Good afternoon, and thanks very much in advance for any response to this post.

I am interested in installing a window unit A/C in my 1997 e150 Chateau Wagon.

I have seen some pictures of the installation in one of the rear windows, and also through the metal in the rear door.

My preference is leaning towards installing in the lower part of the drivers side rear door, as it seems to be a cleaner looking, more secure installation.

I live in Clearwater, Florida.

Please feel free to respond with any insight into getting this accomplished.

Also, I would naturally appreciate any information on anyone, or any resources in my area which would facilitate the installation.

NOTE: I am mostly looking at using the A/C where I can plug into electricity. I may be interested in running a generator at some point, but not anytime soon.

 

Lower part of rear door is ideal, build a frame on inside to support the unit then use plenty of tamper proof screws. I have a bed in the back of my van that is wide as the inside and only 4 ft deep, if i put a unit in the window it would be in the way, lower part of rear door is ideal.,

 

I don't remember when but I believe there was a thread on this forum about such an installation.

I recall that one thing the guy did was to buy a spare door from a junkyard in which to do the installation. On resale, or for extended periods where you don't want the AC, you could always re-hang the original door. If you're lucky, you could find one in the same color (my van is Oxford White)...

Good luck,
George

 

They make roof mounted units that look and work great, if you ever been in a floral delivery van you would knom what i mean.

 

yep and they are quite expensive for the rooftop units.

 

Rooftop units are pricey but maybe you can find a good one, used, at a larger RV dealer. Sometimes they have take-offs or repaired units swapped out for new.

Keep in mind that a good rooftop (11,000 to 14,000BTU) unit might need some bracing under the roof for the install, and those units need a GOOD steady supply of 15 amp AC...either a 2000 watt (or more) genset or shore power. A small 1000w portable genset wont start it.

But that same genset might run a small window unit of about 5000 BTU. It will use up its little tank of gasoline pretty quick though.

Rooftop units tend to last for 20 years or more...on the other hand, the little $100-200 window units that we can buy nowadays are made in China or Singapore or wherever and last a couple of years. Plus, add the cost of a door from the junkyard if you go that route, and you're getting up there in cost and installation effort.

Of course, its your choice.

I just installed a rooftop Fantastic vent and I dont camp where its 90-100 degrees at night, but some campers dont have that option.

Here's a permalink to one members install:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ml#post9372867

 

Just curious.....why a wall mount/window unit ?
Is it just for running off 110v when at a campground ?