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Roof Mount A/C units

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Old Jul 10, 2007 | 10:26 PM
  #1  
srt20's Avatar
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From: watertown, wisconsin
Roof Mount A/C units

Hi again guys! I have a new question for you all.
In case you havent read my other post, I bought a 28' enclosed car hauler. I plan on using it to haul my race car and also to haul my ATVs and be my "redneck camper". So I need to put a air conditioning unit on it. It will be all open inside no walls or partitions.
So any suggestions on a roof mounted a/c unit? Maybe a ballpark figure for price and installation? Thaks again guys, Bret
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Old Jul 11, 2007 | 07:45 AM
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A few years ago I had to replace my 13K unit on my camper. The cheapest price I could find (Carrier V) was PPL in Houston which was @$650 shipped to my door. I already had the hole in the roof so it was simple to swap them out. I would think that it wouldn't be too much of a big deal cutting the hole, just the initial blade to the roof would make me second guess myself. Just measure 2,3,10 times and cut once.
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Old Jul 11, 2007 | 11:40 AM
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Check out Camping World on line. Price w/install should be under $1,000. Do you have a ceiling w/insulation ? Wiring route ? How are you going to power it ??
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Old Jul 11, 2007 | 03:00 PM
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The ceiling has plywood or whatever it is on it. There is conduit running down the ceiling to feed the lights that are ceiling mounted. So I figured I would have the wires for the A/C in the conduit. I dont plan on installing it myself. I dont wanna leaker....lol. Just wondering what brands seem to be the best and what BTU I might need. Thanks Bret
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Old Jul 11, 2007 | 03:09 PM
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From: L.A. (Lower Arkansas)
Originally Posted by srt20
The ceiling has plywood or whatever it is on it. There is conduit running down the ceiling to feed the lights that are ceiling mounted. So I figured I would have the wires for the A/C in the conduit. I dont plan on installing it myself. I dont wanna leaker....lol. Just wondering what brands seem to be the best and what BTU I might need. Thanks Bret
The conduit will have small gauge wire (12V) for the lights so you will have to put some house wire in there. I wouldn't get any smaller than a 15K since it's not insulated, heck my 13.5K can barley cool my TT.
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Old Jul 11, 2007 | 03:26 PM
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Oh yeah, I guess I meant to say I would run some new wires through the conduit just for the A/C unit. Bret
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Old Jul 11, 2007 | 04:13 PM
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If you dont want to install yourself, just go to a local RV dealer and they will set you up.
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 02:36 PM
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The 15k run about $700. Either Coleman or DuoTherm/Dometic are very reputable. The 15k draws about 15amps, maybe more at start up. I guess you have 12V circuits?
A professional installation is a good idea.
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 03:26 PM
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Trailer has a breaker box for 120v, and seperate 12v system for 2 smaller cargo type lights. A/C would be run off of 120 plug at campground or my generator when electricity is not availible. Yes it will be professional installed. Its a nice trailer and I dont wanna turn it into a junk box. Bret
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 03:34 PM
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One other thought, these weigh 200-250lbs, I think. I trust the roof is built for this?
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 03:38 PM
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Im almost sure it will be fine, but I will check before buying anything. I see a good number of trailers like mine with units on top.
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 08:03 PM
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From: Melbourne, Florida
If you think you'll need a little heat in that Red Neck RV, Carrier also makes a air conditioner with a heat pump for about 100 bucks more. Same size as the other ones. Works great down to 40 degrees. After that you gotta get a fire going somewhere.

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/r...-heat-pump.htm

Dave
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Old Jul 13, 2007 | 07:43 AM
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From: lyman, utah
also, make sure your generator is big enough, a generator that is almost big enough will ruin an AC unit
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