Air Conditioning - high efficiency, Van Build Tour Cooling AC A/C Camper RV SUV Vanlife Generator

Panorama Van Build - It's time to add a high efficiency 450 watt Air Conditioner to this Panorama van that has a full bathroom with Shower, Dining for 4, Mobile office, Queen size bed and then prepare to use it with a 1000 watt generator. I show how to make the mount, surround and demonstrate the lower power usage of this AC unit.
Video to build window insert: • Reflectix Insulated Cu...
Amazon quick links:
A/C Unit (updated unit-same specs): amzn.to/2MtZJ5Q
Propane Hot Water Heater: amzn.to/2J2Oq5N
Water Pump: goo.gl/LbtNBf
Water Tank 2.5 gallon: amzn.to/2rBe47N
Shower Curtain: amzn.to/2J9epIF
Dometic Fridge/Freezer: goo.gl/bGuu8T
Camplux Stove: amzn.to/2rBkT8s
Microwave: amzn.to/2ItsnoC
Desk Chair: amzn.to/2Lx6R0X
Paint: amzn.to/2IPtUCa
Caulk: amzn.to/2KWHhkH
Mattress: amzn.to/2KWzEL7
Links to videos in this series:
Panorama Van Build Part 1 Inception: • Inception: Panorama Ca...
Part 2 Design: • Design: Panorama Campe...
Part 3 Bed and Bathroom: • Bed & Bathroom - Panor...
Part 4 Dining & Office: • Dining & Office - Pano...
Part 5 Shower: • Shower - Panorama Camp...
Part 6 Hot Water: • Propane Hot Water Heat...
Part 7 Toilet Review: • Camper Toilet Review -...
Part 8 Air Conditioning: • Air Conditioning - hig...
Part 9 Generator: • Sportsman Generator wi...
Part 10 Home Theater: • Sportsman Generator wi...
Part 11 Security System: • Surveillance Security ...
Part 12 Insulated Surround Curtains:
Links to my other camper build videos:
Prius Stealth Camper build video: • Prius Stealth Camper B...
Land Rover Camper Build • Land Rover SUV Camper ...
Water System Build: • 12v Pressurized Water ...
Tiny Kitchen: • Tiny Kitchen Tiny Cook...

[@nava8529]

This series is my dreams come true 😊

[@truthseeker1833]

I just use a 3mil 40gallon black trash bag draped over the passenger side door then cut a 3 sided box cut leaving the top to slide over the ac. I tape the bottom and sides with painters tape. I also have an eye hook in the top of the ac(inside part) and tie off to the grab handle of passenger side. I place my bluetti ac200p in the front passenger seat and boom ac for 5 hrs is all you need and I'm in Texas

[@uberjimindc613]

You should probably use a drain hose for the water out of the bottom of the a/c. If you’ve ever seen the side of a building where they just piped out the drain for a roof unit over the side of the building, it’s stained where the water drains out of the pipe down the side of the building. Something about that water destroys paint. I suggest some sort of dangling hose down past the bottom of the van. Use some sort of attachment under the van to keep it from flapping around in the breeze when it’s windy outside.

[@timdillen]

I think that is a great idea. I did not think about long term stains on the paint. Thank for the tip!

[@wanderlostrvr2582]

Great work. Modeling my ExpOverlander after this. Was going to use rear side window. But, it does not roll down all the way!!

[@OverlandOne]

Nice job on the install. Looks like it really works well for you. Safe travels.

[@thomasdipaolo2349]

Nice job. Agree with Bryan Bailey. Very creative / usable idea. Thx u for sharing :)

[@timdillen]

Thank you...glad you enjoyed it!

[@18564864]

Wow... i was imagining somthing like this and there's the video. Thank you

[@ArtBeHereNow]

southern engineering at it's finest !

[@timdillen]

Amen! Glad you liked it! It ain't pretty but gets the job done - oh so comfy.

