Air Conditioner Removal

[kereams]

After 3 years I have yet to use my AC. Its just not necessary where I camp in the NW. I have never had one apart or installed/removed one. I am considering taking it off to make room for solar. What is involved and how big of a hole am I left with? What is the best method to plug and cover the hole?

The unit is a Penguin Dometic low profile 11k.

Thanks!
Keith

[kereams]

Very resourceful Joe!

Thanks for the info everyone.

[Joe417]

If you are removing it by yourself, with the camper lowered as far as possible, I used two 12' 2x4 side by side laid against the top edge of the roof to hold it off the camper.

Sat the AC on some card board and tied a rope around it.

With the wife holding the 2x4s against the camper, I held the rope and slide the AC on the card board over the side and onto the 2x4s, then, holding back with the rope, let it slide down the 2x4s.

Put it back up there the same way.

Have done that twice. Works well. Second time, I tacked two horizontal pieces to keep the 2x4s together. Could probably use a ladder to do the same.

[HMS_Beagle]

I have twice removed mine for the same reason. It will leave a 14 x 14 hole as was said, standard size for a Fantastic vent. The job is pretty easy 'till right at the end. Inside trim comes off and will expose the four bolts that clamp the inside and outside frames together squeezing the roof in between. Unwire it. Then the hard part: they generally weigh over 100# (good reason to get rid of it) and are unwieldy to carry. Two people makes life a bit easier. I removed mine myself, but I have a JLG aerial work platform at my disposal. Put it on Craigslist - they get a decent price.

[Butch50]

The hole is a 14 X 14" hole. You can add a vent there as it needs the same size hole. Other than disconnecting the power to it there are only 4 bolts that hold it on.