Re: [VAC] Air conditioner for '62 19' Globetrotter

["terry c. tyler" <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bruce, here's a summary I made up after the last go around on a/c.
Perhaps something in here will spark your interest.

TCT
=====================

Thanks VAC members for your ideas about staying
cool in the hot, humid climate of the southeast,
especially when the Airstream is NOT going to be 
moved. We've never lived in the southeast during 
the summer, so we're paying close attention.

Here's what I've been reading, plus one or two ideas 
from conversations with other RVers. If I missed 
other idea that were mentioned, please chime in. 

Terry
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1 - Install a floor model heat pump, but a Dometic Duro 
Therm floor heat pump, model 41001.601, called a 
"Cool Cat" is a 12000 btu unit which isn't much better than 
the factory issue roof air conditioner. 

2 - two air conditioning units in the roof, but that means moving
the center unit to one end, buying a new unit for the other end and 
doing a lot of work -- running new power lines, drain lines, thermostat 
wires and converting the center space where the old air conditioner 
was into a roof vent or skylight or something else not yet considered.  

3 - install thermopane windows that are tinted and reflectorized, 
but that means spending serious money on them and time replacing 
all gaskets around the  windows, storage compartments, roof vents 
and entry door. In the southwest with little rain and no humidity, 
rain leakage and deterioration inside the glass is less likely than in 
the southeast with a lot of rain and high humidity. Airstreams not 
moved don't have as many new leaks in thermopane windows as 
those often moved. Some Airstreams with thermopane windows 
are seldom moved and never leak. Perhaps they had the factory
installed frame stiffener that solves rear frame separation and
are enjoying a benefit not intentionally planned.

Knocking out the inside of a double pane window to get a 
clear view is one choice. Replacing it with a new thermopane 
window is another choice. Adding "frosting" (from craft store)
to a ceiling thermopane window is an option. A fourth option
is installing sheer curtains that diminish any "inside glass" 
cosmetic distractions for windows at eye level.  

4 - reflective insulation in all the windows helps immensely,
but spoils the view and keeps out natural light.

5 - Install a small window a/c unit in the front window, but 
can't go anywhere during the hottest part of the season 
unless the window a/c unit is uninstalled. 

The option of installing a window unit on the floor where 
proper ventilation, drainage, wiring and secure fastening has 
been done is not uncommon, then -- go anywhere.  Some
owners remove a perfectly good furnace or oven and use 
that space for the window unit air conditioner. Heat is
then provided by a catalytic or electric heater.

6 - Park the Airstream under a shade tree, but sap or leaves
or acorns or moss will land on it and present a cleaning 
problem. The use of a stand alone car port was mentioned 
as a way to provide permanent shade regardless of the
Earth's rotation and changing face toward the Sun, but 
that is only temporary in hurricane country.  

7 - The option of an RV Chalet has been done at the SKP Parks 
in Alabama, Texas and Arizona. This provides the best of both 
worlds when RVs are towed for only a few months each year. 
When not traveling, the RV is inside the building and shaded. 
The building can be situated on its lot for maximum use of all
pre-existing, full growth trees. Air conditioning units of any
size can be installed on the north side of almost any building
and provide total comfort inside and outside the Airstream.

8 - what else?