[@emilycohan]

This tutorial is awesome. Thank you for sharing it!

[@xplorearizona154]

That's a great ac. I've had mine for 2 yrs now in the Phoenix summer heat.

[@timdillen]

An incredible value for cooling small spaces. I have really beat this thing up trying projects and it just keeps going. Not used to getting something quality like this.

[@timdillen]

I took this same unit and made an embedded cooling system in one of the ambulance bins. Turned out really well. Made a carpet cover so it disappears when not in use. The next video is on carpet for the ambulance build. It will be the one after that.

[@Bowen_Windcalibur]

This is absolutely genius. This is non invasive, simple, well designed and not permanent. I am thoroughly impressed! Granted thia video has 13k views. I really think this video deserves more likes. Subbed! I just bought a 99 Dodge Ram Van and I am going to be doing some camper modifications. This is definitely on my list of considerations. As in top 5 out of 10-20 things I will be factoring into my fabrication designs. Thanks for sharing!

[@timdillen]

Well thank you! There was one other place it could go. My rear window hinges disconnect and flip up so I could of put in the rear window but it was way to noisy. It makes a big difference having at the opposite end. You might check out how I mounted it in the ambulance conversion. It is partially in the floor and works well but might be too big a challenge to do in a van without some really good fabrication skills. Hope your van turns out great!

[@Bowen_Windcalibur]

@@timdillen Thank you. This was a really cool idea and I can't express how impressive this design is! Also my van has a door hinge/bar. I am considering a ductless ac/heater combo or mini split so I wouldn't have to pull an air conditioner out in place for a heater. But I don't need or want a 10,000 or 15,000 BTU for a van. I subbed so I look forward to seeing morr cool stuff. Have a great day. : )

[@qtla9111]

Using my Honda 2000 generator, my 5000 btu A/C runs 14 hours at night with less than a tank of gas and you never hear it rev up. Very quiet. This is an excellent choice. Good job!

[@timdillen]

The Honda's are excellent generators I'm glad it is working so well for you. Thanks for the info!

[@MG-dc4wr]

Hi, do you use it in eco mode? what is the AC model? did you install hard start capacitor? Thank you very much

[@qtla9111]

@MG-dc4wr yes I keep it in eco mode. It is a basic Frigidaire 5000 btu. Works great. Yes, I searchesld for one with the least amount of watts.

[@MG-dc4wr]

Thank you. one more question - did you install hard start capacitor in the A.C.? Thanks again

[@qtla9111]

@@MG-dc4wr No I did not install hard start. It is a 6000 btu unit so the compressor is small and uses little energy.

[@herblapp]

Nice job...learned a lot & ordered the ac unit from WallyMart! 😁

[@timdillen]

Awesome! Glad you liked the video. I love this little A/C unit. I use it everyday - so affordable and efficient. Thanks for your comment and for watching!

[@donalddday7741]

Had a 71 Econoline camper van hightop all org.for years I was second owner,on the popout widows it opened from the bottom so I made a wood setup like you have unhooked the latch push it from inside out put a couple of screws from inside and there it was,worked great when plugged in,even my 1000 watt Genny would run it when needed

[@timdillen]

Nice! I use mine mostly during the afternoon when I am working inside it. When the sun goes down then the inside is already cooled off to where I don't need it otherwise would be miserable to be inside. I don't have a good way to put in a fantastic vent with the shape of the roof and the interior ceiling conversion.

[@uber2tuber]

Hi... So you just opened the window and put in the ac when you needed it? Or were you able to leave the ac in place with the window resting on top if it?

[@pdan62]

I have the same looking ge ac bought a couple years ago, pulls pulls 490 watts in my camper I plug it into the 2000 watt inverter in my Prius.

[@timdillen]

Awesome! The manufacturer is missing out. They need to cater to the small camper market - they don't know what a great thing they have. I got mine from Home Depot 2 years ago for $99. Thanks for your post and for watching!

