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kmb1966's avatar
kmb1966
Explorer
Apr 08, 2018

Can a rooftop a/c be added if there is not a roof vent?

I am exploring the idea of adding a rooftop a/c to the rear bedroom area, but there is not a 14x14 hole available. We have basement a/c with problems, and I am considering if that basement system could be removed completely and add a rooftop a/c system instead. I think I could engineer a way to get power to the rooftop unit, but there is not a 14x14 hole already there. Can a new hole be cut?
Last year we added a rooftop a/c unit to the front 14x14 vent, and it works great, but there was already a hole there to install the new unit.
I am just considering my options at this point and if this is an option for me or do I continue down the road of figuring out what is wrong with the basement a/c and work with that existing basement system.
Class A

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  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Apr 08, 2018
    Yes, this can be done and it can be done for much less than it will cost to fix the basement air (in most cases). Assuming you can get a good dedicated line to the area you would like to install the roof A/C you just need to find the supports and build a small frame on the inside to attach the roof unit and attach the interior vent. The decor on the inside might be your biggest issue but it can be done and has been done by may RVers with excellent results.
  • JaxDad's avatar
    JaxDad
    Explorer III
    Apr 08, 2018
    kmb1966 wrote:
    We have basement a/c with problems ...

    .... an option for me or do I continue down the road of figuring out what is wrong with the basement a/c and work with that existing basement system.


    Take a vacation in Elkhart, the nice folks at National RV Refrigeration will likely be able to fix your existing unit for a lot less than you could find any other solution.

    You won’t lose your quiet ducted system that way either.
  • John_Joey's avatar
    John_Joey
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2018
    ScottG wrote:
    So it may or may not support an AC between two rafters.


    Didn't want to say anything, but my gut is saying no. Biggest reason being that it might be OK in the beginning, but will start to sag after awhile. Lot of cheap RV's that puddle around the AC area as the years go by.

    Then if you have a couple of people up there washing your roof (new owners hire the job out for a wash/wax) who knows what will happen when that much weight is in that area.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Apr 08, 2018
    It really depends on how it was built.
    Our new TT had the option for a second AC and it was wired for it but they didn't put the vent in the right place for it nor did they structure for it.
    Had to go back to the factory where they restructured the area and moved the vent.
    So it may or may not support an AC between two rafters.
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Apr 08, 2018
    Check what the roof frame spacing is on your coach and I think that you will find that 14" is approximately the distance between framing members. If that is the case, than all you have to do is decide where you want to cut the hole. Naturally you will have to screw in additional framing members for the sides and to beef up the roof frame for the additional weight.
    Getting power is one issue. Your second electrical issue may be how you connect this new AC to your existing thermostat or if you go with a separate thermostat. You also may have issues with an Energy management system in your coach.
    Have fun.
  • MountainAir05's avatar
    MountainAir05
    Explorer II
    Apr 08, 2018
    any thing can be done with a open check book. Ceiling down and build a frame and bolt or weld in place. wiring. You did not mention the year of your RV and what is wrong with the basement unit. A lot of component can be change and cleaned.

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