Air Conditioner Vibrated Loose

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   I did a search and couldn't find this topic, so here goes. I pull my 171 a few hundred miles on Forest Service roads in Montana every year. They're good roads, but gravel, so lots of vibration. Twice now the interior portion of the air conditioner has vibrated loose from the ceiling. The first time I was able to remount it using drywall anchors. This past week the louvers on each end broke in two where they are attached to the ceiling, the anchors on each side failed and the air conditioner was left hanging by one corner. This is my sixth season with the trailer and in all this time I've never once used the air conditioner or even camped somewhere that it was a possibility. I'm thinking of removing the interior portion entirely, filling the void with fiberglass insulation and covering the hole with a piece of ceiling panel. Alternatively, I could reattach the cheap ass plastic air conditioner and try to make it bullet proof. 
Anyone had any experience like this? I'm mostly just looking for second opinions before I decide my course of action. The only reason I can think of to retain the air conditioner is for resale. However, I'm not entertaining any thoughts of selling or trading the trailer since in general it's perfect for the camping I do and I've done enough mods that I have it exactly like I want it. 

BTW, the air conditioner was secured to the ceiling with four screws that penetrated the paneling literally about 1/4". For the "off road model" it seems like a fairly flimsy setup.

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mikeyg2347 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 27 May 2015 Location: MT Online Status: Offline Posts: 75	Topic: Air Conditioner Vibrated Loose Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 12:53pm
	I did a search and couldn't find this topic, so here goes. I pull my 171 a few hundred miles on Forest Service roads in Montana every year. They're good roads, but gravel, so lots of vibration. Twice now the interior portion of the air conditioner has vibrated loose from the ceiling. The first time I was able to remount it using drywall anchors. This past week the louvers on each end broke in two where they are attached to the ceiling, the anchors on each side failed and the air conditioner was left hanging by one corner. This is my sixth season with the trailer and in all this time I've never once used the air conditioner or even camped somewhere that it was a possibility. I'm thinking of removing the interior portion entirely, filling the void with fiberglass insulation and covering the hole with a piece of ceiling panel. Alternatively, I could reattach the cheap ass plastic air conditioner and try to make it bullet proof. Anyone had any experience like this? I'm mostly just looking for second opinions before I decide my course of action. The only reason I can think of to retain the air conditioner is for resale. However, I'm not entertaining any thoughts of selling or trading the trailer since in general it's perfect for the camping I do and I've done enough mods that I have it exactly like I want it. BTW, the air conditioner was secured to the ceiling with four screws that penetrated the paneling literally about 1/4". For the "off road model" it seems like a fairly flimsy setup.
	Mike

podwerkz Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 11 Mar 2019 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 966	Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 2:27pm
	This is a good case for removing that entire unit, inside and outside, and then install another vent fan.
	r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten!

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6326	Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 2:42pm
	Or even just a skylight or non-powered vent would work well. http://www.amazon.com/Ventline-V2092SP-28-Birch-White-Ventadome/dp/B0030G7XWY/
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

mcarter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 2:42pm
	+1, I'd find a way to use opening.
	Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

marwayne Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 25 Oct 2011 Location: Edmonton AB Can Online Status: Offline Posts: 1002	Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 3:06pm
	does bank of america open on saturday We took our AC out years ago
	If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd.

mikeyg2347 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 27 May 2015 Location: MT Online Status: Offline Posts: 75	Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 4:23pm
	I love it! I hadn't even thought of a skylight. More light inside would definitely be a welcome addition. Do you remember where you found it?
	Mike

marwayne Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 25 Oct 2011 Location: Edmonton AB Can Online Status: Offline Posts: 1002	Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 4:35pm
	It is a clear cover for a regular vent
	If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd.

mikeyg2347 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 27 May 2015 Location: MT Online Status: Offline Posts: 75	Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 5:41pm
	Got it. This will turn what would have been a repair into an improvement, so now I'm excited to do it. Anything special I should know about installing and sealing it?
	Mike

marwayne Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 25 Oct 2011 Location: Edmonton AB Can Online Status: Offline Posts: 1002	Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 6:09pm
	Look under fan leak repair, it's 3 or 4 threads under yours
	If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd.

mikeyg2347 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 27 May 2015 Location: MT Online Status: Offline Posts: 75	Posted: 22 Aug 2020 at 1:31pm
	Thanks. I ordered the vent that Stephen H suggested, pulled the ac unit and got it installed. When I wired everything back up the furnace fan came on and stayed on. Thermostat had an E1 code, so I did a little searching and realized that the old thermostat is a 3 wire, but with only the heater connected I need to change that out for a 2 wire model. Got one ordered, so no big deal, but for anyone considering this mod be aware that your old thermostat will need replacing. Meanwhile, I'm loving all the light that the new vent lets in. In my little 171 it makes a huge difference and the counter now has constant light in the daytime. Great mod. As usual, wish I'd done it sooner.
	Mike