Air conditioning

[Scotty Moore]

Hi all, Thinking ahead while I am building the trailer out. My original thought was utilizing a 5K BTU window AC unit. After doing some research, I've noticed the so called portable AC units which utilize a duct to vent the hot mand humid air outside. If I went with one of these, I would most likely mount a dryer vent port in the wall and vent through that. The issues, although minimal are does the venting duct accumulate water? Then lastly, these units seem to indicate a larger power draw than the window mount ones. Has anyone here used one of these portable AC units? What would be your pros and cons based on your experience? Thank you

 

[ped]

They are horrible. I tried a 10k btu it wouldnt cool 1f after 7 hrs running. The heat put out in the rear cancelled all the cooling out.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

 . . . portable AC units which utilize a duct to vent the hot mand humid air outside.
. . . does the venting duct accumulate water? . . . these units seem to indicate a larger power draw than the window mount ones

I use a 10K BTU LG model:LP1015WNR stand-up unit.  It works but it is more inefficient than a window unit.  Since the condenser is inside some of the extracted heat will be returned to the room.  How much depends on how long the exhaust tube is and if it is insulated or not.  In my 7000 sq. ft. house it will reduce the temperature 5º to 20º, depending on a number of factors.

The big thing it does is reduce humidity.  On hot, humid days it extracts 10 to 12 gallons of water from the air.  The exhaust duct does not accumulate water if you use the unit's drain.

Being less efficient it will use more electricity for the same result as a window unit.

There are also portable mini-split air conditioners where you can place the evaporator inside and the condenser outside and connect them without needing to charge the system.  An example:  https://www.homedepot.com/p/Climate...-Air-Conditioner-Heater-CR12000SACH/304624913

 

[Scotty Moore]

Ok thanks people for your input. I'll look at the split.

 

[Scotty Moore]

After looking at the split, while it's a nice unit it also has a price point that is beyond my budget. That unit, and even the smallest one (12K BTU) has a substantial energy draw which far surpasses the window unit. Considering will be cooling a 6x10 trailer and used infrequently for now, I cannot justify spending the $. I do appreciate the info!

 

[RogerD]

I have the Frigidaire FFRE0533S1 5000 BTU window unit.

https://www.frigidaire.com/Home-Comfort/Air-Conditioning/Window-Mounted-AC/FFRE0533S1/

It has the lowest power consumption of any unit I could find.

It works great in Florida's 90+ degree high humid weather! I've had it since July of last year cooling off an 8x12 room I built inside a workshop. I was planning on putting in my van, but Florida winter has been very comfortable I didn't get around to it. I recently decided to sell the van and get a box truck, so I will be putting it in it, in the not so distant future.

You need to insulate your trailer really good regardless of what you end up using!!!

 

[Scotty Moore]

Thanks Roger, yes I think I will be going the route of a window air conditioning unit. I already have in mind the way that I will deploy it out the hole as well as the type of cover I would use.

 

[Silvester M]

I have the Frigidaire FFRE0533S1 5000 BTU window unit.

https://www.frigidaire.com/Home-Comfort/Air-Conditioning/Window-Mounted-AC/FFRE0533S1/

It has the lowest power consumption of any unit I could find.

It works great in Florida's 90+ degree high humid weather! I've had it since July of last year cooling off an 8x12 room I built inside a workshop. I was planning on putting in my van, but Florida winter has been very comfortable I didn't get around to it. I recently decided to sell the van and get a box truck, so I will be putting it in it, in the not so distant future.

You need to insulate your trailer really good regardless of what you end up using!!!

Me too... a Frigidaire Unit..

 

[themoest]

I have the Frigidaire FFRE0533S1 5000 BTU window unit.

https://www.frigidaire.com/Home-Comfort/Air-Conditioning/Window-Mounted-AC/FFRE0533S1/

It has the lowest power consumption of any unit I could find.

It works great in Florida's 90+ degree high humid weather! I've had it since July of last year cooling off an 8x12 room I built inside a workshop. I was planning on putting in my van, but Florida winter has been very comfortable I didn't get around to it. I recently decided to sell the van and get a box truck, so I will be putting it in it, in the not so distant future.

You need to insulate your trailer really good regardless of what you end up using!!!

Is soft start required for solar/battery operation ? If so, does the Frigidaire you recommend have it?

 

[jimindenver]

I have that A/C and whatever it has, it starts easily on my 1250 watt inverter. It also runs quite well on a 800 watt inverter generator.

I recently saw a mini split that was twice as efficient as the window unit but yes cost and installation was considerably more involved.

I did consider a portable at one time. I would have mounted right next to the wall so that it would have exhausted directly out through a dryer vent, no hose needed.

 

[themoest]

I have that A/C and whatever it has, it starts easily on my 1250 watt inverter. It also runs quite well on a 800 watt inverter generator.

I recently saw a mini split that was twice as efficient as the window unit but yes cost and installation was considerably more involved.

I did consider a portable at one time. I would have mounted right next to the wall so that it would have exhausted directly out through a dryer vent, no hose needed.

jimindenver, I know you! from cheaprv vids. I checked that stats and it is a soft start model, I believe that's important when it comes to running off of battery inverter. You are one smart puppy Jim, hope I run into you someday.  Doug