Here's the challenge: Our Big Foot camper does not have AC, so we have a very small window unit to use. Problem is, it doesn't have a perfect fit, so sealing up all the gaps requires some creative engineering - hope some of you might have some ideas.
Last year, I used heavy plastic and waterproof tape to seal all around the ac - but when it rained, it still found a way in. We've talked about having ac installed, but since this camper is our stepping stone to our dream camper, we don't want to invest a lot of $$.
The AC sits on a frame to support it and plugs into the outlet at our campsite. With temps nearing 90 degrees this week, it's time to get it hooked up again. I appreciate any ideas and suggestions from you Master RVers!
Thanks!
Trisha
TXRVr said
09:12 AM May 10, 2011
I use a Wal-Mart special, window a/c unit in my MH when I go places where it's only 30A with low voltage so I don't have to do much power management. Assuming your window is similar to mine, I can tell you how I did it. Perhaps it will work for you. The supplies needed are: good scissores, a car window screen, pipe wrap, cardboard, and duct tape (duct tape fixes everything LOL). Measure and cut two sections of pipe wrap so that they fit around the inside perimeter of the window opening. Open the pipe wrap and install along the window tracts so that the ends meet at the corners of the window. Put the unit in the opening and lower the window. You'll need to resize by cutting off more of the pipe wrap at the ends to get a good fit. Cut the cardboard to match the opening on each side of the unit. Cut the window screen to fit the cardboard and wrap both sides. Duct tape in place and wedge the cardboard back in the opens so that the pipe wrap holds it in place. If you do it right it will keep out sun, rain, and wind. Good luck. PS: Be sure to use a good heavy duty extension cord.
BruceandTrisha said
11:08 AM May 10, 2011
Always have duct tape and WD40 on hand!
Ok, I love what you are teaching me. The window that I am working with slides open horizontally, not vertically - and one end of it is curved, not square. That's a challenge. I probably sound a bit dense, but I'm going to ask more questions anyway!
The pipe wrap . . . are you talking about the foam wrap that is self adhesive on the edges - the stuff we used to winterize the pipes?
Car window screen? Explain more please . . .
Got scissors, cardboard and duct tape . . . Almost there!
TXRVr said
08:05 PM May 12, 2011
Yes, the pipe wrap is as you described. The sun screen is the same silver sided one you put in the car window to block the sun.
Don't worry about the corners. I have four rounded ones. The pipe wrap will compensate.
I have horizontal window too so I can visualize the same installation.
1- Open the window fully. Cut open a brown paper grocery bag. Tape it in place and go outside and trace the opening on the bag. Cut that out. You have a templet for to make the cardboard.
2- Put the ac unit on top of the bag aligning the back bottom with the bottom of the bag. Trace the ac housing and cut that out. Cut 1/2 inch off the four sides of the templet. Put the templet on top of your cardboard and cut it out.
3- Put the unit in the middle of the window then line the opening with the pipe wrap. Put the cardboard templet in that space and see if it fits keeping in mind that you are going to wrap it with the sun screen (you may need to trim it a bit more)
This is a two person job.
BruceandTrisha said
05:39 AM May 16, 2011
Rick - By George! I think I got it! You have been such an incredible help to me! Gonna get this thing done next weekend and I'll be sure to let you know when it's complete! I might even record the process - it could benefit someone else.
Thank you for your help - if you weren't so far away in TX, I would make you some cinnamon rolls or take you out for dinner!
TXRVr said
04:39 PM May 19, 2011
I ABSOLUTELY love cinnamon rolls with some sliced strawberries on top. If I weren't on the road with no particular destination in mind, I'd ask you to FedX me some. LOL
Take some pictures for future posting. Adding a window unit to the rig is really a boost in comfort when one is in a high temperature area. It's also useful when in a C/G that only has 30A service where the unit can be plugged into the 120 outlet so that power management is minimized.
BruceandTrisha said
07:23 AM May 20, 2011
Well, if you find yourself traveling through mid-Missouri - just yell and I'll start the dough rising!
Ok, one more question about the foam pipe wrap . . .oh wait, there's two questions.
1. What size?
2. Does the adhesive wrap around the cardboard cutouts or the window frame?
Stay tuned for the upcoming hit movie . . . "Eazy Breezy AC DIY"
-- Edited by BruceandTrisha on Friday 20th of May 2011 07:34:57 AM
injunear said
08:33 AM May 20, 2011
Bruce and Trisha
Go to Lowe's and look at their portable A/C. It sets on the floor, no need to take out a window. Or take the unit in and out everytime you move.
Wayne
BruceandTrisha said
09:34 AM May 20, 2011
awesome idea - thank you!
TXRVr said
09:49 PM May 25, 2011
The portable air conditioner will work too, but the price is 3X the window unit.
