Air in a pop-up

[pheasantpro10]

I have a coleman pop-up and was wondering if anybody has put an air conditioner in one and if so is it a do it yourself project or do I need a pro. I see there is 4 plugs in the roof so it must go there? And also what would I need for tools I'm kind of handy but just a bit nervous. Thanks again

[zamboni]

I have a pop-up and don't have ac in it. I have thought about a rooftop unit, but have decided that I am going to get a wheeled, portable unit from Target this fall once they go on clearance. I am going to be really honest, I have only "wished" I had ac once in the 3 and a half years I have owned it, even when its hot out during the day, still gets chilly at night. During the day, you aren't hanging out too much in the camper.

[jeffreyd]

they are pretty diy type units, cut big hole, drop unit in bolt down run wires run drain hose for evap get generator or plug into shore power and you have ac. actually pretty dependable units, we put them on all the fire equipment to keep the units cool in the station and can switch to generator when driving. on the ambulances they wipe them off the tops pretty often on car ports and hospital entrance, pull old one set new one in place and done. I think i would have a pro do it to make sure it was first installed.

[Ryan_V]

There are a few things to consider. I'm basing this on the assumption you'd get a hard wired rooftop a/c unit like is on all campers.

1. Will you be selling/trading the camper anytime soon. You will not get the money back you put into a rooftop air conditioner. I used to have a pop-up and my dealer actually talked me out of putting air on it for this reason.

2. Is the roof "air ready"?? There needs to be extra support in your pop-up roof. you can't just throw one one there. Check with your owners manual, dealer, or on-line to find out.

3. How often do you use your camper, and of those times, how often would you use the air??

Just some things to consider, you know what you need for your situation. But, there is nothing nicer than being able to sleep in comfort on those sticky nights in the camper!! If you plan on keeping the popup, i'd consider what zamboni said and buy one of those free standing units at any big box type store. You'll be money ahead, plus you could use it in the house as well. Good luck!!

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Just what you need, a free standing unit to trip over along with everything else that is in the way while camping. Seems to me the roof deal would be a better solution if you can do it.

[Ryan_V]

Just what you need, a free standing unit to trip over along with everything else that is in the way while camping. Seems to me the roof deal would be a better solution if you can do it.

I would agree, but taking into effect the cost difference I believe he will find, the free standing one would likely be the way to go, imo, especially if he has to have the top peeled off and supports put in if it's not ready for a unit.

[zamboni]

Pop-ups have a counter along the side, thats where I would put a free standing AC unit, it would be out of the way and still be functional

[pheasantpro10]

Thanks for the info the top of the camper is fiberglass and the air conditioner that I was looking at is about 75lbs. Do you still think I would need a support system I really don't want a free standing unit not much room with the portta potty and all the other stuff. Thanks again

[bbqhead]

If it is a newer camper, You will be ok with the AC unit.I have installed a lot of them, The center roof vent goes bye bye. If no center vent then we cut a hole in the roof. I should mention like someone did before, If this is a ecomony popup, You might need roof supports. You can order those from a dealer.

But I see you said a glass roof, Should be ok.

randy

[pheasantpro10]

thanks randy is it pretty easy to do it yourself or not. It is a 97 I just heard that it is expensive to have a dealer install it. Do you just use a jig saw or skill saw? Thanks for any and all info.

[Ryan_V]

My pop up was a 97 and was not roof ready for air, I would have had to have it peeled back and supports put in, but 75 doesn't seem like much, but there isn't much to the roof of a pop up either.

[bbqhead]

I just measure the hole from the inside and drill 4 holes at the corners. Then cut with a jig/sabre type saw. You also want to get the cord kit when you buy the AC unit. You might have to wire a outlet also. If you are lucky, there might be a box already on the ceiling. Not very likely though. Make sure you tell them that you are doing a tent trailer so that they sell you the right kit for the inside.

Hope this helps.

randy

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Good info about it on the net. Try google to see all the articles.

[bbqhead]

My pop up was a 97 and was not roof ready for air, I would have had to have it peeled back and supports put in, but 75 doesn't seem like much, but there isn't much to the roof of a pop up either.

I have installed interior cross braces in, No need to peel back the roof.

randy

[Franchiz]

I went a different route with our pop up's AC. Since we do not use the 'little' refrigerator, I pulled it out and placed a window AC unit in it's place. All of the plug-ins are right there for the unit and a fan to remove the AC exhaust/heat. Works great!

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Clever idea.