I been binging on older videos and stumbled on this series. And it's amazes me how right you got this. You managed to take all the comforts of home into a tiny space. I seen alot of videos on van builds and yours by far is the best.
So I was sitting on the edge of my seat, paying close attention to your every word... And then I fell out of my chair, dying of laughter! 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for the laugh!
Great vid. Don't forget, you can have supplemental solar panels that you set-up outside your vehicle that connect to your main charging system by an extension cord.
We used a 2" soft insulation blanket on our windshield. Then one night I was sitting around the campfire with a cheap "Mylar" - blanket over my legs and it dawned on me just how much heat it stopped. The next day I used that Mylar blanket on the outside of my windshield. $.02 It was way better than the insulation on the inside of the glass. $.02 The glass still got warm, but not hot. Of course in the winter that 2" blanket goes back up when we use the bus for fishing or camping.
I recently did an experiment for lowering the heat in my Van when parking for longer periods of time. I bought this silver perforated sunblocker tarp for RV awnings. Just having that draped over the SUN facing side of the entire van and front windows made a huge difference. Before i had to have the ac on. You can find it cheap! if you are planning to go to very sunny places it's worth checking it out. It will substantially lower your AC power consumption.
we bought the unit thru proair... The website is clumsy at best, but we love our 12 volt undermount unit. Your best bet is to call and speak with a "specialist". The order process was not easy because they are not set up to deal with DIY van builders, but once we got the parts, the Tech Dept was great at helping us during our install! Wish we were able to give you guys better info.... We tried to work with them to set up something that would make it easy for folks to get this unit, but they did not seem interested. You've just got to call and get your order figured out with the sales team! But, we highly recommend the AC! www.proairllc.com/
Thank you for this! I have recently started an upfitting company and came back to this video specifically to find the mini-split system that you installed. Enjoy the travels :)
Thank you Curt. I am planning on traveling with my 2 cats Ragdoll and Professor Plum. I plan on doing solar for AC to keep the van cool for the cats. Ragdoll looks a lot like Vanna with Gs personality
Best of luck! The kitties make the van feel like a home for sure! It is really their van, they just let us live int it! LOL! We actually did a whole video on Van Life With Cats. Here is the link! th-cam.com/video/L_eBqKOcmzw/w-d-xo.html
It'd be interesting to know more about the actual components. I'm guessing that they may be components that are intended to be used on a battery-electric-vehicle. Well the compressor at least, the other components are present on combustion engine vehicles.
Ah okay, after watching the QA I understand the lack of specifics. After viewing this video I was able to find what is probably the same equipment. I'm in Australia so would be unlikely to use the distributor you have. The distributor I found is marketing the kits towards truckies needing to sleep in cab. The complete kit is about Aud$6K, which is way more than I'm interested in spending.
@@jaymiddleton772 Call RenCool in Australia... Or order the components Direct from China on Alibaba, If You Dare... 🤔😬🤣 Shanghai Benling Scroll Compressor. From what I can tell, RenCool is buying these & just having the manufacturer rebrand them.
Thank you for this. Very informative. I’m not really a van lifer. I’m a guy who needs to build a rolling office. I need it cool and comfortable around the clock, even if I’m not in the vehicle. So my needs aren’t exactly well covered by the typical van life videos. This video might be what I need though. 12 volt AC and a big ol’ stand by battery pack.
I wonder if someone could fabricate a mini awning that attaches with magnets above windows when the sun is really beating down (while you're parked & when wind isn't really a factor). If you could keep the window on the sun side of the van shaded without ruining your view, it might make a big difference inside.
Great information and very helpful! If I could offer some sort of advice it would be to back away from the camera a little bit and add more b-roll. Keep the good information coming!! Cheers!
Check the first comment on the AC video. It's hard for us to give us the exact parts list. You need to get on the phone with a sales rep from proair. Wish we could be more helpful!
Snow & Curt I’ve noticed in a few comments you refer people to “the AC video.” For the life of me I can’t seem to find the video you’re referring to on your channel. Can you post a link or give me the exact video title so I know where to look for this comment you speak of? Thanks so much, love your channel!
The higher the voltage the more efficient the unit. I have an Innovair 38 SEER 240volt residential (heat pump) a/c and heat for my van that runs on alternating current. Here are the stats on case study: Start and ended outside temp at 30 degrees F and inside maintained 66 degrees F 6264Wh/24h = 261W average use! Maintaining an average amp of less than 1 amp (.463 amps). Amazing efficiency!
Haha, I just commented on another video saying how I just ran across y'all's channel and how much I liked your van. I told ya I was looking at the 12v cruise and comfort AC. Something told me this couple is from Florida, this is the next video I went to and sure enough you said you're from Orlando. I'm from New Smyrna Beach FL, so now I'm super excited I ran across your channel because coming from Florida we know how important air-conditioning is. This has been one of if not the most concerning part of the build for me. Considering I'm still in the researching phase. I was thinking 1000w of solar and around 630amp hours of lithium batteries and probably somewhere between 3 to 4000w inverter with a second Alternator as well and shore power that way I have 3 ways of charging. I know the insulation is the most important part really so I'm going to take your advice and check out that gentleman's video you recommended. I was thinking of thinsulate and Havelock I think it's called. But I want to make sure I insulate everything really good. What I really thought would help is building some kind of partition right behind the seats with a pocket door or something but that would take away so much room and seating so I'm not so sure on that one.
With such a huge attic, why not install rooftop AC? Seems like the perfect place for it and it would reduce the beating that it takes from road debris, being under-mounted. Another benefit would be freeing up space under-chassis for larger water/waste tanks, etc.
We wanted a duct system to have vents in specific locations, the undermount ac is very quiet in cab, we wanted two maxx air fans, and we have heard horror stories of roof ac leaks! It’s what worked for us... cool thing about a diy van is you build it specific to your needs. A roof ac would likely fit nicely under the attic.
Thanks for another excellent video. Like others, I am planning to install a split AC summer to yours, but installation details are hard to find. I'll read your replies to comments and hope to find more good info there.
I need to find a detailed video for a truck camper that mounts under the bed. I think this video is on par with what I would like to do but on much larger scale.
Thx for video. I watch a video showing a/c on a guy's boat. He reckoned 200watts max power and after about 30mins just used 60 watts to maintain. He said he done me months of research and stumble across a compressor which is design for the military to kill down their weapons or something in the desert. He was offering to sell AC units for people's boats I guess that's why you wouldn't tell us the name of the compressor where he got it from. I'm in Australia and 7am it can be above 90°F with + 80 humidity. Cheers
We refer you to two insulation videos by Greg virgoe... link in the comments of the video. He goes thru the insulation process crazy good!! We will continue to roll our videos on our van build over the next 1-2 months... hopefully we get your questions answered!
Would you think a mini split could sit up under the van and not get full of dirt and such? Some roads are just completely crazy for dust and dirt? Would it ok laying on its side thereby laying flat against the hull? Love your vids guys.
Man you didn’t even stop either, just kept going like it never happened! Haha nice. I’m from Melbourne just east of Orlando. Good to see fellow Floridians make a go at van life. It’d be cool to see a van build specifically for “weathering” the hot summers we have here.
