Using a window unit A/C to pipe cool air into Camper Shell

[livemusic]

I have a recent thread on here about getting a pickup truck with truck camper. If new, this will be $60-$100k, and even buying used will be significant cost, so, I am going to take even more time since I have never owned one. All of the posts are appreciated.

Several months ago, I considered getting a camper shell, topper, cap, whatever you call them, and sleeping under the shell. (thread) Much good advice in there, too!

I bought recently bought a tent. It's just so dang hot here. I have a friend who pipes cold air into his tent and it'll freeze you outta there. Hmmm... why not pipe cold air into the bed of my truck under a shell?

I just bought two barely-used 1600 watt (2000 watt surge) generators which can be used alone or in parallel. (Powerhorse)

I am considering buying an a/c... 5000 BTU window unit a/c, Frigidaire FRA052XT7. It only weighs 35 lbs. I don't know how to figure out if one of my generators is enough to run the a/c. Each generator is 1600 watts, 2000 watts surge. I wonder how much the a/c will require when it kicks on? And while running, is it volts time amps? If it is, it's 115 x 15 = 1725 watts to run. So, I would need both generators? However, I found a post where a guy said he had a monitor on this a/c and it drew 250-350 watts.

All of you people are more adept at mechanical stuff that I am, lol. Anyone have any experience running a/c off a generator, or have any words of advice about this? If it works, the entire setup will cost me less than $2,000. Shell, generators, a/c, extension cord, stand to set it on and miscellaneous connections.

My idea is to get a shell that has sliding side windows, with screens. I could open the window and make some type of stand for the a/c and just aim the cold air into the screen, into the bed of my truck under the shell. And hope I make the night without running out of gas, lol.

[SoCalDesertRid1]

For easier 'installation', you may consider one of those indoor a/c units, that sit on the floor, that have a dryer duct tube that you route to a window for air intake for the a/c.

We have one that we put on the floor in the stand-up closet of the truck camper (about the size of a very small bathroom) and run the hose to a window. Got it for $75 used on Craigslist. Runs on 110vac. I haven't tried it with a small generator. I have a 4500 watt gen that runs it fine.

This eliminates mounting a window a/c unit to the camper, or needing a stand to set on the ground outside the camper that lines up with a window.

[RV_daytrader]

drmopar wrote:
Have you explored a roof air unit?. Small one about same cost as window mount.

You can buy a 5,000 btu window unit for about $120...tell me where I can get a small rooftop unit for anywhere near that price!

[drmopar]

Have you explored a roof air unit?. Small one about same cost as window mount.

[azrving]

In my young days I had a couple old campers. I wouldn't consider a 1/2 ton truck for any TC. Your gen should be fine with a 5000 ac. As mentioned, buy one and try it.
I have also camped with a cap. You may be able to find a used tall model cap. Maybe mount the gen on a front hitch bracket and find a way to do a clean install of the ac so it's not susceptible to rain.

DOOR

[jimh406]

That shell is interesting.

[gbopp]

I don't see why your idea would not work. I would use some type of duct, like a clothes dryer exhaust or something flexible, to vent the cold air from the A/C to the truck shell. It would be a lot more efficient than just setting the A/C in front of the window. You could also install a small fan (computer type) in the duct to increase the airflow.

Make sure the generator is not close to the A/C, no point taking a chance of sucking in the exhaust.

Keep us updated on your progress.

[mellow]

If you are just looking for just a shell check out: http://www.diamondstrengthcampers.com/

[jimh406]

My wife's uncle has a 18 ft trailer with a window AC. He has a Powerhorse 2000, and it runs it with no issues. I have no idea what BTU his AC is, but it is pretty small. The startup is the potential issue with an AC. You could always buy an AC try it, and return the AC if it wouldn't do it.