The ability of an air conditioner to cool a vehicle or maintain a
consumer desired temperature is dependent on the heat gain of
the vehicle. The physical size, the window area, the quality
and amount of insulation, the exposure to sunlight, the number
of people using the vehicle and the outside temperature, may
increase the heat gain such that the capacity of the air
conditioner is exceeded.
As a general rule, air supplied (discharge air) from the air
conditioner will be 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the air
entering (return air) the ceiling assembly bottom air grilles.
For example, if the air entering the air conditioner is 80
degrees F (return air), the supply air (discharge air) into the
vehicle will be 60 to 65 degrees F. As long as this
temperature difference (15 to 20 degrees) is being maintained,
the air conditioner is operating properly.
Your Coleman-Mach air conditioner has been designed for use
primarily in recreational vehicles.
Is the roof of the vehicle capable of supporting both the roof
unit and ceiling assembly without additional support
structures? Inspect the interior ceiling mounting area to avoid
interference with existing structural members such as: bunks,
curtains, tracks or room dividers. The depth of the ceiling
assembly shroud is 3". Be sure to check clearance to doors
which must be swung open (refrigerator – closets – cabinets).
Most of the time roof mount air conditioners are installed at
existing roof vent locations. If there are no roof vents
(existing mounting hole), the following placement locations
are recommended.
SHOCK HAZARD
DISCONNECT ALL POWER TO THE VEHICLE
BEFORE PERFORMING ANY CUTTING TO THE
VEHICLE. CONTACT WITH HIGH VOLTAGE CAN
RESULT IN EQUIPMENT DAMAGE, PERSONAL
INJURY OR DEATH.
IMPORTANT
TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE WIRING AND
BATTERY, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLE
FROM THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL
BEFORE PERFORMING ANY CUTTING TO THE
VEHICLE.
II. AIR CONDITIONING SIZING
III. SELECTING AN INSTALLATION LOCATION
IV. INSTALLING THE ROOF TOP UNIT
DANGER
Again, give careful consideration to the vehicle heat gain
variables. During extreme outdoor temperatures, the heat gain
of the vehicle may be reduced by:
parking the vehicle in a shaded area
keeping windows and doors closed
avoiding the use of heat producing appliances
using window shades (blinds and/or curtains)
For a more permanent solution to high heat gain situations,
additional vehicle insulation, window awnings and/or window
glass tinting should be considered.
Motorhomes – a single unit or the forward of two units should
be mounted within 9 feet of the drivers compartment.
Travel Trailers or Mini-Homes – a location should be selected
that is near the door slightly forward of the vehicle center
length.
Vans – location should be in the center of the roof (side to
side – front to back).
Truck with Camper – location should be between 4 and 5 feet
from the rear of the camper to achieve maximum cooling
effect.
Once the location for your air conditioner has been determined
(See Section III), a reinforced and framed roof hole opening
must be provided (may use existing vent hole). Before cutting
into the vehicle roof, verify that the cutting action will clear all
structural members and crossbeams. Additionally, the
location of any inner roof plumbing and electrical supplies
must be considered.
A.
If a roof vent is already present in the desired
mounting location for the air conditioner, the
following steps must be taken.
1.
Remove all screws which secure the roof
vent to the vehicle. Remove the vent and
any additional trim materials. Carefully
remove all caulking from around the roof
opening to obtain clean exterior roof
surface.
3