Van Life Essentials Running AC While Living in a Van

[@edt11x]

Always appreciate your videos. I have a Zero Breeze Mark 2. In Ohio, I use it on hot camping nights by isolating my bed with a big black curtain. I find it works quite well on a small area, and can get up to 3 nights with careful use on one battery.

[@traveltimewithtim3512]

Are you using the battery they sell with it?

[@sabrinawhite8777]

So are you saying that you have to wake up throughout the night and turn the zero breeze on and off to save the battery so it can last

[@LIVEWELLwithCharity]

I own one of these. I purchased during a Black Friday sale. I paid $750. I live in Arizona (suburbs of Phoenix). The heat can be deadly here. I am not a full-timer though. Pros: -It could keep a pet cool for a temporary situation. -It can take the edge off when you are in an unbearably hot situation with no options. It’s the difference between a heat stroke or not. Or it’s the difference between being able to fall asleep at night or not. This is really why I purchased it. -It is portable and can be placed where you need it most, as long as you are able to properly vent it. -It does drop the temp in the back half of my van where I typically use it. -It does not produce as much water drainage in dry climates with little humidity. Cons: -The price -The power draw is unreal for the output. I have an EcoFlow Delta. The most I am able to get is about 4hours or so off a full charge. I find that it draws about 240ish watts/hr in my scenario. -The power cord gets scary hot as the unit runs. This concerns me sometimes. -it’s huge! Viewing it in pictures and onscreen just don’t quite do it justice. On the website, they don’t show the tubes attached. This feels slightly deceiving, because you need them,. Once you attached them, you easily add a minimum of 2-2.5 feet. I haven’t figured out where to permanently place it. I have to keep in mind that it has to be vented. It’s a bit of an eyesore with how much space it takes up. -The hoses are fussy to attach and stay attached I also wanted to mention that I have a Ram Promaster 1500 low roof with bunk windows in the back. This AC is better than having absolutely nothing in my scenario. Fans just don’t cut it when it’s 110- 115 degrees outside. With how this cools the back half of my van, I could see this working decently well for a small car or mini camper. I will stress that the primary goal of this is to keep the “person” cool and take the edge off. It will cool you and your immediate “space bubble”. I will probably eventually invest in a real AC unit, but I have to be ready to invest in the power supply needed to run this for longer periods of time. Space has to be found for that also. This gets me by in the meantime. Excuse any typos please.😅

[@OverlandOne]

I can buy a 5,000 BTU window unit from walmart, and a harbor freight generator to run it and still have about $500 left over that unit's price without the batteries. ($150 for the window unit and about $300 for the generator) That's what I am planning to use in my van build. I got the idea from that fellow you interviewed in the yellow van who had a false wall in the rear that made a galley area. He stuck the hot side through that wall and it exhausted outside through van rear doors. I always learn a lot from your videos Bob.

[@debbietucker3103]

I would place the blower under my blankets to keep me and fur babies cool while we sleep.

[@78twood]

Keep and enjoy it Bob 💜 You and your dog deserve it! Don’t be embarrassed about a little luxury!!

[@SmokeyDaVan]

I wondered if this was too good to be true, and it looks like that’s the case. I could spend less to buy a generator, a small window AC, and the building materials to install it in place of one of my van’s back windows. After watching part 2, it looks like that would work better as well. Plus I could use the generator for other things, too.

[@cooksmary]

I have MS, making me extremely heat sensitive. This would be wonderful to have, in my opinion.

[@seanharley6432]

I would be willing to wait until the manufacturer comes up with a similar unit that can cool a van. Air conditioning seems to be getting more compact and efficient as the years go by. I will keep an eye on this type of air conditioning in hopes it will get better. Great idea though.

[@michaelderogatis4658]

Tough to spend $950 on a unit that only cools 60 sq feet, not worth it, I will wait

[@seanharley6432]

@@michaelderogatis4658 sounds like a good plan!

[@phredpun4225]

One thing Winnebago LeSharo owners learned about their cab a/c units was to use a clear shower curtain behind the seats while driving to cut down on the amount of space you are trying to cool. I think the same type idea could be used here.

