Community Forums

Miraflo · 11-25-2020, 08:24 AM

Hi again....Since we can’t get the parts and can’t really afford it right now anyways to repair the rear a/c, we have decided to put a window unit in the bedroom window of our stationary 1996 National Tropical.
Can anyone tell me how strong the wall of the RV is....i.e., can I put mounting brackets on the RV itself, or do I have to build a support from the ground up (a slight problem because of the storage bins underneath that I don’t wish to block)
Thanks for your input,
Sandy

cruizerEd · 11-25-2020, 09:48 AM

It really depends on the size of the AC. I 6000 BTU unit only weighs about 50 lbs and if you can get it slightly balanced probably wouldn't be a problem. A 30000 BTU AC is 200 lbs or more and will definitely need support.

If it were me I'd support any AC I put in. Just put a wider support in to keep the supports from blocking the storage access. Put a little triangulation at the top to make it stiff.

TowDawg · 11-25-2020, 09:49 AM

I'm not sure on the overall strength question, but in terms of building something for additional support without blocking storage bays, you could always look at some way to use wire/cable and have the support come from the top (holding the outside edge of the AC unit) instead. Absolute worst comes to worst (it would look ugly), you could run the wire/cable/strap form the outside edge of the AC unit, all the way over the roof and back down to the stakes in the ground on the other side of the RV that are far enough from the RV to not block any storage bays on that side either.
Or you could build the supports to the ground, but angled out away from the RV to allow for access to the storage bays.

TXiceman · 11-25-2020, 10:07 AM

Definitely provide additional support for the unit. Another issue is you RV A/C unit is 12,500 or 15,000 BTUH. The small cheap window unit are only 5000 to 6000 BYUH, so it will not cool nearly as well.

Ken

MSHappyCampers · 11-25-2020, 10:36 AM

You could put a support from the back of the A/C down to the wall right above the storage bay doors, if you don't mind putting screws into the wall.

153stars · 11-25-2020, 11:44 PM

I would create a plywood panel slightly wider than than. AC unit and full height of window . The plywood a couple inches wider than inside opening. Then I would clamp it in, use strips and spacer boards for sides and bottom all sealed with closed cell foam weather strip and caulk. No board at top so not to hold rain. Just squeeze to wall by screwing wood together. You may need to rip custom width spacer boards on table saw slightly under wall thickness. I would have nice base boards to support bottom of AC. If you have awning over AC /window waaaayy better. A 7.5-8 K btu is only slightly more size and weight not much more price or power supply needs.