Requirements To Install A Rooftop AC Unit On A 1985 Ford Single Cab Pickup
Question:
I have a 1985 ford cabover that was a fire truck. Small cab. I want to put on a roof top a/c. I want to use either battery power or inverter. What is the least expensive unit I could get to do the job. Again this is like the size of a single cab pic up.
asked by: Steve L
Expert Reply:
To power an AC system like the Advent Air RV Air Conditioner # ACM135 would require such a large battery bank to run that you wouldn't have any space left to use and would cost your a fortune in batteries. The easiest way to power an AC system would be to use a generator like the etrailer 4,500-Watt Portable RV Generator # 333-0005.
You would need to cut a 14-1/4" long x 14-1/4" wide hole in the roof of your cab to fit the unit. The roof would need to be reinforced to handle the weight of the unit along with increasing the thickness of the roof to 2-1/2" to 5" thick. To run this unit you would need a bundle that comes with the air distribution box and the thermostat as well, # ADV94FR.
Realistically this is going to be very expensive and will require a lot of work to complete. Instead I recommend installing a roof vent like the MaxxFan Deluxe Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan, Thermostat, and Remote Speed # MA00-07500K. This vent is only going to require 12v DC power to operate. The built-in rain shield on this powered roof vent protects the interior of your vehicle from rainwater, allowing you to use it while traveling. The reversible, 10-speed fan has a thermostat to regulate airflow inside your RV and a ceiling fan mode that circulates air when the vent is closed.
![Kevin C](https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/catg/people/2455_tn.jpg)
Products Referenced in This Question
4,500-Watt Portable RV Generator - 3,600 Running Watts - Propane or Gas - Electric Start
- Generators
- No Inverter
- Gas
- Gas and Propane
- Propane
- 3600 Running Watts
- Wheels
- 4500 Starting Watts
- 120 Volt Output
- CARB Approved
- Electric Start
- etrailer
more information >
Advent Air RV Air Conditioner System - Single Zone - 13,500 Btu - White
- RV Air Conditioners
- Complete AC System
- Cool Only
- 13500 Btu
- 15 Amps
- Ducted
- Ductless
- White
- Advent Air
more information >
MaxxFan Deluxe Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan, Thermostat, and Remote - Powered Lift - 10 Speed - Smoke
- RV Vents and Fans
- Vent
- Roof Vent
- Powered Lift
- 5 Inch
- 12V Fan
- Reversible Fan
- 14W x 14L Inch
- Plastic
- Tinted
- MAXXAIR
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Advent Air RV Air Conditioner - 13,500 Btu - White
- RV Air Conditioners
- AC Unit Only
- Cool Only
- 13500 Btu
- Advent Air
- Dometic
- Ducted
- Ductless
- White
- Advent Air
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Replacing A Dometic Duo-Therm 59516.331 Condenser Unit With An Advent Air 15K BTU Replacement Unit
- Q&A: Advent Replacement Rooftop AC Unit For a 2013 Forest River Salem Cruise Lite 281BHXL
- Q&A: Replacement AC Unit for a Dometic B57915.711C0
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement for Dometic Duo-Therm RV Air Conditioner
- Q&A: Replacement AC Recommendation for a Dometic 57915.331
- Q&A: When Will The Furrion Chill Cube RV Air Conditioner Be Aftermarket Available
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement Ladder for a 2022 Keystone Montana High Country
- Article: How to Troubleshoot Your RV Air Conditioner
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: How to Dump Black and Gray RV Waste Tanks
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: How to Measure for Travel Trailer and Fifth Wheel Steps
- Article: Guide to Choosing the Best Truck for 5th-Wheel Towing
- Article: How to Mount a Truck Bed Camper