Quote:
1. If we cut through the walls, does this weaken the hull?
2. How would we strengthen it to carry the AC as a permanent install?
3. Also, is it bad for the trailer to cut the hole across the central seam in the back or front?
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1.
Yes, I believe it would.
2.
If I were going to do it, I'd install an actual window frame to strengthen the hole in the hull, then I'd install the air conditioner in that frame. I would also add bracing to the floor or the frame of the trailer, somehow; especially if you choose to install an air conditioner that significantly hung [b]outside the body of the trailer.
3.
To see the answer to that question, look where
Burro installed the
roof vent. All of the ones I have seen are to one side of the seam, not straddling it.
However, the front and back WINDOWS do straddle the seam... But a window alone may not exert as much leveraged force upon the hole as an Air Conditioner would.
I have just today completed my installation of a 5000 btu window air conditioner in the front window of my
Fiber Stream trailer. I custom crafted a framing scheme to install it
without HAVING TO remove or install any screws except for removing 2 frame members to get it to fit back into it's original box for storage. If I didn't care to make it fit in the box, I could leave it assembled. [b]Key to my design is the use of the
GoldStar 5000 BTU air conditioner, presently on sale at
Home Depot, because it is equally balanced on the window frame between inside and outside.
I will tow my trailer with the air conditioner stowed in it's box on the floor. It takes 10 minutes to pop it into the open window, and 15 minutes to disassemble it and return it to it's box for storage.
I need to go take some pictures...