Chip sent in this idea for an A/C unit that
slides back and forth from the galley area to the cabin. The
illustration above shows the travel mode; the A/C unit is mounted on
heavy-duty drawer slides and is slid into the cabin area, making room for
ice chest storage in the galley. Upon setup at the campground, the
ice chest is moved outside for access, and the A/C unit slides back into
the galley area for operation.
When installing the rest of the galley cabinets, you need to make
provision to allow air to the condenser fan intakes, those vents on the
side of the unit. The hatch would have to be open for operation, as
only leaving it partially open could cause the unit to circulate hot
exhaust air around the condenser coils, possibly building up head pressure
and damaging the unit.
The benefits of this option are:
 | The ice chest may need to fit between the width of the drawer
sliders (you could also substitute other gear for the ice chest). |
| The unit is re-circulating cold air inside the cabin, and since the
unit is vastly oversized, you won't get as much
dehumidification. To compensate, you could leave all the windows
open, or find a way to duct outside air to the intake. |
| You will need a drain hose for the condensate pan on the bottom of
the A/C unit. |
| The unit will be positioned at your feet, so make sure you will be
able to easily reach the controls. Most new units have touch-pad
controls you can manipulate with your toes, and some even come with
remote control. |
