Replacing AC - 2014 TAB S

Machak

We have loved our Tabby and have had loads of fun with him.  The only problem I am having is with our AC.  I’m on unit #3.  The first lasted about 5 years, as did number 2, however the one I put in last month is already having the problems that caused us to replace the first two.  It stops cooling the Tabby and starts overheating the enclosure box.  Did I just end up with a lemon or have any of you run into the same problem?  I drilled the drain holes as recommended on the forum and as I did on the last unit to make sure the condensation water drains well.

Could you also let me know what model of window unit you used?  I’m working with a 5000 BTU Frigidaire since the original TAB ac was no longer available.  Is there anything else you would recommend as an alternative AC unit?

Marceline

I think that we're using those units for something they're just not designed to do. NuCamp has since switched to a floor mounted A/C unit but I think that would be hard to retrofit and very pricey. I've wondered if something like this would work, but you could burn through few window units for less money.

Sharon_is_SAM

@Machak - do you have the extra fan that draws air into the ac unit?

fstop32

@Machak, I think one of the life-shortening issues with the small window units is the hot air being expelled from the back of the unit gets sucked back in where the "cool" air is drawn in to cool the unit.  In a window that cool air can come in on the sides and top but mounted in the A/C box it has to come in the back...where the hot air is being expelled.
I'm sure there are some threads that discuss this problem and probably offer better solutions than mine below, if I only knew how to find them 

This was my approach...
I used 1" foam board and foil duct tape to form a box that butts up against the back of the ac unit exhaust area.  This contains and directs the hot air to at least the grill.  

And then on the outside I used more foam board and built these.  I know, it's not elegant and the wife thinks it's down right ugly...but it's functional.  I probably need a top and bottom but by the time I got to this my brain had already moved on to other projects!

Sharon_is_SAM

@Machak - here is the original post that added register deflectors to the outside A/C grill.  We glued washers to the grill and the deflectors make a big difference.  Scroll down for the discussion and pics.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/47206#Comment_47206

Mickerly

I went with the Frigidaire also. I really like a real thermostat. The two keys to success are above. There is not enough air entering the unit to properly cool. And, deflectors make it much better.