Installing AC Unit

[Toms57]

Is there any real trick to installing a second AC unit in a TT.
The wiring will be no problem, I am concerned about mounting the unit and sealing it to prevent leaks etc. There is currently a 14 X 14 vent that will come out and the unit sits in that location.
I see that they are relatively cheap and it seems to cost about $ 400 + th get it installed. I think that I should be able to do it myself.
Is there something that I should be aware of before attempting this on my own?

Tom

[Mr_D]

Shouldn't be a problem, they're usually designed so it can be done. The main problem is the wiring, if it was prewired for an air con or heat pump then it pretty much a drop in.

[C-PHartley]

I replaced a roof A/C gasket recently that required removing the A/C unit. Not hard, just heavy and awkward. I would recommend that you have a helper to help lift it and support it while you work the wiring into place. Also have some heavy cardboard or a blanket to protect the roof from any damage. I used Tub and Tile caulking liberally on the 4 lag bolts that held the unit to the roof. So much so that it squirted out of the hole and all over the bolt in order to seal the holes. I hope this helps.

[TXiceman]

$400.00 to install a roof top A/C. I can do it by myself in about 1-1/2hours max. Tell them they need to hire smarter techs.

The hardest thing to do is to get the unit on the roof. Once up there it os pretty easy, but will go easier with some help.

And DO NOT use caulk on the seal gasket.

Ken

[LonBoy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toms57 Is there any real trick to installing a second AC unit in a TT. The wiring will be no problem, I am concerned about mounting the unit and sealing it to prevent leaks etc. There is currently a 14 X 14 vent that will come out and the unit sits in that location. I see that they are relatively cheap and it seems to cost about $ 400 + th get it installed. I think that I should be able to do it myself. Is there something that I should be aware of before attempting this on my own? Tom

Tom reccomend using black butyl Putty Tape get it at your local RV repair place they also have grey but the black is longer lasting.

[C-PHartley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LonBoy Tom reccomend using black butyl Putty Tape get it at your local RV repair place they also have grey but the black is longer lasting.

I think I would be careful about the Butyl Tape. They make a gasket for this that is sticky on one side - to be taped to the A/C unit. About $20.00 last time I looked. This gasket is compressed onto the roof to seal against any leaks when you bolt down the A/C unit. This allows the gasket or unit to be removed easily if necessary. The Butyl tape could be very difficult to remove once it has aged.

[mhs4771]

I just have a question: Was you unit designed to hold a second AC? Generally on units that are setup to have a 2nd AC the frame around that vent is reinforced to hold the weight. And not just the static weight the force that will be put on the area when you hit the unseen pot hole. Would be a real bummer to get to the CG and find the AC sitting on the bed or where ever. I think I would try and contact the Rig Mfr and see what they thought about it. Just a thought

[donandmax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman $400.00 to install a roof top A/C. I can do it by myself in about 1-1/2hours max. Tell them they need to hire smarter techs. The hardest thing to do is to get the unit on the roof. Once up there it os pretty easy, but will go easier with some help. And DO NOT use caulk on the seal g Ken

I agree #400.00 for an a/c install is just highway robbery. If you can get it on the roof you can diy. I mean this isnt rocket science. I didnt even need the directions. (only when in doubt)LOL No wonder folks hate to take their rv;s in for repairs if they get ripped off like this.

[Toms57]

I got a quote yesterday and it was closer to $200 and was a pretty firm quote. For that I believe that I will just let them do it.
As for the roof support, I called the mfg. and they said that it had not been specifically renforced for an AC, but that, without saying so directly, It was sufficent to carry the load. This is part of why I have chosen the unit that is a little lighter than some.
Tom

[Toms57]

I went in Saturday to order the unit and schedule installation and they discounted the unit another 10% ($75.00) because the shop was doing the installation.
That gets the price where I am comfortable with to just let them do it.
Is is now on order to be installed whenever it arrives.

Tom

[wingnut60]

Sounds like you have it under control.
Have some friends with a 2-yr-old 34' fiver Open Range and they really love it--we are headed to AK this summer together.
Joe