Recommended Air Conditioning Unit for an Enclosed Trailer

Updated 07/12/2021 | Published 06/30/2018

Question:

I have an enclosed 16x6.5x7hi trailer that I need to cool while transporting alpacas. I would like to talk with you about what type/which AC unit you recommend to do that in most bang for the buck capacity.

asked by: Bob

Expert Reply:

The most cost effective air conditioning unit we have for your enclosed trailer is the Advent Air Rooftop RV Air Conditioner part # ACM135. This unit has a 13,500 Btu rating which will do an excellent job of keeping your alpacas cool, three speed adjustable fan so you can customize air flow, and foam pads to prevent vibration/noise.

The unit weighs 68 lbs, install in a 14-1/4" long x 14-1/4" wide opening, and requires 1450 watts of electricity which you will need to make sure your trailer is capable of handling beforehand.

expert reply by: Conner L

Phillip S.

1/13/2020

What size a/c unit can keep a 20 foot 8 1/2 wide enclosed trailer cool and what size generator will run it

Jason S.

1/16/2020

For a 20 foot enclosed trailer, the 13,500 Btu air conditioners will cool it. If you want it cooler faster, then a 15,000 Btu unit can be used. I recommend the Advent Air RV Air Conditioner w/ Air Distribution Box and Start Capacitor - 13,500 Btu # ACM135C which I'd run off the etrailer 4,500-Watt Portable Generator # 289-SUA4500. This will give you decent size gas tank as well as power to spare for other uses. This will give you comfort and convenience with even a remote start option.

Aaron

7/11/2021

I have a 7x12 cargo trailer. Fully insulate. What air conditioning system do you reccomend for cooling this beast down?@JasonS

Jon G.

7/12/2021

@Aaron The 13,500 Btu system that JasonS recommended will be more than enough for what you need.

Kelvin

5/14/2020

New question but similar to previous questions: I am wanting to install a new DUCTED roof AC unit on a 24x8.5 cargo trailer that will supply air to 6 room partitions (Disaster Relief shower trailer). I already have the trailer with the 115v AC going to a roof vent that is built for a roof AC unit. Next step is to determine (1) what all will be needed for the "air distribution box (plenum?)" and (2) what the options are for fabricating the ducts. Once I determine all of that then I can determine whether the walls or the AC unit & ductwork needs to be installed first. (I have spent hours holding hands with Google while searching for "RV Ducted Roof AC air distribution box / ductwork / plenum / etc and have found nothing). FYI: I have previously replaced a 13.5 roof AC unit with an Atwood 15BTU DUCTED unit on a similar shower trailer that was built using a former 28' FEMA RV (camper) and I have replaced a roof AC unit with an Atwood non-ducted 13.5 BTU unit in a 20' open-bay style shower trailer. The Atwood AC units seem to do well so I prefer those units if possible.

Terry C.

6/20/2020

I have a 22ft vfront cargo trailer (black). We have insulated the sides and ceiling. Currently have a new dometic 13,500 BTU. Do I need a larger one? It doesn't seem to be cooling off . It's been mid 90's temp.

Chris R.

6/24/2020

Does the AC unit seem to be working okay? Can you feel cold air pumping out? A larger 15K Btu unit would certainly improve the performance but I would make sure the existing system is running correctly first.

Terry C.

6/24/2020

@ChrisR thank you. It seems to. BE blowing cold air. When temp is high 70 low 80 it cools off. Full blast never freezes you out.

Chris R.

6/29/2020

@TerryC Thanks for the info! It does sound like a larger unit is probably the solution. The 13,500 Btu system just doesn't have quite the capacity to really cool down the trailer on really hot days. A 15,000 Btu unit # ACM150 should work really well.

Randall E.

7/23/2020

1. What size AC unit do I need for a 8.5 x 36 enclosed car trailer? 2. How far off the wall do I put the e track

Chris R.

7/28/2020

A 13,500 Btu system like the Advent Air # ACM135C should offer more than enough cooling capacity for that size trailer. I'm not quite sure what you mean with the second question.

Randall E.

7/30/2020

@ChrisR so I’m trying to lay down the e track on the floor of the trailer, but I don’t know how far to Measure out from the side wall I should lay the track, so when I pull the car in the trailer it will line up

Jon G.

8/7/2020

@RandallE If you tow the same car then I'd pull the car in and then mark the floor accordingly. If you tow a variety of cars then you can either use a longer track, or you can guesstimate depending on what your typical car size would be. The beauty of the E-Track system is that it's universal so you get to decide what works best for your application.

Zachary C.

7/26/2020

I have a 28' haulmark enclosed racecar trailer. Its has the edge package and the front roof vent is prepped for a/c. Has the wiring and the 20 amp breaker in the box. I use a honda eu3000is generator to power the trailer at the track. Just wondering what a/c unit you would recommend and installation parts i will need. I would like a unit with the heat strip and wall thermostat as well. We see outside temperatures as low as 35° and up to 100° during our season. Thank you

Chris R.

7/28/2020

The Advent Air 13,500 Btu AC System # ACM135CH should work really well here. It features a heat strip, a built in thermostat, and a start capacity to help conserve energy from your generator or batteries upon startup.