Another tip, if you are gonna tint your windows make sure to get a ceramic tint. Regular tint doesn't do much to keep heat out, its more for looks and privacy.
Very informative. Another topic which is timely and important is how to keep the van safe 1. When you leave the van 2. When you are in the van at night. Are there any security equipment that can help deter unwanted robbers. This is a big problem for people living in the van.
Id say you could also throw a fan in the bed area and blow air out into the main part of the van, and that could help circulate the cold air better as well as a really nice breeze without needing the ac on in that area if you zip down the partition. Really nice van
Thank you!! this was excellent beginner information for a beginner who will be traveling with pets. A parrot and a cat!! I have thought of some of these things but didn’t even know how to begin to implement them. Thank you for providing this first piece to the puzzle for me
Also with vans (I have a RAM Promaster), once you stop/park all that heat from the engine, exhaust system and other parts of the van will transfer to the inside of the van until the those systems cool off. If it's shady or dark out I like to open the windows and slider door for a bit if I can to let that heat escape the inside of the van.
Cool dude....thank you for explaining this in simple terms!!! Was turned onto ur vid after seeing Nomadic do a vid on AC inside his shop vs. outside. This info really helps. Thanks!!!!
I live in Arizona and in the summer it stays HOT, the asphalt soaks up all that heat and locks it in and during the summer, at night it’s not unusual for it to be 100 at night and won’t dip below 90 during the coolest part of the night. I’m actually looking to move away from Arizona because the summers are just TOO much, I’ve lived here for over 20yrs now and I think my time here is done. Also, ceramic tint does actually help to reflect the summer heat here in AZ, I’ve put it on all my vehicles after I first tried it years ago, just a tip. 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼
Thanks for this, Talon. Very helpful. I just had installed in my van 4 /100 amp hour batteries and 3000 watt inverter. Also currently running the same old Coleman unit you had. Did a lot of research and will be ordering the Nomadic 3000 this week. Its the most costly option I’ve looked at, but hopefully will do the best job and last the longest. We live in Southern California and camp a lot so definitely don’t want to mess around with lesser units. I won’t get the power range you do with 6 batteries, but it should work well.
@@audreyp7653generators are getting better fuel efficiency with inverter technology. They may be an excellent option when the sun isn't out for a week or two and still hot. And you don't have much of a solar battery section. I would move to a hybrid system at first. Believe it or not your going to need a generator at some point. I would then buy a solar generator or a smaller van build probably a Solid state lithium.
What about also covering the entire van with an insulated cover with openings for the AC or fans while out for a few hours? Also if parking on concrete, laying down an insulated cover underneath and park on it? I do have a pet so sometimes he would need to be left in there? Assuming having high lithium amp batteries and 2nd alternator.
I'm just learning about your channel as I'm writing this! Thanks, utube. This is exactly up my alley. That 2nd alternator-- game changer all the way! I've been wanting to use my vehicle as a home generator, so to speak. Love your teaching videos! Thank you so much! Question, do you have to have lithium batteries for your set up?
Can you still run the a/c if the bed is up and you’re using your CAV bench and lagoon table? Great job covering this topic especially for Revel owners or wannabes!
Thanks Talon this was super helpful My trailer is still bran new so I’m not ready to upgrade yet, but I’ll probably do it in the future. Thanks man. ✌️
In the video you said your batteries only lasted 2 years... I was a bit surprised that wasn't longer. Do you have any thoughts on how to get a longer life period? Is there a longer lasting option?
Lithium is the longer lasting option. These vans used to come with AGM batteries and when living in the van full time, that’s when they only last about 2 years.
something you didn't mention, but something that a lot of people get wrong... reflectix. reflectix only works if there is like a 1" air gap. it only works for radiant heat, so putting foam/wool insulation on top of it makes it useless. your videos definitely helpful tho. i might separate my bed area like you did.
How many solar panels worth of watts on your car roof, do you need to be able to like work out of a car in a laptop for maybe 3 or 4 hours a day? Thanks.
Talon, did you originally have the Winnebago Sun Shades up front? The ones that weigh a ton? I find using those Winnebago stock sunshades still let in a lot of HEAT. We mounted a cheap pair of Walmart curtains to close off the front captain chairs. It works, but we lose the use of those chairs in hot weather. Can you comment on how well your new sun shades work compared to stock? 50%…100% better??? Thanks, great Video on the New A/C and Roam Rig setup.