Truma sells the ProAir 12V compressor unit for $750 (it's not cheap - $1349 MSRP). This is the same compressor used in Hymer and Roadtrek Class B RV's. The evaporator looks like some version of an aftermarket A/C often used in hot-rod/custom car applications. I would like info about the condenser, though, and if it includes the receiver-drier.
Everything came from ProAir... we have reached out to them to try to get a discount code or something for you guys, but no verdict yet. It took a few phone calls with a salesman to put together the components we needed... they don’t have a “van bundle”... we told them that they need one. If we get a discount code or anything that will help you guys in the future, we will be sure to let everyone know!
Hi guys any word on a discount code for the AC bundle from pro air that you’ve been bugging them for!? I’m interested! Thanks for all you share with us all!
I'm with everyone else... I'd like some more information on part numbers and sizing for the components. We're building a day traveler that we would like to also cool when the Sprinter is turned off and on battery power.
There goes my hope to fit an AC in my future van. I won't have nearly the solar set up you're running. That's a bit of a bummer, since we live in about the same climate as you do in Florida. Oh well, you can't have it all. 😉
I'll never have enough solar, since I want a deck on the roof and just won't have the space, @@SnowAndCurt. The two Maxx fans are a must though. And yes, I also watched Greg's videos about insulation already (isn't he just marvellous?) and won't cut corners in that department. 😉
I saw some people installing 5,000 btu window style AC. What are your thoughts on using those? I am thinking of installing 2 of those in 2 different aras of the van to have localized cooling as needed.
It's all about how much power is being consumed. Might as well go for a mini-split if you are thinking window ac units. Mini-splits are a LOT more conservative with power.
If you were to build the system again do would you still mount the compressor under the van? or would you mount it inside the van? how loud and hot does it get? thanks!
@@SnowAndCurt I too want to know about the shower. Work nights bud. Get Snow to make a lot of coffee - insert an I.V. - and snap to it. LOL (*_*) Actually - we are all very grateful, someone of your obvious talent - is taking the time to let us in on things. That looks like an amazing build. I wasn't going to ask a question - but since I have applied the butter, I might just as well get it out. Have you done anything special to the suspension? Air lifts - or heavier springs or struts - air lift seats - anything?
Curt should be getting a few follow up videos out this month on the build... He's going to get you guys more info on the AC. We got it from proair, but it was a difficult purchase process.... Once we actually got the parts, the tech support was amazing... But just giving a list of what we bought is hard. Curt is going to gather as much info as he can for you guys!
@@SnowAndCurt First, thanks for sharing this great information! I'd be really grateful if would share the components of the AC system. It also would be nice to see a drawing and listing of where you put all the components and how all the the system plumbing was routed. I'm sorry I missed you when you were in Seattle, & the PNW, as a life long resident of WA, it would have been great to share my favorite places that I'm sure you would have enjoyed. I look forward to hearing back from you, All the best, Mo-
Thank you so much for this great video!! I’m curious, where can I find the types of roof fans that’s you use to circulate air through your van? (And they still work with the roof box as long as it’s not air/water tight. Does that not cause any problems when caught in bad weather?) thank you!
i found a "hounditioner" it is a dog house air conditioner that can cool up to 90 cu ft. which means maybe the bed area in a van or have it blowing directly on you when your parked. here is the link--- www.petmoods.com/hounditioner-dog-house-air-conditioner-pet-a-c-unit-by-akoma/ i would like to know appx how long i could run it with a 500 w solar array and 400 amp hours of agm batteries. it is small and it wouldnt work for huge vans or motor homes. but a smaller van maybe it would be viable. just to take the edge off the heat.
Every AC unit is different, you would want to talk to someone who has this in their van. I’ve seen a vantour with this in it... I just can’t remember who it was. But, there are some folks out there that have done it!
@@SnowAndCurt i have seen that too which is how i found it out. i was just hoping for more detailed "real knowledge" kind of thing . you seem to know so much. maybe i was just hoping you would say "yes its awesome" lol.
We did not video the install... not sure if we can get to the components now to do a proper video for you. We will look into it. Yes, we have a smart controller.
@@SnowAndCurt I was thinking a solar array like yours with a layer underneath that extend on sliders which then act as your canopy while simultaneously doubling your solar intake, would be ideal for use with an AC. On the very hottest days if you have the van closed up and rely only on the AC, how well does it do at keeping it cool inside while in direct sun? Can it run while you're driving? Curious too to know the pipes you used, is it gassed or are you using fluid coolant?
I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge! Your systems and engineering are very impressive. I am currently working on a similar air conditioning design and I was wondering where you were able to find an electric compressor?
Great videos. Do you have any problems with the external AC compressor section being underneath the solar section? It also needs airflow -- do you always raise the panels when you use the air-conditioner?
We do not have a roof mount AC... our ac is mounted under chassis... not under the solar. The maxx air fans are under the solar and there is enough ventilation for them to work just fine with the panels closed.
We do not have a link. You need to contact ProAir Sales Department. To be honest, they are a bit of a pain to work with... they are not set up to deal with single unit buyers, but once you get it purchased.... the tech support department is AMAZING to work with and helped us get everything installed ourselves. Although it is a bit of a hassle to buy, we do still recommend it, it works great for us. I also did not take measurements of the components before installing. Sorry I could not be more help.
wondering about dehumidifying in this equation. passive setups with silica gel? calcium chloride can get airborne toxic. the color changing blue silica can also be toxic(airborne cobalt). orange to green silica has methyl violet in it(also toxic) but its supposedly 'food grade'?? I'm getting some of the uncolored to experiment . also like the idea of a fan intake under carriage(reinforce screen to keep critters out)
@@lorcro2000 see my comment above. I am convinced that dehumidifying the interior is as important as heating or cooling it. And it is fairly easy to do if you rout the circulating air past the evaporator and cool it below the dewpoint.
Curious what model sprinter you have, and what mods you had to make to mount the condensor in that location. I've got a 2009 3500 dually, 170 extended, and the 105 condensor doesn't fit *anywhere*
You just do not get much help form ProAir... but, the sales guys will eventually help you get what you need.... then the tech department was FANTASTIC at helping us thru the install. But, the ProAir option is pretty pricey as well! We reached out again to try to get some sort of process for you guys, but the best we have for ya is to just go to their website and have an open mind... they are use to dealing with big companies and not us little guys!
That's kind of a joke. It's an overpriced swamp cooler. So it won't do anything except in the dry southest. The other 3/4 of the country you'll still be dying
I've been planning an AC system like this and thought about combining an evaporative water cooling panel immediately in-line with the dry AC output air, to further cool the air and perhaps need less electrical power overall. Since the AC dries the air, it seems possible to re-humidify the air (perhaps even with the AC drain water), for more cooling. Have you considered this idea?
We did not... but coming from Florida, even after the ac dries the air, you still have humidity. We were not (and still are not) AC experts... but your idea is probably a great one in drier climates! Let us know how it turns out if you try it!!
All hoses and ducts come ready to go from proair. All clamps and everything. You get enough duct and vents and fittings to do 4 vents throughout the van.
How noisy is the AC? We have roof AC and it is maddeningly loud. How does yours compare with any roof models you have been around? Thanks so much for your videos!!
