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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2017 15:21:25 GMT 10
Ok we took delivery of out 1978 York 11-footer today inspected the four-seasons hatch (I assumed that's what it's called). While it looks in reasonable nick, we plan to put a roof-mounted air conditioneron the van soooo....
.... any reason why we cannot replace the hatch with an a/c??? I'm sure in 1978 the four seasons hatch was the only option for cooling and ventilation but we just cannot see any need for it and therefore use the space for an a/c.
Thoughts?
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Post by Rattles on Jan 8, 2017 16:05:20 GMT 10
The $ Season Hatch even when Fully shut still allows air flow that meets the air flow regulations, Sorry cannot quote the relevant regulation, If you install a roof mounted A/C unit this would prevent the air flow. I My last caravan was a 1980 Viscount and it had a small flip hatch and integrated reinforcing that if an A/C unit was required the small hatch is removed and the Roof mount A/C mounted in its place.
I think you will find that the hole left by the 4 Seasons hatch will be too big, much easier to cut a new hole and external reinforcing to mount the A/C unit.
Rattles
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2017 16:19:43 GMT 10
Ok we took delivery of out 1978 York 11-footer today inspected the four-seasons hatch (I assumed that's what it's called). While it looks in reasonable nick, we plan to put a roof-mounted air conditioneron the van soooo.... .... any reason why we cannot replace the hatch with an a/c??? I'm sure in 1978 the four seasons hatch was the only option for cooling and ventilation but we just cannot see any need for it and therefore use the space for an a/c. Thoughts? You may find you will need a H frame for the roof to support the A/C unit probably easier to get a modern inverter split system mount the unit on an end wall and the main unit on the a/frame or even on the rear , a very small and cheap unit would weigh very little and do a far better and quieter job than a roof mount rattler and for a fraction of the price a 2-3kw split system will run under $700 a roof top unit 3 times that and no where near as effective also puts weight up high |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2017 18:43:50 GMT 10
THanks for your replies. I've located a split system here: www.caravansplus.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=8846Retired John, as you've stated the wall mounted "Air Handler" can mount in the cupboard at the front end, with the compressor mounted under a seat (and vented outwards). Two points come to mind.... (1) How hot would the compressor get under a seat (2) This would need to be plumbed in by a plumber/refrigeration mechanic so a lot more planning required as we are going to strip back the lining and re-line the insides. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2017 19:31:33 GMT 10
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2017 21:39:57 GMT 10
Wow a houshold a/c for an 11ft caravan? It seems way to big in size to fit anywhere! Any idea how much they weigh? I guess the only location would be at the front end above the window with the compressor unit mounted on the drawbar. Thanks for the link (Y)
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2017 5:52:44 GMT 10
Wow a houshold a/c for an 11ft caravan? It seems way to big in size to fit anywhere! Any idea how much they weigh? I guess the only location would be at the front end above the window with the compressor unit mounted on the drawbar. Thanks for the link (Y) A/C is rated in KW so the same size as the heron you found but 1/2 the weight 1/3 the price and 3 times as effective and 60% quieter at the same time , a friend in a 13' van has a 2kw inverter unit from e/bay he got for $350 2 years ago he fitted everything and got a a/c guy to hook up the pipes power and test for a slab he is a gold prospector so often in 40+ deg and he can run his on his batteries and solar  |
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Post by Rattles on Jan 9, 2017 9:29:48 GMT 10
If running off mains and not off Batteries then this may appeal: www.bunnings.com.au/nexair-9000btu-air-con-split-system_p4441935 This will cool and heat 14SQ Metres, a old work mate has one installed in a 5M x 3M room built into a shed at Parkes and works well. @ $399 it is around 2/3 the cost of an inverter split system. If mounting a Domestic A/C on the draw bar I would Rubber/Spring Mount the Compressor Unit and the using an over center lock with a R Clip through the locking hole (see Image) while travelling.  Just a thought. Rattles |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2017 14:16:33 GMT 10
Thanks Rattles,
The York 11ft has a very short drawbar some planning will need to happen in regards to the mounting, but yes, rubber mounts and strapped down securely.
We are getting an a/c mechanic out next week to visit next week to give us some prices for install.
