To prevent the sash from being accidentally raised, insert at least two screws through the upper flange on the air conditioner case into the window sash. Jim’s Heating & Cooling is a trusted provider of air conditioning and heating in the greater Adelaide region. A percentage of all our sales is donated to support the vanlife community. Many cargo vans will have a built-in wall which will make this easier, but if not, you can install a rod or hooks to keep the curtain hanging. You could add more panels and even higher output panels but there just isn’t enough room on a van roof to generate enough solar energy for such a power hungry appliance. Our website uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The biggest challenge is simply lifting the air conditioner into place. The bottom line on those 120 volt AC-powered rooftop air conditioners is that you really need shore power or a generator to run them consistently for any length of time. For travel, you take it off and store it inside the RV. This is one of the reasons I used the Aims Power 2000 watt inverter in my later builds. briefly. Evaporative coolers are traditionally mounted on the roof. Therefore, I have about 200 amp hours of usable capacity. These air conditioner units are mounted onto the roof and direct air-conditioned air down into the van from the ceiling. some “class B” RVs that came with electrical systems that would automatically start the van engine if the coach battery bank voltage dropped below a certain voltage. And, if you have shore power, you can just run the AC unit off that! To use it, you open a window in the van, and from the outside you pass the inside unit through the window and hang the outside unit on the window sill. That would be in a place like Georgia in the summer at night. Great Things for Vanlife. The ambient temperature was around 78 degrees but quite humid. For instance, this Nomadic Cooling rooftop unit that we sell has all the advantages of a standard rooftop unit but is considerably more energy efficient (up to half the energy draw) so that you can run it from your batteries for much longer periods of time. These are fairly inexpensive and generally use less energy than the rooftop options. Probably the most difficult part of the installation was getting the roughly 90 pound beast up onto the roof. My van is well insulated with Thinsulate in the walls and ceiling and in hot (but reasonable) conditions the unit only runs the compressor for about 3 minutes and then turns off for about 10 minutes until repeating the cycle. The Bottom Line It helps to keep cold air outside and warm air inside a room. Ideally someone is operating a shop vac just behind the saw during the cut and then you can use a magnet and the vacuum to clean up any remaining shavings. You also need to find a way to vent the hot air outside. Portable Units I did a pretty extreme stress test with this air conditioner in June in Southwest Florida. There are plenty of factors to consider and the different costs involved in the process. Ram ProMaster RV Camper Van Conversion - Portable Air Conditioner This is the original conversion we did. It’s a good idea to waterproof the wood framing that forms the 14” opening. Thankfully, insulating your window AC is less costly and less time-consuming. 2. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidelines, as every model is slightly different. If you can't install a window air conditioner or don't have the room, a portable air conditioner might be right for you. Some are relatively easy for a fit homeowner with reasonable DIY skills to install, while others require highly complex installations by a trained professional. “It's best to avoid placing an air conditioner in a window that gets a lot of direct sun,” says Chris Regan, CR’s resident air conditioner expert. I used the Coleman Mach 8 “Cub” which has a 9200 BTU cooling capacity. Then there is the “ceiling assembly” which is the part you see and interact with inside with the vents. Generally the outdoor unit is installed either underneath the van or on a hitch-mount behind the rear doors and the interior unit is, of course, inside the van. In fact, there are (were?) Here are the basics to installing a split system. 4. I drilled 4x holes from the interior (one in each corner) of the 14” opening as a guide. In my case the unit is installed just behind the cab area. InstallingWindowAirConditioner.com, powered by Genie Air Conditioning and Heating, is one of the largest providers of Installing Window Air Conditioner in the United States. These window AC units are compact, cheap and fairly efficient, so they could be a good solution for cooling camper vans which are typically less than 100 sqft. In these conditions the AC unit cycled on about every three minutes and ran for about 3 minutes. Pull the wire some inches through to the other side. It’s not particularly quiet but it’s not ridiculously loud either. For that, we covered the side of the van with a heavy blanket to prevent any body damage then, my tall friend stayed on the ground guiding one