A/C on a Vintage A/S?

[Chlyman]

I am trying to decide what to do about an A/c unit and wanted the general feelings about vintage airstreams with a/c on top. I am undecided, but thought opinions here might sway me one way or the other.
Thanks!

[idroba]

There is no "answer" for the question directly. How "vintage" do you want to keep it? Do you want a rig which looks like it came out of a time warp, or a museum? Nothing wrong with that at all, but if so, probably a '58 should not have an AC on the top.

If you are doing a full renovation with all new interior, and so on, why not go with modern stuff, including a good AC unit.

A few have tried to build an AC unit inside or underside, which does not show, yet cools. Kind of expensive and difficult as it would be a custom unit, but possibly another option.

Where do you live? How do you travel? If you live in a hot, humid climate, most want AC today. If you boondock a lot, your only power would be a generator, and you might not want to bother. If you always have power available, as in commercial campgrounds, and live in a hot climate, go with an AC unit.

In my own case, my '71 Caravel has no AC, is almost totally original (although AC was available in '71, mine did not have it) and I boondock mostly, so no power is available. I would not add AC to that rig. But my '74 Argosy is so far removed from original I feel no pangs at all about changing it in any way that makes me comfortable. It came with an AC unit, which is mostly unused, but there if I want to take a trip into hot country, where I will have hookups.

So, no answers from me, only things to consider about your own feelings and uses of your rig.

[noreen&sal]

One time when my mom was about 90, the kids asked her what was the greatest invention of her lifetime? You have 3 guesses and the first 2 dont count. Sal.

[Someday'59]

IMHO, it's really nice to have. I love to hate ours...but I also love it. It is my favorite eyesore.

Here's what's great: you can add an A/C unit without any extra holes. It just fits in a roof vent. If you decide you can't live with it, you can always take it out.

[dwightdi]

I have seen some people put in the portable units in a closet and have a duct coming out through the wheel well or under the unit. They are fairly cheap at Home Depot. I have seen regular window units put in an outside compartment or cut in under the twin beds and had a refrigerator vented door put on them. They look nice, but an additional fan is sometimes necessary to make them efficient. I have seen a small red neck window unit temporarily pushed in the propped open back window with filler foam panels. It works and easily installed or taken out in 5 mins. with only two screws. A 5,000 BTU unit only weights 60 lbs. and draws 15 amps.

[SmokelessJoe]

Carolyn,

This thread from a few years back will give you more information on the alternatives. See post # 7 for my split unit solution.


http://www.airforums.com/forums/f427...a-c-71140.html

Sergei

[FC7039]

I too have grappled with this. I tried a portable and it was not sufficient. I even owned a mini-split liek what SmokelessJoe has, but realy do not have a frame (mine is a pipe) for this. I thought about a hidden window AC but I could not figure where I could incorporate this into the layout.

This summer I am going to put a rooftop up. I have rationized that I live in Texas. If I want to use the trailer, I have to have adequate AC.

[Someday'59]

I think an A/C on a vintage trailer says "that trailer is loved and someone uses it!"

[SmokelessJoe]

Some who think that the beautiful, iconic AIRSTREAM shape is sullied by big, bulbous AC units at the roof line will have their bias confirmed in posts #36 and #37 here:



http://www.airforums.com/forums/f227...h-87761-3.html

Sergei

[FC7039]

Has any one seen an aluminum cover for an AC?

[Chlyman]

Thanks for all the responses! As for an aluminum cover, I was wondering if you could paint the plastic cover with the liquid stainless steel. That would give the same look I would think.

[LuvOldSchool]

I would try and make a tear drop style aluminum cover and then go to the sign shop and have them make a cool sticker for the side that would say AC-omatic- in a great 50's font.

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by SmokelessJoe

Carolyn,

This thread from a few years back will give you more information on the alternatives. See post # 7 for my split unit solution.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f427...a-c-71140.html

Sergei

We've seen split systems used that we're functional and not obtrusive at all.

[Flysoncloud]

I have a low profile on my 53 and would not trade it for the world!

[toastie]

Putting roof top air on my 1955 Safari was not an option, I went stealth, air conditioner went inside...............toastie

[whitsend]

A Roof Top AC - Yes or No

I think it depends on where you live & how you 'Stream'. I can appreciate the purists who feel a roof top AC ruins the classic lines of a vintage trailer. I also note most of these loyal vintage folks live "up north", or at least where temps & humidity are not a constant concern for most of the year.

Me? I live in central Texas. I don't think I have much option & have a 15K BTU roof unit on my 1954 Cruiser. The AC will make using the Cruiser a fun adventure and not a chore to overcome our weather.

Fun trumps a chore every time. Life's good!

[ddstech]

I had a 67 without and put a new one on my 58. I feel not having one would limit the places I would take my family. I have to keep the complaining to a minimum. Besides, aren't airstreams all about comfort and living in style.