Replacing AC in 69 Sovereign

[Jim Holway]

I am about to replace the AC in a 1969 Sovereign. Originally it had the Armstrong AC with a thermostat. Unfortunately that means I do not have the 14 inch square hole now standard for mounting AC and will need to cut that into the roof. I am looking for any suggestions on how best to cut the hole. I assume I will need to add bracing for the hole and mounting the AC, so suggestions there would be great as well. I'm looking at the non-ducted Coleman 15,000 BTU unit that comes with the heat pump for heat as well since I believe that would also allow me to have a wall thermostat. I welcome suggestions on which AC / Heat unit folks might recommend as well. Thank you

Jim

[Minno]

Hi Jim,

Take look at our Little Girl Refurb thread starting at post #364:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f185...-50967-26.html

She's a '72, so close to the same vintage as your trailer. I built a frame out of 2x4's cut down to the thickness of the ceiling, and curved to match the ceiling as well. It's held in place between two ribs, and provide the 14 x 14 inch frame for the new roof a/c. Cutting the aluminum isn't hard - all you need are tin snips.

We used the Penguin 2 roof a/c because we wanted a low profile unit.

Chris

[Jim Holway]

Thank you Chris .... this is very helpful for design ideas on adding bracing. Great work on your refurb!

Jim

[68 TWind]

When I had to enlarge and square off the hole for a new Fantastic fan I found that an aluminum cutting wheel on a 4 inch angle grinder was much easier than thin snips.
Just mark your pattern with a sharpie and it cuts like butter. It is a little messy on the inside but if you have a helper hold a shop vac right by the grinder as you cut you won't make much of a mess.

[rbcarbo]

I just replaced my Armstrong ac on my '78 AS 31' Sov. My armstrong had A 14" opening so replacement was simplestablished although I did use a couple of 2×2' above the ceiling plenum front and back. I went with the Coleman Mach 8 model 47024A876 which is a 15,000 btu heat pump with a condenate pump. Make sure you order this model number because all Mach 8's do not come with a condensate pump. The condensate pump is necessary because you can tie it into the AS through the wall condensate drain line. All other Coleman drain the condensate unto roof which then runs down the wall causing mineral staining ruining the bueatiful AS finish. As far as an on the wall thermostate, I was advised by Coleman tech services this should only be used wit a ducted ac so I selected the ceiling control unit which works fine. Overall, I am happy with the new unit, but don't expect it to perform well in the heat of a 100 degree Texas day with no shade although tolerablet running fans. The AS is a heat seeking aluninum can don't you know. If you really want stay cool in 100+ days upgrade to 50 amp service and install a second ac unit, but make sure you stay in parks that don't charge you for electricity.

[tracker]

Originally Posted by Jim Holway

I am about to replace the AC in a 1969 Sovereign. Originally it had the Armstrong AC with a thermostat. Unfortunately that means I do not have the 14 inch square hole now standard for mounting AC and will need to cut that into the roof. I am looking for any suggestions on how best to cut the hole. I assume I will need to add bracing for the hole and mounting the AC, so suggestions there would be great as well. I'm looking at the non-ducted Coleman 15,000 BTU unit that comes with the heat pump for heat as well since I believe that would also allow me to have a wall thermostat. I welcome suggestions on which AC / Heat unit folks might recommend as well. Thank you

Jim

Jim do you have plans for your old Armstrong A/C unit? Iam in need of some parts for the unit on my 69 safari. How can I get in contact? Carl.

[Jim Holway]

Carl ... glad to see if I'll have some parts you need. Send me an email at Holway.jim@gmail.com ... and provide me a number to call you at as well. Once I finish getting the Armstrong unit off I'll have a better idea what I've got and what I was able to get off without damaging the parts. Hopefully I will be able to finish removing the unit on Monday.