[@Joedisney]

I'm extremely interested in how this works. I'm far from wealthy, but this could be a lifesaver in many circumstances. even if I can't afford it I still want to see it and strive for it. so thanks for the video very interesting

[@Morningdovecamp]

Thank you Bob. I appreciate your humility. I have seen this unit. It interested me. I could afford it, but I am very thankful for your honest review of it. I can’t afford to waste money and I really appreciate your consumer review 😉👍🏻🚙🏞🐶. Enjoy the road and thanks again for all your work and inspiration. RTR is finally on me and my minivan’s itinerary this year. I hope to see you there! 👍🏻🌞🚙

[@debjustdeb4301]

Thank you for sharing! It doesn’t matter if I can afford different things or not, I appreciate knowing what is out there! Looking beyond the cost, 2500w for the amount of draw .. I don’t know but seems for $$$$, We should be able to keep ourselves AND our pets cool, without holding them on our laps! I would like to know how long the Bluetti Can power it.🙂

[@mikeware5601]

I think you have a decimal point error... 250W (not 2.5kW).

[@debjustdeb4301]

@@mikeware5601 referring to this unit being 2500 total watts as opposed to a 5000 watt window unit.🙂

[@kjkayjay]

@@debjustdeb4301 You're actually referring to the BTUs not the watts of the unit.

[@debjustdeb4301]

@@kjkayjay oh.. 👍 That’s right.. My bad

[@juliecueva7297]

Thank you Bob! Everyone counts so thank you again! Kindness is everything 😊

[@aprildawnsunshine4326]

Funny how every time I'm considering getting something expensive you do a review of it! 😆 If I didn't know better I'd think you were following me 🤣 as someone whose stuck in FL because of kids and Drs I need a way to stay cool and though I have come up with some ideas this might be worth the investment for me even if it delays getting on the road.

[@morphergaming0531]

I'm so happy that you are reviewing this, I seen it online but dont know if it works well. Instead of writing it off as too expensive we could use the old fashion saving up method. What becomes costly is the trial and error of buying products so this is where your reviews are so valuable.

[@ErinoftheValley]

If you feel bad about keeping this, please don’t! I’d love regular updates and learning how you keep it charged and whatnot. Also: Cody will thank you! 😊 🐕

[@bananaface2001]

Agreed. Knowing how things work just out of the box is a tiny fraction of well a thing works.

[@lindarickert7290]

I would absolutely invest in it….if only for my fur kid’s well-being. It would be a huge peace of mind. I’m putting it on my list of must-haves! Thanks Bob! Now I need to search out your latest review of foldable solar panels!

[@peggybach6750]

I love watching you Bob . you definitely need to keep that for Cody.

[@michaelfrench6197]

They need to get that price way on down, Your are right most people cannot afford that unit. THanks for sharing bob.

[@tonibauldree7862]

I think it’s a great idea for use while going into store shopping and pet being safe. And for other needs. If can be afforded, wonderful thing to have.

[@PSVitaFan]

There are a few 12-volt options for AC inside vans One is called Cruise N Comfort and it mounts underneath the vehicle Nomadic Customs & Reds Custom Design can install this unit A few others models mount on top but they both run off your battery bank and solar and it is recommended that you have a minimum of 400 watts of lithium batteries and 300 watts of solar

[@marysstilllearning5803]

Thanks for that info I'll look into that.

[@debraco7748]

the mightykool mk4 drawing off a yeti cooler of icewater works very well

[@glennkennedy441]

I'm looking forward to a technological breakthrough in the Air Conditioning world.....smaller, less power drain etc.....someday maybe.

[@MichaelGoydich63]

When I win the lottery, I will get a friendly dog and one of these AC units. I can't wait for that day! If I had a van already and enough power, I would get one of these. I work and stay in Phoenix for now. Thanks Bob.

[@jane364]

Keep it, use it and enjoy. I would. You deserve it. Your the best. Take care.

[@kenmcclow8963]

From what I have seen so far it seems like there is a Dometic rooftop unit that runs on 12v DC and these personal sized units and everything else runs on AC which requires a large inverter and a soft start, or a very large inverter. I think the Dometic 12v is about $2800 and may or may not include installation, so this at $950 could be a deal depending on the size of what you are trying to cool. I have built swamp coolers out of a home depot bucket and some computer fans that might work in a small tent, but were just not making a dent in a large tent in the desert. When I lived in a house in the desert without an air con, we did have a large swamp cooler on the roof. If I was in a low humidity place, I would probably favor the swamp cooler although it does consume some water through evaporative cooling, but the only electricity is for a water pump and a fan or two. On the east coast where it is humid an air con is the way to go.

