Run your Van Life Air Conditioner 24/7 on Solar Power
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 เม.ย. 2024
- Today I'll be showing everyone how I run my Van Life Air conditioner 24/7 with only solar power and a medium-sized battery bank. It's totally possible if you have a large roof space and a high efficient air conditioner like a ductless mini split.
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That pot roast really looked good. I've been eating pressure-cooked meals since the early 60's. 2 suggestions to try. First, give that roast a quick sear on all sides for some great flavor. Second, buy a big onion. Cut it into thick slices and lay them right on top of the roast. Pressure-cooked onions are so sweet. Bonus suggestion: add some potatoes cut up into large pieces along with some sliced carrots. When it's all done, use some of the juice to make some gravy. Now I have to run to the grocery store.
I appreciate that tip!
Got me hungry as well lol
I love watching the ingenuity. I know it's fun to use solar because I also run AC's off of my RV solar. I also installed Mini split air conditioner in my RV but it is a house window mini split made by Midea, 500W and I also installed Frigidaire 450W AC in the bedroom cabinet, installed both on drawer slide platforms and also installed outside compartment doors to slide AC's halfway in and out. I threw the power hungry Dometic roof top AC's over board and into the trash literally. I run both AC's off of my RV roof top solar, currently only 4 panels and 600 watts actual output and 4 LifePo batteries. Every RV owner needs to ban standard roof top AC's simply because the technology exists for these corporations to use low power economical Air Conditioners but they refuse to change their ways because it's not as profitable. A standard RV roof top AC requires the use of a Soft Start device to jump start the AC when using solar and that is $300.00 or more for the Soft Start. I paid about that price for each of my AC units. I could not be happier.
sounds like you have a wonderful setup 😎
I love the look of this van. It looks so well made and solid. Plus 4 the AC. Perfect house on wheels. Self sustainable. Perfect.
thank you so much! I love living here
slow cookers and air fryers are some of the best things invented
I agree with you!
Funny the notion of slow cookers when his says Instant Pot. I'm thinking that's a pressure cooker.
@@DiscoFang it’s not a slow cooker. It’s a fast cooker that uses pressure. Thats why they call it instant pot
@@nomadbrad503 I use the slow cooker function on mine pretty regularly, usually to make broth. We're getting ready to build a box truck, and starting to use a Kill-A-Watt to measure our power consumption on various appliances and gadgets. I'm interested to hook up the Instant Pot and test its various functions.
Thank you for our videos, they're quite helpful and inspiring to those of us who want to do what you're doing!
“This is Nomad Brad coming to you from my ONION truck!” 😂
Mini splits are a great way to go. I installed a DIY version in my daughter’s mobile home and she loves it. Very energy efficient and quiet
lol the onions were so bad jay!! im happy to hear that you installed a good one for your daughter 😎
Thats the setup i will need so i can run ac all day. Especially here in florida. Nice system.
Yes! this will work great for you in florida. the humidity is probably similar to texas, you will be comfortable. BTW thanks for becoming a member, I appreciate that
You’re amazing! Such beautiful work! High quality across the board!!
Hey Nichole! thanks for bringing the positivity, I appreciate you 😊
1:54 you described a remarkable tool. An air conditioner that runs on the sun is incredible for me to be a dream come true
It’s the best!
Awesome, did same, I have 1700w solar and 38kwh battery for south Florida, using ambulance as RV
nice! sounds like a perfect setup for florida
"Normad Brad like to be comfortable"---had me cracking up. Good work, brother.
haha its the truth 😂
Buy a dehumidifier it will make the interior space WAY more comfortable even without the AC running. Walmart has one (EDV1100 ) that uses 22 watts and covers 1,100 sq ft. Trust me, a dehumidifier makes a big difference in comfort. I only recommended Walmart because it's easy to return If needed. It would be better If you could find a dehumidifier that drains outside or the kitchen sink drain that way it's basically maintenance-free.
Not a bad idea 😎
If you check the weather station at 4:27 , he’s at 19% humidity already which is already very low
@@SomePplSayImABeast So a dehumidifier can increase his comfort by 19%.
@@dammitbobby283 humidity is very low. It’s comfortable in Arizona. A dehumidifier would probably dry out my skin too much. That’s a real issue in the desert
@@nomadbrad503 Let me speak with your husband.
Awesome video! This is the way to go Brad! Van Life ... a lifestyle to save Mother Earth 👍
You got that right!
You have it dialed in! Just awesome!
thank you 😎
Fantastic video from someone with only 22k subs. Most channels that know how to keep a video moving and on point have crossed the 100k mark. This is the one time I was wrong about the sub count.