[@BryanBear5050]

You seem to have the most creative ideas for the two ways of living in a vehicle: Prius or a van. The Prius has the climate control but is a lot smaller compared to a van. I much prefer the space of a van but am worried about the noise of a generator. My plan is to live in a vehicle full time while working a full time job here in Virginia. I have thought about baffle boxes with a Honda 2000i or Yamaha generator with various configurations. A generator in a baffle box inside the interior of a pickup truck while I live in the cab/topper portion was one idea. Placing it inside a van while I live in a cargo trailer was another but I do not want to tow anything. I work in IT so your video about 12V to 5V USB was interesting since most tablets/phones can be charged via USB. Cool gadgets mostly use USB. The choice of AC would not work for me since I'd be sleeping in a church lot or wildlife refuge lands (dispersive camping). I need quick take down so I can go to work. I wonder if a portable AC with a vent would be better suited for my needs. In any case, I am anticipating your generator/baffle box video. I do want to thank you for making quality videos. Your Prius build is the best on KZbin.

[@timdillen]

Thank you for your kind comments. My next video on the generator may be helpful to you. It is very small, light weight and quiet compared to other generators. The creation of the baffle box has been problematic. It takes a great deal of space to make one that does not overheat which makes it heavy and difficult to handle and setup. I'm still working on that problem. Some people mount a baffle box on a hitch box but I don't want to do that - the van is big enough and might be a vandalism target. I don't have a perfect solution but plan to use my generator in places that allow overnight camping and then place the generator under the van or beside a wheel and chain it to the wheel. The one I have can barely be heard inside as I modified the a/c unit to allow the unit to run in eco mode on a 800 watt generator that weights 20 lbs. In places I want to be more stealth I will just have to run a fan for now. The roof is such an odd shape that a fantastic vent would be difficult to install and require messing with the interior roofing system - ugg.

[@gespania3311]

Brilliant!!!

[@timdillen]

It was a fun video - thanks for your comment and for watching!

[@russellthompson6204]

What great videos!

[@timdillen]

Thank you - glad you are enjoying them!

[@docink6175]

that is an awesome idea

[@timdillen]

Glad you liked it - have to have the comforts of home on the road!

[@dawnwokson9267]

This is a great idea,but I like the other way keeping it inside.I wish you would do a video of that build

[@timdillen]

I liked the Rover A/C build as well. I just could not find a perm spot that I was happy with that left that open feeling and didn't block the views. It is far quieter the way I did it in the van build. The Rover had the compressor noise inside. The van is not as pretty or as easy to setup but it is very very quiet. I have added insulated curtains and when I watch movies I am not even sure it's running. Maybe on the next build I can come up with something a bit different. Thanks for your comments and for watching!

[@Tsiri09]

That a/c kinda kills the idea of stealth. Just a suggestion: look up the channel from Wallabydam and his 12-volt AC build. It DOES work- it can be hooked up to batteries charged by solar panels. I'll build one this summer. In desert climates, build an evaporative cooler from Desertsun02's channel- I built the enclosed one and currently use it in my fifth wheel- it WORKS.

[@timdillen]

This setup is not for stealth. This is for camping in a designated area. Easy up, easy down. I'll check out your suggestions - thanks!

[@lenward474]

Love coroplast!great job! Re Luan check out Kevin Robinson and his trailer build. He went Luan everywhere,some good tips. There are a couple of coroplast geeks and they use a strip heater to create bends. I use a rounded plastic tool and draw line pressing through to second layer same as cardboard. Creates renewable hinge. Have fun like great.

[@timdillen]

Cool! Thanks for the tips. I did not know all that was out there!

[@DHFlip18]

Dude, love the video, best I've seen out of about 75 so far! Thank you!

[@DHFlip18]

How's the 1,000 watt generator/AC combo working out for you so far, have you changed anything? Anything you would do differently? My 13yr old son and I are planning a trip to Florida in August (hot and humid) and are using your system as a template.

