DIY Air Conditioner: Extended Review!!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- As many of you have asked for we have finally filmed an extended review of the DIY Air Conditioner!! Watch the video to find out how the home made A/C worked for us and to see if it's something you should try!! ~~~CLICK SHOW MORE~~~
For as little as $1 you can make a huge difference to us. / trentandallie
Follow us on Instagram @trentandallie
----Our Camera Gear----
Drone ~ amzn.to/2PrYpSw
Chest mount ~ amzn.to/2xKG7Y5
Gimbal -- amzn.to/2vlcEm0
Action Camera -- amzn.to/2JRp48F
Mic covers -- amzn.to/2JVtZoR
Lens cover -- amzn.to/2HcehEj
Cinematic Camera - amzn.to/2smmO26
Vlogging Camera - amzn.to/2Jq1BOe
Favorite Lens ~ amzn.to/2whzXub
Joby Tripod - amzn.to/2J9IDYM
Microphone - amzn.to/2JjXTG8
Camera backpack1 ~ amzn.to/2Jv9jH1
Camera backpack2 ~ amzn.to/2JfQCDY
----Van Necessities----
Our espresso machine ~ amzn.to/2NWpprD
Our blanket ~ amzn.to/2LhaRBE
Solar stuff
Solar Cables ~ amzn.to/2Jf2ZTS
Inverter ~amzn.to/2shzs2a
Charge Controller ~ amzn.to/2shIbSd
Batteries ~ amzn.to/2IXVtgP
Cable entry ~ amzn.to/2L5npfr
Solar Panel Brackets ~ amzn.to/2sjVUrx
Solar Panels ~ amzn.to/2xyr6Zl
Electrical
DC Fuse Panel ~ amzn.to/2IVxNtE
Main DC Panel Breaker ~ amzn.to/2L1g6oQ
Fuse Panel Ring Terminals ~ amzn.to/2Jhgnab
DC Red Cables ~ amzn.to/2xrzh9u
DC Black Cables ~ amzn.to/2xqd4bR
L.E.D. Lights ~ amzn.to/2IWpptS
Battery Cables ~ amzn.to/2xqc07R
Ring Terminals ~ amzn.to/2xmBmU4
Ring Terminal Crimper ~ amzn.to/2IZLFyM
Shore Power Cable ~ amzn.to/2L5cnXp
Heat Shrink tubing ~ amzn.to/2JckFzt
Shower Light Switch ~ amzn.to/2JffG16
L.E.D. Dimmer Switch (main) ~ amzn.to/2LG81Hx
L.E.D. Dimme Switch (by bed) ~ amzn.to/2IWINXy
L.E.D. Dimmer Switch (kitchen) ~ amzn.to/2Jl5y6O
USB Dual Charger ~ amzn.to/2IWnYHO
Butt Connector Kit ~ amzn.to/2J2q9JG
Wire Strippers ~ amzn.to/2ITsfQ9
Garage L.E.D.’s ~ amzn.to/2kxamYV
Voltage Sensing Relay ~ amzn.to/2H1idXs
Thermostat ~ amzn.to/2xkT1LY
Rear View Mirror Camera ~ amzn.to/2L65mpg
Building Supplies / Misc.
Butcher Block Glaze ~ amzn.to/2ya5SRL
Air Compressor ~ amzn.to/2LgtfKQ
Air bag Kit ~ amzn.to/2JueOG2
Bike Rack ~ amzn.to/2kLVki4
Cell Booster ~ amzn.to/2JqpIwk
Shelf by bed ~ amzn.to/2sxndxG
Router ~ amzn.to/2xC8PKr
Drill and Impact ~ amzn.to/2LhjwEe
Table saw ~ amzn.to/2LiEy5n
Table Slides ~ amzn.to/2H2h3Lc
Sound Deadener / floor insulation ~ amzn.to/2IXTusT
Heavy Duty Adhesive Insulation ~ amzn.to/2JfeJpj
Trailer Hitch ~ amzn.to/2IVBlIa
Cabinet Hinges ~ amzn.to/2LFWzeZ
Cabinet Gas Struts ~ amzn.to/2sseqxk
Cabinet Latches ~ amzn.to/2sp6Raj
Telescoping Ladder ~ amzn.to/2ITkARY
Carbon Monoxide Detector ~ amzn.to/2L222eX
Propane Detector ~ amzn.to/2JhMnLa
Memory Foam Mattress ~ amzn.to/2Jh31dU
Blendtec ~ amzn.to/2J1PrrK
Mountain Bike Fork Mount ~ amzn.to/2LGphfC
Bathroom Shelves ~ amzn.to/2smEk5q
Back Door Orangizer ~ amzn.to/2Jfk7c1
Paper Towel Dispenser ~ amzn.to/2kAduU0
Shower Soap Dispenser ~ amzn.to/2LIsf3o
Fire Extinguisher ~ amzn.to/2H0hCoY
Folding Hooks ~ amzn.to/2IUenVT
Fridge ~ amzn.to/2smPTdB
Roof Fan ~ amzn.to/2xoisfx
Propane
Propane Tank ~ amzn.to/2Jciw6T
Propane Tank Insulation ~ amzn.to/2JfeJpj
Propane Regulator ~ amzn.to/2xqyx4F
Propane Furnace ~ amzn.to/2Jgka7z
Propane Stove ~ amzn.to/2JhgnHg
Propane Water Heater ~ amzn.to/2kA3fPC
Propane Remote Fill ~ amzn.to/2JeMBCU
Propane Detector ~ amzn.to/2JhMnLa
Plumbing
Kitchen Faucet ~ amzn.to/2JeGtKV
Water Filtration System ~ amzn.to/2L8pGGK
Soap Dispenser ~ amzn.to/2IY6X3O
Sink ~ amzn.to/2kx2KWf
Water Pump ~ amzn.to/2kCRkAB
Water Pump Strainer ~ amzn.to/2kxoj96
Accumulator Tank ~ amzn.to/2L6m7ki
Shower Faucet ~ amzn.to/2suoCW7
Shower Pan ~ amzn.to/2JhFvNS
Water Tank ~ amzn.to/2IWgy7q
Fresh Water Fill Door ~ amzn.to/2xqdL4X
Nature's head Composting Toilet~ amzn.to/2N8wVTw
Water Heater Door ~ amzn.to/2JeJ2g8
Water Heater Sealant ~ amzn.to/2LHvsAn
Waterless P-trap ~ amzn.to/2IXDS4u
Grey Tank Grommet ~ amzn.to/2xolC2T
Grey Tank Valve ~ amzn.to/2LGtfVF
Water Filtration System ~ amzn.to/2Jf73U8
Shower Drain ~ amzn.to/2IXSgy5
#vanlife #DIYAC #extended review
The world need more great folks like yourself. Thanks a million.