Much appreciated!
awesome setup the solar to run the a/c is fantastic
It really is!
When you showed 192 watts that was a positive number, which means your solar charger kicked on and after the A/C load it was adding 192 watts to the battery. The (negative) -807 watts was how much it was using before the solar charger started charging. So your A/C was still using 800 watts, and your solar was probably creating 1000, which gives you the 192. Your A/C was not using 192, it was leaving 192 left on the table for battery charging.
good catch!
Great video Brad. Solar and electrical work even with research just feels so daunting. I am sure that after rolling up my sleeves I will get it, but man mistakes are costly in this area of building out your rig.
Yeah, it took me a while to understand it all. The work itself is simple but learning it is challenging
@15:12 This is one of the reasons I chose an ambulance. I have 1560 watts of solar on my roof, but I went with a 48v system and an 8000 btu window unit.
right on, thats a robust electrical system!
I really do wish I went that route to start to be honest lol by my little promaster will do
Blessings always in all you do
I appreciate you
Inverter type so smart, waiting for this in rooftop RV units
yes! they must be working on a rooftop version for RV's the existing RV AC technology is shameful at this point
Nice production value.. the background music was spot on..enjoyed it. Your Power explanation was very well done.. Hi quality TH-cam video explaining The mini split.. I see a nice niche for someone to become a mini split installation specialist..thank you for taking the time ..I hope you get millions of views.. #NomadBrad
Thank you so much for the kind words 🙂
Sweet set-up. Big plus is knowing the know-hows!
thank you! I agree, knowledge helps make this lifestyle more enjoyable
78 is still too hot for me 😳 I need it down to 70 at LEAST!!
yeah, its hard to explain but 78 feels comfortable in the van when its 98 outside. I realize a house is typically set to 72. it may have to do to the low humidity in arizona. when i was in texas i kept it around 74 which felt very cold
Wait! A cooking channel too! Bro! Parked in Home Depot with an RV that looks like a utility vehicle that says "Solar Service": Invisible.
invisible was my goal 😎
Nomad Brad made me hungry. That looked tasty! Enjoyed watching. Thanks for posting!
✌🏻👍🏻✌🏻
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing! It was a great reference.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video. You are clearly very talented and smart enough to turn your talent towards creating a business. Your home is beautiful and spacious! The only thing I do not get about some nomads are their indifference to having a bathroom. A small shower and one of those new toilets that separate and bag the waste would be a must. I have a weak stomach just thinking about how disgusting handling my waste all the time would be but I get even sicker imagining having to use some of the facilities I’ve seen in public.
thank you for the compliments 😊 been living in a van for 6 years now without a proper bathroom. most my nomad friends are the same. I know it's hard to comprehend. it's just one of those things you cant understand until you try it.. Vanlife isnt for everyone
that's game changer, i can;t imagine myself living in a van without constant AC cuz in my country there is no cold weather or winter it's constant hot
Yes! The ac is a must for a lot of folks. It’s so comfortable inside 😎
Looks like your van build is really efficient just on it's own....99 deg outside and 84 inside before AC turned on.
The insta pot looks great. That's how I love to cook, do a heap at once and enjoy over several meals......makes it cheaper per meal and also way easier per meal :)
thank you! the insulation does a pretty good job. I love making large meals all at once
That's some fine equipment you've got.
I agree!
realy love your content mr Brad
Thank You! I appreciate that 😊
The trick, here, it would seem, is that in addition! to the neat Klimatic/Klimaire/Kwhatever it is ductless mini split and it's microprocessor-controlled operation (isn't everything? these days, though?) is that device (resembling an inverter in operation) you have intercepting the PV current before it gets to any battery bank solar charger... regardless of the details, that one can run air conditioning from 1200 watts solar and 400Ah battery is impressive. Carry on! Brad. Thanks for your vid!
EG4 sells a minisplit that can be ran directly off DC solar
Smart, good and useful video. Good job man 👍🏻.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Mounted window ac in my van only draws 535 watts Sir. Split ac was out of my range and my van especially ceiling is very well insulated for a van. Good job on your setup. The install is very clean looking,
im glad that window unit is working for you!
How much Ah do you have? I have 200 and I struggle to keep full battery with no AC🤦🏻♂️
760aH 600w solar
Good a/c and battery system. Thanks for sharing!!!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the detailed video!
thanks for watching!
I would exstend my rear umper out past the a/c and run a guard up in front of it. Better safe than sorry. Love your channel.
that could be done!
That’s awesome man!!!
I appreciate you 💪🏼
You have me really debating on purchasing a van and making serious changes in my life. You seem so Free from stress. These bills are out of control.