[@tracylawrence5258]

Thanks for all of the information you pass along.

[@billmcnew5478]

I learn something new every time.

[@K9_NINA]

I was interested in this years ago when they were self funding. Ty for the review 💙

[@K9_NINA]

At the time it was alot cheaper by hundreds!

[@janchapman3746]

Hi bob. Jan here. Love this video and the others to. Appreciate you taking your time to pick and choose the most important things to have in van life. As i see it. I shop of 2 choices. From better to best. Compare more for the money. Quality 1st. It last longer. Sometimes you don have to pay the most expensive thing and get the same quality. I buy only what i need and no more. Pay check to pay check. As usual. I try to be a minimalist if possible. Ive been so busy between cooking pinto beans and rice. No meat. Once a week at whataburger for a no. 2 burger for meat. Meat is to expensive. Some peanut butter and crackers to. Cant afford anything else. Paying bills and rent. We have to sign a new lease in august around the corner. I sure dread it. It will be 48 yrs. In apts. Im so tired of them. My husband has not worked in 3 yrs. No jobs yet. He is a handyman and painter. We are both 70 yrs. Old. He has plenty of experience. Nobody is hiring fulltime or partime. Contracted or hourly where we live in texas. So i told my husband. Next year at this time. No job. Then no choice. We are hardly eating now. Our only son helps us what he can monthly. It helps. But not enough. We need to start looking to be nomads. He refuses. He dont like camping or even picknics. I didnt know that until during tha pandemic. So i told him to find a way to get our 5500.00 worth of bills paid off. Our credit is half bad and partly good. Cant get a loan anywhere. Its a mad house here in texas. Love you all nomads. Love bob cody brian all the family. I have a dream van. I love vans. A real van. Thank you for everything. You are super amazing. Howa and sue ann and everyone. I dont have a computer or experience either. Take care. A big fan jan from texas.

[@sophirichmanfletcher4657]

Thanks so much for the clear info. Out of my league price and amp wise. Just found out the a/c in my Econoline is beyond repair/replacement. Now I need something for when I'm driving as well as when I'm parked. 🤷‍♀️🙏

[@danandhisvan]

Nice review Bob, but I think I would cut a hole in my van and get a window unit first for that price.

[@Writ3r_Dude]

I was looking at that idea myself. A window unit draws about 450 watts, but this draws only 240 Watts, according to their website. The window unit is much cheaper, to be sure, but you will need more solar and battery for it. Kind of a cost/convenience balance depending on your budget.

[@danandhisvan]

@@Writ3r_Dude well I was thinking long term the hole in the van might pay off with the right solar system

[@DwayneShaw1]

I would invest that $1500 in a bigger solar array/more battery and get a small inexpensive AC window unit - I believe Mr Wells has some videos on running those on solar too. Of course that might not be practical for a car or minivan - but, this zero breeze unit isn't that practical for a small rig either - because it takes up a lot of room and is only 2400 btu, and because a smaller rig probably doesn't have the solar to run it.

[@billmcnew5478]

I'm wondering where the heat exchange occurs?

[@DwayneShaw1]

@@billmcnew5478 - I assume it has a little compressor and coil full of freon - couple days ago I saw a few videos where they took a plain old cooler full of ice - cut two holes in the lid - one for a usb fan (blowing in) and one for a stovepipe elbow (blowing out). Still bulky and not very practical - ya need a cooler full of ice every 4-6 hours - but it looks like it works better than this fancy unit for a LOT less money - would be a good inexpensive alternative for pet owners that occasionally had to leave their pets locked up in their rig - (save the hole cutout blanks to fashion some insulated lids and you could still have a functional cooler -that easily converts to an 'A/C' when needed)

[@morrisshepherd1637]

Great invention we wished for air conditioning for our dog the love of our life. Glad that it is available affordable later on for us.

[@nc8524]

For those this not in budget maybe consider Ryobi or other battey operated shop fans that really power blow air

[@giancarlo426]

Hahaha! Good news, Bob! I did indeed win the lottery, and I've put this item on my list!

