AC or not AC ?

2206 Views 59 Replies 25 Participants Last post by Vicx5491, 3 h ago

Catlalib

Discussion Starter · 14 d ago

Still at the beginning of our built. We installed the Maxxair fan, 2 windows, subfloor, thinsulate and sound deadening.
Next step will be electricity and ceiling. But I'm wondering if we should install AC or not, especialy now since the ceiling is not put on. I remember that nights in CA, CO, AZ or even UT were bearable in tents.
During the day, we will hike. Now, I remember that going back to the fresh air of our hotel room when we were not camping was very appreciated. We will use the van during our vacations so most of the time during the summer and fall / spring.
So what is you advice? Will a 12v fan be enought?
And if we decide to install a roof AC, if it's the best solution, which one ? And will I need to buy another 100ah battery? We only have two right now for 2 Iphones, 1 laptop, 12v fridge, 1 maxxair fan, 6 puck lights and possibly an electric toaster. Solar not installed this year. Our sources are the alternator and shore power.

Thank you in advance!

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RV8R

· #41 · 10 d ago (Edited)

2

Catlalib said:
I'm worried cause my Multiplus is the 2000VA not the big 3000. so I'm worried it won't be enough now.

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If on Shore Power you are passing thru on the 50amp transfer switch. If you want to run AC off battery then check out the above “peak” & “continuous”.

@el Jefe posted the above as you can use your batteries as “makup energy”, but I would just get a bigger generator if boondocking & using AC sized for the AC unit.

What model RecPro, do you have or plan on buying?

RV Air Conditioners

Stay cool & comfy on your road trip with RecPro's RV Air Conditioners! Explore quiet, efficient, ducted, and low-profile designs. Shop now & chill out!

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Regardless ,,, You want a 30 amp capable “Shore Power” receptacle. I did not review the NOCO spec, but I assume it is not a 30 amp rating ?

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Catlalib

Discussion Starter · #42 · 10 d ago

@RV8R nope, not a 30A so I'll buy a different one following your suggestions.

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baitbegger44##

· #43 · 10 d ago

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I use 30 amp adapter and regular outdoor extension cord, lowes/hd

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dog_house

· #44 · 10 d ago

Catlalib said:
I'm worried cause my Multiplus is the 2000VA not the big 3000. so I'm worried it won't be enough now.

When on shore power the MultiPlus will use both the shore power and the batteries to run the load. It’s magic and what makes it worth the big bucks over a cheaper inverter.

Personally if you have not bought it yet I would get the 3000 but that's another discussion. You get a lot more inverter for another 10% in cost.

If you set it to 15 amps it will pull around 13 from the shore power so the plug doesn't melt. That will go to charging the batteries. As the AC loads increase it will decrease the battery charging to prevent overloading the shore power. If you pull more than 13 amps from the shore power it will use the batteries to make up the difference.

The 13.5k AC you chose uses 14 amps so the inverter would be pulling a small amount from the batteries when the compressor is running and charging them then the compressor is off.

A 30 amp inlet would be ideal since you could charge the batteries and run the AC on a standard 20 amp outlet (18 amps actual). We have a 30 amp inlet but intend to use a 12awg cord running at 18 amps 99% of the time.

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Catlalib

Discussion Starter · #45 · 10 d ago

Thank you all ! I'll look at everything with attention to details soon. Next week end, we will probably install the Air Conditioner. Then, we will start the installation of the shore power, and the rest. No solar. We intent to put the plug in the plastic where the rear lights are, driver's side. Any thoughts ? I ordered wiring kits and diagram from Explorist.life so I received a 30 Amp Shore Power Cord - 25', a 15 Amp to 30 Amp Power Adapter Plug and the Nema L5-30P Shore power Inlet.

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Catlalib

Discussion Starter · #46 · 10 d ago

By the way, regarding the AC installation, since we've put the MaxxAir front, should we put the AC rear or just after the vent ? We still want to leave space for solar, just in case.

Motor7

· #47 · 10 d ago

Catlalib said:
By the way, regarding the AC installation, since we've put the MaxxAir front, should we put the AC rear or just after the vent ? We still want to leave space for solar, just in case.

I would say to the rear then. I put my a/c up front and the fan to the rear, but it did not leave much room for solar(one really big panel). If I were to do it again, I would reverse them.

You will need a mounting adaptor for the rear since only the front has a flat section of roof that is not corrugated.

nicknkelly

· #48 · 9 d ago

Catlalib said:
After reading many answers, I'm leaning toward A/C. Decision not final, still a lot of hesitations because of the price, work, electrical installation but:
-We will travel during the summer most of the time.
-We want to go everywhere so that includes regions with humidity or very high temperatures. There will be destinations where we won't need A/C, we know that. But when we will need it, there is the solution to go to an hotel from time to time just to help with the heat. Then, what's the point to buid a camper? Still, it's a solution.
-We want to visit the NP and SP during the summer (5/6 weeks road trips)
-We hike, but I like to take pictures and go to the dunes, deserts. Mountains too. Well, it's a mixt.

