Window AC Adaptor

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My UHaul Camper rear sliding window was not quite big enough to fit
the smallest window unit so I made an adaptor out of wood. It hangs
the AC unit on the outside of the window, and seals (with foam) the
whole thing to the body. I will describe under each picture.

<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3eb87d1f06520AC_bot.jpg/>

This picture shows the 2x2 and plywood construction. It is all glued
and screwed together (except the roof so you can get the unit in and
out for service). Every AC unit is different so measurements are not
given here. The bottom plywood is 3/4 inch since it is carrying the
whole weight. It also acts as the window sill for this window unit.
The sides and removable top are closely fit and use foam as a seal.

<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3eb87ef5d2eb1AC_top.jpg/>

Note in this picture the little roof goes under (or inside) the window
frame so any rain goes down the sloped roof. Hopefully this (along
with foam) will help seal the rain out. Also note the silver nut on
the side. That is a threaded rod that you will see in the next
picture actually holds the unit to the side of the camper.

<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3eb882a7e7fe5AC_inter.jpg/>

This interior picture shows how the wooden base reaches inside the
window frame and with a 2x2 lip, holds the bottom of the unit. The
two dowels act as clamps against the top frame. Each dowel fits in
a hole in the base and with the use of eye bolts connected to the
threaded rod (mentioned earlier). The wing nuts create a clamp like
action. I tried a horizontal clamping board, but it pushes against
the glass on the right and that is not good, so I reposistioned them
to always touch metal frame and that is on top.

Hope all this makes sense. Here in Texas we sure need AC and I did
not want to cut any holes in the camper. Roof units are too heavy
and this will allow almost any $99 unit to work.

I would not drive around with this in the window. I am treating this
as a removable unit and it goes on the floor when we are driving.

Thanks...

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Hi Richard
Very interesting way of doing that installtion.:wave

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How heavy is the AC? having to move it in and out could be a problem for some of us (me) if it's too heavy.

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Howdy Richard...Very impressive neat and slick installation... Now if I could only find a small $99 air conditioner in Canada....... We don`t really know how hot it will get in our little Boler as we haven`t used it in the summer but from what we`ve heard and read, AC is almost a necessity.....Benny

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:wave Weight could be a problem with some. Another issue is that this is really a two person operation, so if you are single... hmmmm. I actually don't know how much it weighs, but I have been thinking of putting handles on the sides to make my job easier. It ain't light, that's for sure.

I suppose you could permantely mount this it in the window with some mods, but the vibration and jolting might work on the wood or loosen the nuts and bolts. My desire to not cut any holes and leave my camper as original as possible was the over riding thought.

Thanks...

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What is the difference in cost between a window AC like this compared to a roof-mounted unit (including cutting and installation)?

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The roof units would cost about $500 with the window units costing about
$100-$150. Roof units have a weight problem with some small fiberglass
trailers (if they were not designed for them). Installation for the
roof unit is very common (through the 14" hole) and can be had in most
cities. Window unit installtion is not as common (unless it fits in
the window). Holes may have to be cut in the fiberglass and the unit
may have to fit under or inside furniture on the inside unit. Very
custom installation and may not be available in most cities. That is
why it is not easy to figure the cost for installation.

That is also why I did this outside, clamp on unit. No destruction.
Not permanent, but works fine.

Thanks...

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Agree with your choice.

Good decision and a neat installation...

[Legacy Posts]

Might one venture "cool", Richard!
(as I duck and run for cover)

[Legacy Posts]

Hello all,
Has anyone installed one of the TURBO/MAXX roof air fans on a 13' Boler
The unit is 32" long, 19 wide and 9 high with a weight of 30 lbs. My Boler is a
1978 with the raised roof. Some of my concerns are the weight and the wind load at highway speeds
The unit appeals to me because it can be operated in inclement weather.

Rick D.