Casita AC Removal

[Terra Sitah]

Greetings. I have owned my '98 Casita FD for a few years now and have considered removing the front-passenger side AC unit. Honestly, I have never used it and I could use that space for more storage. I am seriously thinking about doing it; however, I have no idea how to cover the exterior cutouts. Has anyone done this? Any suggestions on how to cover the cutouts? There is one in the front, one on the side, and one underneath. I have attached a pic to illustrate.

Thank you.

Chris
Portland, OR

[Sunnyfalls]

Originally Posted by Sitah

Greetings. I have owned my '98 Casita FD for a few years now and have considered removing the front-passenger side AC unit. Honestly, I have never used it and I could use that space for more storage. I am seriously thinking about doing it; however, I have no idea how to cover the exterior cutouts. Has anyone done this? Any suggestions on how to cover the cutouts? There is one in the front, one on the side, and one underneath. I have attached a pic to illustrate.

Thank you.

Chris
Portland, OR

I wish our AC was in that location instead of on the roof. I suspect it would increase our current towing 23 MPG another 1-2 MPG. We will likely replace our roof AC with an electronic dimmable sky light someday when it fails. Anyhow, why not just leave the exterior panels "as is" and just seal the interior area somehow to keep the AC as a future option for next owner? I am certain someone has already done what you are suggesting.

Gayle & Bob
"Los Gatos Casita"

[Terra Sitah]

Originally Posted by Sunnyfalls

I wish our AC was in that location instead of on the roof. I suspect it would increase our current towing 23 MPG another 1-2 MPG. We will likely replace our roof AC with an electronic dimmable sky light someday when it fails. Anyhow, why not just leave the exterior panels "as is" and just seal the interior area somehow to keep the AC as a future option for next owner? I am certain someone has already done what you are suggesting.

Gayle & Bob
"Los Gatos Casita"

Thank you for the suggestion. I might just do that--a lot less work. Yes, I'm figuring someone has done this already. Thanks again!

[ThomasE]

When I removed my water heater I covered up the opening with some aluminum sheet metal, sealant, and machine screws (rivets could also be used). I spray painted the aluminum sheet white after installing. Used the same holes the water heater had to avoid drilling any more holes in the fiberglass.

[Terra Sitah]

I was finally able to remove the AC. It turns out the previous owner replaced the original AC unit and secured the new one so it would be as difficult as possible to remove. After many, many hours of breaking screws, pulling out custom wood supports, etc., I was able to remove the unit. I was amazed at how heavy it was. I'm guessing around 50-60 pounds. I patched the two bottom access cutouts with fiberglass pieces from my floor replacement project from last spring. I'm going to patch the smaller side vent. At this time, I'm going to leave the larger, front vent as is, since I do not have a piece of fiberglass large enough cover that. I'm searching for a salvageable white fiberglass shower stall to use for that (fingers crossed). I'm going to use the new space for shoes and the whatnot. I'm guessing the hitch weight will lighten up with that heavy thing out of there. Pics to come.

[joeright94]

I removed my roof top air conditioner & riveted in a piece of 1/16 inch aluminum plate. It's not too difficult if you're reasonably handy.

The front vent area on yours looks like it goes over a curved area, so a salvaged flat piece of fiberglass would not work. Aluminum could be curved. A business that does fiberglass repairs on boats could make it look like the hole was never there. An auto body shop might also work with fiberglass. A few cars use fiberglass body panels.

[joeright94]

Well, Chris, I found you on Casita Forum. You're definitely more than handy! Some nice work you've done to your Casita! I'm wondering why you didn't post this question over there. Tons more traffic & members than here, as you must know by now.
I'm "joeright" on Casita Forum.

[Terra Sitah]

Originally Posted by joeright94

Well, Chris, I found you on Casita Forum. You're definitely more than handy! Some nice work you've done to your Casita! I'm wondering why you didn't post this question over there. Tons more traffic & members than here, as you must know by now.
I'm "joeright" on Casita Forum.

Thank you. Yes, I have done quite a few things to my Casita. I have cut out two pieces of about 1/8" thick fiberglass from the floor project. The side piece has enough flex to work--I'm not sure about the bigger piece, since that area has more than one curve to it. Thanks again!

[joeright94]

Originally Posted by Terra Sitah

Thank you. Yes, I have done quite a few things to my Casita. I have cut out two pieces of about 1/8" thick fiberglass from the floor project. The side piece has enough flex to work--I'm not sure about the bigger piece, since that area has more than one curve to it. Thanks again!

You're welcome. You sound like you're right up my alley. Doing mechanical things, repairs & owning a Casita. I'd like to meet you but I'm on the other coast.
I've had my 17' 2003 Spirit Deluxe for 9 years and have never even seen another Casita up close.

I finally met another owner just a few months ago. There just aren't very many in my area of the country (New Jersey). I got together with this owner I found on the Casita Forum who's 2 hours from me but I haven't seen his Casita yet. We're planning on camping together soon.

See you in the forums!
-Karl