Im interested in installing this unit but for use only when plugged into shore power. Is there a certain size battery bank required + inverter/charger (while hooked up to shore power) required to power a 12v AC? I wonder if the AC would drain the 12V batteries faster than the inverter/charger can charge if the battery bank is too small.
They draw about 50a, so depending on how much solar you have and what you're plugged into you might run at a deficit. Get a good inverter charger like the Victron Multiplus 3000. It can be programmed to limit draw from shore power to like 13a to not overload a 15a circuit. That gives you up to 90a at 12v to run it and charge batteries...no problem
Bus Grease Monkey who has a TH-cam channel is successfully running his Mr Cool mini-split off of solar in his bus. He has solar panels on top of the bus and uses a big bank of Battleborn batteries. It's an extensive and expensive setup but it can be done.
The condenser must be cleaned regularly given there is more dust below the vehicle, especially if you take the roads less travelled. But I am appreciative of your design of the van. You have done everything correct possible. Even I would prefer placing a half ton portable AC down rather than roof AC!
Love your build. Have 2 questions. 1 How long can you run AC battery only without solar? 2 How long it takes to charge your batt with alternator not using solar?
If we go to bed with batteries at 95%+ and run the air throughout the night.... We wake up at about 55% battery (approx 9pm to 6am). We don't really have any hard days for you. Also... Have not ran the alternator without solar.... So, no hard data.
The reason I ask I saw a van conversion same battery supply and double alternator but no solar. Says he can charge his battery up with little time. Just checking to see if that possible.
I'm sure it is... Especially if you do quite a bit of driving per day. Best guess... . One hour of driving probably charges 10%ishof our battery bank (which is big - a smaller bank would prob charge faster???).... That's just a hunch! Something to consider is, what if your alternator dies?? Maybe at least a little solar as a back up???
Another great video! But, your use of watts for both energy and power is confusing to the reader, and watts per hour doesn't make sense. Watts is a measure of power (energy per unit of time) (watt-hours per hour). Energy is measured in watt-hours. Since your panels are connected to deliver 50+ volts and your batteries are delivering power at 12+ volts, you have a mixed voltage system. It would be clearer to the reader if you used watt-hours exclusively for energy and watts for power. I don't mean to be picky about this. Most of the confusion results from the USA using the term amp-hours for stored energy, when this implies a 12v system, and is confusing when applied to a mixed voltage system. Watt-hours as energy is universal in that it applies to a system of any voltage, whereas amp-hours as used in the USA implies a 12v system. A 24v battery of 50 amp-hours would have the same energy storage capacity as a 12v battery of 100 amp-hours. Both have an energy capacity of 1200 watt-hours. Using watt-hours instead of amp-hours would save you a lot of explaining in a mixed voltage system. Keep those good videos coming! You're doing great work.
We've had a few folks point this out... Guess it shows that I'm just a guy that built a van! Lol!! In all seriousness,thank you for the feedback and explanation!
No link... to buy one you have to go directly thru ProAir... by calling their customer service line. Website is easy to find with a google search. We will warn you that the buying process is frustrating, they are used to dealing with large companies... but, once you get one purchased, the support desk was top notch at helping with install troubleshooting!
@@SnowAndCurt I don't have one. Campervan Kevin on you tube has one. That's the watts he used I think, and I think it was 5000 BTUs. Check out his channel.
A single non-split unit like that is vastly less efficient than a split system like this one. So you get less for your wattage. Plus noise, a system like this is hidden away and muffled, not literally in your face. But yeah, a Frigidaire that draws 400-something watts will work, but you can hardly compare it to a real 12 volt system when it comes to efficiency.
@@lorcro2000 maybe I don't know for sure. The 12v system used alot of watts. Forgot what BTU it was but I thought if the window one uses 400w you could run it longer? With all that solar I thought he would be able to use it for longer.
@@johnathanpearson3203 Sure, fewer watts used means longer run time, but there's also the issue of how much you get for your watts. Also, comfort, and looks. A window unit looks horrible shoved through a van wall, too. AC is just a very energy intensive thing to do, and the math is the math. 600 watts for a 12-volt AC is actually quite low, a normal RV rooftop unit is twice that. You can do AC for long times with either a generator or domestic power connected to the van via cable, but AC over battery - even big and expensive batteries - is not easy, and certainly not cheap.
I sm still quite puzzled by how much AC people seem to imagine they need. I understand that where I live in Port Townsend is more like Leavenworth, and even more comfortable, cuz we are on the water. But I am baffled at the idea that anyone (even with a dark paintjob) would need even 6000 BTU/hr to cool a space that can be heated using a 2.5-5 KW/hr diesel heater. I have not built an Energy+ or other building sim modeling software model of my Sprinter yet, but I have to say that this seems really odd.
We are literally at Olympia national park this week... you are right... there is no need for AC up here... in fact, we really haven’t really needed it since Michigan! But, we are from Florida... and any AC help you van get in sub-tropic weather is a plus!! As far as sizing the AC, you are somewhat limited on your choices... especially if you do not want a roof or window model! Oh... and the small portable AC units that you use water in.... they won’t work in humid environments!! PS... we love your Peninsula up here, one of the most beautiful places we’ve been!
I very much agree with most of what you have built in this van. Probably more than you can imagine, from the tilting array to the recirculating shower and especially the way you used heat exchangers - I built recirculating showers and pretty innovative refrigeration into cruising sailboats in the 1980s and put a tilting tracking solar array on my Rialta/LaSharo a few years ago, and I still make split heat pumps out of window mount AC units. But I remain unconvinced that it needs to take a full KW of cooling to keep a box this size comfortable unless perhaps the air temp under the van is in the mid to upper 90s. Danfoss has an excellent online compressor specifying tool that lets you select cooling power required (in fractional KW), refrigerant (ie R-134a, R-410a, R-600, etc), technology (scroll or reciprocating), fixed or variable speed, voltage (115, 230, 12-24, etc) and it predicts COP, etc. and provides graphical or excel output. It will even let you design heat/cool systems with reversing valves! It is called coolselector-2 and it is free to use. www.danfoss.com/en/service-and-support/downloads/dcs/coolselector-2/coolselector-eula/#tab-overview My last big project was a "waste heat" heated greenhouse that connected a 3000 SF heated soil commercial greenhouse to a 20' cold storage box made from an uninsulated van body using a heatpump hacked from a windowmount AC unit I got off Craigslist, that made the hot water to heat the soil in the greenhouse to 80F using the sunshine and warm air that hit the outside of the cold storage box, and the heated air expelled from the greenhouse, and the latent heat of the moisture condensed from the air in the cold storage. That whole system ran on a 12,000 BTU/hr AC unit that was typically running about a 30% duty cycle. So running 8 hrs per day, starting in late February, it gave us cukes and tomatoes in April and May, months ahead of other farms in the region. The trick that made this possible was a rethink of "ventilated facade technology" - insulation based on moving air, instead of normal passive insulation. Because even with sprayfoam you can only get about R-8 using passive insulation. I will be using this double wall moving air technology in Sprinter, and pulling recirculating warm air through the diesel cabin heater, or cool air from outside from below, or pulling recirculating chilled air through the evaporator, like a portable dehumidifier, which is what I may actually end up hacking for the heat pump in the Sprinter, cuz it is about the right size, even though it's 115 volts and I have some 12-24V Danfoss compressors that are fairly close. I am very concerned with moisture and condensation as critical factors in indoor air quality. My first van-build, in the early 1970s, got way too wet inside in winter (too small for 2 bodies and cooking with gas) and the humidity trashed the lacquer finish on 2 of my electric guitars and got some of our stuff musty. Pretty sure I can get "hot enough" water off the exhaust gas stream from the diesel cabin heater for showers in winter-time using a very simple shell and tube heat exchanger before the heater's exhaust pipe. About to order the parts for that experiment. Obviously I can get lots of summertime hot water off the heat pump in the AC system , since the refrigerant - if I go with R-410a - gets up to around 160F. Thanks very MUCH for this series. I am seriously impressed with the quality of thinking that it reflects.
