Cooler or aircon for the van

pughed2

Guest
This should not be a comp!aint, but all this summer I been followed around (or chased from areas) by very hot weather, which has only just reduced slightly where I am. So I decided to look for a cooler, roof or floor mounted, but preferably lpg or diesel operated, rather than any electric, for the camper, as f/t wildcamping, I can only produce electric from the engine. I want something small and not too huge in price, but I am prepared to have it fitted. I have only found reference to units running off 12 or 240volts. Does anyone know if you can get a cooler unit which only runs off lpg or the diesel tank?, and if so, could you quote the model or makers so I can get in touch?..........cheers, steve bristol
 
My answer is no!!. I have never come across anything. be interesting to see other responses.

The problem with AirCon is that a compressor is used to power the gas through the system so it can condense and evaporate. The compressors are powered by electric.On a proper system, the inrush current upon starting is quite high although once running consumption is low typically 3-4 amps.

If you have solar power and an onboard inverter this is not necessary an issue, also a lot nowadays are reversible and act as very efficient heaters so worth considering.

My own opinion is the ones you open the window and stick a pipe outside are useless, you will be forever emptying the condensate tray. There is also another reason why they need careful consideration i am stopping short of say should not be used. The reason is they use a fan to draw the air and expel outside (think fish tank and pump drawing water out) The issue with this is by changing airflow you are compromising safety on unflued appliances like a hob is the theory

Channa
 
Big fan and ice.

For temporary relief from too much heat we use a big 12v fan with a freezer block or bottle of iced water placed in front of it.
Not quite what you are after but when the heat gets you into that irritable stage it's a welcome relief.
If there is plenty of sun the solar panel allows our compressor fridge to be turned up to the max creating ice easily.
You can often buy ice from supermarkets if your fridge won't create enough.
 
not sure what camper you have . but when i built mine i deliberately put small windows high up they act like chimneys for hot air . didnt put roof lights as they make it hotter and the sun bleaches furniture coverings . i used to spend alot of time in morocco and the sahara . so decided big windows caused heat . rooflights the same .
even in well over 40c folk come in my trailer and amazed its cool.
might be yours as all the wrong things .
rather than roof lights better to have solar then you have enough power to power what ever you want.
fridges washing machines sometimes fridge freezer . depends where i might be thinking of going .
sat in the sahara with home made icecream is lovelly .
 
Private said:
For temporary relief from too much heat we use a big 12v fan with a freezer block or bottle of iced water placed in front of it.
Not quite what you are after but when the heat gets you into that irritable stage it's a welcome relief.
If there is plenty of sun the solar panel allows our compressor fridge to be turned up to the max creating ice easily.
You can often buy ice from supermarkets if your fridge won't create enough.
Click to expand...

I installed a Eberspacher Diesel Air Heater, and that has a powerful fan only mode. If I combine that with Privates idea with ice in front of the air intake, it works very well for cooling.
An expensive option if you don't need a heater at other times, but a good way to 'repurpose' a heater in the summer months :)
 
Same as Channa says , no . All I can think of runs off 12 volts and that would be a portable evaporative cooler and you would get the same result running a fan with an ice block in front of it
 
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