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Post by doublechevron on Jan 9, 2017 15:38:32 GMT 10
Has anyone here tried one of those cheap fixed fan speed bunnings split system ? That is very cheap..... But is it so noisy boss women will just abuse me each time I turn it on  Oh, the split system is not just a matter of screwing it in either. You will need to fold up pipes, flare them .... find a power point to plug it into (the small systems are way less than 10amps ... so just throw a 3 pin plug on it and plug it in!). You will also need a 'vac pump to purge all the air and moisture after it's all plumbed in .... Oh and make sure you run the condensate drains. Simple enough if the box has the install instructions inside! I wonder how well they would work, if you mounted the head unit down close to floor level and screwed it to the front of the caravans front couch (so you don't have to run pipes and wiring up the wall). seeya, Shane L. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2017 16:35:13 GMT 10
Has anyone here tried one of those cheap fixed fan speed bunnings split system ? That is very cheap..... But is it so noisy boss women will just abuse me each time I turn it on Oh, the split system is not just a matter of screwing it in either. You will need to fold up pipes, flare them .... find a power point to plug it into (the small systems are way less than 10amps ... so just throw a 3 pin plug on it and plug it in!). You will also need a 'vac pump to purge all the air and moisture after it's all plumbed in .... Oh and make sure you run the condensate drains. Simple enough if the box has the install instructions inside! I wonder how well they would work, if you mounted the head unit down close to floor level and screwed it to the front of the caravans front couch (so you don't have to run pipes and wiring up the wall). seeya, Shane L. I have seen one fitted under the table on the floor before the hookup is not complex as the head unit is pre vacc'd and the base unit is fully gassed so make up or bend the pipes to suit hook them up and open the valve then plug in and turn on the power the unit will precharge and all good . I have not heard of any success with the bunnings cheapie far better to go the extra and use an inverter model even the Aldi ones are not true "inverter" more a soft start type . The model I used as an example is a solid well known brand which is super quiet efficient and has warranty Many worry about the rough ride but we fitted one to a bushtracker that sees lots of dirt and it has been there working well for 5 years  stone protection is needed if fitted on or beside the A frame but that can be as simple as a vinyl bag . Another thing well worth remembering is these split system head units weigh SFA so no great stress placed on the walls in the BT we just fitted it in a cupboard and it is unseen unless he turns it on in which case he just opens the 2 doors |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2017 20:34:13 GMT 10
The problem we have is there is no room on the draw bar for a compressor unit. Our only option would be to have a new, longer drawbar fitted.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2017 20:43:56 GMT 10
The problem we have is there is no room on the draw bar for a compressor unit. Our only option would be to have a new, longer drawbar fitted. What about either side of the actual A frame |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2017 20:52:38 GMT 10
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Post by doublechevron on Jan 9, 2017 22:11:33 GMT 10
Yeah I agree, there's nowhere to mount it on that .... What a little rippa though !!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2017 6:31:01 GMT 10
Yeah I agree, there's nowhere to mount it on that .... What a little rippa though !! The one we fitted to the 13' van was similar we removed the bottle and made a plate across the front then mounted the lpg bottle (9kg) on the pass side and the a/c on the other the a/c is thinner than a lpg bottle I will do a search to see if I can find a pic . The other option is a fully portable unit but storage inside could be a problem , they are a tad noisier than a split system but still 100% better than a roof top rattler and cheaper to boot click on the link below www.crazysales.com.au/online-jhs8-reverse-cycle-portable-refrigerated-heater-air-conditioner-fan-dehumidifier-10-000-btu-72707.html?aid=11&gclid=CI_d2tX1tdECFUpMvQodB8QETACould not find the pic but have one of the front of my van which also has a short A frame but we managed to fit a spare tyre and gas bottle  |
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Post by Rattles on Jan 10, 2017 7:16:55 GMT 10
 With a little thought and with a sacrificial cupboard exhaust and water permanently plumbed and Venting, the portable reverse cycle unit could look and perform well, assuming the noise level is not excessive. Food for thought. Rattles |
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Post by doublechevron on Jan 10, 2017 9:36:13 GMT 10
With a little thought and with a sacrificial cupboard exhaust and water permanently plumbed and Venting, the portable reverse cycle unit could look and perform well, assuming the noise level is not excessive. Food for thought. Rattles I tried a cheap'ish portable air conditioner in the little Chesney caravan we used to have. I'd call it a water genrator. It generated lots of water and made absolutely no difference to the inside temperature of the caravan. It would blow a small amount of cold air from the front vent .... and generate 10 times more heat from the unit and exhaust pipe than it would cold air from the front vent. Hopeless and noisy in everyway. The quality models may be effective, but somehow I doubt it. My experience is the portables aren't worth a pinch of nuts A quality fan would be better and move far more air ... and be quieter seeya, shane L. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2017 14:39:40 GMT 10
Thanks guys, I think we will investigate mounting on the drawbar, and finding the smallest but best brand on the market. We have locatede a Fujitsu C2.1kW Cooling Only at $680. The compressor and inside units are slightly smaller in dimensions that the Kelvinator you posted earlier Retired John.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2017 15:34:06 GMT 10
Thanks guys, I think we will investigate mounting on the drawbar, and finding the smallest but best brand on the market. We have locatede a Fujitsu C2.1kW Cooling Only at $680. The compressor and inside units are slightly smaller in dimensions that the Kelvinator you posted earlier Retired John. I was just using that as an example Btw if you do winter travel you might want to look at reverse cycle for $100 or so you have absolute comfort all the time the secret is a solid mounting spot and a cover for travel all the ones I have fitted were Mitsubishi Electric ones beware there is a difference between ME and Mitsubishi Heavy Electric  |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2017 8:13:33 GMT 10
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2017 8:22:51 GMT 10
Different animal altogether parts are a problem also more noise app  ME are more expensive though for under 100 bucks and with 50% more cooling and heating the same place do this 2.5kw cool 3.2kw heat |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2017 6:53:11 GMT 10
Well after more research we have decided to ditch the idea of an a/c. If we install the condenser on the drawbar the the bracket for the the spare tyre, gas bottle and gas lines will need to be modified and moved.... just too much... so no a/c and for this little project we are happy to do without it.
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Post by murray on Jan 24, 2017 7:30:50 GMT 10
I am going to try something lowtech for my aircon project. Saw it on one of the caravan facebook pages Esky filled with ice , plumbing fitting and 12 v fan  |
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Post by doublechevron on Jan 24, 2017 9:03:43 GMT 10
I've bought one of those bunnings fixed speed split systems. I'll probably install it sometime over the next week. So I'll let you know how it works. I'm just going to move the gas bottle onto a new crossmember that carries the condenser unit and bottle. I do have a lot more space to work with though. It comes with everything for the installation except the copper (which I have some of in the shed). Wiring and condesate drains are there. Last time I installed a split system I had to source my own drains and wiring.
I'm not a fan of rooftop A/C's.... I don't like the idea of all that weight swinging around up so high. They also seem to be noisy and not very effective.
seeya,
Shane L.
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stone protection is needed if fitted on or beside the A frame but that can be as simple as a vinyl bag .