[@KPHVAC]

If I was living in a van I would have to have an AC unit. To me this would be worth every penny. I do work in HVAC so I like to be comfortable!

[@moeganim3509]

Would you please try it in real time and real hot day and tells us how it work thank you so much, we want to buy this unit we did save some money but we want to be sure that it does work.

[@cjoybe4448]

Good idea. Some health conditions need to know this way s available

[@lalaslemon]

This costs more than my van! A luxury necessity item for sure! 😂 So yeah, when I win the lottery. 🤞🏽 Muchas gracias for the demo, Santa Bob.

[@debjustdeb4301]

😂🤣👍

[@MountainGirlwIPA]

I know it's expensive but I'd honestly do it for my dog. Sure I'll use it too but the peace of mind regarding my dog is priceless. BTW I have a husky. 🌻

[@raymondward5629]

I stay along the So Cal coastal communities in the summer and I next to never use A/C but I do have a gas generator and a 6000 btu Toshiba air conditioner on wheels.

[@alive-awake]

I saw a video of an Aussie the other day on this very unit. They loved it! I think its a bit high priced if it only cools off you and nothing around you. I believe they had it blowing into their tent if I remember correctly. You can buy a mini split system for $1200. Of course you'd probably be in a fairly big rig to want one of those. Just saying, for the price, you get a lot more unit - heating and cooling with it as well. Enjoyed the video anyway!

[@kele1264]

I feel that keeping animals is the most important use for cooling and heating, and other safety measures. They can't do it themselves, we are responsible for their safety and health. I think I'd like to investigate what it would take (money and power source) to have a mini-split, along with a temperature monitor with a phone app so I'd always know if the temp is safe, and the app would alert me to temp changes outside set parameters. It's too bad that temp control is so difficult and expensive for rv/van life. Hoping that the growing need will inspire improvement in the technology. Thanks Bob!

[@moeiniusa]

Truly was educational clips,I was confused to by ziro and wasn't sure if works for me ,but now I know ,tnku,

[@jaketanner20001]

If I had the money this would be for me. But like you said it was worth the info. As always thanks Bob for sharing.

[@bigjoe4020]

I haven't researched all the options for aircon in a van but at $1400 I might spend a tad more if I have to and get one that fits under the celling, fully installed, and can cool the whole rig. I've had a mobile aircon and its in the way, the hoses are in the way, the water can amount to quite a bit and you should drain it to the outside. I had a 20Liter bucket overflow in one night here in Queensland, Australia.

[@billmcnew5478]

Interesting. Still good info to know

[@jeremyboland9309]

I agree I like seeing what's out there

[@politicalfoolishness7491]

This isn't the first time I've watched a video with "lust for something I can't have". :) LOL

[@SoloSailer]

I’m interested in it. Seems like a great backup for real hot weather

[@einzgeisha]

definitely learned something new! I guess if i were to have this, then yes either be at a campsite plug in or with a bluetti type battery to run it

[@SplootyFerret]

I haven't finished watching it yet but I absolutely love how genuine Bob is.. 100% honest and isn't trying to upsell for gain. The ultimate nomad dad

[@mandybutler8880]

Interested in all things cooling! Dealing with hot weather and humidity ☺️

[@jeffvirgil8714]

Bob , thanks for sharing this , another great vedio . Thanks for sharing .

[@marysiniawa5371]

The heat is the only issue I have living in a van. I'm just not good with the heat so this looks like a great air conditioner however the price is too high plus it doesn't cool the whole van which is a small space. I wouldn't buy it even if I could afford it. I will wait for another company to come up with a better price and that which will cool more area. Thanks for the info about it.

[@omavicmcmurray2893]

I think about this often, leaving the dogs in the van…this is a game changer! But, as you say, its expensive!

[@davidcapalbo5002]

They say that the unit will run about 8 hours. They also sell a 12v charger for an extra 100.00. Seems alot of money. Can't wait to see the follow up video. Thanx!

[@vidguy007]

Ryobi makes a single unit misting fan that’s worth a look It’s pricy at $150 however such a thing is easily made

[@Dr.LongMonkey]

I only lasted 1 night in Vermont in my camper before I installed an AC. I don’t know how others do without it for months

[@harrystokes1412]

For sure a luxury item. Not anything I'd be interested in. There are other ways to stay cool. Thanks BOB

[@barbarakuhn3239]

You should do one of those neck fans that they advertise and see how those Work

[@michellecastaneda4104]

I seen this a few months ago. I think it would work great. The only problem I see with it is, I would definitely have to purchase more solar and it’s another thing to tote around.

