PatM
Here
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Joined: 03/07/2011
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I can't tell by the pics - did you put nice thick rubber under the mounts and at the bottom of the AC? This type of AC is referred to as a "window shaker" for good reason! Try to absorb it's vibrations in your mounting instead of it vibrating the camper body.
Also a tip for AC's. They almost always have a filter (washable or replacable) for the evaporator (inside - the cold coil) but never have a filter for the condensor (outside coil, the one with the 8 gazillion aluminium fins in the picture above).
The condensers of most in use window shakers are FAR TOO DIRTY to be efficient. They don't need dust blocking airflow to lose efficiency - a thin coat of grime can't lose you 20% effectiveness. At least once a year take the unit out and spray the condenser fins with condenser cleaner (or any degreasing cleaner but condenser cleaner works best), wait a few minutes, then hose away.
Of course people will be nervos about hosing electrical equipment but remember that the entire rear portion of the AC is meant to be hanging out in the rain and getting wet all the time. Just don't hose in such a way that the water pours into the front section that is meant to be indoors and dry.
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artfd
Ohio
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Joined: 05/29/2005
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This type of AC is referred to as a "window shaker" for good reason!
This was no problem at all for me. My installation was strictly wood-to-wood and wood-to-metal.
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doug1980
Alaska
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Joined: 07/01/2009
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Trim was already there. Mine is not removable, well could be I guess but with all the silicone I wouldn't want to remove it.
Former Air Force Staff Sergeant
Relocated to the Florida Panhandle from Alaska in 2011
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TomG2
Central Illinois
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Joined: 03/07/2004
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Thanks for the comments. Since none said, "Don't", I went ahead and installed a 5,000 btu Frigidaire window unit that I purchased at Lowes. A couple of things to report. It is definitely not a "window shaker", you can hardly tell that it is running with very little difference whether the compressor is going or not. I started to purchase the smallest unit I could find and then realized that would take that much more material to fill the gaps around the case. I shifted it two inches in which made the balance almost perfect on the frame and let me use the side extentions for a neater look inside.
Very quiet and cools my truck camper very quickly. Only uses about 500 watts which barely brings my Honda generator off idle.
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DesmondDoomsday
San Francisco
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Joined: 07/20/2011
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TomG2: Did you build any sort of frame for it? Could you post photos?
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RockDodger
Northeast Illinois
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Joined: 06/05/2011
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downtheroad wrote:Just thinking....instead of a roof or window mount, how about a portable A/C?
Good for small spaces like a small RV and no installation..
Here are some examples:
Portable A/C LINK
I put in one exactly like this. 13,000 btu. Ran the exhaust and condenser hose right out the back wall of the TT. My camper is old (1987) so I play with it a little. Somebody with a newer camper may not want to cut holes in it. But, the fact that it is a floor unit means you have to 'make a hole' for it in your floor plan also. It works pretty well and is quiet. The downside is that you need to turn it on early in the day and don't shut it off as it takes a while to cool the room. Does not have a blaster fan speed, so I use a 9 inch desktop booster fan for good circulation. Works good for me.
Terry & Marsha
2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser, V-6, 4WD
1987 Sunline Satellite, 20', Reese anti-sway
Northeast Illinois
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janni
North Central US
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Joined: 12/15/2008
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Wow, I thought we were the only ones doing this! Our spot in my sons back yard is inexpensive but no 30 or 50 amp so we installed a window ac. Ours is put through the window and then we used that thick foam snake and packed around it. We also used two of those large ratcheting clamps and have it clamped to the awning. That wooden holder looks like just the ticket! We also start this fairly early in the day and close the sliding door to the bedroom. Keeps the front of our coach very cool--Haier from Wallbogs and not loud or shaky. Bought the second size up but can't remember the btu.
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dougwhite
Midland, TX
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Joined: 11/24/2009
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Somewhere there's a fellow on a front porch playing a banjo and wondering when his Pa is coming back from Walmart......
Doug & Gail
Sebastion (Yorkie on steroids)
Prissy (Diva Yorkie-Pekingeese mix)
Midland, TX
HOOK 'EM HORNS!
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