1972 overlander heating/AC

[Emmaggy]

I just purchased a 1972 overlander that is gutted and I’m
Starting to plan out my Renovation

1) I would like to hear it with electric radiant heat under the LVT I plan to instal - anyone try this? Would I also need a heater?

2) recommendation for AC units?

Thanks

[Belegedhel]

There are some folks on these forums who have done radiant heating in their flooring. A quick search should get you a a few hits. I looked seriously into doing this, but all of the radiant floor related stuff that was available when I looked was supposed to be imbedded in mortar underneath tile in a conventional home. I assume this is because if the flooring is rattling around and mobile, you will eventually abraid your way through the conductors, and at the least, it will stop working.

Most folks don't consider these (or most) travel trailers to be 4 season. Yes, you can stay in them in the middle of the winter, and keep them livable via brute force, but there is only so much you can do with a wall that is only 1.5" thick and skinned with aluminum. I have kept my trailer toasty in temperatures down to ~40 deg F with just a 1500 watt portable electric heater. But my trailer is only 21' long. You may also consider whether you ever intend to camp without full hookups, in which case having a propane fired heater/furnace of some sort makes sense.

Recommendations for AC units: Consideration #1 is how big of a unit you need. Get the biggest one you can (typically 15k BTU). Better to have too much AC than not enough, I say. Some folks like the heat-pump based units, but just be aware that they cost more up front, and below a certain temperature (somewhere in the 40's I believe)they can no longer pump any heat effectively to serve as a heater. Secondary consideration is whether you want a low-profile unit, or a "regular" one. The manufactures are pretty well limited to Dometic, Coleman, and (possibly) Carrier. You will find folks (again search for "Air Conditioner replacement") who have success and horror stories with each of these manufacturers.

good luck!

[57Vintage]

I have a 58 Overlander with a 15K coleman Mach 8. It is sufficient for temps up to low 90s. As Belegedhel pointed out the ability to insulate is minimal. That applies to AC also.

Plan on how you want to drain off condensate from the roof. Most don't want it to run down the outside of the trailer. I ran tubing between the inner and outer skins to a spot at floor level and put in a 90 to go out. Factory does this in the wheel well.



I choose to have AC controls on the thermostat with the furnace so there are no controls on the ceiling cover. (Had to order separately.) It also requires a control unit. Be specific about how you want it to operate when ordering. (Lesson learned the hard way.)



Its mounted on an electrical panel behind the old wall panel heater cover.

You can get a small heating unit to mount in the AC. I have it, but its minimal for heating purposes. It will raise the temp a few degrees immediately below the unit, but it's not going to heat the trailer. Just so you know.