I’m telling you man, with prices where they are, there’s no reason to throw away $2,000+ per month on an apartment that’s barely larger than a van.
@@nomadbrad503 you got that Right. Thanks to your videos, I think I'm going to make some serious changes. I'm worn out.
@@theomartin7339 Test living in only in your car for a month. That way you have a real idea about it.
Great set up. Hope you get to a cooler place by mid June through September.
oh absolutely
@@nomadbrad503 northern AZ. Flagstaff. I wish I'd bought a cabin in Flag in 2009. I was looking at one for $46grand. Missed opportunity!!!!
Great set-up mate 👍
thanks! i appreciate that
Great Video Nomad Brad. Very informative Content.
Thanks, I appreciate that
I have a Mirage Magnum 12k BTU, and I can say that this technology is super efficient! ❄️ My A/C stays at a cool 200 watts.
Nice! You’re doing it right 💪🏻
Your system was "charging" at 192W (@ 4:35). That didn't show AC "load." Your panels were covering whatever the AC load was and dumping another 192W into your battery bank.
good catch!
Yum!
FYI - Cracker Barrel allows for overnight parking & there's one just on the other side of 16th. There's also a planet fitness behind the Palms mall. Both less than a mile from HD.
Thanks for the tip!
*F Planet Fitness !*
*FJB !*
You should get you something like a Laveo dry-flush for emergencies and night usage. We have one in our camper and yeah, its a little expensive, but it is really awesome and hold odors down very good!
Thanks for the tip!
Really cool. I would hire you to build out my whole van out
I get that a lot 😅
Great setup very good content
Thanks, I appreciate you
This is Awesome
I appreciate that!
Nomad Brad Getten it done!!! Nice COOL Video!
thanks! I appreciate you
Great video. Thank you.
thanks for watching!
@@nomadbrad503 This works perfect because I am going to be building an 18-20 ft bug out trailer and using a split like this.
@@murdiesel nice! make sure to get the DIY version. the refrigerant lines connect with regular tools. no need for welding or extra equipment like vacuum pumps. I have this AC on my amazon list: www.amazon.com/shop/nomadbrad?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfnomadbrad_6WDQH6W3154AMM49P0ZK_1
Thanks for sharing your experience with a mini-split in the truck. I have a similar setup but with a Midea U mini-split type window AC. I am also in Alabama. One big difference between Arizona vs Alabama is Humidity. Humidity and heat will make that AC work a lot harder and for much longer. I found out last year when we had the hottest summer in a long time that the Solar panels (4x315W) couldn't maintain battery at full and also run the AC at the same time. IN fact over night I would see those batteries going down to ZERO (same capacity as your setup). The plan is to get 4x500W solar panels up there and probably get a mini-split with a higher efficiency than the current Midea U at 16 SEER.
In regards to the cooking, next time try bone broth instead of water and also add some mushrooms. Good stuff!
yes I was in texas last summer in high humidity, the difference is that the mini split has a much larger outdoor coil which makes it more effecient at removing heat from the living space.
Why not a powerful generator to run a Split AC, top off batteries during the day, run off batteries at night and stick it all in a box on a trailer hitch rack?
@@lvpuppets loud and consumes gas. That said I carry a small generator that could do both in emergency situations. I would much rather just rely on solar as much as possible. Not noise or mess.
@@lvpuppets why pay for gas to run a generator when the sun provides free energy…also generators are very loud and often you can feel the vibration inside your van. I know because I tried one on my last box truck
chuck has the most flavour out of most if not all cuts , I used to be a butcher in Australia. ...... retired now
Thanks for the tip!
they even make ceiling mounted mini-splits now too.
they do but that limits you roof space for solar panels which is why i dont have a roof top unit
Great job with your setup 👍💪🌞💡⚡️
I seem to recall you had a good video on your whole setup. Did you do a video on cost breakdown? Similar on how you bought/ the great deal you got on your panelsm😊🧠💰🤔
unfortunately I did not keep good records of the build price. I was building in a rush and blowing money at home deopt like the world was ending 😂
When you come back to Texas I will be knocking on your door for a bowl of that Roast. 😃 It looks so good.
im happy to share the roast 😎
Very nice video. Greetings from Jamaica.
thank you! are folks living in vans in jamaica?
@@nomadbrad503 No, but i'm hoping to do a box truck conversion and start a trend here as a low income housing solution on the island.
@@lawrencedavidson6195 I would love to see that happen!
@@nomadbrad503 Thanks, videos like yours inspire and encourage me.
