Front A/C Hatch

[Bandit]

I decided that I wanted an A/C unit mounted in the front of my WeekEnder. But I did not like the fact that it would be sticking out the front during transport. So, I decided to find an RV Hatch that would allow me to mount the A/C Unit on a slider and secure it during transport and extend it while camping.
Here are some photos as I installed the hatch. I will update more as I complete the installation.

[madjack]

I like it, I think a front mounted A/C unit on slides, behind a door is and excellent way to doit...solves drainage and aesthetic problems in one solution......
madjack

[kirtsjc]

I decided that I wanted an A/C unit mounted in the front of my WeekEnder. But I did not like the fact that it would be sticking out the front during transport. So, I decided to find an RV Hatch that would allow me to mount the A/C Unit on a slider and secure it during transport and extend it while camping.
Here are some photos as I installed the hatch. I will update more as I complete the installation.

Great idea if you need some weight on the tongue! Please do keep the pictures flowing!

[Gadget Man]

Bandit;
Thats awsome...
One more idea for "My Next Tear Drop Trailer"
Just put it on some heavy duty sliders so you can pull it out and turn it on.
No extra venting needed or worry about condensate dripping.
How is it going to look from inside when you are not using it?

Go for it, and keep us all informed on your progress.

Gadget Man

[Bandit]

It only needs to move out about 10", so it will still be recessed into the cabinet when it is in the stored position. It is the 6,000 btu version as I wanted the remote and the digital controls. It is not much heavier than the 5,000 btu unit, but it is a little larger.
When stored, there is still enough room to place my ceramic heater in front of it.
Tongue weight is still not that bad. If it gets bad, I've already installed my axle so that it is adjustable. Both my tow vehicle are rated for 500 lbs. Currently it is onyl about 100 lbs. I'm estimating between 150 and 175 when complete.
I should finish up the front in the next couple of weeks and have some near finish photo's.

[Miriam C.]

Bandit
Where did you get that beautiful thang....? I could use one. One question, How do you support the weight with the weekender build?

Miriam

[Bandit]

It weighs approx. 40 lbs. I've cross braced it with 1X2 oak, the inside will have a center leg and the outside will be braced in a couple of places to the 1x3 spars and the 1/2" skin. Mounted only to the outside edges and with the 1x2 oak braces, I could sit on it with minimal deflection. (170lbs)
I will also use some 2x2x1/8 angle iron to mount the sliders. When the A/C unit is extended I will use a bolt and wing nut through the slider tray and the shelf. When it is retracted, the bolt and wing nut will also keep it stationary for travel so it does not beat against the door or rock back and forth.

I found the hatch from TRI STATE SURPLUS on Ebay for $40.00 including shipping.

[Miriam C.]

Thank you kindly.
I will keep a check on Ebay for one. That looks a lot easier than trying to seal wood.

Put the angle on my list too.
Miriam

[jimb60]

I believe that these type "deck" hatches are available from West Marine
They have an online catalog.

[jo_tigger]

In the army we had ac/heater sticking out the front of our communication van. Big box on a truck. They had a vinyl covering that snapped down over the coils to protect them during transport. Never had any problems. Envision Dodge truck with 440 magnum engine and duallies with 4 wheel drive on the autobahn in West Germany.

[Gerdo]

I did the same thing but I made my own hatch. I mounted my AC on on drawer slides and a seal that is mounted to the AC unit.

[Bandit]

Gerdo,
How did you run your drain? I noticed that the catch area for the moisture is stepped and the drain position is on the upper step. This allows about 1 or 2 cups of water to accumulate before it reaches the drain.
I am thinking about cutting a new drain in the lower portion so that it drains immediately.
I also noticed that before the water reaches the upper step to start draining, the fan blade starts slapping the water and spraying it around in the unit. This is with the AC unit level. I would have to tilt the unit back in towards the cabin to get the water to drain any quicker.
I do not like the idea of having 1-2 cups of water contained in the bottom of the AC unit, because it would still be there when I close it up for traveling. It would then slosh out in the cabin.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Gerdo]

Good thought. I am going to re-engineer the drain on mine. It is mounted on the slides on an angle to drain better but it should just drain out the bottom so no water is sitting in the bottom.

[madjack]

...the A/C unit we are going to install is the same...no specific drain...we drilled a drain hole because of the problems mentioned...these units are meant to splash that water out of existence, so be sure to allow plenty of vent room for sufficient air flow to keep the coil cooled...I hope it works properly with that drain hole when we finally get it installed.....
madjack

[Todah Tear]

I'm not trying to hi-jack the thread, but Gerdo, I noticed that your tow vehicle is lower than your tear. Does this present any issues in transit?

Todah