In hot climates, like say Arizona where I live, our houses use somewhere around 33 BTU/sq ft for cooling (have (2) 60,000 BTU a/c units for my 3600 sq ft house). A van is ~100 sq ft. So simple math would mean that in a hotter climate you would only need 3,300 BTU to keep up in these hot climates. The issue is that the R-value in a van/boat/RV is terrible compared to a house, and the % of higher heat capacity materials in a van/boat/RV is much higher than in a house. So when you are out for the day and you van/boat/RV gets up to 88 degrees inside it takes a lot more BTU's / sq ft to cool it back down than your house does. Because of this you end up needing a system 2-3 times larger in these climates in these types of vehicles than you think you would need. My 30' boat (cabin cruiser) has a 12,000 BTU A/C in it and there are times when I think its not enough when you are out on a lake in the summer in AZ...
No link... check the top comment on the AC video... we give you some details. It is a ProAir, so you pretty much just have to go to their site and find a salesman to answer the phone! Customer service not great, but tech support and the product itself is AWESOME!
You have to buy direct from the manufacture. Go to PROAIR website and you can get a number for the sales department! Wish we could get you a link, but they are not set up that way!
No we di dnot wanted 12volt for sure. OUr AC is very efficient... we can run it for several hours per day on hot and sunny days witout plugging in to shore power!
2:07 😆 "we most definitely have a tremendous amount of sex".
For anyone interested, here are the part numbers and prices from proair:
05001198 compressor $760
50000880 condenser $510
50001223 evaporator $327
Did you pull the trigger on a kit? Care to share more parts you ended up ordering if so? Still seems cheaper route than a cruise n comfort.
I been binging on older videos and stumbled on this series. And it's amazes me how right you got this. You managed to take all the comforts of home into a tiny space. I seen alot of videos on van builds and yours by far is the best.
Two years later and we are still happy with it too!!
"We've absolutely had a tremendous amount of sex" 12:04 lol
He's got sex on his mind.
Get outta the gutter guys!! Lol
It was a slip of the tounge. Funny
A very nice thought out van build.
So I was sitting on the edge of my seat, paying close attention to your every word... And then I fell out of my chair, dying of laughter! 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for the laugh!
Informed, well thought out, well presented. Thank you so much.
Glad it was helpful!
By far, the best video concerning solar energy powering air-conditioning a RV video.
Thanks for the kind words!
12:06 Greatest part 😎
Lol
I bet you had a tremendous amount of *** 12:07 hhahah like the fact that there is no editing. But very informative video.
Your not the first to catch that, doubt you will be the last. Cheers, thanks for watching!
This is what I mean by in-depth real information. Thank you
Great vid. Don't forget, you can have supplemental solar panels that you set-up outside your vehicle that connect to your main charging system by an extension cord.
Great tip!
We used a 2" soft insulation blanket on our windshield.
Then one night I was sitting around the campfire with a cheap "Mylar" -
blanket over my legs and it dawned on me just how much heat it stopped.
The next day I used that Mylar blanket on the outside of my windshield.
$.02
It was way better than the insulation on the inside of the glass. $.02
The glass still got warm, but not hot.
Of course in the winter that 2" blanket goes back up when we use the bus for fishing or camping.
Good thinking!!!
👍Good talk & info. THANK YOU. 💝
👍😉Glad you guys are absolutely having lots fun ☺️@12:05😉🤗💞🤗
We are having fun... We've got so much to be thankful for! Thanks for watching our vids!
In Search of a Van Now and I definitely want A/C....This is So Helpful!!! Thank you 🚛🚛🚛🚛🚛🚛
I recently did an experiment for lowering the heat in my Van when parking for longer periods of time. I bought this silver perforated sunblocker tarp for RV awnings. Just having that draped over the SUN facing side of the entire van and front windows made a huge difference. Before i had to have the ac on. You can find it cheap! if you are planning to go to very sunny places it's worth checking it out. It will substantially lower your AC power consumption.
THANKS... we will look into it!
we bought the unit thru proair... The website is clumsy at best, but we love our 12 volt undermount unit. Your best bet is to call and speak with a "specialist". The order process was not easy because they are not set up to deal with DIY van builders, but once we got the parts, the Tech Dept was great at helping us during our install! Wish we were able to give you guys better info.... We tried to work with them to set up something that would make it easy for folks to get this unit, but they did not seem interested. You've just got to call and get your order figured out with the sales team! But, we highly recommend the AC!
www.proairllc.com/
Thank you for this! I have recently started an upfitting company and came back to this video specifically to find the mini-split system that you installed. Enjoy the travels :)
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Love the thumbnail. Made me chuckle to see you so serious.
😁
Love it there! Lake Wenatchee is where I camp
Thank you Curt. I am planning on traveling with my 2 cats Ragdoll and Professor Plum. I plan on doing solar for AC to keep the van cool for the cats. Ragdoll looks a lot like Vanna with Gs personality
Best of luck! The kitties make the van feel like a home for sure! It is really their van, they just let us live int it! LOL! We actually did a whole video on Van Life With Cats. Here is the link! th-cam.com/video/L_eBqKOcmzw/w-d-xo.html
It'd be interesting to know more about the actual components. I'm guessing that they may be components that are intended to be used on a battery-electric-vehicle. Well the compressor at least, the other components are present on combustion engine vehicles.
We address the AC a bit more in this video:
th-cam.com/video/x17k-58btkY/w-d-xo.html
Ah okay, after watching the QA I understand the lack of specifics.
After viewing this video I was able to find what is probably the same equipment. I'm in Australia so would be unlikely to use the distributor you have. The distributor I found is marketing the kits towards truckies needing to sleep in cab. The complete kit is about Aud$6K, which is way more than I'm interested in spending.
@@jaymiddleton772 Call RenCool in Australia... Or order the components Direct from China on Alibaba, If You Dare... 🤔😬🤣 Shanghai Benling Scroll Compressor. From what I can tell, RenCool is buying these & just having the manufacturer rebrand them.
Excellent info. I learned a lot. I'm a little stumped about the efficiency of the roof fans.
Honestly, we were Leary ourselves, but they work great! Roof box is not air or water tight... Plenty of sir gets in! ☺️
@@SnowAndCurt Cool! I would have made it airtight, so that's good!
