House type window mounted A/C unit in a camper van?

[jogguk]

Thinking forward to my next M/H, possibly a self build LWB Sprinter van:lol-053: Wondered if anyone has installed a domestic type 220v A/C unit in a campervan or M/H? The type that typically mounts into a window opening or box through an outside wall, they are a fraction of the cost of roof mounted RV units and probably more powerful.

I have never seen any installations of these units other than in my own campervan and other American vans. I don't know what the Btu output of my unit is as I can't get to the i.d. plate, but it needs a 2.3Kw generator to start it:scared: (or EHU). It is obviously designed for an average living room and it is installed in a van with an internal volume of a Transit high top, over cooling is an understatement:lol-053:.

Here is a pic of my unit installed so you get the idea.

Although I resent the cupboard space this thing takes up and it can be a bit draughty, it has worked fine for 10 years!Just wondered why they are not used more in M/H's for warmer climates?

John

 

[donkey too]

Although I like what you wrote. the old saying "Anyone can live rough" comes to mind.:lol-061:

 

[Deleted member 207]

Its a fairly common addition to self builds in Australia - where AC can be a life saver - there are a couple of Toyota Coasters near me that have the AC unit mounted in the rear window. Mind you they need one hell of a frame to hold the whole thing. Fitting the thing inside a cupboard is a good move IMO, considering that Dometic sell an "in cupboard" design for about three times the cost of that window unit.

The pain is of course the cost of a generator or on site fees, there are 12V/24V systems around but they are heavy on batteries.

 

[Firefox]

Or you could fit a Fiamma Turbo vent fan which copes with hot days in GB, costs £130 only and runs off 12V.

 

[jogguk]

Or you could fit a Fiamma Turbo vent fan which copes with hot days in GB, costs £130 only and runs off 12V.

Agree, powered roof vents are really all that is needed for the five hot days a year we get in the UK. Use mine a lot, great for sucking out warm moisture laden air to reduce condensation:bow:

My original post was more a question as to why they are not used when the RV roof mounted ones, which are more expensive, and appear to need more maintenance are specified. I can see the advantage of freeing up space with a roof A/C but, that space could be valuble for PV panels or roof racks on a van conversion. Also cold air discharge vents at high level are a bit more efficient than low level.

John

 

[jogguk]

Wildcamping is not always about satellite dishes and solar panels. :lol-053:There would be no B&B's or EHU where this van would be going! (off road racer support vehicle):scooter:

John

 

[Firefox]

I think you answered your own question with regard to why they are not used. It is to do with space. Agreed you can use roof space for PV panels or lights but how often is the entire roof space filled with such items? There is usually space for roof air con.

Even in buildings the preferred location for fan coil AC units and ducting for distribution seems to be the ceiling void rather than take up wall or cupboard space. I don't design them per se, but I have to fit the pesky things in my structure!

 

[Deleted member 207]

My original post was more a question as to why they are not used when the RV roof mounted ones, which are more expensive, and appear to need more maintenance are specified. I can see the advantage of freeing up space with a roof A/C but, that space could be valuble for PV panels or roof racks on a van conversion. Also cold air discharge vents at high level are a bit more efficient than low level.

My guess is that noise is a main factor, house AC units are really noisy in comparison to the motorhome units. I cant sleep in a room with a window unit but can with the Dometic roof top I fitted. Price is always an issue with any multinational manufacturer, they can price items at what the local market will pay, rather than what the item costs. I bet the volume of sales for Dometic roof top AC in Australia exceeds most of Northern Europe.

 

[jogguk]

My guess is that noise is a main factor, house AC units are really noisy in comparison to the motorhome units. I cant sleep in a room with a window unit but can with the Dometic roof top I fitted. Price is always an issue with any multinational manufacturer, they can price items at what the local market will pay, rather than what the item costs. I bet the volume of sales for Dometic roof top AC in Australia exceeds most of Northern Europe.

Yes, all good points there Roger:bow: Now you mentioned it they are a bit noisy, hadn't thought of nighttime operation.

John.