Possible to install a 5000 window ac in roof?

[brahmon]

Hi all!   Sorry for another dumb question but Indid a search and couldnt find any info.   I'm wondering if it's safe to install a conventional window air conditioner into the roof for stealth purposes.

 

[B and C]

Is it possible yes. Is it stealthy? No. Anyone even close can hear it running and you have to power it from somewhere. Generator, another noise source. Solar and batteries, a big bank of batteries and a large solar array. Says anything but stealth. JMHO. YMMV

 

[RogerD]

I don't see how it is possible since it's for a window unit. It has to be mounted horizontally.

I highly recommend the Frigidaire FFRE0533S1. The most it pulls is 410 watts, which it rarely pulls that much. It also has an eco mode that uses less power.

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

Here is a video about it.



I ordered it online (8-9 months ago) from homedepo for $189. The price has since gone up to $219. Probably China tariff?

You could install it in the rear door and build a cover for it.

You could build a rear partition in the back of the van and install it in it.

Here are some examples using a rear partition. Which would be the most stealthy.

 

[B and C]

It could still mount flat on the roof, just need a duct turned down into living space to seal the front and provide access. Could and a good idea? Trying to disguise and muffle it for stealth?

You would still have to vent outside even if mounted through a bulkhead.

 

[brahmon]

Thx for the input and video guys. Im just thinkin out loud. I like the roof mount idea cuz I believe it would work and feel it's stealthier. Plus, it saves space and I wouldnt have to build a separate garage as in the video.

Since they're so cheap now, I maybgive it a shot. Just wondering if it's dangerous at all.

 

[B and C]

Just be sure you measure the finished height. You don't want to go through a drive thru and have it scraped off.

 

[JeffJones]

I would suggest take a big box, roughly the same size, sit it on top of your van. Then walk ten, twenty, thirty feet away and see how "stealthy" it is. Oh, add another box for the ductwork.
Just a suggestion.

 

[brahmon]

would using a cycle timer to on/off every 15 minutes extend the solar usage time of ac?

 

[abnorm]

You have a nice shuttle...…….Most people here "worry" about adequately sealing their manufactured Vent Fan installation...……….

You're proposing an even larger custom DIY opening and need to waterproof the entire installation from scratch

And you'll have two opposing airstreams to "duct"...…..COLD air from the unit and WARMER return air to the unit...…….both fighting the physics of AIR: speed…..pressure …..and volume

I'm not saying it can't be done...…..just a lot of challenges for using a simple window air unit.....Good Luck

 

[brahmon]

abnorm,

I think I didnt make my intentions clear enough.   I'd like to install the ac face down into the van on the roof near my Maxxair fan.   Worried that it'll mess up the internals of the ac??    My logic is that by installing it this way with about 10 inches protruding from the roof -- about level with the extended Maxxair fan -- it wont be too obtrusive.   

Wont be too difficult either.  

I'm also gonna test a cheap portable ac on a timer.

 

[abnorm]

NO !…………….a window A/C will not work in that position

 

[B and C]

^^^ X2

 

[highdesertranger]

x3 a window AC is very limited on how far off horizontal it can be mounted. in fact most refrigeration units that are not intended for mobile use are this way and even ones that are designed for mobile use can't handle 90° from horizontal. highdesertranger

 

[brahmon]

Ok thx guy!  Appreciate the heads up.   I've nixed those plans.   I just bought a used portable for $40 and got it working off solar.   Currently testing...

 

[wmyers4u]

sure would be fun to see someone build this, lol the portable isn't a bad idea