I did have those and they were a pain to store and often when not placed right would let water inside when it’s raining around the doors. The new ones are much better at insulating and easier to store.
I do have it, but I never use it anymore after the lithium upgrade because I don't need to. I would rather spend nights in remote locations than packed campgrounds and RV parks.
This is very confusing, i have a 12v AC unit on 400kwh, and it easily cranks out at 60a-80a and will maybe last 8 hours before my batteries are drained completely. At this point I'm starting to wonder if my unit is just broken or something.
I’m a retired older lady who will be forced to give up my apartment & live in a van. I’m going to have my pets with me & am concerned about the weather temps. I know I can’t spend my summers or winters in the Midwest where I’m from, so I’m hoping I could stay in the Pacific NW (Oregon coast) during those times. From what I’ve heard, there isn’t a need for AC In the summers if you stay close to the coast, heat is another story.. If temps go below 40 degrees during winter, I will need some heat. My main concern tho is air conditioning because I will continue working & will have to leave my pets in the van while I work during the days. Not long shifts, more like 3-4 hours, but again, I’m concerned about it getting too hot for them during summer. Please advise.
Electric setup Hi just watch your video very interesting, I have 2014 Roadtrek Agile and added Added 600 amps lithium the same batteries you have new Houghtong air conditioning, 3000 Victron inverter, 3 Victron dc to dc 30 amps each total 90 amps engine running plus solar panels 300 amps, we sleep two nites with the a/c on all nite long Florida, after two days we still have above 27% plus two refrigerator. Extremely happy with our setup.
Don't be scared of using an inverter generator they are getting better and more efficient. May be more quiet than the old design. Could get a 5000 watt maybe pretty sweet if your away from people.
I would try to use a mini split. The keep the hot and cold sections seperale. The hot section may be better on the bottom if possible. You can take a window unit than modify it. Condenser on the bottom.
The window quilts should be silvered or white on the outside facing panel, otherwise you are creating a thermal solar panel, just like those outside boxes leaning against ypur hpuse sending heated air through a window vent. The air MUST absolutely be blocked from flowing; so velcro at the top and sides. The trick with white is to reflect the light back instead of letting black covert light into a lower wavelength we call heat, creating an efficient mini greenhouse effect. Wear a black T shirt and stand in the sun,. Now change into a white T, you can feel the difference immediately. Ideally the covering would be on the outside of the van, but that may not be practical. Also black looks empty, white looks occupied, depending what you want to say. Also, an idea to stop heat transferring via metal to inside; there's an insulating paint made of atmospherically evacuated tiny spheres with a centre void of vacuum. If you want to hand paint(! dukes of hazard) your trailer with this as an undercoat in certain areas say around door edges like you noted, or the roof. It also deadens noise, and generally is used for its insulating value where insulation can't fit. Applied 5" (I'm guessing) around the outside door trim it might halt the migration of heat along the seals into the van. You could also apply paint to the interior of the door and cabin walls. "ceramic additive dot com" website, "Hy-Tech Ceramic Paint Additive." Used on space shuttle. You can mix the spherical powder dry or get the paint pre-made. One final fun fact: cars' AC systems are rated about 12k BTU. I would run any AC when driving to cool the objects in back of the van, because that is what really keeps the room comfortable and stabilizes the temp beforehand, requiring less battery powered Air Con after arrival. The cool air is just a nice byproduct. AC is really Object Conditioning.
Ok I need an AC to cool my van as cool as a house. I don’t care what the cost is. Staying cool is my TOP priority.
How is your van setup? What is the power setup?
I was excited to click on this because I thought you were going to talk about the A/C that was shown on the thumbnail.
Another tip, if you are gonna tint your windows make sure to get a ceramic tint. Regular tint doesn't do much to keep heat out, its more for looks and privacy.
don't forget to ceramic clear tint windshield too. i have it on my car and it really cut down the heat.
20% does a lot. But ceramic does that much more. Dark tint doesn’t do NOTHING.
This channel is cool even without the A/C.
Most helpful AC video I’ve come across! Thanks Talon!
