Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 
 


Boondocking Discussions on dry camping
Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 05-12-2011, 08:15 PM   #1
Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: niagara
Posts: 3
Default 500 watt air unit

Just wondering if anyone here has tried to install a window air unit on a 22 foot tl? Was wondering if anyone has cut out a section for a permanent install, and where it could be possible to put it? I posted under boondocking because these 500 watt units would easily run off a small geni like my 950 watt yardworks. Thanks in advance......
__________________

captain casual is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2011, 08:40 PM   #2
Site Team
 
JackandJanet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Pine, AZ
Posts: 4,511
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by captain casual View Post
Just wondering if anyone here has tried to install a window air unit on a 22 foot tl? Was wondering if anyone has cut out a section for a permanent install, and where it could be possible to put it? I posted under boondocking because these 500 watt units would easily run off a small geni like my 950 watt yardworks. Thanks in advance......
I'd think the mounting would be a problem. The walls may not support something like that weight.

- Jack
__________________

__________________
Hi-Lo 1707T - Tire Minder TPMS on Tow Vehicle and Trailer, 300W Solar Battery Charger, Equal-i-zer WDH, Progressive Dynamics Converter, Fan-Tastic Fan, LiFePO4 battery 12V DC Electrical System
2014 F150 Platinum 4x4 3.5L EcoBoost SCrew
JackandJanet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2011, 09:51 PM   #3
sam
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Niagara Falls,NY
Posts: 4,036
Default Window air conditionernunit

I agree with Jack that the walls in the towlite wouldn't be sturdy enough to support the AC. One of our HTF members was able to find an ac unit that was taken off a salvaged unit. Call RV dealers in your area and put in your name for possibly something used. Our dealer was able to give us the demo model with a warranty. I'm suremif any one on the forum comes across one they will post. Ac units should be going on Sale sometime soon. Sam
sam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2011, 01:32 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
JMDoering's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Idaho
Posts: 586
Default

At the National Rally in 2006, a fellow showed us his little Hi-lo... around a 1965 model I believe. He had rigged a window mounted style of A/C unit into the front window of his trailer. A very odd looking set-up, but it worked! Recognizing that the wall wasn't strong enough to support the weight, he had built a portable (and collapsible) stand that sat on the A-frame and formed a shelf for the A/C unit to perch on. Naturally he had to remove the thing (and reinsert the window) prior to lowering the top. Although pretty rough looking, it was very innovative and another example of Hi-Lo owner ingenuity!

Jim
__________________
1967 17' Hi-Lo Bon Voyage (1967-1969)
1969 19' Hi-Lo Bon Voyage (1969-2011)
2004 27' Hi-Lo TowLite (2010-present)
2015 Chevy Tahoe LTZ
JMDoering is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2011, 07:12 AM   #5
Moderator
 
RichR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NW PA
Posts: 3,386
Default

Why not just bite the bullet and put in a roof mount A/C. It could prevent allot of problems trying to do it the other way. Most Hi-Lo trailers are already pre-wired for them.
__________________
My Great Wife Joyce
2018 Jayco Jay Flight 21QB
Formerly owned 1705T and 2310H
2012 F150 4X4 SuperCrew EcoBoost w/Leer Cap
Reese WD Strait-Line Hitch
Amateur Radio K3EXU
RichR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2011, 07:29 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
PopRichie77's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Quakertown, PA
Posts: 1,074
Send a message via AIM to PopRichie77
Default

A 500 watt unit probably would not cool a 22 ft. trailer on a hot day. So all your work would be for nothing.
PopRichie77 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2011, 08:34 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 121
Default

I did it in my Trailmanor. I cut a 4x4 and notched it to support the weight to the ground on the outside. I used a cold air return grate from Lowes with a piece of cardboard under it to cover the hole from the outside when I didn't need to take the AC with me. It was a 6500 BTU and worked great. Biggest advantage is that it'll run with a 1000W Generator.
__________________
2001 Towlite 24TD
2003 Chevy Avalanche Z71
Past campers: 1989 Funlite 21', 1997 TrailManor, 1979 Holiday Rambler MH., 1982 Palomino PopUP, tent!
boater454 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2011, 09:24 AM   #8
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 54
Default Qvc.com

qvc carries a 110 unit that sits on the floor and vents out the window....
30 day no questions asked returns
my friends use one in their large add a room at night when people sleep in it
works great
she has run it with a generator
bluewindsue is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2011, 09:53 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
JMDoering's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Idaho
Posts: 586
Default

Sue, I've heard some positive reports on those little A/C units that vent out the window... the two I've seen have a white corrugated hose (looks kind of like a dryer vent hose) that runs to the window to exhaust the hot air.

On the other hand, several years ago we tried one of those fans that have a reservoir at the top for ice and water that are supposed to cool the air. It was designed to work like a swamp cooler, dribbling cool water down through a fibrous matte that the fan would push air through, cooling the air in the process. WASTE OF MONEY! The thing didn't even work particularly well just as a fan.