[@patriciawashington8780]

i thought of buying for a car we have that we can’t seem to get the ac to work no matter what we do. it’s super hot in texas

[@tomthumb2815]

this is a case where if you have the room off grid tiny house ect . get energy star window unit and spend the rest on solar and batteries

[@8AlisaInez]

Thank you Bob🤗Pretty Neat.💚Dang… That’s expensive!

[@rogue13131313]

The price of the battery by itself is what's truly shocking.... These devices & their batteries are like printers & ink.....they got you by the short hairs and they know it.

[@traveltimewithtim3512]

I looked into the other brand because it was a larger 4000btu unit. Hoping it would cool my cargo trailer. I decided against it and bought a Midea U shaped window unit. I haven’t installed it yet but it will definitely be cheaper even though I would of been ok with spending more money on the portable unit just to keep it simple. Thanks for the honest review of this product. I’m interested in what you have to say when it gets hot out.

[@shawnrussellmusic7410]

Keep us up to date on that Midea U, I am interested

[@traveltimewithtim3512]

@@shawnrussellmusic7410 I plan on installing it this week.

[@shawnrussellmusic7410]

Were you looking at the EcoFlo Wave? For several reasons I am interested in that too

[@traveltimewithtim3512]

@@shawnrussellmusic7410 Yes I was. I decided against it because I’m looking for something to cool the whole space off. If I had a smaller trailer like a 6x12 I would have taken the chance that it would keep the trailer cool and bought it when they first released them.

[@laus7504]

Interested to hear how well it does in the blistering summer heat. I'm hoping it does cool the whole rig somewhat.

[@gaylfalconer1148]

I have one and it will not cool the whole rig. I have curtains all around my bed and have the hose come just in there. It works okay unless it gets around 100. I've found it to only cool about 20 degrees below outside temp. So 100 would make it be around 80 blowing on you.

[@mahdiomran6345]

Thank you Bob 💚👍✋😎

[@nancymoon1189]

I bought one last year and it came without instructions, screws for front hose and remote. I called company several times to get them but no one has come through for me 🤨

[@maobfh]

I live in NE TN and I do not like to get too hot. I just don’t. I can’t sleep, I can’t get much done and I get cranky. Period. I come from about 8000ft in the Rockies and it gets hot in the summer, there. Occasionally it will hit 100 degrees but for a few months it hovers around 96-96. I have been high in the mountains of West Virginia in the summer, it gets hot there. I spent time in Vermont in the summer and it was hot there. Whatever I can do to cool things down, I am going to do it. Passive solar techniques, blah blah blah. I think having a decent cooling system is a quality of life issue if the heat is that bothersome. So I would save up to afford something like that. So I would want to know about warranties and I would REALLY like to know what the batteries bring to the table. You mentioned what the unit will pull if you power it off of your system but how long will the batteries run the unit to cool things down by 30 degrees. It doesn’t make sense to have batteries and it pull 10Amps off the house batteries of your rig. So I would like to know what the batteries bring to the table. Thanks Bob! Hmmmm….maybe you answer that question in the next (part 2) video. So will stop typing and go watch the 2nd half.

[@jw3843]

The only issue I see with the unit is the cost for what it is. It is technically made to cool a tent, very small and a lot of money. The batteries are nice, not sure if you can get a regular battery and run it off that somehow to save money.

[@kathyfann]

I hear those vents get as hot as it is outside and they are not Insolated

[@JeffeysMom]

i’m a disabled senior gal in a wheelchair and I do not do heat well and I travel with three small Chihuahuas, if I could afford this I would definitely buy it

[@59nang]

Thanks for the video & looking forward to the test reviews - here on the east coast we def need A/C

[@rogerthornton4068]

Bob, I have a van and would appreciate it if you would do a video on installing a small ac in the rear window to run on a generator. I know this looks slummy but I would rather not burn up in the heat.