I asked the question not because of me: my instinct and tent camping and road trips with our car taught me that we would be better with one than not. It's just that my husband is more reluctant because he is the one who drills into the van. He is more money conscious than I am too, lol. But my opinion is why waiting when we can install it now, when we are not finished with the electrical installation neither the ceiling?

This forum gave me the idea of buying the Engel fridge, the Motion Windows windows and we don't regret it. It was in the more expensive side, but it was quality and easy to install (windows I mean, the fridge not yet.)

So if we go this way: which one ? I see the Dometic RTX 2000 12v air conditioner. It will be around $3000 total for 6,800 BTU. They impose the choice of their hardware and wire kit. I saw some on Amazon: RecPro RV Air Conditioner Low Profile 13.5K Non-Ducted | Heating or Cooling Option, for half the price but without the installation kit, so total could reach $2000?

Just let me know which one you choose and where to find tips for the installation, if we go this route once again. (I'll let you know)

Thanks to this wonderful group of travelers who is helping me a lot.

Two years ago we installed the Houghton 13.5k with heat pump model. I think it was $1400. It is quiet and efficient and the heat functions to outside temps of about 27-30F. Purchased it from Recpro. Installation is easy, helps to buy an adaptor from Hein at diyvan.com. The roof cut out is 14x14in.

Reactions: 1

nicknkelly

· #49 · 9 d ago

nicknkelly said:
Two years ago we installed the Houghton 13.5k with heat pump model. I think it was $1400. It is quiet and efficient and the heat functions to outside temps of about 27-30F. Purchased it from Recpro. Installation is easy, helps to buy an adaptor from Hein at diyvan.com. The roof cut out is 14x14in. More info :

RecPro (Houghton) AC 2801 vs 3501

I've been planning to use a RecPro (Houghton) 2801 AC 9.5K unit for my 136WB HT conversion. Smallest unit I've found. 9" above roof, 68 lbs, ~14A draw. However, the EER is only 6.93. The larger RecPro 3501 13.5K is 13 1/2" above the roof, 74 pounds, about the same amp draw according the RecPro...

www.promasterforum.com

Catlalib

Discussion Starter · #50 · 9 d ago (Edited)

nicknkelly said:
Two years ago we installed the Houghton 13.5k with heat pump model. I think it was $1400. It is quiet and efficient and the heat functions to outside temps of about 27-30F. Purchased it from Recpro. Installation is easy, helps to buy an adaptor from Hein at diyvan.com. The roof cut out is 14x14in.

Same we bought it directly from RecPro. Thanks for the tip of the adaptor. Ordering now.

Locosan

· #51 · 7 d ago

my 2 cents and how we roll - 136" PM we try not to travel to/thru hot weather but a couple of times a year we go to Florida for the G-kids. So no AC but we bring a mobile room unit, most about $200 and camp in shore power locations - put the AC in the cabin with the flexible vent out the window. Has worked fine. otherwise we go North and Elevate when we can - live in Texas so in Summer that means at least 1 stop with shore power to get out of heat

Reactions: 3

Stormin Norman

· #52 · 7 d ago

Catlalib said:
Still at the beginning of our built. We installed the Maxxair fan, 2 windows, subfloor, thinsulate and sound deadening.
Next step will be electricity and ceiling. But I'm wondering if we should install AC or not, especialy now since the ceiling is not put on. I remember that nights in CA, CO, AZ or even UT were bearable in tents.
During the day, we will hike. Now, I remember that going back to the fresh air of our hotel room when we were not camping was very appreciated. We will use the van during our vacations so most of the time during the summer and fall / spring.
So what is you advice? Will a 12v fan be enought?
And if we decide to install a roof AC, if it's the best solution, which one ? And will I need to buy another 100ah battery? We only have two right now for 2 Iphones, 1 laptop, 12v fridge, 1 maxxair fan, 6 puck lights and possibly an electric toaster. Solar not installed this year. Our sources are the alternator and shore power.

Thank you in advance!

