roof reinforcement for new a/c

[Don Meyer]

I can not get my 5000 btu closet mounted a/c to cool my 13' scamp when
it is in the 90's(florida) .

I am not sure if the previous owner installed it correctly....I am waiting for pictures of the correct installation process from a other forum member, however I was wondering if anyone has installed a roof mounted a/c in a older 13'(1979).

If so, did you reinforce the roof on the inside or roof top? I am thinking a piece or 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" steel tubing (formed to the roof conture) mounted to the roof top & held in place by bolts going from the underside of the roof thru the roof tubing might work.

Comments/advice please....thanks Don

[tractors1]

I'd have a marine repair facility build up a mount for a standard roof mount AC by glassing the mounting flange onto the roof, and add in some glass thickness to bear the load, if needed.

Charlie Y

[David Tilston]

Trillium, back in the day, used a kind of saddle that sat on the roof of the trailer.
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...rts-51044.html

[RogerDat]

I'm betting that if the AC was installed by prev. owner they may not have provided enough outside air flow for the cooling fins. Based on the posts from people that have done it that is a key requirement to efficient AC function. It's only a 5k BTU air conditioner if it can remove the heat from the cooling fins.

It boils down to having the cool air intake separated from the warm air exhaust one way or another. Possibly adding some small fans such as the ones in computers to help provide additional air flow.

Here are a few posts to read until someone that's done it weighs in:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...all-24938.html

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...oor-49923.html

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...all-43268.html

I would think getting the proper amount of air flow would be less problem than trying to retrofit the roof to handle the load. Less chance of having the roof fail and drop an AC unit on the floor. As I recall the skeeters can be pretty bad in Fla. so a hole in the roof would not be good.

There may also be a 6k BTU model that would fit that same opening that could be another option. But again only if there is good exhaust air flow will you get 6k worth of cooling.