[@ShayTBD]

What about Thru-WALL units, the same exact size of small window units? - Difference: REAR Only Vent instead of having all around venting like window unit - Elimin8s 90% of unit out of vehicle - Trade offs - More discreet/stealth install (needs exterior flush body venting grate the rear of the unit seals against like a glove) Takes up space inside van but can double as a shelf, stand, or hidden under bed Stronger cooling power Higher price than window unit of same capacity Lower price than portable A.C., Split Unit, Zero Breeze, roof mount JUST AN OPTION...

[@rogerthornton4068]

@@ShayTBD thanks. Good idea

[@davidwolfe7777]

This is absolutely ridiculous, I love it 😎 😎😎

[@margaret-ellenadams5536]

It is very expensive. I’d wait til they com out cheaper👀. Doggy would love 💕 it though💕

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

2500 btu will easily cool be around 100 sq ft. I think the main issue will be how long someone can run it. Overall, it’s a lot of money to not be able to run it for long.

[@zizoboom3313]

👀 Thanks for sharing this product demo. This would not be a sensible purchase for me. I'm traveling with two cats a single axle tow trailer RV. I'm hoping to purchase an air conditioner that I can leave on temperature and it cut on and off while I'm away at work for my little girls comfort 😻😻.

[@edkruckenberg1575]

Thanks Bob.

[@jasonchesnet3922]

I have one these. Was a little disappointed. I use my icybreeze cooler instead. Worked decent. Melts a lot ice. Low amp drawn on high fan 4.5amps @12volts

[@tbaer4894]

I have an icybreeze and it did come in handy. You are right about the ice. Next time, I will be trying a combination of ice and frozen jugs.

[@sabrinawhite8777]

If you can get a large block of ice instead of bags of ice the ice will last much longer

[@newtuber4freedom43]

Great concept. TFS. Out of my price & power ranges, but appreciated the knowledge.

[@Aventuramt]

People with heat sensitivity, need to find a way to be cold. I have been looking for something like this why is it so expensive? Is there anything else cheaper ?

[@icarus5x5]

I have a 5,000 BTU window ac that is 400 watts max and it is more than enough to keep my RV cool.

[@samvera611]

Wow, can't wait to see how it does.

[@1bike10]

Pretty interesting for smaller vans?

[@CBAmakingAusername]

Thank you Bob x

[@VELOPERS]

How long does it run on one/two of their batteries and how long does it take to recharge them also what type of input connections does it use?

[@rickgrimes931]

With the cost of things right now, it might be more efficient to go this route rather than "snow bird" it. It might be pricey, but in the long run it could expand your capabilities.

[@tmorton922]

On a serious note; I am surprised that dometic, coleman, etc do not have mini split rooftop units or conversion kits available.Or, maybe they do and I have missed it.

[@MSWcryptoworker]

Even having the aircondtionarblowing into a shack in the desert.

[@carolhutchinsonnichols896]

It would be nice to have, but you'd need more power than I've got. Will stick with 2-3 fans for now.

[@rvingthroughgodscountry2427]

Great idea but they’ll have to get the price down.

[@USAForever4me]

Ridiculous Price - For what it does and as much as it does. So there’s gotta be another way!!

[@jaybrown1245]

Upfront cost isn’t that bad but the longevity of the unit is my question how long will it last

[@woggs1]

I had no idea this existed, thanks Bob, I might just get one if I can convince the wife LOL

[@jsso2845]

Great info. Not in my budget though

[@kele1264]

I have a list of things all ready to go for when I win the lottery! 😄 Someday! In the meantime, maybe technology will developed to make these units more efficient, using less power, and perhaps prices will become reachable for the average person. I'm glad to watch the reviews, to see what's possible. Leaves room for hope! Thanks Bob! Cool review! (see what I did there? heeheeheehee)

[@lisaw5225]

What capacity is your Bluetti?

[@kele1264]

@@lisaw5225 Hi Lisa, I think you may have meant this question for someone else. I have not purchased a solar generator yet. The ones with enough power are way out of my financial reach. But I keep watching and learning, so that when I finally can get one, I'll have seen the lates reviews. Have a good week!

[@62WILDCAT]

The water collected could be used to wash dishes ,hands , underwear etc !

[@65plusfabulous56]

Hi Bob great review. What size is your portable battery that you used for this review? Thanks

[@robertfarris9357]

it just seems at that cost a bigger generator and a good window unit, would be so much cheaper, kind of a good idea, another company should try making a cheaper solution