For living out of a van ,you 2 are good spirited, I live outside for 10 yrs & couldn't stand sleeping in a text, sleeping bag only on a concrete block, God Bless the both of you ,
I love your transparency & honesty Trent & Allie. It’s still impressive that you attempted to make an AC from a cooler! Necessity is the mother of invention. 😏
This is how I would do it based on the video, good information by the way. Park under a tree, go smaller, 12v fan, use only one bag of ice per day because of possibility that night time is cool enough not to use but your double bag is still melting when you dont need it on, split the inlet into two smaller 'copper' tubes and run them to opposite sides of cooler with swiveling 90° pvc bends with one bung to close off one side, for one or two users. Put inlet on top and outlets down low to save space and to work with natural convecton, cooler will be colder down the bottom. Would like to see a video on this to revisit this Idea with this design, maybe it could crack the code.
Have you had a chance to create your own video? Would like to take a look visually at what you're doing too
@@CallMeFil I'm at a point where I'm confident it work but I'm not able to build it at the moment as I'm too busy. Maybe in a few months I can at least post back the results
When I saw the previous air conditioner video I wondered why you would choose a cold box if you want to cool the van anyways. Any cheap box should have worked better. But the problem with the approach is that it takes too much ice to keep up with the heat from the sun. I would try something else, use a bucket of water, a cheap aquarium pump and some tubing to pump water on top of the van's roof, just enough to keep it wet. The water evaporates and cools the van. That method has worked great for people to cool down container.
I just recently discovered your channel and love it! I've used one of these a.c. in a small room in my house. 2 points to ponder. 1. Your outflow end is sooo small. IMO that restricts the output of cool air. Try doing 4 inch all the way through. 2. It could be your fan is too powerful. If it's pushing air too fast, it could be mostly recirculating warm air with no time for the ice to cool the air in the duct. Bonus note: I kept my fan and outflow holes in the top. It worked great to cool a way too hot room that had numerous windows heating the room. I'm no expert but my thoughts for possible new version.
Or maybe remove the intake fan....just use the out flow fan?
I know this works like a charm. My wife and I use this in our van all the time. It works better if you park you vehicle under some shade. And the size of said vehicle also makes a big difference. Love the video, stay safe.
This is one of the funniest videos we’ve seen. Didn’t think it would work but your description about what was wrong with it had us crying it was so funny. Thanks!
haha so glad you found some humor in it. it was a funny video
You two is by far my most favourite Van Touring couple - Trent is such an intelligent engineering specialist and Allie is...absolutely gorgiously beautiful and so supportive of Trent. Well done you guys, you are a 'model couple.
Keep going , guys . You are great - love you guys
Really makes you realize how great an auto freon air conditioner is!
Hi guys. Thanks for the honest review. It was a great idea and defo worth a try. Top marks for being open to trying it. Just a thought before you bin it....the same unit perhaps running off a smaller fan like those computer ones suggested by others, may just keep you both cool overnight - I've found that while wild camping in a small bivi tent in summertime in Southern France even the mosquito net on the bivi door keeps a ton of hot air in. I've ended up opening the net door so risking creepy crawlies rather than cooking myself in the closed tent. If you slept under a large over-bed net thus effectively creating a room within a room then I reckon this unit would cool you both considerably. Great videos guys. Thanks for sharing. John
This reminds me of an experience my family had back in the 60's. In 1964, my family took a road trip around the country, 9,000 miles over 6 weeks. Given this was the 60's and we lived in New York at the time, our family station wagon did not have air conditioning. By the time we got to Utah and Nevada we were dying of the heat. Opening all the windows doing 60 miles per hour didn't help much. My parents decided they were going to buy a humidifying cooler in a desperate attempt to survive the 100 degree temperatures. At a Western Auto store we purchased what we hoped would solve the problem. This contraption was basically a gray cylinder that mounted to the outside of the driver's window, in a similar way that drive in speaker boxes attached, for those who remember those. The tank was filled with cold water. You then pulled a cord and it activated a small fan that blew cool air into the front of the car. The problem was similar to what you experienced. The only person in the car who would benefit from the cool air was the driver and maybe a little for the passenger up front. Those of us kids in the back seat felt nothing. And to make matters worse, we had to roll up all the windows to keep the hot air out. It was a nice try that failed. The dumb thing broke after a few days of use. I guess it realized it's limitations before we did.