Catlalib said:
Still at the beginning of our built. We installed the Maxxair fan, 2 windows, subfloor, thinsulate and sound deadening.
Next step will be electricity and ceiling. But I'm wondering if we should install AC or not, especialy now since the ceiling is not put on. I remember that nights in CA, CO, AZ or even UT were bearable in tents.
During the day, we will hike. Now, I remember that going back to the fresh air of our hotel room when we were not camping was very appreciated. We will use the van during our vacations so most of the time during the summer and fall / spring.
So what is you advice? Will a 12v fan be enought?
And if we decide to install a roof AC, if it's the best solution, which one ? And will I need to buy another 100ah battery? We only have two right now for 2 Iphones, 1 laptop, 12v fridge, 1 maxxair fan, 6 puck lights and possibly an electric toaster. Solar not installed this year. Our sources are the alternator and shore power.

Thank you in advance!

It’s how much you can stand without air conditioning. For me nights always get cool. During the day myself and my adventure dog are always out. most of the time kayaking, hiking, climbing water rapids, and swimming. Sorry you got scammed into sound deadening, as once you put your insulation of choice and walls you do not need the sound deadening. I don’t have a max fan or anything. As at night even during the day the size of the Promaster always produces shade. a usb fan works for me. And if able to obtain shore power the woozo fan is enough for us.

Epic Elements

· #53 · 6 d ago

Catlalib said:
Still at the beginning of our built. We installed the Maxxair fan, 2 windows, subfloor, thinsulate and sound deadening. Next step will be electricity and ceiling. But I'm wondering if we should install AC or not, especialy now since the ceiling is not put on. I remember that nights in CA, CO, AZ or even UT were bearable in tents. During the day, we will hike. Now, I remember that going back to the fresh air of our hotel room when we were not camping was very appreciated. We will use the van during our vacations so most of the time during the summer and fall / spring. So what is you advice? Will a 12v fan be enought? And if we decide to install a roof AC, if it's the best solution, which one ? And will I need to buy another 100ah battery? We only have two right now for 2 Iphones, 1 laptop, 12v fridge, 1 maxxair fan, 6 puck lights and possibly an electric toaster. Solar not installed this year. Our sources are the alternator and shore power. Thank you in advance!

Congrats! Sounds like you’re doing a nice quality build. I suggest adding up all of the watts of the electrical stuff that you will be using regularly on a daily basis while living in the van and make sure you have enough for your power set up. I say add it up and double it. It’s easy to say we only have this and that but you’ll find that you use way more than you think. Counting your Pennie’s really sucks and so does counting power wattage lol! If you’re going to have any type of AC you need to be ready to pay for a beefy electrical system. DC to DC charging is great but you have to drive for a really long time to replenish power. Plugging in all the time will leave you sometimes stuck in places you really don’t want to be for hours. Spending the money on one of the 12V AC systems would be the best route. You pay more but you’ll be much more efficient and comfortable in hot climates and it won’t consume as much energy. I’ve been full time in my van for 3 years and I’ve learned a lot about power consumption and biting the bullet to spend quality money on my electrical. If not you’re always running out of power and running around stressing on where to plug in and having to go back into town to replenish power. Even with solar if you’re consuming more than is going in. It gets old so quickly! Cruise and comfort is one 12V extremely efficient AC that a lot of vanlifers use. It’s pricey but you get what you pay for. There’s a couple of others out there too. If you’re going to be full time or travel for months at a time really think about putting most of your money into a good electrical system. You can start smaller and upgrade as you go but I’m telling you it will make or break your vanlife! Im speaking from full time on the road for 3 years and wanted to pass in that pearl of knowledge 😄✌🏼 Good luck and keep us posted!

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Linann

· #54 · 6 d ago

Catlalib said:
After reading many answers, I'm leaning toward A/C. Decision not final, still a lot of hesitations because of the price, work, electrical installation but:
-We will travel during the summer most of the time.
-We want to go everywhere so that includes regions with humidity or very high temperatures. There will be destinations where we won't need A/C, we know that. But when we will need it, there is the solution to go to an hotel from time to time just to help with the heat. Then, what's the point to buid a camper? Still, it's a solution.
-We want to visit the NP and SP during the summer (5/6 weeks road trips)
-We hike, but I like to take pictures and go to the dunes, deserts. Mountains too. Well, it's a mixt.

I asked the question not because of me: my instinct and tent camping and road trips with our car taught me that we would be better with one than not. It's just that my husband is more reluctant because he is the one who drills into the van. He is more money conscious than I am too, lol. But my opinion is why waiting when we can install it now, when we are not finished with the electrical installation neither the ceiling?

This forum gave me the idea of buying the Engel fridge, the Motion Windows windows and we don't regret it. It was in the more expensive side, but it was quality and easy to install (windows I mean, the fridge not yet.)

So if we go this way: which one ? I see the Dometic RTX 2000 12v air conditioner. It will be around $3000 total for 6,800 BTU. They impose the choice of their hardware and wire kit. I saw some on Amazon: RecPro RV Air Conditioner Low Profile 13.5K Non-Ducted | Heating or Cooling Option, for half the price but without the installation kit, so total could reach $2000?

