Recommendations for Horse Trailer AC

Updated 06/09/2021 | Published 06/07/2021

Question:

We are finishing our weekend section in our horse trailer to make it more livable. What size AC unit would be need? It is not super large and our last trailer would freeze us out because the AC was way too big! This trailer is 1 room with a space for the bed and like an 8x8 section for changing. We will be insulating and finishing it but need to know the proper size AC before we do so.

asked by: Sara R

Expert Reply:

I suggest the Advent Air RV Air Conditioner w/ Air Distribution Box and Start Capacitor, # ACM135C. This is a 13,500 Btu ductless air conditioner that has a distribution box with built-in thermostat to control the fan and temperature and a start capacitor that jumpstarts the AC when on a generator. This will fit a roofs 2-1/2" to 5" thick and requires an opening size of 14-1/4" long x 14-1/4" wide. This same unit including a heat strip is # ACM135CH. Or, with a heat strip include but with black unit cover, # ACM135BCH.

Environmental conditions and insulation of trailer will obviously have an effect; is the trailer setting in full sun or shade, Texas in August or New England, etc. However, we can reasonably estimate the sizing required which shows our smallest rated units of 13,500 BTU to be about 4 times the minimum size necessary. Based on your description of an area for a bed, I will assume at least a queen size, plus the changing area floor space, I am estimating 100 to possibly 120 square feet maximum. This SQFT value times 20-25 BTU's comes to a max demand of 3,000 BTU's for cooling. The variance of if using 20 or 25 value is dependent on environmental condition, shaded Vs. full sun.

expert reply by: Michael R