Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 29, 2016 16:36:00 GMT 10
I tried a question the other day on this forum but it didn't seem to register on any threads, it just disappeared, I must have done something wrong, so I'll try here so I don't ruin any threads, so here goes.
A friend has a 15' Viscount Duralvan & has asked me the question, can I install a modern low-line air-conditioner where the roof hatch is?
I see a post by Viscount 6116 showing one installed on the roof of his massive 24 footer Supreme. Can anyone advise if the roof structure is strong enough on the 15 footer for this application.?
Cheers, countvic
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leeron
In Training
1966 Duralvan
Posts: 46 
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Post by leeron on Jan 31, 2016 14:09:32 GMT 10
Hello Countvic,
Not sure about a roof mount, but after doing a bit of research myself on the possibility of this option on my own van I would go for an under bunk floor unit instead.
Truma make a newish model that will cool and heat that is floor mounted in a under seat or under bed compartment. It vents through the floor so there is no ugly vents cut through the side panelling of the van and on a 15ft you could run the three air ducts up inside the back corner of the wardrobe from under the bed and come out all three sides of the wardrobe up against the roof.
Rather than cutting a return air grill into the bunks, I would. Just open a few under bed drawers slightly.
Some later model viscounts had bigger drawers under the bed so they might have to shorten the depth of one drawer to accommodate the unit.
Leon.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2016 16:53:57 GMT 10
Howdy Leon That is the most sensible advice & idea, & have just looked it up online & seen an installation video. It doesn't affect the outside look or the height, (which in itself can be a problem), & inside only the outlets show. I would never have known to look for such a unit , so thanks for getting my grey matter into gear. Totally rapt.  Countvic |
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leeron
In Training
1966 Duralvan
Posts: 46
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Post by leeron on Jan 31, 2016 22:18:32 GMT 10
Howdy Leon That is the most sensible advice & idea, & have just looked it up online & seen an installation video. It doesn't affect the outside look or the height, (which in itself can be a problem), & inside only the outlets show. I would never have known to look for such a unit , so thanks for getting my grey matter into gear. Totally rapt. Countvic I forgot to mention that this would be better for towing stability and to keep the weight down low. Most old viscounts usually are carrying more weight on the drivers side of the van, courtesy of the sink,stove,fridge,battery etc all being on that side. Being able to install it on the opposite side of the van should help counter that weight by 20kg by memory. |
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Post by bobt on Feb 6, 2016 10:08:29 GMT 10
Hey guys Thought I would throw in my 9 cents worth on this topic. We have had a number of 'modern boxes' over the years which have had various types of air conditioners in them. I am not about to knock a brand or product as an opinion is often in the eye of the beholder.. We had an under the bunk air con which worked well it vented from 3 out lets under a bunk at one end of the van, trouble was it would wake the dead, it sounded like a jet engine running and the cold coming out of the vents directly on to bare legs, actually hurt. (Me) Heating was good except when it reached the set temperature the heat turned off and the fan kept running, making you cold. It was located low so in theory the vans centre of gravity was low. The van always tracked well behind the car at the posted speed limits and..... The in the roof aircon... is whisper quiet has 4 vents that one can adjust, my legs no longer hurt.. Not sure about the heating bit yet, when its been cold we have not had 240v to run the thing.. The concept of heavy air con in the roof flies in total defiance to a neighbors view of how to build a caravan, BUT.. it tracks well behind the car at the posted speed limits and.... The 3rd type is a bit like a split system. It is mounted in a cupboard in the wall with a secondary compressor located (in our case) under a single bunk, but I have seen them in wardrobes. Works well is relatively quiet, vents are directional. The weight for this is all on one side of the van. It does not seem to impact on how the van follows along behind the car. They are a big dollar item to retro fit so I would suggest you go find someone with the type you are looking for and see for yourself what they are like. (people in caravan parks are always happy to do demos of their products for other like minded caravaners  ) |
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Post by doublechevron on Mar 11, 2016 14:44:40 GMT 10
cheap as chips domestic reverse cycle split system with the outside unit drawbar mounted is the way I'd go That way you will actually have something that is useful and works. You only need a flaring tool and 'vac pump and you could DIY install for less than $500 eg: www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-2-7KW-SPLIT-SYSTEM-AIR-CONDITIONER-COOLING-HEAT-/161329802877?hash=item2590016e7d:g:qCwAAOSwHBFTxG~c$500 bucks with copper. You just run the drool tube and and wiring through the floor. The only thing you need to do is figure out how to hide the refrigerant pipes inside. I'd run them up the inside foldaway bed in my 'van. seeya, Shane L. |
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