Glad it helped!
Very informative. Another topic which is timely and important is how to keep the van safe 1. When you leave the van 2. When you are in the van at night. Are there any security equipment that can help deter unwanted robbers. This is a big problem for people living in the van.
Solar security motion light on main entrance. Used heavy duty Velcro, put on at night take it off when you move.
After all windows are covered, I keep a radio on while away from vehicle.
Id say you could also throw a fan in the bed area and blow air out into the main part of the van, and that could help circulate the cold air better as well as a really nice breeze without needing the ac on in that area if you zip down the partition. Really nice van
Thank you!! this was excellent beginner information for a beginner who will be traveling with pets. A parrot and a cat!! I have thought of some of these things but didn’t even know how to begin to implement them. Thank you for providing this first piece to the puzzle for me
Great tips! Agree with the window coverings in the front cab. We just bought regular window coverings and it made a big difference.
Thanks for taking the time to post this. Super helpful!
I have a Remote temperature and humidity monitor with a power failure notification. It runs on the Verizon network and can monitor pets anywhere.
Would you mind sharing the name? Thanks.
@@kigo641 Waggle
Also with vans (I have a RAM Promaster), once you stop/park all that heat from the engine, exhaust system and other parts of the van will transfer to the inside of the van until the those systems cool off. If it's shady or dark out I like to open the windows and slider door for a bit if I can to let that heat escape the inside of the van.
And raise hood for a bit if possible.
I find it funny that this video instantly popped up on my feed but I had to go search for Sunday gunday video good ol TH-cam working it’s magic 😂
Thanks man. Just buying a 2019 transit van m searching for tips n tricks for the whole build. I'll keep learning from you n others! '
Even though I don't own a van/rv this was cool to watch. Always coming correct with the solid advice.
Cool dude....thank you for explaining this in simple terms!!! Was turned onto ur vid after seeing Nomadic do a vid on AC inside his shop vs. outside. This info really helps. Thanks!!!!
Love to see more of the data on running it continuously. Thanks.
Very detailed and informative. Thanks
Ver helpful. Answered many of my questions. Thanks!
I live in Arizona and in the summer it stays HOT, the asphalt soaks up all that heat and locks it in and during the summer, at night it’s not unusual for it to be 100 at night and won’t dip below 90 during the coolest part of the night. I’m actually looking to move away from Arizona because the summers are just TOO much, I’ve lived here for over 20yrs now and I think my time here is done.
Also, ceramic tint does actually help to reflect the summer heat here in AZ, I’ve put it on all my vehicles after I first tried it years ago, just a tip. 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼
Thanks for this, Talon. Very helpful. I just had installed in my van 4 /100 amp hour batteries and 3000 watt inverter. Also currently running the same old Coleman unit you had. Did a lot of research and will be ordering the Nomadic 3000 this week. Its the most costly option I’ve looked at, but hopefully will do the best job and last the longest. We live in Southern California and camp a lot so definitely don’t want to mess around with lesser units. I won’t get the power range you do with 6 batteries, but it should work well.
Thanks for dropping that knowledge! See ya at Flagstaff!
Cya there 🤘🏼
definitely some good information and insight into the "cool: life while traveling in a Van
Great tips for cooling a van and you can use a small generator to power your A/C to take the load off the solar!
@@audreyp7653generators are getting better fuel efficiency with inverter technology. They may be an excellent option when the sun isn't out for a week or two and still hot. And you don't have much of a solar battery section. I would move to a hybrid system at first. Believe it or not your going to need a generator at some point. I would then buy a solar generator or a smaller van build probably a Solid state lithium.
We have the same AC unit. Love the Nomadic Cooling 3000. Great video!
What about also covering the entire van with an insulated cover with openings for the AC or fans while out for a few hours? Also if parking on concrete, laying down an insulated cover underneath and park on it? I do have a pet so sometimes he would need to be left in there? Assuming having high lithium amp batteries and 2nd alternator.
Thanks for all the info and great tips!
Some good info here 👍❄️
Well dne video! I can attest to almost everything you've said from my own experience
Great information. Enjoyed the video, thanks.
You mentioned a 2nd alternator, do you have a video on that? I couldn't find it. Many thanks.
