dan

TouringDan · 09-20-2015, 10:08 PM

Here are some photos of my window installation of a 5,000 btu/hr AC unit. As you can see, it only takes up about 1/3 of the window, so you can still see out and let natural light in. It is located in the middle bedroom/closet area of the Tradewind. Therefore, if you close off the front area and the rear bathroom, I don't care how hot it gets, the ac will cool this small 40 sq ft section, in the event a small child needs to take a nap in the middle of the day. Part of the key to the design is that the ac unit is mounted on the window frame at the cg (center of gravity) of the ac unit. Therefore no external support is needed.

90% of the time we don't need AC and the unit rides in the bottom of a cabinet.

If you want more information, tap on Touringdan, tap on statistics to find the threads I have started. Then tap on the 5,000 btu/hr AC powered by a 1,000 watt Genny thread.

Dan