Solving the AC Puzzle: Exploring Solar Power Needs for AC While Living in a Van, Tent or RV

Subscribe: / @cheaprvliving
In this video, I explore the possibility of running an air conditioner (AC) in a van or a tent.
How much solar power do you need to power a small portable AC unit?
Subscribe: / @cheaprvliving
Be sure to check out my Amazon store, which is full of items that I either use myself, or know other nomads who use them.
Buy anything through my Amazon Store and the commission helps support the channel.
My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com/shop/cheaprvli...
AMAZON LINKS - Items I Recommend:
~Power Stations
amzn.to/3P4S3YV
~12V Batteries
amzn.to/3R16srM
~Portable Solar Panels
amzn.to/3PzhK5z
~Hard Solar Panels
amzn.to/45EVXPi
~Gas and Dual Fuel Generators
amzn.to/3L8Ix5W
~Air Conditioner Units
amzn.to/3P5wAip
~Pop Up Tents
amzn.to/3sNkFyc
______________________________________
Website:
cheaprvliving.com
My Book- How to Live in a Car, Van or RV:
amzn.to/3LDxDWW
Need a Cool Hat, T-shirt, or Sticker:
cheaprvlivingstore.creator-sp...
My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com/shop/cheaprvli...
---------------------------------------------------------------
Socials:
• Facebook: / cheaprvlivingdotcom
• Instagram: @CheapRVliving
• TikTok: / cheaprvliving
______________________________________
Thanks for watching!

[@sjackson99]

My biggest complaint about this style of AC is something that no one ever mentions. When they first came out they had 2 vent tubes so it would pull outside air in and circulate it through the condenser and then blow it back outside. This is efficient. But now they only have 1 tube so it pulls air in from the space being cooled, circulates it through the condenser and then blows it outside. This creates negative pressure in the space being cooled and that pulls hot air in from outside. This isn't efficient. They actually make kits to convert a 1-vent tube portable AC to a 2 tube. I'm currently installing a window style 5000BTU AC in the back door of my van. I paid less than $200 for it and it uses between 330 and 380 watts. I happen to have a lot of solar on my roof (720W) so it keeps my batteries topped off. For those that aren't familiar with AC units, a window style unit is built so the condenser (the part that creates heat) is on the outside. This eliminates the negative pressure created by the single vent tube unit like Bob is testing.

[@Rarealyssum]

That sounds cool thanks for sharing !

[@Elowrenadventures]

This comment right here. I had THREE separate ones all new before realizing the air pressure in my van was chocking it out and shutting it off at high temps during the day. A window unit is perfect for me now.

[@stevezb]

I get tired of explaining that to people, unless you know how AC works people don’t get the idea behind it

[@emartin851]

I agree, but unfortunately it can't be used in a tent.

[@david.ferris]

they still sell portable with factory two tubes. just picked one up at COSTCO last month. I have added the second tube on 5 different portables. For sure replace the factory hoses with insulated flexible HVAC hose. also a good idea to put a screen filter on the intake. much easier to clean than the coils.

[@vansionliving]

I was a recipient of two solar panels gifted from you Bob. It made an incredible difference in my life. Just another thank you to you.

[@phoenixjordan7784]

Very awesome! ❤️✨

[@TheOriginalHippieChick]

I could use some help magic 🪄

[@will35010]

The new 12 volt mini split ac units are easily powered with a medium sized power bank and solar and are around $700.

[@bradriesgraf]

Do you have a link to one?

[@DistrustHumanz]

Please give examples?

[@FeatherX]

Can that be used in a tent?

[@365daysgone]

How ? How many watts are they?

[@foxfox9845]

Thank you for sharing another option 🗽🇺🇲 Brooklyn NY ❤️

[@ScottHenion]

These type of portable coolers don't work well in the east due to high humidity. It has a single hose that exhausts the hot air from the condenser. The problem is it takes the air for the condenser from the inside and that will draw hot humid air from outside into the living space. The ones with two hoses or a coaxial hose keep the outside humid air separate from the inside air. A window unit works better as it keeps the inside and outside separate.

[@tex959]

Correct. If you think of your engine driven compressor, as your engine is running, single port is open air circulation and dual Port is closed (recycle mode) We all know recycle mode is more efficient at cooling the inside of the vehicle. Even if the humidity is low and temperature is hot , nobody wants to pull 95-degree air into the van when it's better to further cool the inside air which is much cooler. Using cooler air means your compressor doesn't have to run as much which means much less electricity.

[@lcinflorida8728]

Im in NW Florida and have had a larger version of one this type...the moisture/bucket is a pain the derriere. I thank you for this comment!!

[@kele1264]

I'm in the east. Thanks for this information. Much appreciated.

[@maybee7126]

They have a dehumidifier option that is perfect in the humid south. The better brands evaporate the water and no need to empty a bucket. Choose carefully. These are a life saver

[@jobe8764]

The vent hose gets really hot, negating the cool air and forces it to work too hard. Poor choice for humid climate or make sure located where vent hose is not inside.