Thank you for this. Very informative. I’m not really a van lifer. I’m a guy who needs to build a rolling office. I need it cool and comfortable around the clock, even if I’m not in the vehicle. So my needs aren’t exactly well covered by the typical van life videos. This video might be what I need though. 12 volt AC and a big ol’ stand by battery pack.
Oh, and you’re from Orlando! Perfect! I’m in Jacksonville but make weekly trips to Orlando.
Could you make a video on how to build and install this type of ac?
I wonder if someone could fabricate a mini awning that attaches with magnets above windows when the sun is really beating down (while you're parked & when wind isn't really a factor). If you could keep the window on the sun side of the van shaded without ruining your view, it might make a big difference inside.
That is a great idea!
Great information and very helpful! If I could offer some sort of advice it would be to back away from the camera a little bit and add more b-roll. Keep the good information coming!! Cheers!
Thanks for the nice review of your AC build. Could you give us a detailed list of parts used, including part numbers, thanks.
Check the first comment on the AC video. It's hard for us to give us the exact parts list. You need to get on the phone with a sales rep from proair. Wish we could be more helpful!
Snow & Curt I’ve noticed in a few comments you refer people to “the AC video.” For the life of me I can’t seem to find the video you’re referring to on your channel. Can you post a link or give me the exact video title so I know where to look for this comment you speak of? Thanks so much, love your channel!
12:05 we've absolutely had a tremendous amount of sex. LOL Freudian slip? loving the tech talk series
Ha... Your only the second person that commented on catching that skip! Lol
Great video 👍🏻
The higher the voltage the more efficient the unit. I have an Innovair 38 SEER 240volt residential (heat pump) a/c and heat for my van that runs on alternating current. Here are the stats on case study:
Start and ended outside temp at 30 degrees F and inside maintained 66 degrees F
6264Wh/24h = 261W average use! Maintaining an average amp of less than 1 amp (.463 amps). Amazing efficiency!
That’s really good
What type of vehicle do you have--I still haven't managed to come up with a good way to rig one of those units in an extended cargo van?
@@2o3ief get the rooftop version or if you get the slit, mount the compressor on the back door
excellent video. Great detail. Thanks for posting this info...
Glad it was helpful!
Haha, I just commented on another video saying how I just ran across y'all's channel and how much I liked your van. I told ya I was looking at the 12v cruise and comfort AC. Something told me this couple is from Florida, this is the next video I went to and sure enough you said you're from Orlando. I'm from New Smyrna Beach FL, so now I'm super excited I ran across your channel because coming from Florida we know how important air-conditioning is. This has been one of if not the most concerning part of the build for me. Considering I'm still in the researching phase. I was thinking 1000w of solar and around 630amp hours of lithium batteries and probably somewhere between 3 to 4000w inverter with a second Alternator as well and shore power that way I have 3 ways of charging. I know the insulation is the most important part really so I'm going to take your advice and check out that gentleman's video you recommended. I was thinking of thinsulate and Havelock I think it's called. But I want to make sure I insulate everything really good. What I really thought would help is building some kind of partition right behind the seats with a pocket door or something but that would take away so much room and seating so I'm not so sure on that one.
ADVICE: we did not insulate the area over the cab... and we SHOULD HAVE! GO thru the headache and do the extra work to insulate it!
@@SnowAndCurt thanks!
12:05 it must work pretty good then. 😂
With such a huge attic, why not install rooftop AC? Seems like the perfect place for it and it would reduce the beating that it takes from road debris, being under-mounted. Another benefit would be freeing up space under-chassis for larger water/waste tanks, etc.
We wanted a duct system to have vents in specific locations, the undermount ac is very quiet in cab, we wanted two maxx air fans, and we have heard horror stories of roof ac leaks! It’s what worked for us... cool thing about a diy van is you build it specific to your needs. A roof ac would likely fit nicely under the attic.
Can you provide links to where you bought the components?
Thanks for another excellent video. Like others, I am planning to install a split AC summer to yours, but installation details are hard to find. I'll read your replies to comments and hope to find more good info there.
Thanks for the kind words.. and good luck with your van ac!
what is the best AC underbody?
I need to find a detailed video for a truck camper that mounts under the bed. I think this video is on par with what I would like to do but on much larger scale.
Where did you purchase the components from @snow & curt
Thx for video. I watch a video showing a/c on a guy's boat. He reckoned 200watts max power and after about 30mins just used 60 watts to maintain. He said he done me months of research and stumble across a compressor which is design for the military to kill down their weapons or something in the desert. He was offering to sell AC units for people's boats I guess that's why you wouldn't tell us the name of the compressor where he got it from. I'm in Australia and 7am it can be above 90°F with + 80 humidity. Cheers
wow that´d make it reaaaally difficult without AC I guess
In the Canary Islands we can reach 100 in summer for a couple of weeks....I´m still trying to find out how to survive in a van
do u know the guys name or yt channel to find the video?
Just subscribed! Great presentation and good info!
Welcome aboard!
Can you make a video on how to make van interiors steady and proper insulation?
We refer you to two insulation videos by Greg virgoe... link in the comments of the video. He goes thru the insulation process crazy good!!
We will continue to roll our videos on our van build over the next 1-2 months... hopefully we get your questions answered!
How much would you estimate your materials cost for your solar tilt and electric and AC system total cost?
We are going to roll out a few videos soon that break down the costs of our van!
Nice videos, thanks.
You are welcome!! 🚐🛠
12:30 is when he speaks about the ac
Thanks
Thank you
Would you think a mini split could sit up under the van and not get full of dirt and such? Some roads are just completely crazy for dust and dirt? Would it ok laying on its side thereby laying flat against the hull? Love your vids guys.
12:06 less of that and you should see lower temperature inside the van.
😂🤣😂
Is the compressor your purchased variable speed? I bought one and I think it’s just on off so I’m a little concerned about it’s efficiency.
We have a tremendous amount of (sex) success. 😂😂😂😂 sorry I heard it so had to bring it up. Great vids 👍🏻🏴
No worries! Three folks so far have caught the slip up... LOL.... you guys must be in the gutter! LOL
Snow & Curt I’ve seen you in a property at times so do you rent a home at times or rent your property out when on road? Great vids 👍🏻🏴
Man you didn’t even stop either, just kept going like it never happened! Haha nice. I’m from Melbourne just east of Orlando. Good to see fellow Floridians make a go at van life. It’d be cool to see a van build specifically for “weathering” the hot summers we have here.
Great advice. Thank you.
Thank you!
Thanks for another great video. I would like to know what type, brand, volts, amps hours are your battery. Thanks
We have 8 gbs lithium ion batteries... 100 amp each.
@@SnowAndCurt 12v 100Ah? Wow that is a very nice setup!
So how many btus does the system offer? Hopefully at 1080W it's not limited to the 7500 btu compressor. Thank you! Great video!
I didn’t find the air conditioner you used on you Amazon lists
Where did you source the condenser, evaporator, and compressor?
Truma sells the ProAir 12V compressor unit for $750 (it's not cheap - $1349 MSRP). This is the same compressor used in Hymer and Roadtrek Class B RV's. The evaporator looks like some version of an aftermarket A/C often used in hot-rod/custom car applications. I would like info about the condenser, though, and if it includes the receiver-drier.
