Can You...?

[MuthaMustard]

Hello, I need your all knowing answers on this one.

I have found a 1976 Argosy 24' that is in great shape! Finally and at a great price too, but it has no A/C and this is a very important piece of our puzzle. We need A/C for sure.

My question is, can you install an A/C on a rig that does not have one and where would I find information on doing this?

Please help asap as the sellers are waiting on us so as not to list this rig on Ebay. The price is too good to pass up, but if we can not resolve the A/C issue then I will have to pass.

Any ideas??

Thanks Mucho, I look forward to all and any replies.

[RUSSELL]

I do not see why not as long as there is support in the roof. You will need to run 115 v to the unit. I would let a pro do it.

Regards Russell

[Foiled Again]

Most were pre-wired for it. You're in Athens Ohio.... Drive it to the mothership - the Airstream FACTORY in Jackson Center to have them do it.

It isn't beyond a good handyman's ability... but still... doo-doo occurs, and with J.C. the work is guaranteed.

HAPPY TRAILS. Now RUN and buy it!

Paula

[jcanavera]

Normally the A/C unit can fit over an existing vent hatch, assuming its a standard size (I'm not familiar with your vintage trailer). If you don't have one mid vent you may have to have a hole cut in the ceiling.

The vent or hole needs to be braced to carry the weight of the A/C unit. Again on my side I'm not familiar whether an existing vent hatch in your trailer is braced.

Finally as noted by Russell, you would need to have the proper sized wiring available to connect the A/C unit to.

I've installed an A/C unit on an SOB and from my end it was a very easy job since the mid trailer hatch was braced properly and the trailer manufacturer ran wire to the hatch on the anticipation that the owner might add an A/C unit in the future.

For me the biggest obstacle was getting the A/C unit from the ground to the roof. Unless you have someone with experience to help you, you might need to get a pro to assist or do the job for you.

Jack

[Inland RV Center, In]

The AC's for the Airstream and Argosy products, have never been designed to be mounted in a ceiling vent.

For the last 40 years, the coaches have been prewired for AC.

The location of that wire varies, depending on the year and/or length.

The wire may be located near a vent, "BUT NEVER" in a vent.

The AC's are usually mounted near a vent, but again, never in one.

The roof may or may not be beefed up, again that varies with the year and model.

The wiring location for the AC and thermostat, is published in the service manuals.

Additionally, the drain tube is also installed, at the factory, even though that unit may not have an AC installed at the time of production.

Andy

[easyride]

YOU JUST GOT THE ANSWER FROM THE MAN WHO KNOWS !!!! Dave

[loudruff]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

Most were pre-wired for it. You're in Athens Ohio.... Drive it to the mothership - the Airstream FACTORY in Jackson Center to have them do it.

It isn't beyond a good handyman's ability... but still... doo-doo occurs, and with J.C. the work is guaranteed.

HAPPY TRAILS. Now RUN and buy it!

Paula

I second Paula's advice. You are close to the mother ship and they do great work. They usually have all of the answers too. Experts at work.

[MuthaMustard]

wahoo thanks, anyone know what the cost of installing a new A/C would be?

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by MuthaMustard

wahoo thanks, anyone know what the cost of installing a new A/C would be?

In round numbers, around $900 for a good a/c unit, and probably another $200-300 to install it.