Tell me about portable AC units?

Tell me about portable AC / Heat pump combo units and how well they work?

I am working on building out my 8X17 cargo/toy hauler into a camper. I was all prepared to go with a mini-split unit but I am now rethinking that. I found the portable AC/heat pump units with the same ratings. With a mini-split I would probably have to get an HVAC person to charge it and the cost is @ $800 for the unit.

With a portable unit I could also more easily take it out of the trailer and use it in one room in our home along with my generator in case our power went out. I have a lot of questions. How well do these portable units work and what size should I go with. Any recommendations on brands?

 

Yes, with a split unit, you have to evacuate the system, but you may be able to rent the setup from azone or orielly’s and it’s not that bad.

rv roof units can be ducted and blow the hot air up and away, instead of out the side.

 

Buy the extended warranty with the portable unit. They tend to wear out in 2-3 years and with the warranty you basically get a replacement. I am on my third unit and only had to pay for the first one.

 

Did something similar for my 6x12 with a portable unit. It has radiant barrier on the ceiling and strip curtain on the drop down door.

If you close the doors up it's sorta 'meh' but bearable (southern summer temps, BTW). With the back door down I need to sit in front of it with a box fan and it's only marginally better than if you were in front of an air mover. Before kids, and when I got to use the setup, I was intending on paneling it all in with radiant and R3. That, with the doors shut, would probably suffice for sleeping/camping.

It did require me making a drip tray out of some 24ga galvanized with a drain through the floor and punching a 6in hole for a dryer vent. Oh, and some D-rings with a ratchet strap so it wouldn't move around.

 

The floor is insulated and I am planning on insulating the walls and ceiling with 1 inch foam board. I keep seeing mixed reviews on the portable AC units. Some are saying they work great and others are saying they are crap. I guess I don't see the difference between a window ad and a portable one of the same rating

 

An HVAC guy would probably argue otherwise, but to me it's just form factor and floor space. More work to cleanly, and safely, install a window unit... The roof top Dometics are nice but something like 3-4x a portable unit. I also liked the idea of multi-purposing it if needed.

With yours at R5 it should be fine. I'd still add radiant, or at least get your sheet with an aluminum side.