I’m building one too. Helps if you put some water and salt in the cooler so the duct is submerged in cold water, use some ducting tape to cover up the holes on the ducting, and last of all put on a 1.5” 2 or 3 way splitter with some 90’s and and you can cool off more than one person and aim it in different directions without having to move the unit around. But definitely enjoyed the video, Thanks for the insight.
So sorry it didn't work well, I really thought it was going to help. Was even thinking about purchasing one for when I finally get my own van. Really appreciate the review, so that I wouldn't waste money thank you
No problem Deborah! We wanted to make sure people didn't build them expecting great results when we couldn't produce any
Deborah Harvey same! I wanted to try this. I’m glad they made this follow up 🙌
@@ShayleneReynolds If you get a chance read my .. info.
@@ShayleneReynolds Shaylene - I just noticed. You have same last name as me (maiden). Cool!
TreeZa Reese what info? I clicked your profile but there wasn’t a description or anything set up
You guys are so awesome! Hundreds/thousands of DIY YT videos on how to build junk. But, this is the first follow up video I have seen which actually reveals the longer term negatives/weaknesses of the 'genius' idea.
Great concept, 'A' for the effort, 'A+' for the honesty. Many viewers have learned from your experience.😎💨
I lived a few years in a van and it is such a great lifestyle. Loved every minute of it. Trent & Allie, love your project and how you handle defeat. You did fight physics, physics won. You can still use your system as a personal cooler, just mount the air-in up high and rework the heat exchanger of an old AC as pipe work. But you will never have an influence on the ambient temperature with that. There are 12V/24V compressor air cons available but in any case look at insulation first. Or anything will only work a little bit. Then use the solar system you already have to power the low voltage AC. The more heat - the more sun - the more power - the more cooling. At night you need to draw power from your storage but a simple timer setup will help you manage that. Like 30 minutes to doze off, then a few minutes every half hour to bring the temp below sweat so you do not wake up. Easy to work out. 12V timers are cheap and easy to get. I do that with my compressor fridge at night, works a treat.
Like your ideas, but... surely drawing air in from up high? Isn't this warmer? With heat rising?
@@stephenpowell8460, correct. But that is the one you want to get rid off and cool. I have been wrong before...
I made this A/C from your first video and tried it this weekend when my wife and I camped out at a Texas State Park with the same results you both shared on this video. It kept us cool and worked for awhile (maybe 3 hours since we have a Chevy Express Van, @cajunvantravelers), but with 90 degree temperature and the humidity at 70 percent this A/C couldn't handle it and was starting to shoot water out the the front exit port. It would be useful in a dryer climate without the high humidity, but like you said, it will have to have a different tubing inside that won't collect the water.
Yeah it was worth a try and works for a little while. But overall it's not a bulletproof option!! i'm sorry you built it off my video and it wasn't a perfect solution for you
That's not a problem and I'm not holding it against you Trent, I really like the videos you make. That's life and when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.
I saw another build that used a more powerful blower. That will increase the output. Put the input for the blower above the fill line,maybe on top.
So glad you gave an extended review..I was curious but not sure if it would work. Now I know..fer sher!
Thanks Sally!! We're glad you got to see the extended review!!
So I am WAY behind on your videos (I'm up to date with all the Belizen videos!) But I will say I did car camping with my best friend and 2 dogs 2 summers ago. The hottest day was 105 and I was dying. I bought a small foam cooler and I cut 2 holes in the top. Then I put 1 fan blowing into the cooler and then off pipe coming out the other hole with a fan right in front. It cooled my car down so quickly- I was impressed. I think had I used ducting like yours, a better cooler, and had better seals- it would have been AWESOME. Love your videos and love you transparency in sharing!!!
Put a y fitting on the end that splits the air into two different directions. 😉
I had baught all the components and was just gettin ready to build this A/C cooler. Now after watching this video I can drop down to a smaller size cooler and see what kind of tubing I can find to flow air through,Thanx for the update and saving my project.
Glad it found you before it was too late!!
So like your composting toilet review this one is an honest, complete review. I really like you two! The downsides you have shared can be dealt with. I am so glad you explained it in plain English! I am not as athletic as you are, and I envy you guys for your lifestyle, but I am much older than you and I just want to build my Promaster to use as a boondocking/camping van with basic amenities. Thank you for sharing your experiences, which will help guys like me make informed decisions! Thanxz
So glad that our honesty is respected and not judged! We hope our findings and lessons learned can be passed on to people like yourself! Thanks for watching and we'll see you on the next one :)
Well you fun couple,
Just as I was about to type my "1 1/2" cents like all the know-it-all's on the internet with your first "build" video, I happened to glance up to Allie's pretty face of this video. I was amazed to see the first honest "follow-up" video on TH-cam ever! How refreshing to see two fine young humans making their way through life in this day and age with some humility! I love that you had fun experimenting and making a decent video (instead of sitting on your Okole's, negatively critiquing everyone else's videos). You gave an idea a try. That is how the earth got to where it is today for better or worse. But if you want to really see people like you inventing things, look to the third world countries where people must make anything work. The Philiippines comes to my mind as I have visited there.