[@okiedoke6373]

@@DHFlip18 hey that's a good question so I do full-time van life for $1,000 you can buy a harbor freight 3500 watt inverter I've had mine for 2000 Plus hours it starts the air conditioner good it starts air compressors without a problem you can build you an L bracket that fits between the door and the seat partially hanging out the window the door will wedge the bracket to the seat so it can't flip the Harbor Freight generator willpower a 500w air conditioner a small fan and a alpicool refrigerator 54 quart for about 12 hours on 2 and 1/2 gallons of gas super quiet

[@DHFlip18]

@@okiedoke6373 Wow that's pretty cool. I'm actually full time van life as well in NYC, the end of this month marks 1yr! It's funny you mention harbor freight, I have one a few blocks away from me and thought about buying their 1,400 generator (predator 1,400) and using it to power a 450 watt window AC from Wal-Mart. I'm debating between window AC and portable AC with two vents. Any suggestions? Where are you based out of?

[@okiedoke6373]

@@DHFlip18 I'm in Texas I also had the same air conditioner in a Pontiac Montana I turn the front seat around and gave the air conditioner a permanent home so I took non insulated ducting separated the intake and exhaust air from the condenser made a cardboard Windows seal which had that ducting in it on the back I had a Weatherguard tool box with that 3500 Harbor Freight generator on top that Contraption with pivot the box and the generator away from the door so that the hatch won't open I'm in transition to another van because of the failure in Montana no video in this van going to have a window unit with the same concept of venting the ducting out I'll make a video on it I'm getting ready to start to build cuz it is hot here I do welding fabrication so I tow a welding trailer with me where I go it goes the fabricating something out is not an issue of any form

[@DHFlip18]

@@okiedoke6373 wow man that's pretty cool that you can do all that it helps to have those skills. Do you think a 1400 watt generator would be sufficient to run a 450-watt AC? Theoretically it seems like it should even though it's not as powerful as your 3500

[@MyIronman8]

What you going to do what you could do is know in the middle cut a hole in the floor for the AC to vent outside underneath the vehicle . And make an wood box over it and make an seat over it

[@bentnickel7487]

Between the seats storage is a great idea. Would like to see it permanently mounted there using existing through the firewall venting, a 1/2 inch drain hole under the passenger seat and vibration resistance built into the base. Hope you've patented that air duct, NASA needs it and they're bad about stealing my ideas !! :-D ;-)

[@timdillen]

I really like your idea! I think on the 3rd build (this is #2) I might get the courage to start cutting some holes in the van. I would be interested in knowing how much time NASA engineers do spend watching KZbin for ideas!

[@jimco9754]

Very Cool

[@timdillen]

Glad you liked it - makes things much more comfortable!

[@njatlas]

I love what you've done with your van and I really like your design criteria. I am hunting for a good van right now to begin my build and am trying to figure out air conditioning. Is this small an AC unit able to cool your van when the sun is really blazing and the weather is super hot?

[@timdillen]

Thank you! That's a very good question. Where I am now does not get over 85 deg and I am in the shade so I have not given it a good go. When I am in the shade, it gets cold inside quite quick but will have to try in the harsh sun. Thanks for your comments and for watching! Be sure an post videos of your build.

[@chesterdoodlevich]

Great work! I did similar but yours is engineered so much better. The ice maker water chiller didn't work out? I didn't think it had enough btu's for practical applications to a van conversion. I tried a similar homemade water chiller type device but the ice consumption made it unusable. (20 pounds of block ice melted in less than 4 hours). But it did cool very well. Thank you for sharing your build.

[@timdillen]

Yes - when I had a good bucket of ice is cooled like crazy...but then just couldn't keep up. I was extremely disappointed. The water cooled radiator was very effective - trying to find some use for it since it worked so well. Thanks for your post.

[@briannab5296]

Chester, try it again, using DRY ICE.

