Posted 2010-09-22 10:41 AM (#125114) Subject: Please help!- Installing AC with heat strip?
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Wilson, NC
Hello everyone! I"m very excited to come to this forum as my husband and I are working on creating a living quarters in our 2002 Featherlite. We have a 5' shortwall. I'm going to be asking lots of questions and I'm so glad to have everyone here for support!
My husband and I are electrical knowledgable, so wiring isn't a problem. We are looking to install our ac unit ourselves. How daunting of a task is this? Our trailer has a solid roof. I've searched the internet to no avail, and even looked for books on amazon. I also would like to know how to add heat, or a heat strip to an ac unit. Does this need to be an option when I buy the ac? I've seen the propane tanks mounted up front but I'm unsure how to go about this.
This is definitely our hardest step only because I've never seen it done before. My husband's uncle is a professional carpenter so all the woodworking is taken care of.
I'm just completely lost here. Thank you so much for any and all help!
Posted 2010-09-22 10:54 AM (#125115 - in reply to #125114) Subject: RE: Please help!- Installing AC with heat strip?
Member
Posts: 16
Location: WayOutWest
I had an a/c with a heat strip installed in my trailer before I finished the inside and it is electric. Directly wired to the gray electrical/braker box.
Posted 2010-09-22 12:50 PM (#125121 - in reply to #125114) Subject: RE: Please help!- Installing AC with heat strip?
Regular
Posts: 87 Location: Williamsburg VA
The heat strip is an add on option for the air conditioner. You have one but you don't get much heat from it. We use an electric ceramic heater when it is cold.
Posted 2011-01-01 7:07 PM (#128420 - in reply to #125114) Subject: RE: Let me pick your brain!
Member
Posts: 30
If it is framed and/or previously had a unit, it is really easy. I think mine that died in my old travpel trailer had 4 bolts that secured it and after an extremely generous silicone application we set it in and bolted it down. Wired it in to existing wiring ( or maybe new in your case). Put the cover on the top. Put the inside cover on and done. I know I made it oversimplified, but its really easy if a just out of high school girl and her boyfriend could do it-well he was in AC School too at the time and now my husband . BUT- If your trailer has not been previously framed to support an AC, I would take it to a competent welder and explain the weight load you will want it to hold up and have him weld in some more supports.
Posted 2011-01-01 10:23 PM (#128425 - in reply to #125121) Subject: RE: Please help!- Installing AC with heat strip?
Expert
Posts: 2958 Location: North Carolina
This... The ceramic heater is also quieter than running the ac unit fan.
Originally written by skippyvcu on 2010-09-22 9:50 AM
The heat strip is an add on option for the air conditioner. You have one but you don't get much heat from it. We use an electric ceramic heater when it is cold.
Please help!- Installing AC with heat strip?
. BUT- If your trailer has not been previously framed to support an AC, I would take it to a competent welder and explain the weight load you will want it to hold up and have him weld in some more supports.