Air conditioner alternatives

[subterran]

Andytruck,
As IdaSHO says, they make other models that seem exactly the same, and probably are. It would be worth a try. Buy it from somewhere you can return it if it won't work.

Also: you can still find that model on ebay and Amazon (saw used on Amazon for $100.00, looks like someone in Wisconsin bought one and never used it..)

http://www.amazon.com/Arctic-King-M...37&sr=8-1&keywords=Arctic+King+WWK-05CMN1-BI7

 

[skaz]

AC

Just a little info. Thought I'd chime in. I installed a 5k BTU Frigidaire in my Skamper 2 summers ago. Mounted it in the back wall where a useless little window was. Cut braced and mounted with some aluminum angle. It rides real solid and no structural compromise to the camper at all. When I did this I bought it because it was the lowest wattage and amp draw unit I could find at the time.($99 @ Lows if memory serves correctly) Ran actual numbers on it before I started cutting and was surprised because it actually drew less than spec'd. Don't recall exactly what they where but they worked so I started cutting......Fast forward.....Buddy gave me one of those Harbor Freight 1000w, 2 cycle generators, you know the $99 dollars ones I laughed at for years.(see a theme hear?) It runs the air conditioner with room to spare, not much but still! 5K BTU keeps that pop up cool, in 90+ degree heat, and I hate heat, run that thing and I still sleep with blanket! Got 2 summers under my belt with it and no issues...Fingers crossed, best $99 I ever spent!:exclaim:

 

[andytruck]

skaz, thats good to know. The theme I am seeing is that the 5,000btu units will probably work on a 1000watt gen.
Keep your generator away from ethanol and it might last longer. I have heard those cheap china gensets are just poorly made, the tolerances on parts are sloppy and do not compare to a Honda, but for that price you can certainly buy 10 of them if needed.
I have a ten foot Skamper, so no rear window - closets instead, closet turned into shower stall/ storage on one side, and hot water heater on the other. Still contemplating that elusive AC port.
There are not many 5,000 btu units out there either.

 

[subterran]

The theme I am seeing is that the 5,000btu units will probably work on a 1000watt gen.

Andytruck, based on my experiments with 3 different 5k units, including a Frigidaire 5k, this is suspect. Of course, generators and AC units are different in both output and requirements. Just try it and be sure.

This would make an excellent thread / poll in itself: How many of you are running an AC unit on generator power? What brand/size/type of AC unit, and what brand/size of Generator?

Best of luck!

 

[elmo_4_vt]

I have a Honda 2k unit (1800 real use watts) and it can run my Frigidaire 5k unit. I plan on building mine into a box that is placed outside and ducting in the cold and return air since I have no place to cut a hole in my camper walls.

Something like this: http://www.kuffelcreek.com/remoteac.htm

Don

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[Mk10108]

Here you go. I did this. http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/11677-atc-ac-install/

The unit is sealed so no outside are gets into the camper. 9 degrees and no cold air rolling into the camper from the AC. The window worked but the 10 minute to set up turned into a sweat bath.