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Post by allthethings00 on Jan 29, 2019 10:42:39 GMT -8
Hi all! I have a small 18.5’ 1968 camper that i’m rebuilding. My hope was to get a rooftop a/c unit that supplied heat as well. I think this is done with a heat strip/pump or sone thing of the sort. But the majority of units i look at at a/c only, or that the heat can’t be used under 45 degrees. I don’t think it will take much to heat or cool this camper as it is small, but what is the best way to heat a camper? I would be nice to do both with one unit, but i want to make the smartest and affordable options. I was looking at the advent air conditioner with a heat strip but it gets mixed reviews. How do most of you heat and cool your small campers? I plan on spending at least some time in colder climates and would like to stay warm any help is appreciated 
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jan 29, 2019 15:22:02 GMT -8
A couple of people have installed AC in an expert way under the rear bed. Others have done a slide out unit. Both can be found with some digging through old threads. For heat, a Wave3 or Wave6 are the heater of choice for many people: The main problem you face with a roof top unit is weight. A common framing size is 1by. Not enough (even slightly larger) to handle the weight without sagging.
Have you considered a Fantastic Fan? We find it keeps the camper cool enough if not in direct sun.
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Post by vikx on Jan 29, 2019 20:30:25 GMT -8
Most 68 trailers do not have the roof structure to support a 100 pound plus air conditioner. It's been done but I've also seen disastrous results with severely sagged roofs.
NC is correct on both and the Wave heaters are much better than electric heaters.
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Post by allthethings00 on Jan 30, 2019 5:26:54 GMT -8
A couple of people have installed AC in an expert way under the rear bed. Others have done a slide out unit. Both can be found with some digging through old threads. For heat, a Wave3 or Wave6 are the heater of choice for many people: The main problem you face with a roof top unit is weight. A common framing size is 1by. Not enough (even slightly larger) to handle the weight without sagging.
Have you considered a Fantastic Fan? We find it keeps the camper cool enough if not in direct sun.
im checking out the wave series...the only negatives I’m reading is about it’s emision of co2. Is that something i should be worried about? That’s a small percentage of people saying that, but enough to be cautious over.
thnks
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Post by allthethings00 on Jan 30, 2019 5:40:18 GMT -8
Also, I’m going to be living in this camper full time, and part of that time will be in New Orleans. Which gets oh so hot in the summer, so a/c is a must. What would you recommend for a cold a/c unit?
thanks
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jan 30, 2019 5:57:43 GMT -8
I like the possibilities with this AC unit: The company pushed back the delivery until Spring 2019
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I think a unit like this may work: Hotrodprimer did this...
Check out the AC threads for other ideas:
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Post by vikx on Jan 30, 2019 21:37:57 GMT -8
Wave heaters are 99% efficient but do need a certain size vent as explained in the manual. They are great but will sweat the windows in very cold weather. I lived with a Wave 6 for several years with no problems. All trailers should have a CO detector as well. Even when using the stove, there should be a vent for fresh air.
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Post by allthethings00 on Feb 1, 2019 4:56:24 GMT -8
Wave heaters are 99% efficient but do need a certain size vent as explained in the manual. They are great but will sweat the windows in very cold weather. I lived with a Wave 6 for several years with no problems. All trailers should have a CO detector as well. Even when using the stove, there should be a vent for fresh air. Just any vent in the camper will do? It currently has a roof vent that I may or may not replace with an a/c unit. Which the ac unit I’m looking atoms an Advent that weighs 68 lbs. and the only reason I would like to put it on the roof is because there’s not a lot of floor space or somewhere to hide a standing ac unit. And I desperately will need cold air.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Feb 1, 2019 6:34:26 GMT -8
I really wouldn't mount a 68 pound unit on the roof of a camper with 2" by 3/4" framing. I have a Forester with framing twice the size of my Shasta and I wouldn't do a roof unit on even the heavier camper.
With that said, I understand your drive to have a unit installed. It gets hot in the South. Did you see the slide out units on the AC & heating thread?
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aslmx
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Post by aslmx on Feb 1, 2019 16:46:33 GMT -8
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Feb 1, 2019 18:30:47 GMT -8
These small electric heaters are great on the grid. We use ours whenever we can. They are really cheap.
At 1300w/1500w, you can't run them off the battery. Not for long.
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aslmx
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Post by aslmx on Feb 2, 2019 3:57:55 GMT -8
These small electric heaters are great on the grid. We use ours whenever we can. They are really cheap.
At 1300w/1500w, you can't run them off the battery. Not for long.
yes sir. It will run you out of the trailer on low. When I’m “off grid” I’m usually on at least a 2 mile hike in the woods. My off grid doesn’t consist of a Walmart parking lot. My brother and I just did a 2 mile 2 nighter at crowders mountain state park. It was awesome.
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Post by allthethings00 on Feb 2, 2019 7:25:18 GMT -8
I really wouldn't mount a 68 pound unit on the roof of a camper with 2" by 3/4" framing. I have a Forester with framing twice the size of my Shasta and I wouldn't do a roof unit on even the heavier camper.
With that said, I understand your drive to have a unit installed. It gets hot in the South. Did you see the slide out units on the AC & heating thread?
I appreciate your understanding . what are some of the problems I’d face with having a roof top unit? I know it’s a weight issue, but is it going to fall thru the roof, or perhaps cause a sag? A roof top would solve all my problems but it seems a portable unit is going to be my best option, as a window unit is out of the question for me. I saw the slide out unit you mentioned, but I don’t think that would work. Does anyone use a portable unit? What are the pros and cons? thanks for everyone’s input by the way.....mucho grasias
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Feb 2, 2019 12:42:22 GMT -8
My guess, if you put it between the kitchen cabinets and wardrobe (and add as much framing as possible) it will just sag and make a low point on the roof for water to accumulate. If you place it in the rear or front without cabinet support it might collapse. Or it might fly off on the highway. “I have a small 18.5’ 1968 camper that i’m rebuilding.” What type of camper? The other point to consider, a heater on the roof will leave hot air blowing at the highest point. Not ideal. Speaking only for myself, I’d go this route with a roof vent: vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/7624/closet-air-little-different
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Post by dragonwagons on Feb 2, 2019 16:05:09 GMT -8
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