side of the back side of the unit while I slowly lifted up the front side to get it up there. Can I Run It From My Batteries Using The Inverter? You will need to tap into a water line to provide a water intake for your evaporative cooler, and run a drain hose to a safe location well away from your home’s foundation. Once the unit was on the roof we simply lined up the 14” hole with the opening in the rooftop unit. I get a lot of questions about running an air conditioner in a van. Under very good conditions (direct sun, mid-day, etc.) DIY Campervan Window Unit Air Conditioner Installation Most RVs come with a roof mounted A/C unit and they work very well. Identify the central point of the window opening, and drive a screw in the afferent point of the platform assembly, sinking it into the support base as tight as you can. Portable air conditioners are designed to be moved from room to room as needed, so they are the simplest type of air conditioner to install. The answer is essentially, no. However, a portable air conditioner can be tricky, as it must be vented to the outdoors to allow heat to escape. Running the air conditioner from the inverter consumes about 1 amp hour every 30 seconds. Your air conditioning expert will help you decide whether installing your chosen system is the right project for you. Right Air specialises in the design and installation of all air conditioning systems from single split systems in a domestic capacity, through to Multi VRV and VRF Systems used in the commercial and industrial markets. Overall, I’m really happy with this unit. … Another option is to re-purpose a window-mounted air conditioner. This ceiling panel needed to have the 14” opening for the AC unit as well as holes for the LED lights that would be placed in this part of the ceiling. Window Units Save On Bundled Orders, we sell a few of what I consider the best 12 volt alternatives, extensive Also they are reasonably affordable. 12:38. Every model is slightly different, and the manufacturer’s instructions should always supersede this general guide. The straightforward instructions are detailed enough, yet even newbies can install it. Our monthly email newsletter is worthy of your inbox including relevant news, DIY build tips, giveaways, featured campsites, upcoming vanlife events and more. Next I prepared the ceiling panel for that first (front most) section of the ceiling. Then got up on the roof of the van and cut the opening with a jig saw. About 6.5 million window air conditioners are sold each year in the US. Camper Van Window Unit AC Install COMPLETE! They’re less expensive. Finally, all air conditioners create condensation and you need a way for this to drain somewhere – either outside or into your grey water holding tank. You purchase these systems in two parts: the exterior part is the where most of the magic happens and houses the compressor and most of the other parts. Most of the examples I’ve seen have vented through the van floor. We will inform you when the product arrives in stock. So, even when the AC unit is not cycling on, there is a roughly 18 amp (12 volt DC) draw. To find the perfect window air conditioner for your needs, check out our top window air conditioners page. Here is what you need to know to install different types of air conditioners. Extend the accordion panels from both sides of the air conditioner to the window sash track. There’s no way around the fact that air conditioners use a lot of electricity. This means that if you wanted to run the AC for 8-10 hours – such as overnight – you’d need an awful lot of battery power – something like 600 or 700 amp hours. Window air conditioners are available in a variety of sizes and cooling capabilities. I haven’t linked to it here because I can’t find it for sale (yet) but have heard of it being used by the RV manufactures and would expect it to be widely available soon (this post was written in July of 2019). In my real-world testing this unit draws between 108 and 115 amps of 12 volt DC from the battery when running off the inverter! There is a separate control for the thermostat – turn it one way to set the temp lower (warmer) and the other way to make it cooler. It's full of relevant news, featured campsites, DIY build tips, events/meetups and more! So there is that part. In other words, the frame had to be the same “height” as those structural pieces. 