Cold camping in Colorado

[mjlaupp]

Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito

Another big air leak is on models with a side mount A/C unit. I pulled mine out a few weeks ago, and the actual A/C unit only faces up against about 2/3 of the outer vent cover. What's behind the other 1/3? Absolutely nothing. It's a big hole, allowing air to rush inside, seeping around the A/C unit and the cabinet joints and into the inside of the trailer. I may cover it with some styrofoam insulation, but that will be far from perfect.

The "absolutely nothing" hole is absolutely necessary to allow outside air flow across the condenser coils when the unit is in operation. Cover it in winter, leave it uncovered in summer when using the A/C.

Mike

[ShrimpBurrito]

Good point, Mike. Thanks.

[B_and_D]

I bought some sheet foam insulation (3/4", I think) to cover our side A/C hole. I cut it to size, and then covered it all around with wood-grained looking contact paper. It fits quite well inside the hole, stays put easily, and is simple to take in and out. When not in use it can be stowed under one of the bed mattresses. The contact paper helps hold it together so it doesn't let off those little styrofoam pieces and make a mess.