Trailers Suitable for AC - Fiberglass RV
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Old 09-11-2007, 04:05 PM   #1
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Trailer: Airstream 16 ft OB
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I've encountered a number of comments and questions here about rooftop AC units. Beginning in what year were the following trailers capable of handling the weight of an AC?

Scamp 16 and 19
Casita 16 and 17
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Old 09-11-2007, 04:28 PM   #2
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Hi Zeb
I may be mistaken but i beleive those trailers had to be ordered with a AC unit.When you did that they reinforced the area/roof where AC would sit.
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Old 09-11-2007, 04:44 PM   #3
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Yep... if it's a Scamp or Casita (with a few exceptions where the person who ordered it ordered it prepped but not installed), if it didn't come with roof A/C, it probably won't accommodate it.

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Old 09-11-2007, 05:00 PM   #4
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I think on the Casita 17' the reinforce around both roof positions whether you order roof AC or not. When I ordered my first (a '99 17' FD), I ordered the closet mount AC. Both roof vent positions were reinforced.

A call to either factory should answer the question.
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Old 09-11-2007, 06:34 PM   #5
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A call to either factory should answer the question.
I feel sort of uncomfortable asking a manufacturer about a used trailer. How do I know if an older trailer with an AC was made to handle the additional weight?
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Old 09-11-2007, 06:35 PM   #6
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I feel sort of uncomfortable asking a manufacturer about a used trailer. How do I know if an older trailer with an AC was made to handle the additional weight?

It's pretty obvious, and you'll know immediately when you look at it. If the roof isn't adequately reinforced to handle the weight, it will sag; sometimes significantly.

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Old 09-12-2007, 05:43 AM   #7
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Rumor has it that Scamp has started building ALL the trailers with reinforced roofs AFTER the fire. But you'd have to call them to verify that statement.
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Old 09-12-2007, 05:52 AM   #8
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Casita 16' has never been able to handle a roof mount A/C. Still can't.

I believe that the 17's come reinforced regardless of where it is mounted. It's in the design.
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Old 09-12-2007, 06:43 AM   #9
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I know from previous posts that some early Scamp 19s were not designed for a rooftop AC. Anyone know what year the change took place. But like Roger H states, it should be obvious that the roof is not reinforced.
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Old 09-12-2007, 07:04 AM   #10
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>>I feel sort of uncomfortable asking a manufacturer about a used trailer.

It's my understanding that the Scamp and Casita folks are both happy to answer questions about their older trailers, especially if you tell them you are new to the FGRV world.

It could be they know that happy owners of an older trailer have a better chance of upgrading, at some point, to one of their new models. Or, maybe they're just nice people?
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Old 07-26-2008, 01:55 PM   #11
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Trailer: 13 ft Casita Patriot Deluxe
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I've got a 1983 13' Casita. It had a small air conditioner up front that just couldn't keep up with the Texas heat. I replaced it with a bigger unit but it overheats in the confined area that is available for the AC. I'm getting tired of messing around with this and would just like to get an AC solution that works. Does anyone know if an older 13 footer will handle the weight up there? It seems strong enough but I don't see any reinforment that is obvious.

Many thanks for your input...

Bill (Tired of sweating)

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Old 07-26-2008, 03:21 PM   #12
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We had a Trillium 4500 some years back and as we lived and camped in South Florida, decided to put a Coleman Mini-Mach on the roof. That thing weighed +/- 70 lbs and while it took a year or so, the roof eventually did sag from the weight.

So when we upgraded to the 5500 we have now, the AC was installed by a guy with a clue. The attached shows the steel ladder (painted black in the photo) he fabricated to support the unit. The air conditioner places virtually none of it's bulk on the fiberglass flat of the roof but is instead supported by the structure which distributes it to the sides. We've had zero sag and zero problems in the years that we've had this set-up.
I'm not sure a Scamp or Casita can be thus rigged as they don't have the distinctive Trillium "Hump" but it's at least food for thought. Some similar device may work for you.

Doug
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Old 07-27-2008, 06:16 AM   #13
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Trailer: 13 ft Casita Patriot Deluxe
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We had a Trillium 4500 some years back and as we lived and camped in South Florida, decided to put a Coleman Mini-Mach on the roof. That thing weighed +/- 70 lbs and while it took a year or so, the roof eventually did sag from the weight.

So when we upgraded to the 5500 we have now, the AC was installed by a guy with a clue. The attached shows the steel ladder (painted black in the photo) he fabricated to support the unit. The air conditioner places virtually none of it's bulk on the fiberglass flat of the roof but is instead supported by the structure which distributes it to the sides. We've had zero sag and zero problems in the years that we've had this set-up.
I'm not sure a Scamp or Casita can be thus rigged as they don't have the distinctive Trillium "Hump" but it's at least food for thought. Some similar device may work for you.

Doug
That's a beautiful sight, Doug! I'm not sure about other Casita's but my old little 13 footer does have a hump just about like Trillium. It's not quite a pronounced, but its there. Thanks for posting the pic, I had visions of removing the carpet from the ceiling and 'glassing in a support structure. I think I like this approach better. It certainly looks like less work. Besides, I like welding a lot better than 'glassing.

Again, thanks so much for the good info!
Bill
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Old 07-28-2008, 12:32 PM   #14
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Rumor has it that Scamp has started building ALL the trailers with reinforced roofs AFTER the fire. But you'd have to call them to verify that statement.
Yes, this is true of at least the 16 foot Scamps(I asked when we ordered, it is complete tomorrow!)
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