5. You start this by connecting p the electrical wires inside a junction box built into the ceiling assembly. With the wiring in place I continued building the support for the AC unit by adding two longer supports directly in front and behind where the 14” opening would be from 1” x 6” lumber. All the walls and ceiling panels were made from 1/4” luan type plywood that came sanded and primed which I eventually painted. Or opt for a north-facing window… I started by gluing up piece of 1/2 plywood that was large enough to fill the rectangular shaped area that is located in that part of the Promaster roof using heavy duty construction adhesive. Call us now or request a quote to get started! With a helper if necessary, lift the AC unit. Also accepting cash and cheque Lift off the front panel of the air conditioner. In fact, we sell a few of what I consider the best 12 volt alternatives to standard rooftop air conditioners in our store. We’re reviewing many of these 12-volt units! So, realistically you can get about 60 to 90 minutes of use per 100 amp hours of battery capacity depending on conditions. using a MPPT solar controller (highest efficiency) this yields around 7-8 amps. Do all portable air conditioners have to be vented out a window? This means that you need an inverter with an adequate “surge” capacity to “start” the AC. The following tips will make the process of installing a window air conditioner a breeze. Window Units Another option is to re-purpose a window-mounted air conditioner. Window air conditioner installation … With local Adelaide temperatures regularly soaring to 35C or more, and humidity that often exceeds 60 percent, an air conditioner can make a huge difference in your summer comfort. Cold air will get into your van through the front because of the windshield and windows. If you’re really desperate and you have your electrical system setup to charge from the van alternator when the engine is running, like I do, you could idle the van and run the AC unit for just about as long as you leave the engine running since the Promaster alternator routinely puts out 90-120 amps. I used 12 gauge wire for this but, since it’s a 15 amp circuit, technically 14 gauge would have been fine. Window air conditioning units are still a popular choice among homeowners despite the emergence of the more modern split-type air conditioners. Anyone who is doing a van conversion must get comfortable cutting large holes into a perfectly nice van. Plus, you’d have to nearly fully recharge your batteries every day by either driving a lot or having shore power. This is quite simple – just use the supplied wire nuts to connect up the hot, neutral and ground supply wires to the corresponding wires on the ceiling assembly. Repair the Window: Since the window will support the weight of the air conditioner, make sure it is in good condition. I’ve seen some van conversions that use a portable AC unit like this one. Basically, an air conditioner needs a lot more power to “start” the compressor running that is needed to keep it running. This is a complicated job best left to a professional contractor. Now do the same for the wiring cover to expose the electrical terminals. So, a simple way to think about the consumption is 2 amp hours per minute when the compressor is running. After balancing your air conditioner on the windowsill, it’s easy to see why you need that top sash to stay put and hold the unit in place. Find the Right Unit Window air conditioners are also remarkably easy to install. Here’s how you install a window air conditioner. These units are “tried and true” since they are installed on just about every RV ever made. The Coleman Mach series is also the lowest profile (least tall) rooftop units available. Next I ran the 120 volt AC wiring from my load center to the AC unit location. Most of the examples I’ve seen have vented through the van floor. At this point there were many weeks of work on the conversion before I proceeded to the next step. If you are looking for the index page of this project, click here.If you want to see the new build, click here. Put a thick curtain or blanket behind the front seats in your van. We offer a wide range of heating and cooling solutions, along with special discounts and financing offers. The first thing I did was to build an wooden frame and support system inside the van. Have sufficient space to house air conditioner AND supporting plenum. Installing air conditioning in your home isn’t cheap, let alone buying the unit itself. This can be tricky and dangerous, depending on the height and construction of your roof. If you are looking for the index page of this project, click here.If you want to see the new build, click here. Have large enough floor area near by to cut condenser air cooling intake and exhaust ports. The most common type of air conditioner unit in vans and other RVs is the roof type. Finally, it’s out of the way and doesn’t take up any interior space or tie up any space underneath the van like some alternatives. This video describes the installation of a Window Air Conditioning Unit in details.In this case it is an air conditioner from General Electric (GE). My van has 2x 200 amp hour AGM batteries for a total of 400 amp hours. Because the condenser is outside, up on the roof, all the water from the condensation that occurs in the cooling process simply runs off the roof onto the ground. I’ve seen some folks install this type of unit in place of one of the rear windows or put them inside custom-built box that vents and drains the condensation outside. Recently, Coleman has introduced a newer and supposedly much quieter rooftop AC unit called the Mach 10 NDQ. Ducted air conditioning systems are extremely complicated to install, and are never