Does the roof need to be reinforced for 2 A/C units ?

[CajunCan]

I recently picked up 2 dometic penguin low profile ac units for my airstream - A 1976 31foot sovereign. I was originally only going to put in one unit but I got 2 for the price of one at a surplus sale, and living in south Louisiana the heat and humidity are just about as bad as it gets.

My question is what needs to be done to the roof to install 2 units. I don't want to cause a weight issue. I want to put the second unit on the rear of the trailer where the old vent is. This trailer undergoing a large restoration project so adding bracing would not be hard but I would like to hear from some of you who have done this already.

Thanks,

Jacques

[Al and Missy]

Check with Out of Doors Mart in NC. They sell (or did sell) a reinforcing frame for use when replacing a vent with an AC unit.

And yes, the roof does need reinforcing. At least newer trailers do.

[cwf]

Yes. Aluminum c channel, riveted top and bottom and vulkem between the outer and inner aluminum sheets.

Or some really good wood, completely tape / seal with gorilla tape And use large pan head screws and vulkem. This is how I added our second ac on our 34’, 1999 8 years ago..

[Re-Pete]

Originally Posted by cwf

Yes. Aluminum c channel, riveted top and bottom and vulkem between the outer and inner aluminum sheets.

Or some really good wood, completely tape / seal with gorilla tape And use large pan head screws and vulkem. This is how I added our second ac on our 34’, 1999 8 years ago..

cwf, Any pictures? What dimension (gauge, width, edges, etc.) C channel did you use for this? I'm afraid I'm not able to visualize what you mean by riveting top and bottom. Would you mind breaking your install down a bit for us short bus kids.

[cwf]

Originally Posted by Re-Pete

cwf, Any pictures? What dimension (gauge, width, edges, etc.) C channel did you use for this? I'm afraid I'm not able to visualize what you mean by riveting top and bottom. Would you mind breaking your install down a bit for us short bus kids.

Howdy, Pete.. That was several years and storage platforms (clouds) ago... let me try to locate..

I did an Airforums search with words "AC bracing".. here is one with a good view to help:
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f42...it-192585.html

[Re-Pete]

Originally Posted by cwf

Howdy, Pete.. That was several years and storage platforms (clouds) ago... let me try to locate..

I did an Airforums search with words "AC bracing".. here is one with a good view to help:
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f42...it-192585.html

Channing,
Thanks!! This looks good. If you remember anything else that might be helpful I'm all ears. BTW do you remember where you bought the Aluminum channel you used on your opening?

[HiHoAgRV]

Here is how we added a second ac.


https://www.airforums.com/forums/f20...tml#post839907

[cwf]

Pete..
Hope you guys are high and dry.. the storm's a comin'..

I used treated wood then wrapped in Gorilla tape.

I do not at this time remember precisely the dimension. I am thinking it is about 2" square. It just needs to keep the two skins apart. I then put the Vulkem on the inside aluminum sheet, slid the boards into place, clamped to stop movement then screwed down with broad shallow panhead screws. I put 6 per side. Make sure you cut the boards correctly because you need to account for best fit.

Ping me if you want more ideas...

[Re-Pete]

Originally Posted by cwf

Pete..
Hope you guys are high and dry.. the storm's a comin'..

I used treated wood then wrapped in Gorilla tape.

I do not at this time remember precisely the dimension. I am thinking it is about 2" square. It just needs to keep the two skins apart. I then put the Vulkem on the inside aluminum sheet, slid the boards into place, clamped to stop movement then screwed down with broad shallow panhead screws. I put 6 per side. Make sure you cut the boards correctly because you need to account for best fit.

Ping me if you want more ideas...

Thanks Channing,
We weathered the storm just fine. I have a feeling we might be in for a few more this season.

I appreciate the additional detail. Somehow I misunderstood what you originally posted. It's crystal clear now.