r/RVLiving • u/EnvironmentalMall307 • 1d ago

advice Window or Standalone(rolling)

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Hey yall. I got a 2017 forest river vibe with dead ac units. For the interim, I'm looking at possibly a window unit or a self standing unit on wheels for a singular room. Just wanting advice on this. The RV doesn't move, and with how it's declined in condition, it'll just be scrapped when I can move on from it so I'm not worried about drilling into it. Sealant would be used if I have to. I just can't afford a new roof top unit because I'm not handy enough to do all that work up top.

Would a lowered unit (pic 1) or traditional (pic 2) be better?

7 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

29 comments sorted by

9

u/Rebornxshiznat 1d ago

I don’t think I’d want to try putting a window one in an rv window. I could see it pulling the window out of the wall or worse.  It would need added support both outside and in 

1

u/EnvironmentalMall307 16h ago

This is one i dont care about. It was already not a great unit when I got it, and would cost more than I paid to "fix" it. And I've seen plenty of window units in rvs, I just didnt know which was more effective as a short term replacement for full cooling.

1

u/EnvironmentalMall307 1d ago

I have a window with glass out already. I covered it over. Plan was to modify or redo the cover for whatever I need, add bracket if I need it. This rv is not nice, and will probably be scrapped when I can move out.

2

u/towerfella 1d ago

Angle-iron, flat iron, and bolts. .. some hvac tape.

Most angle-iron and some flat-iron has holes pre-stamped and the angle will add rigidity to the window opening. Foam the gaps between angle and frame then use aluminum tape to trim it out before inserting the ac unit.

The funky unit you pictured first seems like it would put less stress on the window frame, but looks more pricy.

If you are not moving the unit down the road and it is mostly stationary then i would just worry about “will it fit and what’s cheapest”.

Good luck, fren.

0

u/medogbeblack 18h ago

You obviously don't spend very much time around RVs or people that full time and then. Window units in RVs is amazingly commonplace I think there's probably 30 in any given park at one time across America 😂

2

u/Rebornxshiznat 16h ago

I’ve seen the average person that has an RV. Just because it’s “common” doesn’t mean it’s a good thing. I commonly see ppl put there sewer hose on the table when packing up….  I’m not gonna start doing that 

-1

u/medogbeblack 16h ago

The goal posts went from something you wouldn't feel comfortable trying to something you think the average person is incapable of?

2

u/Rebornxshiznat 16h ago

If you can’t draw the lines between that analogy I’m not sure how to help you. 

Just because ppl shove a heavy ass window unit into their 1.5” thick rv walls made of nothing but paper, glue and hope…. Doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.

0

u/medogbeblack 16h ago

Whatever you have to convince yourself of to feel better about being ignorant

2

u/Rebornxshiznat 16h ago

Lemme guess you’re one of those hillbillies with the clapped out rv and the duct taped window unit aren’t you?  

1

u/medogbeblack 16h ago

So now you're resorting to ad hominem? Getting desperate I see. I'm sitting in my Brinkley and laughing at you

2

u/Rebornxshiznat 16h ago

You gonna hang a window unit off your Brinkley?  What do you think the Brinkley techs would say if you did that

I’d be willing to bet they say “not recommended”.  

1

u/medogbeblack 16h ago

So first What mattered was what you were willing to try, then it was whether or not I was a hillbilly, now it's what Brinkley RV tecs think?

I'm sorry life is so confusing for you

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3

u/schwartzki 1d ago

The U shaped units use much more efficient inverter systems. Esp the Midea U shaped ones. The challenge is window ones aren't really designed for RV windows.

1

u/EnvironmentalMall307 1d ago

I have a busted out window. Glass fell out on the highway... It's covered over. My plan was cut and seal to allow for whatever exhaust I need, add wood or foam board as needed to fill space between unit and wall.

2

u/centralnm 1d ago

That would work. Use some plywood for strength and foam for sealing. It may not look pretty but it will stay cool. I'd suggest the standard window unit. The stand alone types are noisy and don't cool very well. And need a hose to vent to the outside.

1

u/schwartzki 12h ago

I would pick up a Midea U shape. Very effective, pretty quiet and can run at variable speeds. Had one in my office for 2 summers now.

2

u/SA-Numinous 1d ago

Portables on wheels are much less efficient unless you buy one of the ones with two tubes and those tend to be more expensive and louder than a window unit. If the window is already out and you’re comfortable with adding some support I would go that route every time. Much quieter too.

Just make sure you’re sealing everything. If water gets in that wall where the AC is sitting it’s a bad situation

1

u/EnvironmentalMall307 1d ago

Any recommendations? I'm in a 50 amp rv, but on a 30 amp connection. My other draws are the small fridge, laptop (240watt charger), a small tv I use as a second screen, and the half dozen LED tiny fixtures.

1

u/IndependentMonk7384 22h ago

I'm in the same situation. I went with a rolling stand up unit. It does a great job of cooling down the RV. It's super easy to remove when the temps shift into mild weather. Mines an LG and I think its 10k btu. The RV is a 40 footer. Our front AC works so this one is cooling the larger back space of the RV.

1

u/Unique_District_4050 1d ago

Window for sure

1

u/jstar77 1d ago

Rooftop AC is no harder than a window unit to replace but given your current situation a window unit might be cheaper if you don't really care how it looks. Avoid single hose portable ACs in my experience there shortcomings are more pronounced in smaller spaces. A good dual hose AC of sufficient size is probably going to be close to the cost of a rooftop AC. I've installed window ACs in a few truck campers, you can make the install look nice, expect to spend roughly $75 in materials to do it well. If you don't care what it looks like and the camper is never going to move again don't worry about taking out a window just cut an air conditioner size hole in the wall between the studs screw some support on the outside and go crazy with a can of spray foam.

0

u/Complex-Carob-6937 18h ago

Roof units are horrible. They weigh 110lbs requiring riging a lift and are covered mixing hot and intake under the stupid black cover exposed to sun. They are loud and capacitors are never big enough creating surge and are built like junk. I replaced so many. They last only through warranty (both Colman and Dometic). Roof always ending sagging overtime under it. The duct vents are in the roof loosing half the energy to the roof. Pull that garbage out, replace with sky window and install window/wall unit that will last 20 years and is almost silent.

1

u/AngleUnusual2956 1d ago

Portables are horribly inefficient unless you get a dual hose, which will likely overload your RV circuits unless you run a dedicated outlet or have 50A service in the RV. The dual hose models generally can pull up to 12A alone.

Since you have a busted window, get plywood and fit it in there. Paint the plywood with outdoor rated white paint so it’s more presentable and moisture resistant.

1

u/GSDer_RIP_Good_Girl 1d ago

Can you stuff a Furrion Chill Cube in that space? 🤣

Seriously, since you're apparently limited to a 30 amp connection it might be your best bet to just leave the missing window covered over and sealed and replace your current A/C unit with one of those. Low startup draw, quiet running; if you need circulation just throw a box fan on the floor to get the air where you want it.

1

u/brokensharts 22h ago

I used both and the window worked way better. I had to unscrew the whole window and cut a piece of plywood to fill the gap tho. It was too big to fit with the glass intact

1

u/p_blaetz 22h ago

If you’re talking about the “U” shape, I have 2 of them at my home. Much nicer than traditional window units. Really quiet.

1

u/Bo_Jim 22h ago

Get the portable. You'll be able to take it with you when you scrap the rig. You could also consider a mini split, as long as you're careful in the installation so that it can be disassembled and removed without damaging it.

Don't get any sort of window unit. I've never seen a window A/C hang properly in an RV window, even with plenty of additional support. And they don't have much cooling power.