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Topic ClosedPossible replacement for the A/C

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Seanl View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Possible replacement for the A/C
    Posted: 07 Jul 2012 at 5:13pm
I just took apart an old window unit I had.The control section its the only part that wound have to be sealed.I think that I would mount them in a waterproof electrical box.
Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2012 at 12:35pm
Hmm, something to ponder.

Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2012 at 2:41pm
I would just mount them in a plastic case inside the camper and run the wires out
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2012 at 2:49pm

We don't have air in our house, but run a window unit in the bedroom.  This morning I hooked up the Pod to the generator and turned on the air.  It is quieter than the window unit, and the compressor starts with no thump or bump.  I can tell when it is running, but just from a sound change.

 
I also wanted to troubleshoot the television.  I haven't gotten reception the last three trips and knew I would get reception at home.  The first two trys no go.  Then I pushed the little light that used to be lit on the back of the cabinet to tell me that the antenna was powered, and it clicked!  A switch!  Then all the stations I could use.  Go figure.  Maybe by the third season I will know how to run this camper...
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2012 at 4:34pm
My concern, perhaps already addressed: Can this unit/system handle the vibration, etc. from road travel, in the short & long term? It appears to be designed for static installations. Just a thought...
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Jul 2012 at 10:27pm
I would be willing to find out by using a $200 window shaker and reconfiguring it.  Not sure I would want to try with that $600 thing.  But they do suggest using it with a small RV...
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Jul 2012 at 10:42pm
Has anyone noticed the the vent under the bathroom door? To my knowledge, it doesn't actually serve a purpose (other than access and possibly keeping that space somewhat conditioned?). I wonder if there would be a way to run a duct from a unit mounted on the tongue, under the dinette in the storage space, (assuming yours in the front like mine), and to this vent? Seems like a pretty clean install, and the only thing left to figure out would be how to remove the controls from the unit on the tongue and mount them in the interior.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Jul 2012 at 7:13am
Originally posted by techntrek

I would be willing to find out by using a $200 window shaker and reconfiguring it.  Not sure I would want to try with that $600 thing.  But they do suggest using it with a small RV...

The only issue with moving the controls is that the thermostat on most window units has a temperature probe that goes in front of the cooling coils. This probe is only about 24 inches long and I don't  know if it can be extended. I looks like a thin copper pipe.

Also just to note. I have had a window unit in my homemade trailer for 4 years with no issue. Also some tent popups and other small commercial trailers have window units in them. 
Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Jul 2012 at 7:32am
That vent helps to remove any moisture, and to prevent freeze-ups in cold weather.  I've thought about cutting a hole in the floor under there and mounting a biscuit fan, to push fresh air into the cabin during boondocking trips.  Without A/C you have to leave the windows (and vent) cracked to prevent moisture buildup but that is difficult when it rains.  No reason you couldn't do the same for an A/C like you said.  I would use that as the air return and put the cold air output somewhere else, up high.  Maybe use a removeable hose attached to something that would let you use one of the front windows.  That would eliminate the need to make a hole in the exterior where it is visible, so if you sell in the future you could remove the whole thing and you would never know.
 
Edit:  In my case, with a 171, I might run another pipe underneath and run it up behind the fridge and microwave, venting it from the storage area above the microwave.  Very close to the existing A/C.  However, as a proof of concept I would just use vents through the windows first.  Wouldn't add much extra setup time in camp - but knowing me I would keep that as a permanent solution!
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Jul 2012 at 7:44am
Originally posted by Seanl

The only issue with moving the controls is that the thermostat on most window units has a temperature probe that goes in front of the cooling coils. This probe is only about 24 inches long and I don't  know if it can be extended. I looks like a thin copper pipe.
 
Since you would still have a return air supply coming from the camper maybe this wouldn't be a problem.  ?
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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