AC Unit For Salem Ice Cabin

[jjohnson5150]

We are looking to get an AC unit on our Salem Ice Cabin. The wiring is all there, so it should be a matter of buying a unit and having it attached / connected. The dealer has quoted $800 to do this. Has anyone found camper style AC units for a better price? I've looked into portable units and they are much cheaper. However, I'd have to rig the vent system so it can vent out the sliding window. We only plan on using the AC a few times per year for cabin guests and a camping trip of our own. I'd rather not spend $800 for something we don't use much. I'd appreciate any feedback / suggestions / experiences on this. Thanks.

[Roadkill Randy]

I found one of the portable units on the C- list really cheap(previous owner thought that he could cool his whole house) I use it in my 8 foot pickup camper, works great! You are correct you need to duct the vent outside just like a dryer vent as that is where the heat goes. Additionally I attached a 3/8 inch tubing to the unit for the condensate so I didn't need to empty the internal tank daily. I would go this route again as I did not want to open up the roof as it could leak on you down the road. Make sure to size the unit to square footage you are cooling that is the biggest mistake people will make.

[jjohnson5150]

Our windows have curved corners, which would mean I'd have to cut the vent kit to match the angle or use some type of foam insert to make up for the gap. Did you vent yours out of a traditional square window? If so, did you have to trim the plastic the vent hose attaches to? Thanks for the feedback. I may give the portable unit a try. I'm sure I could figure out how to rig the vent so it fits air tight.

[Roadkill Randy]

My unit sits on the floor inside of a no door closet. For me it was cutting a 4x6 inch square hole at the back of the closet and the vent tube then out that hole between the camper and the box of the pickup. The vent tube is corrugated to stretch to the length you need. I hang it close to the ground, getting away from the truck. Your application might be slightly different.

[Macgyver55]

Would an RV roof mount A/C work for you?

[jjohnson5150]

Would an RV roof mount A/C work for you?

Yes, but that's what I've been told is $800. Can they be installed cheaper?

[Macgyver55]

I sent you a PM