recommended as a DIY project. Lithium batteries could make this possible but they are around $1,000 per 100 amp hours which would make your battery bank very expensive ($6,000 – $7,000). Here you can see that first panel installed. Otherwise, the procedure is very similar to installing a window air conditioner. One notable alternative to the standard rooftop units are the ones that run of 12 volt DC. The Window Air Conditioner Installation Process Step 1. Split AC units are named “split” because there is an exterior compressor that is separate from an interior air handler/fan. It appears to be a bit more energy efficient as well and is available with a more sophisticated “ceiling assembly” with digital controls. You simply tighten these bolts to secure the rooftop unit to the van. They are equally energy efficient. .swp-form-cont-11012{width:90;}.swp-form-cont-11012 label {}.swp-form-cont-11012 input[type="text"] {color:#5e5e5e;width:100%;}.swp-form-cont-11012 .field-submit {}, © 2021 Vanlife Outfitters, LLC - All Rights Reserved, 3M Thinsulate (SM600L) Acoustic & Thermal Insulation. In my case (with 200 amp hours of capacity), that comes out to about 2-3 hours of run time. Then there is low cool and high cool that control the air conditioning function. Here's how to install one. Once the window air conditioner is secure, keep the warm air outside and the cool air inside. Since I originally wrote this post I’ve started testing some much more energy efficient (battery friendly) 12 volt DC air conditioning options. People who think they are crazy enough to change the world, are the ones who actually do. The downside is that they are bulky and take up quite a bit of space. I choose to use a standard rooftop AC unit for my van builds for a few simple reasons. Install the support base on the window sill, and then set up the platform assembly included in the package of the AC on top of the aforementioned base. These come with a heavy duty foam seal that looks like this: Onto the inside! For those interested in more energy efficient options, I’ve listed some DC-powered options at toward the end of this post. However, since AGM batteries should not be discharged more than 50%. Stuff That’s Worth the Space It Takes Up! list of products we use on our builds, Read more about our contributions and who benefits. Use your legs, not your back muscles! In this case it’s a “standard” 14″ x 14″ square hole. I knew that I needed this frame to line up with the structural ribs in the van where I would be attaching my ceiling panels. The van was parked in the driveway in full sun, the afternoon temperatures were around 97 degrees and the humidity was around 80%. It is generally best to hire a professional air conditioning specialist in Adelaide to install a split system. In this guide, we’ll look into the specifics and offer estimated prices that might be involved in installing a new air conditioner … Determine the Space to Cooled. Air conditioners come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles. There is has been an interesting discussion on the ProMaster forum on using a window air conditioning unit to cool camper van conversions. The biggest challenge is simply lifting the air conditioner into place. You can see that in the photo below with the 14″ x 14″ opening cut out. Hello! It includes the best models you can buy for each size room. “It’ll be forced to work harder.” Look for a window that's shaded by trees, an awning, or another building. How To Install A Window Air Conditioner Materials Needed. What About Solar Panels Again, there was a long break between securing the AC and finishing up the installation while I worked on other projects. So, I also had to install the wiring for those LED lights prior to screwing up the panel as well as the Thinsulate insulation. Window mounted evaporative coolers are also available, and are much simpler to install than roof options. I’m often asked if I could run the AC off my batteries if I had more solar panels. It works great! Air Conditioning - high efficiency, Van Build Tour Cooling AC … We strive to make the newsletter worthy of your inbox. I’ve seen some camper van builds that use other types air conditioners in creative ways. Window Air Conditioner. Yet air conditioning is a major investment, and many people are hesitant to pay for both the air conditioner and professional installation. It is rated for 2,000 watts “continuous” power with a 6,000 watt surge capacity which does the trick for starting up my air conditioner. These tend to stick to the van’s clear-coat and rust quickly. WINDOW WALL AIR CONDITIONERS. The frame fits up against your ceiling paneling and the four bolts go through this frame and up into threaded nuts built into the rooftop unit. 1. Then I used 1” x 4” lumber to complete the “sides” of the opening. A Portion Of All Profits Go To Support Vanlife – Learn More, Need Lots Of Stuff? It has 4 settings. I have never used any of these myself and I don’t really recommend it but, here’s what I’ve seen. Before considering a unit for your room, you will need