Installing Window or Mini-Split A/C in a Stationary Fifth Wheel

[DaviDINO]

The bedroom ceiling A/C on an older Cedar Creek 5th wheel has died. This RV is setup as a stationary home; no ability to trail and setup under cover. Instead of repairing the A/C, we are considering installing a window unit heat pump to provide cooling and heating options. What advice can anyone offer for making such drastic changes? PS- We can add external supports to brace the external portion. Don't know which window can best be adapted for new HVAC. I'm hoping someone has tried this and has some very solid advice on what to and "NOT TO" do in making this workaround. THANKS in advance for your experiences!

 

[Seilerbird]

I did exactly that last year and was thrilled with the outcome. The cheap portable actually did a better job of cooling my 5er. I don't know exactly which unit it was but it was small, under $200 and remote controlled similar to this one:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vissani...Cools-150-sq-ft-in-White-VAW05R1AWT/327450115.

It may have been this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9P4B27S?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_6

 

[DaviDINO]

Thank you for sharing your experience! So sorry for your recent health issues; will pray for your comfort and peace during recovery and that the Drs are ultra-competent to manage healing process.

Out of curiosity, did you encounter any major/minor obstacles in mounting the window unit? So glad you find it extremely worthwhile.

Do you agree that RV dealers like to treat every issue as "special" for which only equipment built for RVs are worthwhile? Glad you were rewarded for thinking outside the RV limited options!

 

[Seilerbird]

I hired a guy for $250 to install it. I live in hot and humid central Florida. RVs are not special.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Can't make any meaningful suggestions without seeing/knowing more about the windows in your RV and the available power outlets. Here are some general precautions & suggestions:

• You probably need a 8000-10,000 btu unit to cool a medium size RV
• Try to choose a window where the a/c won't be blowing air directly on occupants as they relax in the living area. That steady cold breeze can be annoying once the RV cools down.
• Make sure the unit physically fits in the opening. RV windows are often narrower and shorter than common residential sizes.
• RVs don't have window sills, so build some sort of support for it to sit on and prevent the exterior portion from tilting. If you don't want to attach the support to the sidewall, run a leg down to the ground.
• A 10,000 btu window a/c typically uses 900-1000 watts (9 amps), so pretty well loads up a 15A branch circuit. And RV wall outlets are typically all on one shared circuit. Make sure the outlet you plan to use isn't already supporting other sizable loads. Including intermittent ones (e.g.coffee maker, fridge or icemaker). A 15A outlet can safely deliver a constant 12A, so try to limit the normal loads to around that number.
• Consider drawing power from the site ower pedestal instead of one of the RV's own outlets. A much better idea!
• Try to avoid placing it near the entry door - a noisy a/c shedding hot air is uncomfortable for visitors (unless maybe that's a good thing?)
• If you have a close neighbor, be considerate of them too. Nobody likes a noisy a/c close by.

 

[gwinger]

Since this is a permanent setup, have you considered a mini-split unit? Quiet and efficient.

https://www.amazon.com/Conditioner-Ductless-Inverter-208-230V-Efficient/dp/B0BWH96SML?linkCode=sl1&tag=3mminiductlessairconditioner-20&linkId=2906b1f3da559ea7d726d763636d2257&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&th=1

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Since this is a permanent setup, have you considered a mini-split unit? Quiet and efficient.

Excellent suggestion!

 

[IBTripping]

I installed a mini-split in my permanent trailer in an RV resort. Works better than my roof a/c ever did and is very quiet.

 

[Rene T]

Anyone else have the issue I am having with this thread. I don’t see post #2 and #4. I am on my Iphone

 

[Larry N.]

Anyone else have the issue I am having with this thread. I don’t see post #2 and #4. I am on my Iphone

Both are posts by Seilerbird- they look fine here on my PC. I don't have an iPhone.

 

[PancakeBill]

I didn’t see either 2 or 4 either and Larrys post clears it up.

Mini split would be the way to go, many around here with rigs that don’t travel, and even some that do have gone that route.

 

[gwinger]

I didn’t see either 2 or 4 either and Larrys post clears it up.

Mini split would be the way to go, many around here with rigs that don’t travel, and even some that do have gone that route.

How are the ones traveling using a mini-split? The condenser sits on the ground and is plumbed to the evaporator inside.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

How are the ones traveling using a mini-split? The condenser sits on the ground and is plumbed to the evaporator inside.

They don't travel. They are either permanent or seasonal.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Anyone else have the issue I am having with this thread. I don’t see post #2 and #4. I am on my Iphone

Both were from the same member (Seilerbird). Do you perhaps have him blocked (Marked to Ignore)?

 

[Rene T]

I didn’t see either 2 or 4 either and Larrys post clears it up.

I never had trouble before seeing Tom’s posts

 

[gwinger]

They don't travel. They are either permanent or seasonal.

Read post #11.
"and even some that do have gone that route."

 

[bigbAZ]

How are the ones traveling using a mini-split? The condenser sits on the ground and is plumbed to the evaporator inside.

Google Search

 

[gwinger]

Google Search

That answers the question!

 

[Rene T]

Both were from the same member (Seilerbird). Do you perhaps have him blocked (Marked to Ignore)?

No unless I did it by mistake. I don’t know how to do it.

Update. That’s exactly what happened. I don’t know why that happened. Tom and I always had a friendly relationship. I unblocked him now and his post is now visible. Sorry Tom.

 

[Mr Lars]

Depending on where you are parked, in regards to a campground(park, resort, etc) check with the rules of that establishment. Window units may not be allowed.