Trailer A/C install

CFM · 06-29-2009, 05:50 PM

Anyone purchased and installed their own trailer A/C?

Any suggestions on where to purchase, install tips, etc.?

Thanks

magnumv8 · 06-30-2009, 09:31 PM

I work in a shop that specializes in building custom vehicles and trailers for all different uses....the main thing with installing a unit in a car hauling type trailer is the roof as built will not support the unit....depending on the BTU rating of the unit and brand they can weigh anywhere from 50 to 100 lbs.if the trailer is unfinished on the inside of the roof this is what you will need to do for most units.....they pretty much all use a universal mounting hole in the roof (14 inches square) and this is what we do to get the needed support for the AC unit....you will need to fab a pair of ceiling ribs running from one side of the roof to the other with a 14 inch space between them, then in the middle of the roof add 2 cross supports 14 inches long and 14 inches apart centered in the roof... we usually make these supports with 1X2 tubing...use a construction adhesive between the added supports and the roof skin....cut out the 14 inch square hole and the AC unit will mount right over the hole and clamp in place when you attach the bottom of the unit,they are designed for varying roof thickness so that shouldn't be an issue, they have their own seal built in and when properly tightened won't leak....make your electrical connections and attach the interior cover...

If the roof of the trailer has a finished ceiling you have to determine if it is easier to remove some of it to do it as above or layout the 14 inch square hole where you want it, cut the hole and then insert you supports between the ceiling and roof skin... doing it this way you will have to be certain you achieve the necessary support to keep the AC unit from moving while in transit because they will tear the roof skin and create all kinds of problems.....the roof usually has a slight arch to it so a little distortion will occur but doesn't cause a problem....

Pricing doesn't vary much with the top units so any RV or similar supplier should be able to get you what you need and give you more advice if you need it.....

D. L. Rambo.....

06-29-2009, 05:50 PM	#1
CFM Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Clinton, NC Posts: 226 Likes: 16 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Trailer A/C install Anyone purchased and installed their own trailer A/C? Any suggestions on where to purchase, install tips, etc.? Thanks

06-30-2009, 09:31 PM	#2
magnumv8 Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Coraopolis, Pa. Posts: 172 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trailer A/C install I work in a shop that specializes in building custom vehicles and trailers for all different uses....the main thing with installing a unit in a car hauling type trailer is the roof as built will not support the unit....depending on the BTU rating of the unit and brand they can weigh anywhere from 50 to 100 lbs.if the trailer is unfinished on the inside of the roof this is what you will need to do for most units.....they pretty much all use a universal mounting hole in the roof (14 inches square) and this is what we do to get the needed support for the AC unit....you will need to fab a pair of ceiling ribs running from one side of the roof to the other with a 14 inch space between them, then in the middle of the roof add 2 cross supports 14 inches long and 14 inches apart centered in the roof... we usually make these supports with 1X2 tubing...use a construction adhesive between the added supports and the roof skin....cut out the 14 inch square hole and the AC unit will mount right over the hole and clamp in place when you attach the bottom of the unit,they are designed for varying roof thickness so that shouldn't be an issue, they have their own seal built in and when properly tightened won't leak....make your electrical connections and attach the interior cover... If the roof of the trailer has a finished ceiling you have to determine if it is easier to remove some of it to do it as above or layout the 14 inch square hole where you want it, cut the hole and then insert you supports between the ceiling and roof skin... doing it this way you will have to be certain you achieve the necessary support to keep the AC unit from moving while in transit because they will tear the roof skin and create all kinds of problems.....the roof usually has a slight arch to it so a little distortion will occur but doesn't cause a problem.... Pricing doesn't vary much with the top units so any RV or similar supplier should be able to get you what you need and give you more advice if you need it..... D. L. Rambo.....