Good video and information. You should add the make and model of your Kilmaire air conditioner in your video description.
there is a link is description to my amazon list, everything is there
@@nomadbrad503 Thanks! I only noticed two items, I didn't know I had to click on them to see all your items.
Ductless systems are amazing! I highly recommend Mitsubishi or Daikin. Everything else is random chinese made equipment and it can be impossible to find parts for repairs.
I installed a lot of daikin as a tech
Makes sense to use solar for A/C as usually the sun is usually shining the brightest when it's hot.
my thoughts exactly!
Thank you for Sharing
Thanks for watching!
split unit is nice in that it is quiet but I found that 5000btu window unit with 12.1seer does 450watt so it's possible to further reduce wattage on power consumption.
A 5,000 btu window unit may work for a small van but not my rig. I have a 12,000 btu model and need every bit of that capacity when I’m In 100+ degree weather.
Have you ever done a video about the potential challenges of a box truck rig vs van/rv when it comes to registration, etc?
Oh... I want to know as well.💕
good question ill cover that in my next live on wednesday
It's all about usable roof space versus overall box size plus the shapes and sizes of todays panels.. If you have a larger truck then yes you can get more solar on top but then you need more battery and a bigger a/c unit to cool the larger space. This is almost the sweet spot. The only other vehicle that falls within range is a 10ft baby box. With a 78 or 79 inch roof width,you can put 3 full size 450w panels with about 6 inch overhang at the rear which is no big deal since the bumpers hang out a foot. With 60 sqr ft and 7000 btu ac yur looking at 74 degree 24/7 using the same battery to 75% or a smaller battery to 35-40%
absolutely! usable space is key. thats why i prefer the flat rectangle roof of a box truck
Great video, solar real estate is why I want to use a box truck as a conversion so I can run a A/C on solar. Thanks
Absolutely! It’s the best platform for collecting solar
78? So you are running the heat? 😂
😂
Better then 95😂
It’s a small space so it probably feels just fine👍🏻
@@chrisstephenson8311 exactly!
Is this a Celsius joke or a "people who run the AC at 60°F are silly" joke?
80 to 85 degrees is perfect for me. I want to set up a little cooler in my SUV
perfect, you should go for it
Definitely would’ve seasoned and seared the roast first, but it still looks good👍
I agree
Thank you, great vid! Did you have the same battery and AC when you were in Texas last summer?
yes! the same AC and batteries carried me through the texas summer heat
Have you posted a video describing your whole solar setup? I'd like to see that .
in this video i showed my power inverter/ solar charger, my battery bank, and I mentioned that I have 1200 watts of solar on the roof. What else would you like to know? what wold you want to see in another video that you did not see here? Genuinely curious
@@nomadbrad503 what model SunPower gold are you using? Did you wire the solar panels in series or parallel or series/parallel? Which panels did you go with? And of course how much did the whole solar setup cost?
@@anthonyglaser929 ok, thanks for clarifying. I will make a follow up video with full details. Look for that next Sunday may 4th
Eating good in the neighborhood! Brad I like the ac system what is the rated square footage for the unit?
You cant really go by square footage like with a house AC because there is so much less insulation in a vehicle versus a house. and if you have a lot of windows like in a short bus, its even worse
You could put the Instant Pot outside the vehicle to exploit the high outside temperature, cutting its power consumption in half, while saving a lot of power of the AC unit. Also, it sounds like you could double your batteries, have no worries.
Yes, I plan to double the battery bank
nice setup ill be getting it all done as soon as i can startup the box truck
Im happy to hear that dave!
Suggest you put paper strips on the blower part of aircon so your viewers clearly see the aircon is running 🥶
good advice!
Nice video. Yuma’s great. I always pass through to and from Baja. I hope you checked out Cafecito. Might be my favorite coffee shop.
Yuma is a great winter spot!
Yeah, Brad.Is manning ready to go sober on my r v a little stealth camping
thanks for stopping by!
Hi, great video and cool lifestyle. Would you mind posting links for the AC unit, charge controller and the batteries. Thanks so much !!
Absolutely, all the equipment is on my Amazon shop page: Check out this list Solar + AC Installation Parts and Tools from nomadbrad www.amazon.com/shop/nomadbrad/list/1OZJMTH68RQ1U?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_aipsflist_aipsfnomadbrad_8XP5982BH2Q98F3P35R5&language=en_US
Try this in Florida where the RH% hovers around 80
did it last summer in texas humidity...but thats why my home has wheels, I wont stick around in weather like that
You should sear the roast first and use beef broth. Add a bay leaf as well
You're right about that.
Hey Tony, You sound like a professional chef.
@@lawrencedavidson6195 I was for a few years.
