Rooftop AC
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Rockport, IN
Rooftop AC
I've seen some vans with rooftop AC and have been wondering how those units work and where one could be bought. I am not talking about the RV rooftop AC units that run off a generator or 110V. I have seen some on cargo vans that I am assuming run off DC. Any idea where I can find one of those?
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Rockport, IN
No. The units you are talking about are generally much larger than the ones I am thinking of. The ones I am thinking of are actually a bit smaller or right about the same size as the RV units. I've seen some tractors with the type of units I am talking about. Maybe I am not putting the search terms into Google properly. So far all I keep getting are those 12 volt cooler based setups that require ice in the cooler to work.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Hmmm if by tractor you mean John Deere or similar maybe their sites would list them as dealer installed options? The Carrier Transicold site may be helpful too: Carrier Transicold
Personally I've not seen anything like this or maybe just never noticed? I'd love to see a photo of such a thing if you have one handy Rico.
Personally I've not seen anything like this or maybe just never noticed? I'd love to see a photo of such a thing if you have one handy Rico.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Rockport, IN
Success! I found what it is I had in mind! I hate it when something gets in my head and I can't get it out until I see what it is I am thinking about! These units are made by Red Dot.
http://reddotdev.biz/sites/default/f...t/Rooftops.pdf
http://reddotdev.biz/sites/default/f...t/Rooftops.pdf
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Outside of Memphis, TN
Success! I found what it is I had in mind! I hate it when something gets in my head and I can't get it out until I see what it is I am thinking about! These units are made by Red Dot.
http://reddotdev.biz/sites/default/f...t/Rooftops.pdf
http://reddotdev.biz/sites/default/f...t/Rooftops.pdf
Those units still require a compressor on the engine. Given the cost of such a unit, and the difficulty with adding a second compressor onto the vehicle, you would probably be well served using a retrofit kit to install rear AC, or servicing your current AC unit to improve its effectiveness.
Ford has some of the most overpowered AC systems on the market. Yesterday it was 103F here, and I was having to reduce the fan speed on my van to keep from getting too cold on a 35 mile trip in the afternoon. Granted, this is a dual evaporator system...
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Senior User
Joined: May 2011
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From: the old home place
I've never seen one of these, pretty interesting, but huge current draw and as stated above, requires an engine mounted compressor. You might want to look at the Coleman Polar cub, which is sized about right for a typical van interior. It is too small for most other RVs but works well in vans and small trailers, and has a smaller, thinner design. I'm saving for one now.
Also, just to make sure you understand, virtually all rooftop AC units on vans, rvs, whatever, are AC powered only. There is no way to support this kind of power via batteries/DC power. The current draw of the compressor is way too high. A polar cub is one of the only models that will work with a 2000 watt generator, all of the bigger RV type, 13,500 BTU units require at least 2500 watts of power I think to run efficiently.
Good luck
Also, just to make sure you understand, virtually all rooftop AC units on vans, rvs, whatever, are AC powered only. There is no way to support this kind of power via batteries/DC power. The current draw of the compressor is way too high. A polar cub is one of the only models that will work with a 2000 watt generator, all of the bigger RV type, 13,500 BTU units require at least 2500 watts of power I think to run efficiently.
Good luck
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You can still order those on a Kenworth, like in a logging or dump spec. but the hoses run up the back of the cab and I dont think it would be practical on a van. But they work really well for a cab that is smaller than that of a pick up, plus the cold air
comes directly from the top instead of thru the dash.
comes directly from the top instead of thru the dash.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Rockport, IN
I noticed they also sell a DC powered compressor, but it draws a really huge amount of amps. You'd have to have a dual alternator setup to run it, the blower part, and the rest of the van.
The reason I got on all this is because I began to think of alternate ways of putting AC into a van other than the conventional means. Naturally, my firt thought was of the roof mounted RV type AC, which made me think of these other rooftop units I've seen on vans. It turns out that going with one of these RedDot systems wouldn't be practical from an economical standpoint.
The reason I got on all this is because I began to think of alternate ways of putting AC into a van other than the conventional means. Naturally, my firt thought was of the roof mounted RV type AC, which made me think of these other rooftop units I've seen on vans. It turns out that going with one of these RedDot systems wouldn't be practical from an economical standpoint.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
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I bet you could add a factory reac HVAC unit fairly inexpensively if you shopped used parts. Instead of using the 2 aluminum tubes that run under the body, just go to a place that makes A/C hoses and they could fix you right up.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Found it on FleaBay cheap intending to install it on my new-to-me cargo/work van but that might not happen now.
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