The ability of an air conditioner to provide a comfortable
environment for the consumer is dependent upon the
following conditions.
Air conditioners are rated primarily by their ability to remove
heat. The thermal measurement used for detecting a gain or
loss of heat is the British Thermal Unit (BTU). One (1) BTU
is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one
pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. An air conditioner
rated at 13,500 BTUH can remove 13,500 BTU's of heat in
one hour.
The ability of an air conditioner to cool down a vehicle or
maintain a consumer desired temperature is dependent upon
the heat gain of the vehicle. The physical size, the amount of
window area, the quality and amount of insulation, the
position exposure to sunlight, the number of people using the
vehicle and the outside temperature may increase the heat gain
to such an extent that the capacity of the air conditioner is
exceeded.
Your Coleman-Mach 8 air conditioner has been designed for
use primarily in recreational vehicles.
Is the roof of the vehicle capable of supporting both the roof
top 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 for 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.
DANGER
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.
II. AIR CONDITIONING SIZING
III. SELECTING AN INSTALLATION LOCATION
IV. INSTALLING THE ROOF TOP UNIT
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 assemblies 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
at the air conditioner, the air conditioner is operating properly.
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.
Motor Homes – 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 or 5 feet
from the rear of the camper to achieve maximum cooling
effect.
TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE WIRING AND
BATTERY, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLE
FROM THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL
BEFORE PERMORMING ANY CUTTING TO THE
VEHICLE.
If the air conditioner is being installed on a low friction roof
surface such as aluminum, steel or gelcoat fiberglass, it is
advisable to order a spring pad kit, part number 8333-3871 to
add "spring pads" to maintain bolt tension and retard lateral
motion of the air conditioner which could shear the mounting
bolts.
3
IMPORTANT