I wish you well on continuing your journey and hope that you will keep making videos. These were very enjoyable and I will watch the rest of yours. I bought my Ram Promaster here in Hilo, Hawaii in 2015 for my plumbing business. Every single time I came back to the truck whether parked in Home Depot, the library, or Walmart, people would be standing there staring at it and waiting to strike up a conversation about how they want to buy one of these and improve it so they could travel across the mainland. You have done just that, and a nice job I must say.
BTW, if you used the plastic dryer vent instead of the aluminum one, it probably wouldn't leak, but would be fragile. The aluminum one isn't made to hold water, it is just coiled to direct warm air outside. And it is important to silicone the inside holes as well.
Aloha, Paul
so if the plastic dryer vent and aluminum one doesn't work what will?
for what my 2 cents is worth i used to have a factory made portable a/c that i had used in a 61 corvair many years ago , it actually had something like a bundle straws insulation in a plastic case and door to open on top to put ice in it plugged into the 12 volt cigarettes' lighter . this worked really well , but then again it was a smaller area to keep cool . you are doing a huge area .
if you reversed the fan its more efficient. pulling it through the tube would work better than pushing, the duct causes to much turbulence and you'll lose a lot of pressure. wind tunnels for example pull air over the object being tested not push.
I love the blanket on your bed. I bet it stays pretty much stationary once your bed is made.
Yeah it's really nice!!
Thanks for the update. Based on what I just heard from you and comments I've seen from your subscribers. Its still a great idea. Go with a smaller durable cooler and use copper coils. One of your subscribers said that the temperature dropped when he tried copper coils so that may make up for the higher temps and smaller cooler. I don't know what type of insulation your van has but I was considering spray in.
If u use copper piping. It is a great conductor. I don't know if u want to change it but it's an idea. I think the premise is great. Thanks for the follow up.
Thanks Samantha, maybe on the next one i will
Copper tubing from amazon in a big roll should work, I think less sharp bends in the pipe would help the air have a smoother path to flow through the pipe. So maybe wrap it in an oval bowl shape like a shaker basket. I would think homedepot would sell it too.
You could get an extra long pipe and run it around the bed and seating and have shutoff valves to focus the outflow of air to your location, similar to the idea of what a woodworker does for dust collection.
Samantha Dodd ii
I saw a video where a guy tried that copper. It didn't work either. Sorry. (dang, I hate giving bad news. But, I'd feel worse if I didn't speak up)
Been waiting on this review and thanks for sharing, had a feeling it didn’t work to well in your video headed to NYC. Thanks for building and reviewing this idea, we live and learn. Love you guys and Frank!
Thanks Jason!! So glad you were pleased to see this video. We tried to make something cool but oh well
I calculated the ideal outside temperature for your super deluxe cooler to work to keep the entire van cool. It is 32 degrees F on a cloudy day!
I miss your van but enjoying all your videos with your new rv trailer build.
I'm in the middle of making mine. At first I was disappointed but after thinking it over I'm glad I've procrastinated on putting the finishing touches on it and fully assembling it. I was be modifying it according to the review you gave and keep you posted.
Awesome!! Let me know how it works out! Sorry if it doesn't work and you got the idea from me. But it's nice when it's hot and you sit in front of it. that's for sure.
Trent & Allie I'm still glad you gave me the idea. My son and I have already learned so much from this project. I actually did some electrical work with the bilge fan and adapter. You can use the lighter in your car or plug into a regular outlet. Can't wait to show you guys. I will be changing out the hose now that you said it has tiny holes that will cause it to leak and also possibly use a smaller cooler.
I wish I could have watched this video before my attempt to do this. I ran the test on a 100 F day , windows closed as you said and my wife almost fainted. We never argue and that day we sure did. Same problems as you did, it leaked through the flexible pipe. Water dripped out of the fan intake when I hit the brakes lol. I was going insane because no one was having the issues I had ( same as yours).
Thank you for sharing your experiences with this AC unit hack! I really appreciate :)
Also, you both made me smile a lot and brought some joy to my heart with your charismatic openness. Super videos!
Yes copper tubing spun in circles afew good times & mayb where the cooler air is blowing out, maybe have more than just one, maybe 3 different areas/ places of the cooler that where air blows out instead of just one !? 🤔👍
I am in southwest florida. Temps 90 +, Feels like 100+. I get 3-4 days out of my unit. Firstly, get rid of the duct work. Secondly, move your blower up high on the side of the cooler. Use a 3 or 4" aluminum, adjustable elbow connected to the blower inside the cooler. (Home Depot). Thirdly, use 2 3" adjustable aluminum elbows installed in the lid of the cooler for your outlet. (Home Depot). That way you can each have one. Lastly, use block ice. I fill a 4.5 gal. cooking oil container with water and freeze it. Along with that I freeze 3 1/2 gallon jugs. They don't melt like cubes and, btw, no melted water in the cooler. Run the blower on a low speed that is comfortable. The key is the amount of air to ice ratio and how fast you are using the cold air. I'm thrilled with mine. Good luck.
Yep, it is a spot cooler at high temps. I have the same setup. I find that even on days over 100, it does cool down my van IF, I am in shade and I still exhaust air also due to radiant heat inside being higher than the actual outside temp. When I was a kid, my dad would make the same type of system for camping and cooling down the tent. Only buried the duct in the ground. Geothermal I guess. That was in the 1970s btw. It's also good for once the sun goes down and overnight temps are still high 80s or low 90s. 😀 nice video
Oh. Going through the top of the side of cooler would be better
You two (and Frank) are doing a great job on the channel.. Have enjoyed the videos this summer. Hope it keeps growing for you and looking forward to more mountain biking rides in the future.