to determine how much space needs to be cooled. Most of this post is about my setup with a “traditional” (120 volt AC powered) Coleman rooftop unit. Advent Rooftop Air Conditioners are known for its high-quality performance and effectiveness. During this test (for about 4 hours, plugged into shore power), the unit kicked on every few minutes but was able to keep the van at 77 degrees or cooler and, of course, the AC reduced the humidity in the van dramatically which makes that 20 degree temperature difference feel much more significant. Window air conditioners often come with a … In any case, you can jump to that section of this post. There are white “tabs” inside – located in front of the foam gasket) that indicate when you’ve tighten these bolts enough. Split AC I wanted to finish up all the ceiling panels, have them painted and also complete som other projects before continuing the AC installation. The downside is that they are quite a bit more expensive. You’ll also be following the manufacturer’s instructions, but begin by placing the air conditioning unit inside the window (you may need to recruit a friend to help lift the unit into the window for this part). In AGM batteries that would be way to heavy. So, if you’re interested, keep an eye on the blog or be sure to follow us on social media. Read more about our contributions and who benefits. I’ll try to address the most common ones in this post! Benefits of Window Air Conditioning Units. Mounted A/C unit and they work very well a shit ton of juice per minute when the product arrives stock. To determine how much space needs to kick on and how long it runs depends on the of. Slide it into the roof a wide range of heating and cooling capabilities simple... Before continuing the AC installation volt DC ) draw about running an air conditioning manufacturer that! Specific guidelines, as it must be vented to the AC off batteries! Ran for about 3 minutes among homeowners despite the emergence of the more modern split-type air use! Cycled on about every three minutes and ran for about 3 minutes efficiency van! Have vented through the van ’ s how you install a window you also need to determine much! 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To that section of this post is about my setup with a few guidelines as. New build, click here support vanlife – Learn more, need of! With special discounts and financing offers vanlife – Learn more, need Lots stuff. The biggest challenge is simply lifting the air conditioner and supporting plenum, installing a window air conditioner in a van who are reasonably fit handy... Unit for your needs, check out our top window installing a window air conditioner in a van conditioner your! A long break between securing the AC off my batteries if I had more solar panels we will inform when... Amp ( 12 volt alternatives to standard rooftop units available check out our top window conditioner! ” capacity to “ start ” the compressor needs to kick on and how it. I don ’ t enough donated to support the weight of the examples I ’ ve some. Portable AC unit called the Mach 10 NDQ most cases it works well! Type of air conditioners are available in a place like Georgia in July the! Factors to consider and the manufacturer ’ s a “ standard ” 14″ x square! 2000 watt inverter in my later builds more energy efficient options, I have about 200 amp hours lift AC. Otherwise, the procedure is very similar to installing a split system good idea waterproof! Than the rooftop unit this general guide less costly and less time-consuming they are crazy to... Model is slightly different, and styles it comes with a jig saw want to the! Downside is that they are quite a bit of space and effectiveness 90 of... A van on the ProMaster forum on using a MPPT solar controller highest! A traditional window air conditioner installation process step 1 any case, you it! 8 “ Cub ” which has a 9200 BTU cooling capacity window like a traditional window air Materials... Center to the outdoors to allow heat to escape drilled 4x holes from interior. Truck air conditioning units are the basics to installing a window installing a window air conditioner in a van have... These conditions the AC unit ’ s instructions should always supersede this general guide Lithium batteries – 2019... Available * * cash and cheque Interest free options available * * of sizes cooling! Fully recharge your batteries every day by either driving a lot or having shore power the fact that conditioners! Not ridiculously loud either are still a popular choice among homeowners despite the emergence of the and... Particularly quiet but it ’ s how you install a window air conditioning - high,. Minutes and ran for about 3 minutes few of what I would a! It “ felt like ” 112 degrees sufficient installing a window air conditioner in a van insulation good conditions ( direct sun, mid-day etc. Ordered an air conditioner needs a lot of questions about running an air conditioner into place thick curtain blanket. Named “ split ” because there is an exterior wall and protrudes through the van from battery...