Everything came from ProAir... we have reached out to them to try to get a discount code or something for you guys, but no verdict yet. It took a few phone calls with a salesman to put together the components we needed... they don’t have a “van bundle”... we told them that they need one. If we get a discount code or anything that will help you guys in the future, we will be sure to let everyone know!
@@SnowAndCurt can you tell us the details models numbers, dimensions, and prices you paid?
Hi guys any word on a discount code for the AC bundle from pro air that you’ve been bugging them for!? I’m interested! Thanks for all you share with us all!
I'm with everyone else... I'd like some more information on part numbers and sizing for the components. We're building a day traveler that we would like to also cool when the Sprinter is turned off and on battery power.
There goes my hope to fit an AC in my future van. I won't have nearly the solar set up you're running. That's a bit of a bummer, since we live in about the same climate as you do in Florida. Oh well, you can't have it all. 😉
It does take a bit of solar, for sure! Maybe plan your van where you can add on later?? And two Maxx air fans will help a ton!
I'll never have enough solar, since I want a deck on the roof and just won't have the space, @@SnowAndCurt. The two Maxx fans are a must though. And yes, I also watched Greg's videos about insulation already (isn't he just marvellous?) and won't cut corners in that department. 😉
indeed very well done
tytyty
Thanks bruce montgomery... Cheers!
I saw some people installing 5,000 btu window style AC. What are your thoughts on using those? I am thinking of installing 2 of those in 2 different aras of the van to have localized cooling as needed.
We just did not want a window unit to be seen from the outside... other than that, if it works for you, go for it and let us know how it turns out.
It's all about how much power is being consumed. Might as well go for a mini-split if you are thinking window ac units. Mini-splits are a LOT more conservative with power.
Thanks for the video! Do you have the part info for the AC components you got from ProAir LLC?
We do not.... best thing to do is reach out to their customer service. Read our comment at the top of the comment section for that video.
What do you think about a Cruise n Comfort VES system?
I looked at them. I think they are pricey$$$
If you were to build the system again do would you still mount the compressor under the van? or would you mount it inside the van? how loud and hot does it get? thanks!
How much a Pros or cost?
Thanks for the videos , thumbs up
Lol the only thing i want to know about is the shower.... it keeps being mentioned but....
Shower tech vid is next... prob five days out!! Everybody has so many questions... we are trying man... I promise!! Lol!!
@@SnowAndCurt
I too want to know about the shower.
Work nights bud. Get Snow to make a lot of coffee - insert an I.V. - and snap to it. LOL (*_*)
Actually - we are all very grateful,
someone of your obvious talent -
is taking the time to let us in on things.
That looks like an amazing build.
I wasn't going to ask a question -
but since I have applied the butter, I might just as well get it out.
Have you done anything special to the suspension?
Air lifts - or heavier springs or struts - air lift seats - anything?
Hi great I would like to copy the installation but I cant find a list of the bits and bobs that you used where you purchased them from etc
Curt should be getting a few follow up videos out this month on the build... He's going to get you guys more info on the AC. We got it from proair, but it was a difficult purchase process.... Once we actually got the parts, the tech support was amazing... But just giving a list of what we bought is hard. Curt is going to gather as much info as he can for you guys!
@@SnowAndCurt First, thanks for sharing this great information!
I'd be really grateful if would share the components of the AC system. It also would be nice to see a drawing and listing of where you put all the components and how all the the system plumbing was routed.
I'm sorry I missed you when you were in Seattle, & the PNW, as a life long resident of WA, it would have been great to share my favorite places that I'm sure you would have enjoyed.
I look forward to hearing back from you,
All the best,
Mo-
Thank you so much for this great video!! I’m curious, where can I find the types of roof fans that’s you use to circulate air through your van? (And they still work with the roof box as long as it’s not air/water tight. Does that not cause any problems when caught in bad weather?) thank you!
Maxx Air Fans (deluxe) - yes they work with the roof box -- -the box is not air tight and has plenty of ventilation!
Your equipment list from Amazon does not include the a/c components. Where did you source them?
ProAir... it takes some time on the phone with a salesman to get a bundle that you need! It’s not available via amazon!
Know the name of the rep you used @ ProAir?
How about your mobile set up and how it works in different countries.
i found a "hounditioner" it is a dog house air conditioner that can cool up to 90 cu ft. which means maybe the bed area in a van or have it blowing directly on you when your parked. here is the link--- www.petmoods.com/hounditioner-dog-house-air-conditioner-pet-a-c-unit-by-akoma/
i would like to know appx how long i could run it with a 500 w solar array and 400 amp hours of agm batteries. it is small and it wouldnt work for huge vans or motor homes. but a smaller van maybe it would be viable. just to take the edge off the heat.
Every AC unit is different, you would want to talk to someone who has this in their van. I’ve seen a vantour with this in it... I just can’t remember who it was. But, there are some folks out there that have done it!
@@SnowAndCurt i have seen that too which is how i found it out. i was just hoping for more detailed "real knowledge" kind of thing . you seem to know so much. maybe i was just hoping you would say "yes its awesome" lol.
If this is the Fresair there’s a needed min of 15degree angle for the condenser
Very nice build. What brand is that 12v AC. Can it be install diy?
It’s a ProAir... we installed it ourselves, but it gave us a fit! The tech support guys cane thru for us and we finally got it running!
Can you go more into the attic assembly? What did you use I believe 8020 but photos how you mounted it to the van and whatnot?
Did you see our solar tech talk video?? It goes into more detail on the attic.
I did in will rewatch it.
Can you run that AC unit indefinitely if you are plugged in to shore power?
Yes we can.
@@SnowAndCurt Awesome, I think I want to do this. Your videos are fabulous!
What I'm interested in is seeing the installation, how it's setup for control (do you have a smart control unit for it?)
We did not video the install... not sure if we can get to the components now to do a proper video for you. We will look into it. Yes, we have a smart controller.
@@SnowAndCurt I was thinking a solar array like yours with a layer underneath that extend on sliders which then act as your canopy while simultaneously doubling your solar intake, would be ideal for use with an AC. On the very hottest days if you have the van closed up and rely only on the AC, how well does it do at keeping it cool inside while in direct sun? Can it run while you're driving?
Curious too to know the pipes you used, is it gassed or are you using fluid coolant?
I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge! Your systems and engineering are very impressive. I am currently working on a similar air conditioning design and I was wondering where you were able to find an electric compressor?
We bought our components through ProAir (just google for their website)!
@@SnowAndCurt Thanks!
DC uses much less power.
Great videos. Do you have any problems with the external AC compressor section being underneath the solar section? It also needs airflow -- do you always raise the panels when you use the air-conditioner?
We do not have a roof mount AC... our ac is mounted under chassis... not under the solar. The maxx air fans are under the solar and there is enough ventilation for them to work just fine with the panels closed.
Great info.! Do you have a link for your AC unit? What is the dimension for your condenser for the under mount?
We do not have a link. You need to contact ProAir Sales Department. To be honest, they are a bit of a pain to work with... they are not set up to deal with single unit buyers, but once you get it purchased.... the tech support department is AMAZING to work with and helped us get everything installed ourselves. Although it is a bit of a hassle to buy, we do still recommend it, it works great for us. I also did not take measurements of the components before installing. Sorry I could not be more help.