[@Kevin-pz1ne]

I think you'll find out that you'll need every bit of those btu's, if not more, on a hot day. most people do not realize that their car AC is capable as as many btu's as their house ac

[@timdillen]

True...have yet to put it to a tough test. Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@aljlees2]

يا سلام ، رائع ، ممتاز ، مزيدا من التقدم 👍 I am from Kuwait Thanks, my friend

[@timdillen]

Awesome! Glad to have you here!

[@kevinwelsh7490]

at say 100 degrees farenhite outside, and when you reach desired temp say 75, can you go on a lower cooling setting an draw less watts? also, isn't it quite heavy to lift it up to the door sill? are some models lighter? thanks

[@briannab5296]

Your van probably already has holes in the floor pan for draining it in case of flooding, with plugs in them. My van is very similar to yours and theres a plugged hole just to the left of the side doors and another in the drivers side in the back corner. . . Mine actually had an aux AC unit in the back corner, when i removed the seats & flooring i discovered the AC had a drainage pipe but it had never been put in the drainage floor hole ... rusting my metal floor pan real badly. And as i was working on the floor i discovered the other plugged drainage hole beside the side doors. . . A neighbor taught me about the drainage holes when he helped me replace carpet in my little Sprint car and two weeks later i got caught in a really bad rainstorm in Savanah Ga. My car was FLOODED, but because i knew where the holes were, once i reached higher ground all i had to do was pull the carpet back & pull the plugs out. . . This video was a long while back .. how has the AC worked out for you?

[@timdillen]

That is very helpful to know! Mine had a rear a/c blower and it never crossed my mind to look for a drain hole. I bet there is one there. I have sold the Panorama Van to a wonderful couple so I could do the ambulance conversion.Thanks for your post and for watching the videos!

[@briannab5296]

@@timdillen ... my pleasure 👍😎

[@georgeperkins4171]

Is that rain shield necessary? The ac is designed to operate in all weather. I guess water gets in somehow with out?

[@Francis1975able]

If you have the prius with you you can use it as a near silent generator by hooking a 1000w inverter to the 12v battery.. The prius will be off most of the time

[@timdillen]

That's a great idea - we get some bad storms here and lose power quite a bit.

[@freetrailer4poor]

Are you saying the large battery pack maintains the 12V battery? Thus, if you leave the car on (green), it will automatically turn on when the large battery pack gets low?

[@timdillen]

Yes. If the car is left in the ON state, the car will monitor the 12v battery. It will use the big battery to power the 12v battery. When the big battery depletes, the engine kicks on and charges the big battery. Very cool setup.

[@ceciliacecilia4162]

This AC unit is being phased out and hard to get. Can you please, please recommend a few more. Or, even better , could you more clearly explain your selection parameters so we will be able to access another one that will work as well. As usual, thanks a million for your brilliant video so that we can all have that most sought after van asset, AC!

[@timdillen]

Dang - they just changed it on Amazon. Let me look around.

[@timdillen]

Here's a link to the updated unit at Amazon - has exact same specs amzn.to/2MtZJ5Q Here's a link to detailed specs on this unit: www.abt.com/product/119342/Frigidaire-5-050-BTU-11.2-EER-115V-White-Mini-Window-Air-Conditioner-FFRA0511U1.html?camptype=cpcUSGoogleNonBrand&pt_source=googleads&pt_medium=cpc&pt_campaign=[Non-Brand]%20Air%20Conditioners%20-%20Window%20-%20Frigidaire%20-%20Phrase&pt_adgroup=Frigidaire%20-%20FFRA0511U1%20-%20PH&pt_keyword=ffra0511u1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6pLZBRCxARIsALaaY9byUTksLNQUur2TYpkN3mpO_cZQvSQwrYrD1BlI6mvSv1o5lbnh-KcaAnlQEALw_wcB

[@DarkLinkAD]

www.homedepot.com/s/5000%2520btu%2520window%2520air%2520conditioner?NCNI-5 5000 btu search in home depot, getting popular now.