Yup, check out my video on the RoamRig power upgrade on the channel
Good stuff man! The heat/cold transfer through metal is very real and sometimes insulation makes very little impact unfortunately.
It took like 13 minutes but I had money on seeing a RoamRig commercial. Good information. Yup !
I'm just learning about your channel as I'm writing this! Thanks, utube.
This is exactly up my alley. That 2nd alternator-- game changer all the way!
I've been wanting to use my vehicle as a home generator, so to speak. Love your teaching videos! Thank you so much!
Question, do you have to have lithium batteries for your set up?
Welcome to the channel!
I build systems similar to this. Wish my dealer would allow me to install a 2nd alt. Damn engine provisions make it so easy.
Cover your windows and also get ceramic tint
Can you still run the a/c if the bed is up and you’re using your CAV bench and lagoon table? Great job covering this topic especially for Revel owners or wannabes!
The bed sits completely flat against the ceiling so no it wouldn’t work
This was good stuff man! Thanks!
Thanks Talon this was super helpful My trailer is still bran new so I’m not ready to upgrade yet, but I’ll probably do it in the future. Thanks man. ✌️
If u can survive a summer in N.Phoenix in a van u passed boot camp and u are free to travel wherever you want oooyeah!!😎🥵
In the video you said your batteries only lasted 2 years... I was a bit surprised that wasn't longer. Do you have any thoughts on how to get a longer life period? Is there a longer lasting option?
Lithium is the longer lasting option. These vans used to come with AGM batteries and when living in the van full time, that’s when they only last about 2 years.
something you didn't mention, but something that a lot of people get wrong... reflectix. reflectix only works if there is like a 1" air gap. it only works for radiant heat, so putting foam/wool insulation on top of it makes it useless.
your videos definitely helpful tho. i might separate my bed area like you did.
How many solar panels worth of watts on your car roof, do you need to be able to like work out of a car in a laptop for maybe 3 or 4 hours a day?
Thanks.
Hey Talon you should consider putting ceramic clear window tint all through the van!
I should have done that instead of regular tint. I’ve never had it but i hear great things
Yeah even if he did the front windshield it would make a major difference to the SATvan!
Good stuff. Great explanations.
Talon, did you originally have the Winnebago Sun Shades up front? The ones that weigh a ton? I find using those Winnebago stock sunshades still let in a lot of HEAT. We mounted a cheap pair of Walmart curtains to close off the front captain chairs. It works, but we lose the use of those chairs in hot weather. Can you comment on how well your new sun shades work compared to stock? 50%…100% better??? Thanks, great Video on the New A/C and Roam Rig setup.
I did have those and they were a pain to store and often when not placed right would let water inside when it’s raining around the doors. The new ones are much better at insulating and easier to store.
My Airstream Interstate has an aluminum cover on the walls and ceiling. Temperatures outside come right into the inside.
How much did you spend with that set up?
Don"t you have shore-power on that Revel & why don't you ever use it?
I do have it, but I never use it anymore after the lithium upgrade because I don't need to. I would rather spend nights in remote locations than packed campgrounds and RV parks.
Great information …
If i have 400A batteries can i ran 12v ac for 10 hours
Living in Sarasota. My Revel stock A/c sucks
There is definitely room for improvement with the stock unit
@@TalonSei Thk u .. what model nomadic unit do u recommend? I saw there’s like 4 to choose from. I just ordered the partition u recommended..
I have the 3000 which is their biggest compressor but if you don’t want to go all out the 2000 could work or even a Dometic option
8000 btu isn't going to cool a full sprinter 170 in 95d heat is it?
Very informative. Keep it going.
This is very confusing, i have a 12v AC unit on 400kwh, and it easily cranks out at 60a-80a and will maybe last 8 hours before my batteries are drained completely.
At this point I'm starting to wonder if my unit is just broken or something.
If you are gonna be there for a day or so, pull a tarp up and over the van, and make an outside area to sit under it.
I’m a retired older lady who will be forced to give up my apartment & live in a van.
I’m going to have my pets with me & am concerned about the weather temps.
I know I can’t spend my summers or winters in the Midwest where I’m from, so I’m hoping I could stay in the Pacific NW (Oregon coast) during those times.
From what I’ve heard, there isn’t a need for AC In the summers if you stay close to the coast, heat is another story..