MTB video coming your way today!!!
Thank you and glad you enjoying the videos
Thanks for your honest insight as “hot nights” are a real bummer! I tried a simple version of this twice and it was cool enough (think Florida summer night) to get to sleep but the ice had melted by morning! I used a small, avg size styrofoam cooler from Walmart and cut a circle in the middle of the lid and cut out 2 (of the 4) cup holder bottoms on the lid! I put the ice in the base... 10-15 lb... and put the lid on! I inverted a portable fan onto the lid which matches the opening I made in the lid! In the two cup holder openings, I placed pvc “elbows” which matched the cup holder diameters! I turned on the fan to high, it hits the ice and blows the cool air out the elbows!! Like yours, it is coldest right up against the elbows and I don’t feel it changed the ambient air that much! One suggestion of a you tube video I watched was to have the van air on high for a short while before you start this apparatus and the second time I tried it, I lined the cooler with reflectix! Next time I will line the inside and outside!! Thanks for your effort... it helps all of us learn😀
Appreciate your DIY efforts. but nothing works under scorching sun, here in India we face similar situations of extreme temperatures during summer. Beware of other DIY projects like peltier cooler running on dc power and all, they also kind of don't work. couple of ideas.
1.Buy a super silent compact generator like yamaha and RV rooftop ac.(best)
2.installing a water cooler may work but will need a lots of changes in the van structure like sticking the cooler outside your window and moisture build up. Also if you try to drive with water cooler installed, water may spill.
3.install a solar cooker on rooftop, cook most of the food in the solar cooker, save gas and use that to run an ac :-p
4.park the van in shade and use a public place to cool off in afternoons.(most economical)
5. peltier module powered by 12 v dc(eats a lots of power and very low cooling).
overall cooling air is a powersome task.also do not try to install more solar panels and batteries to use a ac. it will completely drain your batteries in no time on top of adding weight to the van reducing milage. Also copper tubing and aluminium tubing will hardly make a difference and only be very little effective. even a small generator can give you 1000 wats to 1500 watts of power (but it will get a little noisy) You have to spend a pocket load of money to cool the whole van.
good luck exploring.Love your videos.
@Mr. India yeah but you need to run the van to do so and that would use lots of gas
@@agentsmith413 Just buy a rooftop camper air conditioner and a inverter generator when boon docking... They don't burn gasoline/propane as quickly as a parked van engine... Of course doing so will most likely run over a thousand dollars, if not approach two thousand dollars... And then you will have to carry and store one or two five gallon fuel jerry cans... Otherwise you will have to pay to camp with proper hookups...
Massive thumbs up for trying and such an honest appraisal
You are correct in that you will not be able to fight the solar gain in +90deg weather, but this would be an option to take the edge off at night when you are trying to sleep in hot weather, with no solar gain you will be able to affect the ambient temperature inside a closed van.
When I made one I used a pvc pipe and around 3 computer fans. I did not put any holes on the side instead I put it on the top,using the pvc corner connectors like a 3 inch one so you get more air. use one fan to bring in and the second to circulate the air inside and push it out of the vents. All the holes are on the lid on top so will get a smaller seat but more air circulation.
You can use four fans if you want, two to suck and two to blow, and the only pvc you need is the three inch connector.
I’ve been working in HVAC for 20+ years and what most people don’t understand is an air conditioner doesn’t cool the air...it conditions the air by removing the heat. That’s why they blow hot air outside while running. Yours is not removing any heat from the air it’s just blowing cold air around and that’s why it’s not dropping the ambient temperature any
theman68and1 any ideas? I’m thinking a inch and a half outlet vent isn’t big enough. Nothing will make it cold as refrigerated air but there has to be a way to make it tolerable. Give us some ideas on what might work to make it somewhat tolerable. In my case I could run off of 110 because I have a generator. Take a close look at what he built and see where he could improve.
theman68and1 come man give us some ideas. Please don’t say it can’t be done.
The ice absorbs the heat and then the water is thrown out or used when it's warm. Think of the ice as a thermal battery (though it works in reverse)
in this project the heat is transferred to the ice and when the ice is warmed, the heat is then taken outside by tossing the water/ice slush.
I think maybe for our dogs if we have to run in grocery or such this may be a winner .... it could blow directly on them and would only be for a limited time ..... and then like you said the ice is still useable ..... I have a backup cooler I picked up at a yardsale for $2 ..... we use it for extra iced down water bottle storage when we’re camping and such
Thanks for explaining!
I'm just going to make sure that my van has ac, period. I understand that a van is a living space, but occasionally it would be nice to sit in the front, and have some air. Other van life people have posted about those mini air conditioners, the size of a clock radio, bad idea, they shouldn't say that it's one of their "must haves", not good info. Just my opinion! 😊
Yeah those things definitely don’t work haha
I so adore you, Trent & Allie! I'm totally addicted to your videos! I love your positive attitude when problem solving, and the quality of your videos is very good. I haven't watched anything on Netflix lately because I've been watching your videos! Good job. You are both very inspiring!
Thank you so much! That makes us feel so good and like we're doing something right!!
I knew this would not work when you started but it was a fun video. I love DIY projects. Just FYI: Air conditioners/Refrigerators do not make cold air, they remove heat from air and exhaust that heat outside the designated environment. You contraction makes cold air, just not enough. Again, cool (no pun) video
I’m guessing that flex pipe has holes for flexing, hence leakage. You did a fine job building it. Perhaps a smaller one for when Frank can’t come. I definitely plan on a Honda or Yamaha generator w 5000 btu A/c. If I try to build one I’ll use smaller cooler. I really learned from yours. Love your channel👍👍
Thanks Stephen!! So glad you enjoy our channel and liked watching the design and build even if it didn't work! Thank you
Thank you. Now I will move on from that learning experience and check out other radiator/ fan cooling ideas. But, you set me on this mission. Good times...
