Removing roof AC unit? What to install in its place?

[TMG51]

My rig came with a roof-mounted AC. I'm 5'10" and the interior controls of this thing create the only spot I can't stand up straight. If I hit my head on it one more time I know I'm going to lose my temper and throw it to the side of the road so I'd like to have a plan to fill the hole before that happens. I plan never to be plugged into shore power so I'm not losing anything by removing the unit.

I've thought about a hatch for roof access, skylight, pop-up vent... realistically a powered roof fan is probably going to be the best use of my efforts. The ones I see online are around $200+ sold as complete units though. I've been wondering about building my own.

I'm not sure what size hole is under that AC, but I'm sure I can adjust that some if needed.

Any ideas?

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

My understanding is that both rooftop air conditioners and roof vents use the same industry standard 14" x 14" openings.  I'd be very surprised if a standard roof vent didn't just drop into place.

Regards
John

 

[WheelEstate USA]

14 x 14 is standard. A vent will fit.

 

[TMG51]

Good to know, I was hoping that was the case. Thanks.

Anyone wanna trade an AC for a powered 12v vent?

 

[GotSmart]

Good to know, I was hoping that was the case. Thanks.

Anyone wanna trade an AC for a powered 12v vent?

Craigslist.

 

[rvpopeye]

Hey , you know........
There might just be someone here that would take that AC off your hands , might even be willing to pay for it too !
Might help you pay for that vent you want ?
Where are you located ?

 

[rvpopeye]

Dang 5 minute edit............

Just read the rest of the posts , OR like you said trade .

Skuh kuh kuh kuh kuh

 

[TMG51]

I'm in Vermont. I've wondered if there are others around here on this forum! I've noticed several people vandwelling in my city since getting into it.

 

[highdesertranger]

x2 the roof top ac's are 14x14 same as the vents. also like rvpopeye said sell the ac if it works, every city slicker in the world thinks ac is a necessity. highdesertranger

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

So, what brand and how many btu is it?

Regards
John
City Slicker First Class

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

x2 the roof top ac's are 14x14 same as the vents.  also like rvpopeye said sell the ac if it works,  every city slicker in the world thinks ac is a necessity.  highdesertranger

We're not all desert rats, leading our faithful jenny around under the blazing noon Death Valley sun, HDR!

Regards
John
City Slicker First Class

 

[rvpopeye]

I don't need another AC and wish I had a high velocity vent fan too.

I don't use it much and sometimes have to search for a 30 amp plug in to exercise it.
Being 5'4" I don't have to worry about hitting my head on it though !
Skuh kuh kuh kuh kuh

I'm currently workamping in Maine so not that far from you , hope you do find someone to get the deal you need.

If not here maybe Craigslist would work or do they have Uncle Henry's in VT ?

It would be a shame to just toss something useful but it's just stuff .

Happy Trails

 

[blars]

Last I checked the low-end Fantasic Fan vent was about $125. For $200+, you get reversable, auto-close in rain, remote, etc. Just checked camping world -- "create a breeze" is $115. Unpowered is cheaper.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Rather than spend money on the auto-close-in-the-rain feature, you would be better of investing in a cover that lets you leave it open in the rain, something like

http://www.amazon.com/Maxxair-00-93...1434218462&sr=8-2&keywords=rv+roof+vent+cover

Regards
John

 

[TMG51]

So, what brand and how many btu is it?

Regards
John
City Slicker First Class

It's a "Duo-Therm," not sure of the BTU, though I'm sure it was standard on the '99 Dodge Phoenix Cruiser.

It's also a heater or fan, optionally.

 

[c_hasbeen]

I've thought about a hatch for roof access, skylight, pop-up vent... realistically a powered roof fan is probably going to be the best use of my efforts. 
Any ideas?

I vote for a robotic arm like the space shuttle has.

 

[rvpopeye]

I would guess it is a 13.5 or 15K btu.
There should a plate mounted to it somewhere .

A robotic arm could come in very handy!
Installing , Cleaning , Pointing the solar panels .
Caulking the seams .
Telescope mount ................The possibilities are endless !

Awwwwww , now I want one !
Maybe I should ditch MY A/C as well.

 

[Bela's Mom]

Rather than spend money on the auto-close-in-the-rain feature, you would be better of investing in a cover that lets you leave it open in the rain, something like

http://www.amazon.com/Maxxair-00-93...1434218462&sr=8-2&keywords=rv+roof+vent+cover

Regards
John

Yeah, the "auto close in the rain" feature is a power hog, especially in humid weather.  Mine wants to open and close continually at the least bit of moisture, especially at the beach.  I open it manually and turn on the fan when needed instead.