Just let me know which one you choose and where to find tips for the installation, if we go this route once again. (I'll let you know)

Thanks to this wonderful group of travelers who is helping me a lot.

My husband just put the penguin in ours from Amazon. We have let it run a couple days turned off and back on again for couple days testing. Works great. Real cold. But remember to also order the I side part. We had to then order it separately. But came right away. We also have one maxair fan in the back and near shower. I think we will be real pleased.plus low profile. He is also going to get a generator when boondocking just in case. He's way more spoiled than me. Good luck.

Reactions: 1

Motor7

· #55 · 4 d ago

Stormin Norman said:
It’s how much you can stand without air conditioning. For me nights always get cool. During the day myself and my adventure dog are always out. most of the time kayaking, hiking, climbing water rapids, and swimming. Sorry you got scammed into sound deadening, as once you put your insulation of choice and walls you do not need the sound deadening. I don’t have a max fan or anything. As at night even during the day the size of the Promaster always produces shade. a usb fan works for me. And if able to obtain shore power the woozo fan is enough for us.

Hmmm, well ok, try that in the deep south....in July/August....

It's a $12-1500 investment on a $50K veh...at least for us it was a no brainer & no "Ragrets"

Reactions: 1

MsNomer

· #56 · 4 d ago

Motor7 said:
Hmmm, well ok, try that in the deep south....in July/August....

Ain't that the truth!! Or even June or September.

h1k3rb

· #57 · 3 d ago

When living outside of Phoenix I remember it still being 100 degrees at midnight during the 'warm' season - non-conducive to good sleep. It would be cooler along the Salt river, or up in the mountains of course, especially near one of the reservoirs (Saguaro, Canyon, Apache...). Riding my motorcycle to or from work near midnight, or heading home from a night out at 1-2am, could still feel like riding through a blast furnace, at least until you rode through the irrigated fields of cotton or oranges where it would be 20 degrees lower from the evaporative cooling.

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Motor7

· #58 · 3 d ago

h1k3rb said:
When living outside of Phoenix I remember it still being 100 degrees at midnight during the 'warm' season - non-conducive to good sleep. It would be cooler along the Salt river, or up in the mountains of course, especially near one of the reservoirs (Saguaro, Canyon, Apache...). Riding my motorcycle to or from work near midnight, or heading home from a night out at 1-2am, could still feel like riding through a blast furnace, at least until you rode through the irrigated fields of cotton or oranges where it would be 20 degrees lower from the evaporative cooling.

I'll never forget the first time I rode down Yarnell Hill on the bike and the furnace blast that hit me at the bottom....it's really unimaginable going from 90's to 112 degrees in just a couple of miles.

Reactions: 1

Chance

· #59 · 3 d ago

2

MsNomer said:
Ain't that the truth!! Or even June or September.

Absolutely correct. If we look at data for Orlando, Fl as an example, the average relative humidity is highest in August at 79 percent, not that other summer months are much better. We spent two weeks there in September last year and our little 5,000 BTU/hr A/C saved the day, particularly to provide comfortable sleep.

When absolute humidity is kept near constant, relative humidity in evening and during night goes up quickly as temperatures drop, and it’s not unusual to have relative humidity near 90% even in May, as indicated by attached chart. That’s when air conditioning is appreciated most.

Research shows humans sleep best at around 70 F or below, and with humidity in 40~60 % range, so for much of the country other than Southwest and mountains, air conditioning is a great investment. In many cases installing a portable or window unit doesn’t take that much money, provided one has access to shore power or a generator. It’s only when trying to power from batteries that costs get high very quickly.
.

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Vicx5491

· #60 · 3 h ago

Chance said:
Absolutely correct. If we look at data for Orlando, Fl as an example, the average relative humidity is highest in August at 79 percent, not that other summer months are much better. We spent two weeks there in September last year and our little 5,000 BTU/hr A/C saved the day, particularly to provide comfortable sleep.

When absolute humidity is kept near constant, relative humidity in evening and during night goes up quickly as temperatures drop, and it’s not unusual to have relative humidity near 90% even in May, as indicated by attached chart. That’s when air conditioning is appreciated most.

Research shows humans sleep best at around 70 F or below, and with humidity in 40~60 % range, so for much of the country other than Southwest and mountains, air conditioning is a great investment. In many cases installing a portable or window unit doesn’t take that much money, provided one has access to shore power or a generator. It’s only when trying to power from batteries that costs get high very quickly.
. View attachment 96734 View attachment 96735

What type of 5,000 BTU ac do you have and how is it installed? Link to build pics by chance?

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