air conditioner recommendations

Tin Hut · 09-05-2003, 05:46 AM

I will be buying/installing an AC on my '67 Tradewind. Camping World installer recommends Coleman, Air Stream dealer recommends Dometic "Penguin" I will need the heat strip on it as well and prefer the lowest amp unit but need to balance profile, weight, effectiveness. I'd appreciate your opinions and advice on choices out there. Thanks. Jim

59toaster · 09-05-2003, 06:01 AM

The reason Airstream recomends the pengin is it's the only currently available model that a drain pan is avialable for it. The Coleman will work but the condinsation will have to run down the outside/ This usualy leaves a waterstain.

There was a post a few months back that covered installation. It was instalation replacing an existing. To install for the first time it will be a little different. The coach should be prewired. Airstream should be able to furnish where the wiring is. I think some models didn't have the drain hose installed.

Lots of good posts in the forum that are well worth the time reading.

**john hd** · 09-05-2003, 06:06 AM

jim

the penguin is a lower profile unit. my trailer has had one since new. no problems with it at all.

also, you may want to consider weather you want the condensate to drain on the exterior of the trailer or not. the penguin has a drip pan, and routes the condensate through a tube between the skins. not sure if anyone offers a drip pan for the coleman yet, the water will drain on the outside of the skin possibly staining it.

you may want to give andy at inland a call, i believe he has developed a pan for carrier ac units. this would give you a third option.

did your trailer come with a.c. originally? or are you starting from scratch?

i believe post 1965 trailers came with the drip tube and wiring pre installed from the factory. someone with a little more vintage experiance can verify this for certain.

john

Tin Hut · 09-05-2003, 07:48 AM

Thanks all. Will probably go with the Penguin. I don't like the idea of water dripping down the outside of the unit. My '67 is supposed to be prewired for AC so we'll see what happens.

overlander64 · 09-05-2003, 09:08 AM

Greetings Jim!

If you are planning to do the air conditioning install yourself, there is something that you need to be aware of with Vintage Airstreams. In coaches from the era of your '67 as well as my '64 and '78, the air conditioner wasn't installed in an existing vent opening as is so often the case with "Brand X" RVs. In the Vintage Airstreams, the 14" square mounting hole is cut in the roof and ceiling panels at a point measured from the front main bow (this measurement is generally available from Airstream dealers as well as Customer Service via the factory). The pre-wiring should be in your coach, but I am not certain whether the drain hoses became part of the factory air conditioning preparations until later (my memory is that the drain hoses were added starting with either '66 or '69 coaches via one of Inland Andy's posts) - - the drain hoses weren't part of the preparation package on my '64 as they were surface mounted on the coach.

Good luck with your project!

Kevin

Silvertwinkie · 09-05-2003, 09:30 AM

I have been looking at an A/C unit for the possible 25' Safari SS I am considering. I of course would be getting a Penguin, however, I am leaning toward the 15k BTU unit. There are mixed feeling I have found between the 13.5k unit and the 15k, but I am as of this moment planning on the 15k unit.

Eric

**john hd** · 09-05-2003, 10:27 AM

eric etal,

my 13.5 unit cools my 29 footer very well.

in the humid midwest you may want the smaller unit, it will run longer and remove more moisture over time.

however, if you plan on spending time in the south or southwest you may want the larger unit.

john

Silvertwinkie · 09-05-2003, 03:45 PM

Is that a 13.5k R-12 unit or a R-134A in your '92 John?

Just curious....

I plan of going all over with mine once all the dust settles.

Eric

thenewkid64 · 09-05-2003, 03:53 PM

I think the roof AC units use R-22, just like a home unit.

The R-12 and 134A are for automotive systems.

Silvertwinkie · 09-05-2003, 04:02 PM

I've found 134a in several devices. Window A/C units, de-humidifiers, fridges and if I am right, I thought I saw R-134a in my 11k BTU penguin, but that I am unsure. I am 110% on the others though.

134a is in a bunch more than just cars. Personally, I read a lot on R-12A. Suppose to be some good stuff, but I am kind of skeptical.....

Eric

**john hd** · 09-05-2003, 04:16 PM

eric

R 22

john

Silvertwinkie · 09-05-2003, 04:30 PM

That's what I have in my house A/C unit.

I swear, they have more types than hair on my head (and I still have a full head too).

Eric