I built one per your instructions. I drove out to South Carolina, from Southern Utah, last week. It made a great seat in the van 😀 Maybe I can use the blower as a spare for my boat.
I'm so sorry Scott. I feel like I set up a lot of people for failure with this. Hopefully the seat is a nice addition to the van
No need to apologize. It was a fun experiment and project.
That sounds good.that is an approach I have never thought of
I think if you change the tubing and put a splitter on the end , the it probably would work for two . Great job btw.
I cut one hole in the top for the fan and one on the side towards the top on the opposite side. It's a swamp cooler. Mine works great and my daughter gave me the cooler so my rechargeable fan works great.
Been watching you guys build the DIY A/C and so good of you to follow it through , I've only ever heard of this , so never seen it before so you opinion is greatly appreciated . Good travels and fun times from Australia . : )
An RV youtuber ran a 5000 btu air con on a Kodiak (90 ah lithium nmc) for 2 hours, then he added solar and it ran for another hour per 100watt panel added. So with around a 2kwh lithium battery and perhaps 500 watts of solar you should be able to go 4-6 hours, perhaps more on the lowest setting in an air tight insulated small van
Yup make sure to buy an energy efficient AC unit. Also remember when you have solar panels over your roof that acts as a shade to lessen the heat rays beating on your roof.
New sub for the honesty and you guys rock
I would put the serpentine mid/high inside. So you can put ice/water underneath and also put silicone around everything and screws too! (So no leakage problem outside AND inside the cooler). Some people also use mini radiator and pump to make it cooler inside the environement (addon). There is plenty of diferent type of these "AC" and plenty of way to craft it. That was a good experiment i think!
Your experiment reminds me of an old black and white film I watched when I was younger. In the film, on a hot summers day, a woman sat at her kitchen table in front of a small fan that was blowing across a bowl full of ice cubes. (Early personal air conditioner in the 1940's?)
Thats how they used to do it!!
The single, 'Intake venting tube' attached to the coolers intake fan pump, within your enclosed enviro. With just a single exhaust opening prefferably with an fan assiting exhaust.
Bonus: Another internal 'Seperate' from 12v. fan assisting with circulation within the vehicle, & possibly directed towards people inside the enclosed enviro.
I still think it was a great idea but had doubts. I was so curious to see how long the ice would last . Surprinsingly long 2 days wow . I was also really looking forward about seeing how well it worked . Result wasn't as you wished but at least we all learned something . Thanks for the great video
To best use the cooler setup, use your roof fan as the draw. Place the cooler with an inlet (shroud the window you usually open) and let the roof fan draw the air through. Also maybe T the cooler outlet for two outlets. Ps: your toilet vent should have a flapper valve to prevent backflow at any time.
Very true!! Thanks for the tips!
Stick the blower in the cooler too . Cut a small hole on the opposite side of the top for intake that way the intake air has to pass over the ice in the cooler first before going into the aluminum. Also use a dimmer to regulate the fan and use metal cans with pvc joints to remake the inner duct. The ice life will be severely shortened, but it will cool you .the air is not passing over the ice long enough to transfer the heat and pick up the cold.
For what little advantage that's worth, the ice would melt drastically faster by introducing the ambient temperature into the cooler as it's no longer a sealed unit.
Just started watching your channel and am really enjoying it. The A/C unit you built may work much better if you maintained the 4" duct rather than reducing it. Volume of air matters. My two cents and only late by a year or so. Hope you can get back to your van at some point. Great content!
Well the good thing is, Winter IS coming! next up Heater headaches LOL. No No I hope not. love you guys attitude and humor in what most would just cry about. your energy is the best.
Thanks Big foot!! We won't get heater headaches! I hope anyway haha
So...what you need is something that pulls the hot air out of the van while simultaneously cooling the air down. That is, essentially, what A/C does. Try running one of your fans as the exhaust (or set both of them to exhaust), and then turn your home made air cooler on (after you address the dryer tubing issue--try making the "snake" out of PVC). That way you are taking as much of the hot air out of the van as you can while replacing it with cooler air. Maybe it will work--maybe not. Also, I would reverse the direction of the air flowing through the cooler. Turn your pump thingy around so that it is sucking the air through the pipe rather than blowing the air through it.
good idea!! thank you!
I was just about ask I'd the fans were turned on for circulation. When the inside my house hits 90+, there is a noticeable temperature difference when the ceiling fans are turn on...And turning the correct direction.
Appreciate you sharing your experiences...who knows, I may become a future a-van-turistor. 😀
I think that cooler may still work.If I have to improve your system I would do this : 1. because I think that the air gets out not cold enough and too fast I would put a 12V dimmer and reduce the speed of the blower to a minimum plus it would be less nosy.2.the aluminium pipe because is ribbed makes also noise and is to wide,I would buy 2" PVC pipe,90 degree corners,glue them together and make a sort of coil around the corners(you understand,coil is usually round,this will be rectangular ). The more the air stays inside the cooler the colder it gets.
Thank you for your honesty.