1. What size? I use a two inch size, but you can get whatever size that suits your application the best.
2. Does the adhesive wrap around the cardboard cutouts or the window frame? Use a minimual amount of duct tape to secure the sun screen to the cardboard. If you cut the size properly, you won't need to tape anything to the opening.
Here's the challenge: Our Big Foot camper does not have AC, so we have a very small window unit to use. Problem is, it doesn't have a perfect fit, so sealing up all the gaps requires some creative engineering - hope some of you might have some ideas.
Last year, I used heavy plastic and waterproof tape to seal all around the ac - but when it rained, it still found a way in. We've talked about having ac installed, but since this camper is our stepping stone to our dream camper, we don't want to invest a lot of $$.
The AC sits on a frame to support it and plugs into the outlet at our campsite. With temps nearing 90 degrees this week, it's time to get it hooked up again. I appreciate any ideas and suggestions from you Master RVers!
Thanks!
Trisha
I use a Wal-Mart special, window a/c unit in my MH when I go places where it's only 30A with low voltage so I don't have to do much power management. Assuming your window is similar to mine, I can tell you how I did it. Perhaps it will work for you. The supplies needed are: good scissores, a car window screen, pipe wrap, cardboard, and duct tape (duct tape fixes everything LOL). Measure and cut two sections of pipe wrap so that they fit around the inside perimeter of the window opening. Open the pipe wrap and install along the window tracts so that the ends meet at the corners of the window. Put the unit in the opening and lower the window. You'll need to resize by cutting off more of the pipe wrap at the ends to get a good fit. Cut the cardboard to match the opening on each side of the unit. Cut the window screen to fit the cardboard and wrap both sides. Duct tape in place and wedge the cardboard back in the opens so that the pipe wrap holds it in place. If you do it right it will keep out sun, rain, and wind. Good luck. PS: Be sure to use a good heavy duty extension cord.
Always have duct tape and WD40 on hand!
Ok, I love what you are teaching me. The window that I am working with slides open horizontally, not vertically - and one end of it is curved, not square. That's a challenge. I probably sound a bit dense, but I'm going to ask more questions anyway!
The pipe wrap . . . are you talking about the foam wrap that is self adhesive on the edges - the stuff we used to winterize the pipes?
Car window screen? Explain more please . . .
Got scissors, cardboard and duct tape . . . Almost there!
Yes, the pipe wrap is as you described. The sun screen is the same silver sided one you put in the car window to block the sun.
Don't worry about the corners. I have four rounded ones. The pipe wrap will compensate.
I have horizontal window too so I can visualize the same installation.
1- Open the window fully. Cut open a brown paper grocery bag. Tape it in place and go outside and trace the opening on the bag. Cut that out. You have a templet for to make the cardboard.
2- Put the ac unit on top of the bag aligning the back bottom with the bottom of the bag. Trace the ac housing and cut that out. Cut 1/2 inch off the four sides of the templet. Put the templet on top of your cardboard and cut it out.
3- Put the unit in the middle of the window then line the opening with the pipe wrap. Put the cardboard templet in that space and see if it fits keeping in mind that you are going to wrap it with the sun screen (you may need to trim it a bit more)
This is a two person job.
Rick - By George! I think I got it! You have been such an incredible help to me! Gonna get this thing done next weekend and I'll be sure to let you know when it's complete! I might even record the process - it could benefit someone else.
Thank you for your help - if you weren't so far away in TX, I would make you some cinnamon rolls or take you out for dinner!
I ABSOLUTELY love cinnamon rolls with some sliced strawberries on top. If I weren't on the road with no particular destination in mind, I'd ask you to FedX me some. LOL
Take some pictures for future posting. Adding a window unit to the rig is really a boost in comfort when one is in a high temperature area. It's also useful when in a C/G that only has 30A service where the unit can be plugged into the 120 outlet so that power management is minimized.
Well, if you find yourself traveling through mid-Missouri - just yell and I'll start the dough rising!
Ok, one more question about the foam pipe wrap . . .oh wait, there's two questions.
1. What size?
2. Does the adhesive wrap around the cardboard cutouts or the window frame?
Stay tuned for the upcoming hit movie . . . "Eazy Breezy AC DIY"
-- Edited by BruceandTrisha on Friday 20th of May 2011 07:34:57 AM
Bruce and Trisha
Go to Lowe's and look at their portable A/C. It sets on the floor, no need to take out a window. Or take the unit in and out everytime you move.
Wayne
awesome idea - thank you!
The portable air conditioner will work too, but the price is 3X the window unit.
1. What size? I use a two inch size, but you can get whatever size that suits your application the best.
2. Does the adhesive wrap around the cardboard cutouts or the window frame? Use a minimual amount of duct tape to secure the sun screen to the cardboard. If you cut the size properly, you won't need to tape anything to the opening.