DIY A/C Install

[lstall00]

We own a 2015 Palomino Palomini 180FB that has a side mount A/C. We hate this A/C unit. I can't understand how Forest River can call it an A/C unit its more like a wall mounted fan. But back to why I'm posting. We are wanting to add an roof mount A/C to the camper. When we asked what it cost to have one put on I about had a heart attack. The fee just to install it was from $400 to $1000 depend on how much work is needed. My husband is an electrician and he feels he could handle do the electrical part. He was wondering if he is biting off more than he can chew. Has anyone done an A/C themselves? Any helpful hints? Thanks.

[davel1971]

would be very expensive just for materials. AC unit with everything needed would be around 700-800. Not counting the electrical upgrades you would have to do. What you have should be sufficient. Just a normal window AC unit. My step-daughter has one in her 19ft Wildwood and it works perfectly fine. Maybe there is something wrong with yours.

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by lstall00

We own a 2015 Palomino Palomini 180FB that has a side mount A/C. We hate this A/C unit. I can't understand how Forest River can call it an A/C unit its more like a wall mounted fan. But back to why I'm posting. We are wanting to add an roof mount A/C to the camper. When we asked what it cost to have one put on I about had a heart attack. The fee just to install it was from $400 to $1000 depend on how much work is needed. My husband is an electrician and he feels he could handle do the electrical part. He was wondering if he is biting off more than he can chew. Has anyone done an A/C themselves? Any helpful hints? Thanks.

Yes Turbs put one in about a month ago, he has a thread with pictures. Although he used his vent in the bedroom for the drop I'm not sure with your unit it would help. But he did it him self and did a very professional job. You might use the search to find the thread or PM him, I'm sure he can tell you what was involved. If you PM him I think his name comes up Turbo or Turbs, I think it's Turbs...

[davel1971]

if you have a roof vent to take out and mount ac in it's place, not that big of a deal. Adding the needed electric would be the bigger job. But if your still under warranty and can get the other one fixed for free, would take that route first

[lstall00]

Thanks everyone. Yes there is 3 vents in a 19 foot camper so it would be easy just to drop one in. We have had the unit back to the dealer and had the wall mount A/C check and they said everything checked out OK. I called Palomino myself and got told by them and the dealer just "park in the shade." I said it is hard to always find a fully shade site every time. We will be able to pick up electric from the wall mount A/C and it has its own circuit breaker. So electric is not a problem. I will go to Turbs site and check out that thread. I knew this was the site to come for my questions. I knew I would get good advice on this project. We might wait until the spring to do this but now we know we can do this. A super BIG THANKS to all of you.

[davel1971]

the wall ac is likely a 15 amp outlet and 15 amp breaker. Not enough for a ceiling mounted unit. Uses 15-18 amps running, higher on start up.

[bt1223]

Some of the vents are pre wired for A/C


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[davel1971]

Originally Posted by bt1223

Some of the vents are pre wired for A/C


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

won't be if the unit already has a wall mount AC. Units like this are entry level low buck units. Won't be anything extra in them.