Allie is totally no less than van life gold! The whole package. Any good van engineer would design and construct a Coleman ice chest swamp cooler, well done Trent but what will be a solution for next summer? An external roof mount, solar, wind, pedal powered system? Above my pay grade and mental capacity but I am concerned for your well being as well as your wing man Frank in next summer's heat.
haha Thanks Mr. Mips!! I think next summer we are heading to the north pole!! lol
I'll buy it!! I only need it to chill my room. My window faces the sun the entire day, and even tho I have central ac, it tends to warm up. I live in MB so it's starting to get hot again. So I'm planning on making one ANYHOW!
I was thinking of a similar setup except using coil copper tubing and put inside the vent tube and using a fish tank pump to push the ice waterthru the copper and I guess put a little shelf inside to set it on over the ice so it’s not submerged
That's super smart!!
I plan on making one of these as I am going to have a freezer, but no fridge in my rig. So my plan i is to use copper pipe, in a smaller gauge but T it inside the cooler and have it snake around more. Then fill the bottom with salt water and put two large reusable ice blocks in there. Then a shelf on top of that to store refrigerated items. Then just swap out the ice jugs every day. I'm hoping that will be enough to keep it cool for my cat. If not then I'll add water troughs to the Windows and hang cloth over open windows into the water so it wicks up and becomes an evaporation cooling system. Maybe something like that would work for you guys. But even adding salt to your current cooler will make it colder. So I recommend you try that, and T'ing the air exit holes, so you can share.
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing...make 2 personal-sized ones, using
the copper pipe (so no leaks) and maybe a more powerful fan. Obviously,
the fan can't blow through water so if there was water in there the
whole time then it would not work. I'd def try it again with
water-proof pipe and put the exhaust out the top.
I love you guys. I made one of these and it sure helps!!
Hey. Why not get a Coleman rooftop AC. It will be fine to run it off your battery for a few hours and if you have your battery connected to your cars Alternator you can have it charge off your alternator. The 13500 BTU battery draw is huge but you will have super cool air while driving and for a couple of hours in the afternoon while you are waiting for the sun to go down.
Perhaps a project for your next built. If anyone can figure a good solution it’s you. Great channel and you guys look genuinely great
Alfred Dorkalam I picked up a Carrier roof top for 500 bucks for my Ford extended van back in the day. It made the van a refrigerator. A small generator would be fine.
This is a problem I would love to solve in the future. Maybe next summer I will figure something out.
@@TrentandAllie There are niche companies that make 12V A.C. units for trucks and marine. They are stupid expensive. Also, it is possible to run a small window a.c. unit off solar. There is a device that will even out the initial draw (which is the biggest battery killer). Gone With the Wynns did a video on this topic.
www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/air-conditioning-off-grid
@@TrentandAllie I had a homemade cooler just like that, I got fed up with all the water. I was gifted an "ARTIC AIR" ...an as seen on tv product... I was sceptical to say the least but was desperate. To my surprise it worked very well. It isnt going to work like a regular AC unit. I purchased a second ARTIC AIR at Walmart for $40 and the 2 units keep the area very comfortable. Give it a try, if you dont lke it you can return it...hang on to your
receipt. Good luck.
Thanks for the update, always wondered if those worked.
yeah not really haha!! Thanks for watching Jimmie
Thanks for the follow-up. I'm looking to cool a teardrop trailer which is much smaller than a van. About 125 cubic ft. Inside. I think I'll still try it. Maybe Slide The Tubing Inside A Plastic sleeve.
I was suspect when you used the 4" ducting in the cooler. I would have looped as much copper tubing in the bottom of the cooler and pump antifreeze to an external heat exchanger like the heater core on a car that is backed up by a fan. The heat exchanger can be located anywhere convenient and the cooler could be kept under the bed or wherever. I have seen coolers with beer taps mounted to them and the beer is run through the tubing in the cooler from the keg. Same concept. You get more surface area on the coolant media.
what type of external heat exchanger did you use? Pretty much an amateur in this. Do you have any photos or can we speak on fb?
I live in a hot climate in New Mexico. I use an evaporative cooler. But to keep the air cool you need to open a window to draw the air through the house. So I always open a window to get a draft through the house. You might try opening the front window about 2 inches.
I feel the urge to put my middle school science skills to work now. I think I will try my own version before spring for my van. I think a stainless steel or copper tubing would be better
I'm really curious to know if it would work just to cool the van at night to make it more comfortable to sleep.
@Richard Jay they have weird fitted sheets that blow air under ya wile you sleep somehow combine the 2 might work
I've been trying different set ups in my home and I'm still experimenting. I used to freeze 2 liter bottles and put them in front of a 12 inch table fan. Again the problem was it thawed after a few hours. Now I forget about the ice and just use a very wet soaked towel in front of the fan. If you key in diy evaporative cooling systems you'll eventually come across a youtuber who has a plethora of great ideas. Good luck
Have you guys tried a portable swamp cooler in the hot/dry climates? Obviously won't get it nearly as cold as AC, but it may be good enough to make it livable. My wife & I have a swamp cooler in a 12'x12' shed in central OR running off much less solar & battery than you have and it definitely helps when the temps get >90F. We used to live in Tucson where we only had swamp cooling in our older house. If that can't get you to the temp you want, AC is probably the only option.
Damn, i was excited! Its still useful for times when you really need it...that is...if you have space
Good try I had the same result few years ago. Maybe just park in the shade open windows add just fan ;) there is this start up I’m looking into. Zero breeze??? I hope it works!! Lol
I know from making moonshine, that the copper tubing got colder when we added some water to the ice. But if the tubing has holes and water leaked in, then you probably did not notice if it worked better with the melted ice. That was going to be my question regarding the temperature drop.
