Smallest air conditioner for 5x8 trailer

bigskypylot

Explorer
Looking at having a build done by cargo craft and they said they usually go with 13,500btu units, I assume for their "larger trailers".

I feel that's kinda overkill for any trailer of this size. I've seen some 13.5 units were operable with a 2500 generator utilizing a microstart soft start unit. However, I've heard some smaller units could be operated with a 2000 gen and soft start unit.

I like the Dometic units over the Coleman Mach slimline or Polar Cub units and have been told that the Dometic are a superior unit. I know Runaway trailers uses a 5000btu window unit.

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts. Thanks in advance!

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I have an InTech Pursue. It's a little bigger than 5x8 and this does a great job. 9.2k btu and it should start fine with most 2000 watt generators. I use a Honda 2200.

https://www.airxcel.com/coleman-mach/products/air-conditioners/ultra-low-profile/mach-8/mach-8-cub
b71b62b8d14efba6ce00add09ef0bfb9.jpg


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bigskypylot

Explorer
Thanks for the heads up!

This is the trailer my dad bought

https://www.bankstonmotorhomes.com/product/new-2018-intech-rv-flyer-pursue-816351-29

How's your overall experience been with your trailer?
I have an InTech Pursue. It's a little bigger than 5x8 and this does a great job. 9.2k btu and it should start fine with most 2000 watt generators. I use a Honda 2200.

https://www.airxcel.com/coleman-mach/products/air-conditioners/ultra-low-profile/mach-8/mach-8-cub
b71b62b8d14efba6ce00add09ef0bfb9.jpg


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bigskypylot

Explorer
I bet! What model did you have and how and where did you end up mounting it?

Thanks!
There's probably a difference portable v stationary, but my old window unit was 5k BTU and turned my 14x16 full western exposure bedroom into a bloody ice box.

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It's been good. I had it out a few times this year. Just under 1k miles traveled. Camped in 95+ heat and down to about 50. Also through a couple of heavy thunderstorms. Everything works the way it's supposed to. Nothing broke or leaked. I like it's simplicity. I use it with my wife, three kids, and two dogs.
Thanks for the heads up!

This is the trailer my dad bought

https://www.bankstonmotorhomes.com/product/new-2018-intech-rv-flyer-pursue-816351-29

How's your overall experience been with your trailer?
I have an InTech Pursue. It's a little bigger than 5x8 and this does a great job. 9.2k btu and it should start fine with most 2000 watt generators. I use a Honda 2200.

https://www.airxcel.com/coleman-mach/products/air-conditioners/ultra-low-profile/mach-8/mach-8-cub
b71b62b8d14efba6ce00add09ef0bfb9.jpg


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dreadlocks

Well-known member
ive got the same aircon on my much larger intech discover, I thought I'd be ripping it out and replacing it with a 13k but I've been quite surprised how well its working and dont see the need anymore.. Went to Kansas in August and it was mid-high 90's and high humidity, ran the thing 24/7 and it was usually ~68 degrees, would get a lil cooler at night but we slept like babies..

I like that it runs on my Honda 2200w generator, or a normal 15A extension cord w/out popping a circuit in my house.. I find the heat strips worthless, too little heat and too much noise.. just put an electric space heater in and use it instead when need heat and have shore power.
 
The 2019 Intech Flyer Pursue we just ordered comes with a 11000 BTU Dometic AC. We have a Honda Handi EU3000i which we will use for boondocking.
 

old_CWO

Well-known member
You could hang meat in there with a 5K window unit. They're dirt cheap, available everywhere and will run on a Honda 2K watt generator with power to spare.
 

ChilTusk

New member
I remember when my family and I went on such trailer trips. I know this problem when there is only an air conditioner in the car. My brother and I suffocate in the trailer. That's why parents started looking for companies that offer this type of air conditioner, and they even found it. This company https://www.socool.sg/why-is-your-aircon-not-cold/ showed us all the models they have, and we consulted with them and chose the most suitable one. In a few days, they came and installed us. Then we could walk for hours without asking our parents to stop for us to cool off.
 
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dbhost

Well-known member
Assuming even mediocre insulation, 5K BTU should be way more than enough for a 5x8 trailer, even assuming it is a stand up trailer, and not soft sided like a pop up. Careful shopping for a 5K BTU window unit and you can find a lot of models that pull max draw of 4.5 amps, some slightly lower... A 1K inverter generator will easily run those, or even a well configured solar setup...
 

86scotty

Cynic
I'll add yet another recommendation for the 5k window units you can get at any Walmart (or similar store) for around $100. These are all the same size, so far as I know, and this is good because when vibration kills it in a few years you can replace it simply and cheaply.
 

BCrab

Member
You can also search Amazon and find some 5-6k for around $260. The thing I like about the portable ones. Install it in place. Then run vent out a single hole or fitting. But a small window unit will always be cheaper than that even. Everything is seen or read is the hottest day at 5k btu they have no problems doing a 5x8 or 5x10 if they have any insulation all all. Even ones with leaking rear ramps.
 

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