If temps go below 40 degrees during winter, I will need some heat.
My main concern tho is air conditioning because I will continue working & will have to leave my pets in the van while I work during the days.
Not long shifts, more like 3-4 hours, but again, I’m concerned about it getting too hot for them during summer.
Please advise.
Also concerned about pets in van would love advice for this as well
tattoo update? looks like they are all done. nice shirt
Have you considered awnings to keep the sun off of the windows?
I have an awning but don’t use it much. You can see it in older videos
Does heating work in van pretty well?
Depends on the van setup and the heating system. This van and my current van do great in cold weather.
Great tips, thanks.
Good info, thanks.
Hey Talon is it quiet/ less noisy then stock?
Much quieter, but still great ambient noise to sleep too while blocking outside noise
@@TalonSei That steady hum is like white noise that lulls you to sleep!
Great video
This is cool.
Hey Talon, I drive my 21 Revel around with the rear AC on all the time (i'm in Texas) any downsides to doing this?
No real downside especially in Texas, I just don’t because I want to prolong the life of the AC
Electric setup
Hi just watch your video very interesting, I have 2014 Roadtrek Agile and added Added 600 amps lithium the same batteries you have new Houghtong air conditioning, 3000 Victron inverter, 3 Victron dc to dc 30 amps each total 90 amps engine running plus solar panels 300 amps, we sleep two nites with the a/c on all nite long Florida, after two days we still have above 27% plus two refrigerator. Extremely happy with our setup.
How much altogether
Thanks man
Thanks.
Don't be scared of using an inverter generator they are getting better and more efficient. May be more quiet than the old design. Could get a 5000 watt maybe pretty sweet if your away from people.
I would try to use a mini split. The keep the hot and cold sections seperale. The hot section may be better on the bottom if possible. You can take a window unit than modify it. Condenser on the bottom.
Cool
Sunday gun day?
omg is that a 200k car ?
You loved that toaster in an oven comment.
Got a huge backlog of videos I need to get caught up
Get after it 🤘🏼🤘🏼😎
He's got a bunch of playlists you can start with if you want to zoom through a few real fast!
I'm so damn cool I don't need no stinking Ac!!! No, no seriously!!!! lol
The links lead to 404 page not found.
The window quilts should be silvered or white on the outside facing panel, otherwise you are creating a thermal solar panel, just like those outside boxes leaning against ypur hpuse sending heated air through a window vent. The air MUST absolutely be blocked from flowing; so velcro at the top and sides. The trick with white is to reflect the light back instead of letting black covert light into a lower wavelength we call heat, creating an efficient mini greenhouse effect. Wear a black T shirt and stand in the sun,. Now change into a white T, you can feel the difference immediately. Ideally the covering would be on the outside of the van, but that may not be practical. Also black looks empty, white looks occupied, depending what you want to say.
Also, an idea to stop heat transferring via metal to inside; there's an insulating paint made of atmospherically evacuated tiny spheres with a centre void of vacuum. If you want to hand paint(! dukes of hazard) your trailer with this as an undercoat in certain areas say around door edges like you noted, or the roof. It also deadens noise, and generally is used for its insulating value where insulation can't fit. Applied 5" (I'm guessing) around the outside door trim it might halt the migration of heat along the seals into the van. You could also apply paint to the interior of the door and cabin walls. "ceramic additive dot com" website, "Hy-Tech Ceramic Paint Additive." Used on space shuttle. You can mix the spherical powder dry or get the paint pre-made.
One final fun fact: cars' AC systems are rated about 12k BTU. I would run any AC when driving to cool the objects in back of the van, because that is what really keeps the room comfortable and stabilizes the temp beforehand, requiring less battery powered Air Con after arrival. The cool air is just a nice byproduct. AC is really Object Conditioning.
You must not have many panels
love the video...hate, hate, hate the music!
Hi
🤘🇺🇸🇺🇸
Get a Freezer.. for the Ice Bath.
Besides you have to much windows, that alone makes the ac useless.
Solar is unbelievably overrated. Alternator takes care of ANYTHING a person needs or wants.
He's always doin the 666 sign. I guess 'they' profit in the world to lose their soul for eternity. Its everywhere.
lol wut?