@@nomadbrad503 Love your build! Super smart in terms of how you did the electrical (I happen to work for a wireless power company on the tech side for customers). I also love how much space you have to cook. That's better than my 1930's house!
I thought the same thing when I saw it.
Nice
Thanks
What’s crazy to me is I keep my house at 65f year round so 78f is still hot to me. Glad you can enjoy that.
Wow, very cold 🥶
It's a dry heat in AZ so it feels cooler.
@@wally1957 absolutely
How much battery bank/solar you think for a 220 volt system? Looking at the 24k btu mini splits here in Florida. Thoughts or you think the 12k btu is good enough
Thank you
You're welcome!
Come to dallas mid summer and do the test ...it is often 90 and even 95 degrees at 10 or even 11 at night and in the morn if you hit a 6am low of 79 that is a good start ...but often it is in the low 80s.
I lived in Austin last summer with this setup, it worked great
When I need a upgrade I ll be searching for you for the job
I appreciate that!
6:30 AM, got up early. LOL! I wish I could sleep in that late. 4:00 AM every day wake up. Showered and leaving for work by 4:15-4:30 AM. 12 hour work days.
wow, you're up early. im just not cut out for that
That sucks
Where I live never less than 100 at night during summer season
I spent last summer in Texas. The ac was running 24/7
Looks like a very good AC unit. But let's be fair, 78 degrees isn't 'nice and cool'. 200 Watt for 24 hours is almost 5 kWh of energy. You need a perfect sunny day to harvest that from 1200 Watt solar panels. But I will say, this setup is probably the best I have seen so far.
thanks for watching 😎
Did you consider installing the outside unit up higher on the box? Do you worry of someone stealing and removing it from your box?
not worried about it
NICE!!
thank you !
nice
Thanks
So you have 400Amp Hour of battery storage in the form of 2 12.8V 200 Amp Hour batteries. But your monitor shows a full charge being 26.96 volts. To get that voltage you are running in series, a 24volt system, so you have 200 amp hour of storage. You'd have 400amp hour of storage if you ran the batteries in parallel for 12 volt system. With two batteries in a system, you can ether double the voltage or amperage.... but not both.
You are correct. I have 2 12.8v 200ah batteries. They are wired in series. I should have stated capacity in watt hours to avoid confusion
@@nomadbrad503 24V or above is the only way to go. 12V system draws too many amps and could cause fire.
@@wally1957 too many amps, yes
Buy a cover for the outdoor unit and cover it whenever you’re not running it or travelling. Dust in the outdoor condenser coils drastically shortens their life and efficiency.
good idea
I like the setup of the van, I'd prefer to have a shower and a normal toilet though.
thanks! you can definitely put a bathroom in yours
Yep, just gotta have a 60-70,000 box truck just to get started.
No way you need to spend that much! I built this box truck myself for about $24,000 including the cost of the van. You can find some for sale in the $30-$40k range if you don’t want to DIY
Nice video men that's comes up a question, in daylight while using that Solar to power up the air conditioner can it also capable to full charge the battery?
yes, it fully charges the battery during the day while running the AC
I'm really giving this some thought. I have a roll-up door on my truck that I don't plan on changing, but I'm trying to determine how best to do this. I only have 800W solar, for now. I do have 2 206ah SOK lithium batteries. 🤔🤔🤔
Right on, thats a pretty good electrical setup. you could mount the ac just like mine. it would'nt block much of the roll up door.
@nomadbrad503 , I'd have to mount it on the step bumper. I have a deck that folds down (and an awning I prop up). I need to check it the sizes of the units. So, the lines you run into the truck, what are those? Running the electric will be easy, I already have installed a 20A plug on the underside of the truck by the roll-up door.
Great stuff!
Sear that beef also
I agree! It needed a good sear!
Hows it going brad, i enjoy your channel, where did u get and what kind of solar panels r u using?
thank you! i have a whole video on the panels th-cam.com/video/8Mrw3WPGwQ0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=7KNGww-HA3hwPCxu
would be a good idea to make an escape hatch , say under one of the solar panels just in case someone some how locks you in ( I see you have a handle next to the door on the left ) someone could tie a rope or ratchet o n it and reach it over to connect to something .... just a thought , one must think of everything
lol tie a rope? Why on earth would someone go to that effort to lock me inside the van 😂 the windows are emergency exit windows so I can easily crawl out one of them
@@nomadbrad503 , just trying to make you safe in this crazy world CATARMARAN is the way to go , expensive so you will have to save hard
@@nomadbrad503 ha , ha , ha
@@geofferyrobertson6608 😂