Jim
__________________
1967 17' Hi-Lo Bon Voyage (1967-1969)
1969 19' Hi-Lo Bon Voyage (1969-2011)
2004 27' Hi-Lo TowLite (2010-present)
2015 Chevy Tahoe LTZ
JMDoering is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2011, 08:21 PM   #10
Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: niagara
Posts: 3
Smile

Thank you all for response! I have a roof mounted unit but as some of u figured out it won't run on a small generator. I'm interested in boondocking with my hi lo more than anything else as I have a cottage also. I miss the change of scenery and thought I might miss a/c in the sticks. Sounds like the walls would not support even a tiny 5000 btu unit. Portable unit might help but as noted, it will do little on a scorching day! I am retired and young and am looking forward to lots of adventure in my tow lite!!! Hope to meet some of u on my journey......thanks again!!!
captain casual is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-15-2011, 08:49 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
PopRichie77's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Quakertown, PA
Posts: 1,074
Send a message via AIM to PopRichie77
Default

You may already know this, If you are boondocking in a camp ground, (no hookups) you can't run a generator at night anyway, which is usually when you need the AC.
For about $300.00 you can buy a new generator that will run the AC, in the day time, but they are rather noisy and occasionally you will get a camper that complains about the noise.
PopRichie77 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-24-2011, 10:05 PM   #12
Member
 
FHILO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Northern Florida
Posts: 70
Default

i know on later 70's models its above rear window,i had the measurements some where.Hi-Lo purposely boxed an area in this spot above that window specifically for the purpose of installing an air conditioner.I think Hi-Lo started using the steel tube construction in 69.i have a 78 so i know it continued till then & 79 too.if your has a wood frame this info may not pertain to your Hi-Lo.i do have pix of the frames used but don't know how to post them here,sorry.Good Luck
FHILO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2012, 08:33 PM   #13
Member
 
FHILO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Northern Florida
Posts: 70
Default

Go Green ,Try a solar panel kit. not a peep out of it or other campers.
FHILO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-08-2012, 11:28 AM   #14
gus
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Georgia
Posts: 193
Default Frigidaire Portable Room Air Conditioner

My Hi-Lo didn't come with a roof mounted A/C unit, I ordered a Frigidaire Portable Room Air Conditioner, and made a pattern for the window opening out of plywood, used automotive body filler, sanded it, painted and I put it in the window to vent the hot air from the A/C during summer and can be taken off when I don't need A/C, total part and material including the Frigidaire unit was around $150
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCF3444.jpg (91.2 KB, 66 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF3445.jpg (87.0 KB, 69 views)
gus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2012, 07:12 AM   #15
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 121
Default

Nice Gus. That's a slick setup. How many watts are those units?
__________________
2001 Towlite 24TD
2003 Chevy Avalanche Z71
Past campers: 1989 Funlite 21', 1997 TrailManor, 1979 Holiday Rambler MH., 1982 Palomino PopUP, tent!
boater454 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2012, 10:57 AM   #16
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: San Bernardino, Ca.
Posts: 224
Default

I went with these. An expensive setup for sure but portable, capable, and reliable. Good resale value also.
Fireballsocal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2012, 12:19 PM   #17
gus
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Georgia
Posts: 193
Default

I believe it is 560 watts, here is a link to their site

Frigidaire Portable Room Air Conditioner
gus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2012, 01:40 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
PopRichie77's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Quakertown, PA
Posts: 1,074
Send a message via AIM to PopRichie77
Default

Small air conditioners are usually rated by BTU,s rather than watts. The 8.4 amps at 115 volts AC is normal for a 5000 BTU air conditioner. I don't understand the watt rating given.
The air conditioners in both of my trailers are 13,500 BTU.
__________________
Rich
------------------------------------
(215TL) - 1995 21' TowLite
(2209T) - 2009 22' TowLite
(2510 ) - 2010 25'
PopRichie77 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2012, 02:18 PM   #19
gus
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Georgia
Posts: 193
Default

Rich, you are right it is a 5000 BTU, its not big, but for my needs, its ok, I wanted a unit that is not too heavy that way I can put it on the floor when traveling, I guess the watt info is for someone that may want to run it on a generator.
gus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2012, 04:27 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 121
Default

Yeah I was thinking about one of these units for a small boat cabin and was wondering how many watts they pulled. Either 560W or 966W should be fine for my 2000 watt generator. The BTUs would be plenty for the small cabin I want to cool. I had a 5000 BTU window Unit in my Trailmanor and it would just barely keep things cool on a really hot day but it was better than nothing and you could run it off a small Generator.
__________________

__________________
2001 Towlite 24TD
2003 Chevy Avalanche Z71
Past campers: 1989 Funlite 21', 1997 TrailManor, 1979 Holiday Rambler MH., 1982 Palomino PopUP, tent!
boater454 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hi-Lo Trailers Worldwide or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:29 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
HiLoTrailerForum.com Copyright 2010
×