You guys just gave me an awesome idea for cooling off my chinchillas if I don't need to invest in a portable ac for my bedroom !!! Thanks!!
Hey, thanks for the honest review of your experiment.
Just park the van @ Alta with the door open facing Superior. YEW!
It's always nice up there haha
Love the channel guys! Found you through Eamon and Bec, add salt to the ice it will super cool the duct and hence super cool the air. Just a theory if you want to try
Won't work. See above as someone explained the theory behind why this will always fail.
Thanks for the idea Craig!! Also, we're so stoked you come over from E and B to check us out!! Thanks and we hope you stay for future vids too :)
I feel for both of you. I am doing a shed to tiny home conversion. The shed has a metal roof and 2x4 walls and a living area of 12x28. Three windows and a door. The windows are single paine. This is going to be an off grid home for me. A single person. I have a lot filled with trees and have 2100 watts of solar and a composting C -head toilet. In my 70's I already deciced no loft sleepiing. Knees say no don't to it. I am dealing with the same issue that you are. How to cool and how to heat. I built 3 versions of the portable AC units. I am look at unit version #4 . The first thing I suggest is always park in the shade. Carry moveable solar panels for reharging. 3. Tighten up the ship and batten down the hatches. Have you insulated nooks and cubbies? Open the outside storage area and line them with aluminum bubble wrap insulation where ever it makes sense. Get under your rig and do the floor space. Place the bubble wrap in the windows as well or at least where the sun is beating down. Repace OEM shades with i sulade pleated curtains insulate water lines to prevent freeze ups. Try not to use the newer diesel heaters . If you do you will need special metal duct work and a fire proof fan/blower unit. In line fans in these unit have melted the blower casing.
We all are repeating the same mistakes others have made. Unit 4 is different and I am hopeful . Lets change the ice chest to a foam filled unit. The ice is suppose to keep for 3 days of continuous use. Use a Sea flow bilge pump at 350 gallons per hour. Were going to pump the into plastic 3/4 inch lines that will go through a 1/4 inch copper 3 inch coil inserted into a PVC pipe painted and decorated to your liking. The return line is a 1/4 plastic return line to be rechilled in the cooler. On the back end is a high volume low noise fan to blast out the cooled air. The fan and tube unit is mounted to a wood stand. Customize the length of the tubing to suit your needs. The cooled water comes out and goes back in via two appropriate sized holes placed above the water line in thr body of the chest.. This is not my idea and can be made in 2 hours with little technical skills. It can be viewed on YT and it appears that it could be purchased from the creator or parts are available on Amazon. I am not associated in any way with thr creator. You get the cool without the moisture build up and ice last longer as you are not blow hot air on the ice. Works best when the tubing is located in water when under the ice.
I am sorry I need to come back back. There are several new post that need to be considered. Back in 48 hours. A self contained unit with its on power supply. Under the name of Frankencooler. Trademark pending. I still think a cooper coil reduces the humidity in a small space with cool dry air and longer lasting ice due to air seperation and water as a transport media. I will post under this comment.
It was a good experiment. My AC in my apartment is leaking onto my bed at the moment....so I'm either roasting or being rained on at night. lol Life is crazy sometimes! My AC guy is coming soon though...I hope
ahh man!! That sounds like a pain! Hopefully he comes and fixes it soon!!
Hi Guys Trent try 22mm copper pipe that is coiled running from end to end. I think the ducting pipe you are using is somewhat insulated. I like this idea and I think with some modifications it can work really well.
I will as soon as I have finished my van build try this out.
God Bless
Joshua
There’s a catch 22 trying to capture solar energy, as you have to park in the sun, versus a shady parking spot which would alleviate some of your heat. You don’t want to negate the benefit of the solar charging, but paradoxically give up one for the other.
Perhaps since you are mobile, it is best to consider a relocation to somewhere less like an oven at that time of year.
Best bet is to park in the coolest shadiest possible place ( in a dense forest / under a massive tree / shade of a big building/ sprinkler on top of van ) then a small swamp cooler with GOOD air circulation in and OUT of your van. Best case scenario cooling / %30 give or take. That is a significant amount.
Your theory is a swamp cooler. You must pump out humidity with an ac. A van is a heat box.place two pop up awnings. To cut heat magnet. If you bought a refer wall kit of closed cell insulation for a refer van would cut heat gain. Alternative
1 tow hitch
3' x 6' hitch shelf
Then 3500 gen set $300 and small 110 ac unit.
You guys both smoke pot and then theres these good videos. Im only days away from living in a van. AC has been my biggest concern. You guys get along well I can tell by her smile and his attitude. Ride on!
My main concern/use for something like this would be for controlled temperature while I'm sleeping. There are other ways to keep cool during the day. So with that in mind, as a single guy, here's what I would do:
-same general design as yours, but obviously with ducting that wouldn't get punctured and leak
-a pliable tube coming from the end that I could set up and angle at myself when I sleep
-maintain the ice supply my using a 12v fridge to constantly freeze and rotate multiple large bottles of water, which would also help mitigate chances of water leakage
-because the primary use would be at night while sleeping, to combat these hot Florida nights, you wouldn't have to worry about the sun actively working against you
It wouldn't resolve all the issues you mentioned, but could be an electrically efficient way to sleep cool and comfortably
I was going to make a suggestion. Use thin wall pvc rigid pipe and make your in and outlet at the top of the cooler.