A  I  R    C  O N  D  I  T  I  O  N  I  N  G    F  O  R 
YOUR   VINTAGE   CAMPER

Please read our Disclaimer.
___________________________________________


If you live in a hot climate or just don't like the heat, then maybe you might want to consider air conditioning your Vintage camper..  The small size tend to make them get hot inside, plus the original insulation aren't the most efficient in terms of insulating. The following are some suggestions that may help you out.

BASIC FAN:

This would be the simplest way to get some cooler fresh air.  I am not sure it qualifies as air conditioning?  But, with the windows open any small fan would help circulate the air.  Fans like these are available at many places like, Wal-Mart, Lowes, RV places, etc.  As far as fans go you could use:
  • Regular table - floor fan:  that works on ac or dc.  One that oscillates would help circulate the air better like this table-floor fan  works on ac  table fan
12 vdc fanThis is a small 12 vdc fan which is relatively inexpensive ...



  • Window fan:  this type of fan would be mounted in an existing window or you could use one that mounts through the wall or one that goes in the existing roof vent.  These can be ac or dc and works to draw air in and/or exhaust air out. You can get ones that do both, pull air in and exhaust...like the one below.
  •                                                                                    window fan
COOLER FAN-AC: 

This is a pretty unique approach to cooling.  This was designed by a man who wanted a portable air conditioner.  So, he designed the KoolerAire portable air Conditioner.  KoolerAire works on 12 volts in your Auto, Boat, Truck, Rv-camper.  It is designed for Igloo's Marine & Family 25 quart coolers and Coleman28 quart ice chests.

Please goto  KoolerAire page for full details, prices and locations to purchase it:

Coleman cooler coleman cooler Kooler Aire Unit inside cooler  kooler_aire

AIR CONDITIONER:  This is probably the best way to truly air condition. Although, the other ways mentioned do have their own advantages.  They are portable and can run on 12 vdc.  You can get RV air conditioners that run on 12 vdc, but normally they are made to mount on the roof.  These probably are too heavy  but I am sure there are ways it can be done!  Also, then you would always need ac volts to run it or a good generator providing dc volts to run it.

    
PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER:

This type of air conditioner usually requires ac volts to operate.  They may or may not be an appropriate size to fit ? These are made in various BTU’s, and portable acdifferent manufacturers. 
They are usually on the high side price wise.  They have advantages as they can be used in the camper and anywhere else. These can be found at various home improvement stores, etc.





WINDOW AIR CONDITIONERS: 

This is probably the more common type used by most people when adding air conditioning. window ac  They are readily available either new or used at some very reasonable prices. 


Here are some of those applications for:  IN THE WINDOW:

This may be the easiest and most used way to install. Just simply remove a side or back window and install.  You may be able to find a unit that fits pretty good without much wood work.  Although, if doing it this way, it is advisable to use some support outside to help carry the weight and you may need to trim off inside depending on the fit and/or how much you care about the cosmetic look inside.  The unit should be sealed in the opening for the best operation.  Unless you have reinforced the wall around the window, and have gotten it to support the air conditioner well, you will more than likely need to remove the unit while traveling down the road.

Below are a couple unique ways to add air conditioning to a vintage camper that I have heard of and seen:


EXTERIOR AND DUCTED: 

This could be as simple as sitting the unit near the camper and fabricating a collector off the front of the unit and then using a flexible 4" dryer type hose to run into the camper.  I have seen the ducting run in through a window or an opening on the side of the camper.  These ways use available dryer vent kits that are made to go through a window/wall.  Some type of covering over the ac unit would be a good idea for protection.


INTERIOR AND DUCTED: 

With this method you can use a rear storage area with the door or add one in an open space.  Access to these areas can be made by removing the plywood pieces usually under the rear bed or couch.  Those who have used the storage area seem to install a unit that fits inside so the door can be closed for travel.  The unit can be mounted on slide rails to aid in installing/removing.  Again, you would use the 4" flexible dryer type hose and then use available grills to vent inside.  If you are using the area where there is no water tank, then installation would be from the inside, unless you wanted to cut in a cargo door like the other side. Then the rest is the same as above.  Some people have even used 2 ducts so one can be cool air inside and the other would be drawn back into the ac unit. This would make it more efficient, but not absolutely necessary.

I hope these ideas can help if you are interested in air conditioning your Vintage camper.  It is just some ideas and not meant to be a guide, manual or otherwise.  And, no implied or otherwise guarantee's it can work for your Vintage camper


______________________________________________________

Web page created by Larry Bush:  Sept.17.2007 --- Edited:  R.20.2009
Serro Scotty ~ Vintage Campers ©
All Rights Reserved
__________________________________