Love the videos...where did you get the 12v a/c components from? I'm very interested in a similar setup for my 170 Ext. Sprinter. Thanks
Pro Air. Best bet is to go to their website and get in touch with a sales rep!
wondering about dehumidifying in this equation. passive setups with silica gel? calcium chloride can get airborne toxic. the color changing blue silica can also be toxic(airborne cobalt). orange to green silica has methyl violet in it(also toxic) but its supposedly 'food grade'?? I'm getting some of the uncolored to experiment .
also like the idea of a fan intake under carriage(reinforce screen to keep critters out)
I am definitely interested in dehumidifying and would love to hear more from someone who is doing it.
A compressor AC is also dehumidifying. In fact, Willis Carrier was looking to invent a dehumidifier when he invented the AC.
@@lorcro2000 see my comment above. I am convinced that dehumidifying the interior is as important as heating or cooling it. And it is fairly easy to do if you rout the circulating air past the evaporator and cool it below the dewpoint.
Cover Heat too
Curious what model sprinter you have, and what mods you had to make to mount the condensor in that location. I've got a 2009 3500 dually, 170 extended, and the 105 condensor doesn't fit *anywhere*
any updates on how to get the parts for the AC. Seems that my only other options is CnC and is pricey.
You just do not get much help form ProAir... but, the sales guys will eventually help you get what you need.... then the tech department was FANTASTIC at helping us thru the install. But, the ProAir option is pretty pricey as well! We reached out again to try to get some sort of process for you guys, but the best we have for ya is to just go to their website and have an open mind... they are use to dealing with big companies and not us little guys!
fresh subscriber and appreciating your tech, thanks for putting in the work. Do you have instagram?
Yes... @SnowAndCurt
Have you looked at the Fresair unit, which claims to have a power draw comparable to a vent fan,
We have not
That's kind of a joke. It's an overpriced swamp cooler. So it won't do anything except in the dry southest. The other 3/4 of the country you'll still be dying
I've been planning an AC system like this and thought about combining an evaporative water cooling panel immediately in-line with the dry AC output air, to further cool the air and perhaps need less electrical power overall. Since the AC dries the air, it seems possible to re-humidify the air (perhaps even with the AC drain water), for more cooling. Have you considered this idea?
We did not... but coming from Florida, even after the ac dries the air, you still have humidity. We were not (and still are not) AC experts... but your idea is probably a great one in drier climates! Let us know how it turns out if you try it!!
@@SnowAndCurt Version 2 you can put a water condenser heat exchange and use condensing heat to heat your water ;)
Hmmmmm.... Interesting!
Do you have a generator or inverter as a back up if you have cloudy, stormy days?
Second inverter
I’m finally making progress with proair.I was wondering who did your hoses? Did you use flex and did proair supply them? Thanks
All hoses and ducts come ready to go from proair. All clamps and everything. You get enough duct and vents and fittings to do 4 vents throughout the van.
I’m sorry I should have specified refrigeration hoses. Thanks for answering I really appreciate it.
How noisy is the AC? We have roof AC and it is maddeningly loud. How does yours compare with any roof models you have been around? Thanks so much for your videos!!
Not too much experience with any roof models, so can't compare for you. AC is not too loud at all.
Is not an AC(power) more efficient than a DC unit?
An AC unit can draw as little as less than 200 Watts
What is the catch here...
Im interested in installing this unit but for use only when plugged into shore power. Is there a certain size battery bank required + inverter/charger (while hooked up to shore power) required to power a 12v AC? I wonder if the AC would drain the 12V batteries faster than the inverter/charger can charge if the battery bank is too small.
Not sure. When we are plugged in and are running the AC at a pretty good clip... we are usually balanced out on the charge. Maybe that helps you.
you can use an 12v industrial psu. or get a 1000w 12v Server psu for almost free
They draw about 50a, so depending on how much solar you have and what you're plugged into you might run at a deficit.
Get a good inverter charger like the Victron Multiplus 3000. It can be programmed to limit draw from shore power to like 13a to not overload a 15a circuit. That gives you up to 90a at 12v to run it and charge batteries...no problem
Bus Grease Monkey who has a TH-cam channel is successfully running his Mr Cool mini-split off of solar in his bus. He has solar panels on top of the bus and uses a big bank of Battleborn batteries. It's an extensive and expensive setup but it can be done.
thanks for the tip for our viewers to check out another method... sharing knowledge is awesome!
he does have a massive bank and bus covered with solar panels though.
ProAir has been a impossible to deal with so I am winging it. Did you use a dryer on your condenser?
Really an A/C dryer is necessary with any A/C to make sure there's no moisture trapped in the refrigerant.
Curious what you mean by winging it :)
The condenser must be cleaned regularly given there is more dust below the vehicle, especially if you take the roads less travelled. But I am appreciative of your design of the van. You have done everything correct possible. Even I would prefer placing a half ton portable AC down rather than roof AC!
We are prepped for the maintenance of the system... so far we are pleased that we went with undermount!!
Love your build. Have 2 questions. 1 How long can you run AC battery only without solar? 2 How long it takes to charge your batt with alternator not using solar?
If we go to bed with batteries at 95%+ and run the air throughout the night.... We wake up at about 55% battery (approx 9pm to 6am). We don't really have any hard days for you.
Also... Have not ran the alternator without solar.... So, no hard data.
The reason I ask I saw a van conversion same battery supply and double alternator but no solar. Says he can charge his battery up with little time. Just checking to see if that possible.
Thanks for your reply
I'm sure it is... Especially if you do quite a bit of driving per day. Best guess... . One hour of driving probably charges 10%ishof our battery bank (which is big - a smaller bank would prob charge faster???).... That's just a hunch! Something to consider is, what if your alternator dies?? Maybe at least a little solar as a back up???
Another great video!
But, your use of watts for both energy and power is confusing to the reader, and watts per hour doesn't make sense. Watts is a measure of power (energy per unit of time) (watt-hours per hour). Energy is measured in watt-hours. Since your panels are connected to deliver 50+ volts and your batteries are delivering power at 12+ volts, you have a mixed voltage system. It would be clearer to the reader if you used watt-hours exclusively for energy and watts for power.
I don't mean to be picky about this. Most of the confusion results from the USA using the term amp-hours for stored energy, when this implies a 12v system, and is confusing when applied to a mixed voltage system. Watt-hours as energy is universal in that it applies to a system of any voltage, whereas amp-hours as used in the USA implies a 12v system. A 24v battery of 50 amp-hours would have the same energy storage capacity as a 12v battery of 100 amp-hours. Both have an energy capacity of 1200 watt-hours. Using watt-hours instead of amp-hours would save you a lot of explaining in a mixed voltage system.
Keep those good videos coming! You're doing great work.
We've had a few folks point this out... Guess it shows that I'm just a guy that built a van! Lol!! In all seriousness,thank you for the feedback and explanation!
amazon link not working for me, looking for your 2 fans in rear!
we will log in and update the links... thanks for the heads up!
www.amazon.com/shop/snowandcurt?listId=2EJ9J4L9YDFZI&ref=cm_sw_em_r_inf_list_own_snowandcurt_dp_ZXjPI5zEW7uCx
@@SnowAndCurt wow thanks you are quick, just saw crash vid, downhill bicycle helmet minimum.. well vented.
