One in a Blue Moon A/C

LenS · 08-17-2010, 01:08 PM

We very seldom use air conditioning while camping. Over the past 10 years we have used (taken it with use and used) A/C 2-3 times. With that low usage rate we do not want a built in unit that takes up valuable space in 'B'. We have only taken it to known hot/humid places when we will be parked in one location for the whole time and also have shore power.

This week is the third time we have taken it with us. I have had several people asking about the penthouse top and/or the A/C unit mounting. So I thought I would share what we did.

Below is the interior of the van. We also on these occasions use a refrigerator instead of our normal ice chest.

Inside close up of 5,000 BTU (?) A/C unit.

Exterior view

Close-up of exterior. The van window glass is down all the way. The window opening is sealed with two identical 1/8" pieces of plywood. They are joined together by several machine screws and washers. The plywood panels are spaced apart by the window rubber weather stripping (about 1"). Square holes slightly larger then the A/C unit (12" x 18") are cut in each panel and grooved 3/4" wood form the lower and upper rest for the A/C unit. Simple. The square holes must be sized so the the A/C unit tips down slightly for condensate drain.

We are only committed to storing an A/C unit when we feel we will really need to have one.

The above pictures show the refrig and A/C unit installed when camped position. Both are of course stowed when traveling.

Ford_6L_E350 · 08-17-2010, 03:58 PM

I'm afraid I have to ask, how is that refrig (and AC) secured when you are moving? Sitting loose like that, it looks like it could kill in a minor accident.

Mike

LenS · 08-17-2010, 05:18 PM

The refrig. is secured with a vertical strap and a horizontal strap that wraps around the unit. The straps are like mini-seat belts. The vertical strap secures the refrig to the cabinet it is setting on. The horizontal strap secures the refrig AGAINST the 5 drawer unit. The refrig is spaced 4-5 inches away from the 5 drawer unit when camped for heat dissipation.

The A/C unit is NOT in the window while traveling. It is in the back of the van, held down by one strap. It is only installed into the window when camping.

Good question. Did not think of that one. We always lock our cabinets, storage compartments and tie down loss items when on the road.

The one we ALWAYS TRIPLE check is the port-a-potty. Picture that flying forward from the rear of the van, into the dish or windshield. No EMS person would touch us. The fire department would have to hose us off before we could get any emergency aid.