Can an Air Conditioning Outdoor Unit Fit in a Sedan's Trunk?
4 Answers
Different car models have varying trunk sizes, and generally, a mid-sized car can accommodate an air conditioning outdoor unit. Here is some extended information about the trunk: 1. Essentials: Reflective warning triangle, used to alert vehicles behind in case of a breakdown. Fire extinguisher, for unexpected vehicle fires. Dust brush, mainly used for cleaning the windshield. Small emergency light, for signaling help or self-rescue; tools like wrenches and a jack, for changing a flat tire. 2. Precautions: Do not fill the trunk to capacity during daily short-distance driving; do not use the trunk as a 'storage room'; do not leave or forget food in the trunk. It is best to use trunk mats made of synthetic fibers, cotton, or wool, and avoid heavy floor coverings, as a set of floor coverings can weigh between 10 to 15 kilograms, which can affect fuel consumption. Do not store flammable or explosive items like lighters or hairspray in the trunk, as the trunk is a more enclosed space. In hot weather, combined with road bumps, these items could potentially explode.
Last time I moved, I tried to fit a 1.5HP air conditioner outdoor unit into my Lavida's trunk. The 83cm-wide unit got stuck at the 55cm opening and simply wouldn't go in. Later measurements revealed most sedan trunks only have 50-70cm wide openings. Ended up spending money on a delivery truck - should've measured beforehand. Even those seemingly small wall-mounted outdoor units are about 70cm wide. Unless you've got a hatchback with foldable rear seats, it's basically impossible. Also consider the unit's 30kg weight - easy to scratch the interior during loading (don't ask how I know). If you're determined to try, bring a tape measure to the parking lot for test fitting first to save wasted effort.
I've looked into this matter. The trunk depth of a regular sedan is sufficient, but the opening is too small. Even placing a vertical outdoor unit sideways is difficult. For example, the trunk opening of a Sylphy is only 53 cm, while the smallest 1-horsepower wall-mounted outdoor unit is 75 cm wide. Hatchbacks like the Fit can accommodate a small outdoor unit if the rear seats are folded down, but be careful with the copper pipe connectors at the bottom of the outdoor unit. Last time, my friend didn't use a blanket and ended up scratching the interior with three marks. Additionally, you need to secure the outdoor unit with straps during transport. There have been many cases where the outdoor unit slid forward during braking and dented the rear seat back. If you really need to transport it, it's recommended to place the outdoor unit upside down with the compressor facing upward and place cardboard underneath.
As someone who often helps relatives install air conditioners, I can responsibly say it depends on the situation. A hatchback can fit a 1-horsepower vertical outdoor unit with the rear seats folded down, but a sedan basically has no chance. Remember to unplug and let it sit for half an hour before moving to avoid compressor lubricant backflow. Last year, when I transported an outdoor unit with an SUV, I specifically wrapped old clothes around the four corners of the unit. With a sedan's more cramped space, extra protection is even more necessary. The heat dissipation fins on the outdoor unit are particularly fragile; a scrape against the trunk latch could cost hundreds to repair. Most importantly, check the vehicle manual for weight limits—some sedan trunks have a maximum load capacity of only 50 kilograms.