Where's the link for the ac?
No link... to buy one you have to go directly thru ProAir... by calling their customer service line. Website is easy to find with a google search. We will warn you that the buying process is frustrating, they are used to dealing with large companies... but, once you get one purchased, the support desk was top notch at helping with install troubleshooting!
A window air con uses 350 watts?
That's low... how many btus? Are you happy with it?
@@SnowAndCurt I don't have one. Campervan Kevin on you tube has one. That's the watts he used I think, and I think it was 5000 BTUs. Check out his channel.
A single non-split unit like that is vastly less efficient than a split system like this one. So you get less for your wattage. Plus noise, a system like this is hidden away and muffled, not literally in your face. But yeah, a Frigidaire that draws 400-something watts will work, but you can hardly compare it to a real 12 volt system when it comes to efficiency.
@@lorcro2000 maybe I don't know for sure. The 12v system used alot of watts. Forgot what BTU it was but I thought if the window one uses 400w you could run it longer? With all that solar I thought he would be able to use it for longer.
@@johnathanpearson3203 Sure, fewer watts used means longer run time, but there's also the issue of how much you get for your watts. Also, comfort, and looks. A window unit looks horrible shoved through a van wall, too. AC is just a very energy intensive thing to do, and the math is the math. 600 watts for a 12-volt AC is actually quite low, a normal RV rooftop unit is twice that. You can do AC for long times with either a generator or domestic power connected to the van via cable, but AC over battery - even big and expensive batteries - is not easy, and certainly not cheap.
I have been trying to contact someone at proair or find a dealer. Any ideas?
Call their sales department... we dealt directly with proair. Sorry they are not easier to work with...
@@SnowAndCurt Thanks
@@SnowAndCurt I'm sure someone has asked or you said but how many amps does it pull and does it run off the alternator while driving?
I sm still quite puzzled by how much AC people seem to imagine they need.
I understand that where I live in Port Townsend is more like Leavenworth, and even more comfortable, cuz we are on the water. But I am baffled at the idea that anyone (even with a dark paintjob) would need even 6000 BTU/hr to cool a space that can be heated using a 2.5-5 KW/hr diesel heater. I have not built an Energy+ or other building sim modeling software model of my Sprinter yet, but I have to say that this seems really odd.
We are literally at Olympia national park this week... you are right... there is no need for AC up here... in fact, we really haven’t really needed it since Michigan! But, we are from Florida... and any AC help you van get in sub-tropic weather is a plus!! As far as sizing the AC, you are somewhat limited on your choices... especially if you do not want a roof or window model! Oh... and the small portable AC units that you use water in.... they won’t work in humid environments!!
PS... we love your Peninsula up here, one of the most beautiful places we’ve been!
I very much agree with most of what you have built in this van. Probably more than you can imagine, from the tilting array to the recirculating shower and especially the way you used heat exchangers - I built recirculating showers and pretty innovative refrigeration into cruising sailboats in the 1980s and put a tilting tracking solar array on my Rialta/LaSharo a few years ago, and I still make split heat pumps out of window mount AC units. But I remain unconvinced that it needs to take a full KW of cooling to keep a box this size comfortable unless perhaps the air temp under the van is in the mid to upper 90s.
Danfoss has an excellent online compressor specifying tool that lets you select cooling power required (in fractional KW), refrigerant (ie R-134a, R-410a, R-600, etc), technology (scroll or reciprocating), fixed or variable speed, voltage (115, 230, 12-24, etc) and it predicts COP, etc. and provides graphical or excel output. It will even let you design heat/cool systems with reversing valves! It is called coolselector-2 and it is free to use.
www.danfoss.com/en/service-and-support/downloads/dcs/coolselector-2/coolselector-eula/#tab-overview
My last big project was a "waste heat" heated greenhouse that connected a 3000 SF heated soil commercial greenhouse to a 20' cold storage box made from an uninsulated van body using a heatpump hacked from a windowmount AC unit I got off Craigslist, that made the hot water to heat the soil in the greenhouse to 80F using the sunshine and warm air that hit the outside of the cold storage box, and the heated air expelled from the greenhouse, and the latent heat of the moisture condensed from the air in the cold storage. That whole system ran on a 12,000 BTU/hr AC unit that was typically running about a 30% duty cycle. So running 8 hrs per day, starting in late February, it gave us cukes and tomatoes in April and May, months ahead of other farms in the region.
The trick that made this possible was a rethink of "ventilated facade technology" - insulation based on moving air, instead of normal passive insulation. Because even with sprayfoam you can only get about R-8 using passive insulation. I will be using this double wall moving air technology in Sprinter, and pulling recirculating warm air through the diesel cabin heater, or cool air from outside from below, or pulling recirculating chilled air through the evaporator, like a portable dehumidifier, which is what I may actually end up hacking for the heat pump in the Sprinter, cuz it is about the right size, even though it's 115 volts and I have some 12-24V Danfoss compressors that are fairly close.
I am very concerned with moisture and condensation as critical factors in indoor air quality. My first van-build, in the early 1970s, got way too wet inside in winter (too small for 2 bodies and cooking with gas) and the humidity trashed the lacquer finish on 2 of my electric guitars and got some of our stuff musty.
Pretty sure I can get "hot enough" water off the exhaust gas stream from the diesel cabin heater for showers in winter-time using a very simple shell and tube heat exchanger before the heater's exhaust pipe. About to order the parts for that experiment. Obviously I can get lots of summertime hot water off the heat pump in the AC system , since the refrigerant - if I go with R-410a - gets up to around 160F.
Thanks very MUCH for this series.
I am seriously impressed with the quality of thinking that it reflects.
In hot climates, like say Arizona where I live, our houses use somewhere around 33 BTU/sq ft for cooling (have (2) 60,000 BTU a/c units for my 3600 sq ft house). A van is ~100 sq ft. So simple math would mean that in a hotter climate you would only need 3,300 BTU to keep up in these hot climates. The issue is that the R-value in a van/boat/RV is terrible compared to a house, and the % of higher heat capacity materials in a van/boat/RV is much higher than in a house. So when you are out for the day and you van/boat/RV gets up to 88 degrees inside it takes a lot more BTU's / sq ft to cool it back down than your house does. Because of this you end up needing a system 2-3 times larger in these climates in these types of vehicles than you think you would need. My 30' boat (cabin cruiser) has a 12,000 BTU A/C in it and there are times when I think its not enough when you are out on a lake in the summer in AZ...
wheres the link to the ac unit
No link... check the top comment on the AC video... we give you some details. It is a ProAir, so you pretty much just have to go to their site and find a salesman to answer the phone! Customer service not great, but tech support and the product itself is AWESOME!
I didn't see any of those undermount AC parts in your Amazon store?
You have to buy direct from the manufacture. Go to PROAIR website and you can get a number for the sales department! Wish we could get you a link, but they are not set up that way!
Did you consider 115V mini-split AC? How efficient is your 12V AC compared to something like that?
No we di dnot wanted 12volt for sure. OUr AC is very efficient... we can run it for several hours per day on hot and sunny days witout plugging in to shore power!
No links to the components?
Check the video comments... The top comment explains it!