[@freetrailer4poor]

In winter if temp is above 50 you can turn ac around and use it as a heat pump. But, I want to know if it is 100 outside, how cold is in inside if you leave it on an hour.

[@timdillen]

Good question - one nice thing is that I will be adding a generator in the next video so on a hot day I would try to find some shade to park under. Will need to do some long term testing.

[@SaintTrinianz]

I just bought this same unit and am hoping to maybe install it above the door of my steel partition, let it vent into the cab of my cargo van. Not 100% convinced that this is my best solution. I can also install it above the fridge and vent both through the side of the van. Even though I cut a hole in the roof right out of the gate and installed a vent/fan in the ceiling, I don’t feel great about cutting another hole into the side to install a vent. At least the partition is replaceable, right?

[@timdillen]

I think that is a great idea. I hate hate hate cutting holes in the exterior - will always leak at some point. I have seen the partition install before and think it is a good idea. If you don't get enough cooling, try putting a fan in one front window blowing out. That should draw cooler outside air into the back of the unit. These little units are quite forgiving and tough as hell!

[@Fungfumassa]

Searching up a cross reference for the model unit you purchased for this project. Current times say this one is gone. Do you have any idea of current unit models that will fit these parameters? I see a few similar units within the range. I hope to duplicate your set up. Thanks for any new info!!

[@timdillen]

They seem to change the model and brands frequently but it is the same unit. I found searching on Amazon for 5000 btu a/c and then looking for the manual knobs is the best way to track one down. I have been checking Walmart and they seem to have gone to all digital models.

[@Believe30]

You were going to show where you stored the ac...

[@welcometoreality3450]

wouldnt that oil off gas?

[@FieroFats]

Even if the rain gets in the window it'll just drain out the bottom of the door.

[@timdillen]

Good to know! Thanks for the tip and for watching!

[@FieroFats]

For my van I got an in room air conditioner. It uses more power, but I can run the vent out the floor and nobody ever see's it.

[@timdillen]

I really like that idea and thought it would fit well between my front seats. May go that way when I get the courage to cut the hole.

[@briannab5296]

Brad, how do you power yours?

[@welcometoreality3450]

Hmm i thought a company makes these AC shrouds?

[@raymondwagas1656]

Is it okay to turn on ac while moving?

[@timdillen]

I was not too clear in the video, sorry. The a/c is designed to only be put in the window and used when stationary. It would not hold up to travel. When traveling it needs to be stored inside. Thanks for watching!

[@keithjordan3907]

100%

[@ridgehilljillie9429]

Why the LV model over the LX?

[@timdillen]

Best I can tell by the specs, they should be basically the same. As long as they are both rated for 450 watts it should work fine.

[@ridgehilljillie9429]

Okay, great! So, I went to the GE website and found that the LX version has the same 450 watts, which is great news, since this model is more readily available online. Walmart has them with free delivery, as well. Thanks, so much for all of your work. You are doing a great job!

[@timdillen]

Glad it worked out and thank you!

[@briannab5296]

Is it legal to block the passenger window?? .. how do you watch for traffc with it blocked?

[@timdillen]

I unfortunately did not do a good job of explaining that, Have had several people have the same question. The setup is only when stationary. The a/c unit and surround are removed when traveling.

[@briannab5296]

@@timdillen ... oh ok 😊

[@heatherwilcox5852]

Are you going to do solar?

[@timdillen]

Yes! But something a bit different. I have been working on the electrical and have a solar charger installed. There isn't a good way to hide a solar panel (or even fit one) with the contours of the roof but I will have a solar panel.

[@michaeloneill3453]

Heather Wilcox 6

[@cajunjamis9001]

Why the side door, why not the rear door?

[@timdillen]

It would have been right over my head. I explain it in the video.

[@cajunjamis9001]

As you were, you answered my question @ 11:!6 min!

[@timdillen]

hehehheh!!!!

[@ezegqfouru2018]

Farm life campers