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Old 07-04-2017, 12:40 PM   #1
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Using Redwood 2x4 for framing AC mounting

I built a Redwood fence yesterday & I have some pieces of Redwood 2 x 4's left over, I also have 2 roof mount AC units that are supposed to be delivered in a couple days & I'm wondering if there would be any issues if I used the Redwood 2x4's to frame the AC mounts??.

The wood is still kinda wet also.

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Old 07-04-2017, 02:55 PM   #2
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I built a Redwood fence yesterday & I have some pieces of Redwood 2 x 4's left over, I also have 2 roof mount AC units that are supposed to be delivered in a couple days & I'm wondering if there would be any issues if I used the Redwood 2x4's to frame the AC mounts??.

The wood is still kinda wet also.
Some years ago I made a redwood fence, and after a few months all the boards had a good 1/2" gap between them due to their drying out. I'm nervous about using any wood at all in a bus, at least for anything structural. For me, wood's only value is for decorative trim only. My current project is to frame every window with solid pine moldings, and I hope they're all kiln-dried as much as possible otherwise I may run into the same issues as my fence had.

I would try to devise a way to support the A/C units with steel or aluminum instead of wood. It would then be easier to bolt them to the roof ribs that are an open box ("top hat") section of 90,000 PSI steel every 19". I'll eventually have a small window A/C unit in the bedroom above the rear window, and it will be in a stainless steel box supported by steel or aluminum cross beams connected to the body's steel framing. No wood for me!

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Old 07-04-2017, 06:40 PM   #3
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I would not have any issue using wood that is properly dried. Most any dimensional lumber you buy at a typical lumber yard will be kiln dried and reasonably dimensionally stable. Heck, I have even built a house out of it and it worked fine....

As far as Redwood vs other species, I don't think that there is anything that will cause issue. It has similar strength to the Hemlock or Fir that are typical 2x material. It is much more rot resistant than hem/fir.

On my last bus I made cover plates out of 1/8 aluminum to fit over the lip of the hatches and cut a 14"x14" hole for the A/C. I did not add any structural support. That worked for 6+ years and 250k miles.
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Old 07-04-2017, 07:39 PM   #4
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Redwood would probably be fine for framing. I think I'd use it inside though for your trim around each unit. Sanded, varathaned and you could even rip them into two boards for a different look, squares, rectangles whatever it takes but make joints like you are a cabinetmaker. Oh, you are,sorry, lol?
On the roof just build a solid curb to set the unit into with and build so you can attach the redwood without seeing fasteners. Shipshape!

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Old 07-05-2017, 12:41 PM   #5
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I just didn't know if there are oils or anything to worry about in the wood, I kinda remember something about not burning it but according to google redwood is a lot more rot & insect resistant.
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Old 07-06-2017, 12:32 PM   #6
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I just didn't know if there are oils or anything to worry about in the wood, I kinda remember something about not burning it but according to google redwood is a lot more rot & insect resistant.
You can burn it, just don't smoke it. The dust is what is bad when sanding- don't inhale there !
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Old 07-08-2017, 10:24 AM   #7
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Another question, I have received both units & going over the instructions it says that the roof Cavity depth needs to be 2in min 5-1/2in max, Anyone know pros & cons (Besides head clearance) to Either, I'm thinking Unit efficiency better cooling etc etc.
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