'60 compact heater vs air conditioner

[iamokie]

Hello everyone...

My wife and I are working on fixing up and remodeling a 1960 Shasta compact. I have ran into a problem. We are not comfortable using the heater that came with the trailer plus we would like to have a a/c unit instead so that we can enjoy the trailer more during the summer months. I would like to remove the heater (which I will sell if anyone is interested...it does work) and I would like to find a stand up a/c unit that would fit nicely into the space created by removing the heater. Does anyone know where I can buy a a/c unit like that? It can't be a large a/c unit do to the size of the space. I have even considered putting a a/c unit under the bench seat and use it by opening up the small door that is on the side of the trailer and sliding the unit out so that it will drain on the ground but the opening for that door is very short and squaty and we haven't been able to find a a/c unit that will fit in there. Help! Thanks in advance!

p.s.-No! We don't want to stick a a/c unit out the window!

[dawgpound]

Trying to find an AC unit to fit the old heat space is going to be a tough one. Underneath the bench seat will be your best bet. However, you are right, finding a window unit to fit under the bench will be a long search.

This is how I installed an AC unit in one of our teardrop campers. It will give you the basic idea of how to "BOX IN" the unit and make it an efficient working unit.
picasaweb.google.com/Tearjerkers2004/ACWindowUnitInstall#

I am currently rebuilding a Serro Scotty and I am installing an AC window unit under one of the dinette benches. I had to raise the height of the benches by 2". This also makes it more comfortable sitting at the dinette table. It will be a fixed unit and vented through the floor.
I won't be working on that for a few more weeks.

The only real drawback of installing a window unit under a bench and sliding it out on drawer slides is, it will be very inefficient at cooling down the cabin. The cool air will be trapped under the bench or pull-out bed.

Pet Cool is another way to got, if you can find one used. They can get pretty pricey. They are both a heater and an AC unit. The main part of the unit is portable and it is placed outside of the trailer. There are two ducts that are piped into the inside.
www.mypethaven.com/dog_house_pet_cool.htm

[thejum57]

We have a 69 16SC with a front kitchen. Our idea is to figure out how to store a small AC on the counter for travaling, build a cargo door that would flip up so the AC could be pushed out the front leaving the counter useable. I'd fabricate a brace that would support the unit, probly an aluminum bar that would mount down by the frame. If I can figure it out...and it works, I'll post a project write-up with plenty of pics.
i172.photobucket.com/albums/w13/thejum57/Shasta%20Trailer/000_1568.jpg
The right front corner is where it would go.