Rooftop AC
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 884
Likes: 0
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?
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 884
Likes: 0
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
Likes: 1,656
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.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 884
Likes: 0
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
Posts: 711
Likes: 2
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...
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 366
Likes: 1
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
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
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.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 884
Likes: 0
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
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
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
Likes: 1,656
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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jmadsen
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
18
Sep 28, 2009 08:24 PM
