Can Air Conditioner Replace Rooftop Vent on Camper Trailer

Updated 02/03/2026 | Published 07/05/2024

Question:

I have an old camper. Its 1982 Serro Scotty Hilander, 17 ft. Bumper to Hitch or about 14 ft. Of living area. It has never had an air conditioner in it and now moving from North East to Florida its time to install one. Im wondering if I can remove my roof vent and install an AC unit in its place? Will my roof support the weight of an AC unit? Any feed back would be helpful

asked by: Derrol C

Expert Reply:

Hi Derrol,

Yes, an air conditioner can replace a rooftop vent on a camper trailer; air conditioners fit the standard 14-1/4" x 14-1/4" opening that RV vents fit, so that's the size opening you need. You may want to check just to be sure you have that size opening, but if not a hole that size can be opened.

Your roof also must have a certain thickness; for example the complete unit we offer is the Furrion Chill HE RV Air Conditioner System - Black # FR25PR or White # FR52PR which requires a roof thickness of between 3 inches and 6 inches. As for weight capacity of your roof, that's not something I can tell you with any specificity. Only the manufacturers are able to give that type of information, and it looks like Serro Scotty is still around so you'd have to reach out to them to see if they can offer guidance on if your roof can handle the weight of an AC like the Furrions, which are 76 lbs.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Lazer S.

2/3/2026

Hey Derrol, were you able to get any info from Serro Scotty about your roof’s weight capacity for the air conditioner? Knowing what you found could help others with older campers looking to add an AC too.