[@screddot7074]

Insulating the exhaust hose will help. I used A/C duct over the exhaust hose and there was a noticeable difference in my boat. Portable A/C of 8000 is about the same as a 6000 window unit.

[@CherrieMcKenzie]

I bought one last December and have been very pleased with it in my van. I primarily camp at Florida State Parks where there are hook-ups but have a 2K watt Ecoflow that will allow me to get about 3 hours at night if boondocking until the heat has cooled down. I set it between the front seats and vent out the passenger window and it has never failed to cool off the inside.

[@MrFirstone23]

Thanks for a post from a current user! Do you think a 6000 BTU unit would do the job as well? What size EcoFlow are you using?

[@reallifesuvlife9051]

Going camping in a few days in Florida and taking one. I will see how it does. It will be 90 degrees here that day

[@ItsBellum]

This gives me hope, as I'm in Florida and have been trying to figure out to stay cool in a vehicle

[@whereareyou7000]

Does the noise from it turning on wake you up? Parks are quiet; I would imagine the A/C unit might even startle you at night. I'm in a van in FL too! Thanks to you if you can answer. 🙂

[@kinderliving1]

I really appreciate you doing these tests for us.

[@waynerickard4670]

I posted that I was moving to cabayo loco ..I learned about it on Bob's channel...Thank you so much, Bob, been looking for this place all my life. Everyone here has be so nice. Got in yesterday..2600 mi from VT in five days..went to bed..not a sound or a jight. Got up at six and watched some of my neighbors..4 little cotton tail rabits. A grouse tons of birds churping..there's a spot across the dirt with a water trouth..I am never leaving...I lota wildlife getting a drink. very remote..tried uploading video but taking to long..putting in Hughes Net satellite.. and my desert buggy will be here in a few days..polaris 900 razor putting solar panels on roof..pricy bot I'm here for good..God bless y'all..

[@SlimShady771]

Where is this place? Never heard of it

[@boydman68]

I bought this unit to use in my previous van and was extremely satisfied. With 15 amp external hookups I used it over a July weekend in Central Ohio and it was more than adequate in my dark green van. You don’t need the little tube when using it in AC mode as the moisture is pushed out with the hot exhaust air. I vented it out the front passenger window with some bug screen to cover the remaining gaps.

[@ReflectedMiles]

My current favorite is the Dometic RTX-2000 that runs on 12VDC, max 58 amps, normally less. It's for small RV's, preferable ones with good insulation. I would prefer a low-voltage ductless mini-split, but haven't found a workable one yet that will work in sub-zero temperatures.

[@cryptowolf-zf3fs]

One thing to keep in mind is solar is becoming much more popular therefore the price will go down making it more accessible to everyone.

[@n8rlvr876]

Truth.

[@audrealambert9583]

Can't wait for that day❤

[@yoso585]

Not necessarily. Supply and demand are probably more at play. Moore’s law has its limits.

[@felinayjonny]

Thank you for this Bob. We have 4 cats and 2 parakeets and in our current state, have access to a rig with zero AC and this is wonderful information.

[@hooperv]

I designed a way to use a window AC unit in my van. But it's stealth it goes through the floor. It gets the air and exhausts the air through the floor under the van. It works well. I've been using one this way for about six years. It's a bit of a challenge to replace, but I have done so before.

[@mira-sturdivant]

that sounds handy. can you explain a little more? is it rightside up with some kind of vent that curves towards an opening in the floor?

[@samwheelock9743]

My poor experience with a portable AC in an enclosed trailer has been posted. It's not favorable. A window unit with venting like mentioned is on the project list. @@mira-sturdivant

[@KD0CAC]

A couple of tips for helping , Weather on tent [ maybe harder to do ] but on trailer , RV etc. mounting solar panels with at least a couple inches , or 3-4 inches on top makes a huge difference --- now your living environment , is in the shade and you automatically are not going to heat up as much [ so less AC needed ;) The old engineering principle - keep it simple-stupid ;) = try to lessen your need 1st - before your build something . Another option behind the same issue , look for garden shade cloth --- to shade the space you want to cool . Thanks again

[@SlimShady771]

Are you meaning to have a gap underneath each panel correct?

[@glenmo1]

I saw a video on KZbin a guy had a van for stealth City camping. . he is something like that air conditioner and it was vented through the floor of the van so no one could see the exhaust

[@SweetFLGuy1]

What's the name of the video or can you provide a link to it so I can watch it. Thanks

[@jessiehead6525]

Hi Bob, It would be interesting to get a thermometer and note the temperature in the tent before you run the AC, and then mark the temperature after it’s cooled the tent down as well as it can. How many degrees does it actually cool the tent? If it drops the temp 15-20 degrees, it would be worth it. If you only get a 10 degree drop after all that, not sure it would be worth it. Thanks for all you do!

[@robbiewright9573]

What a great, indepth test. Thank you, Bob! You answered all my questions. I appreciate you. Peace!

[@markrenfrow9873]

Our rig, "Serenity" is a 13 passenger Chevy Express 3500 shuttle bus. I tried a 8000 btu single hose portable unit, similar to what you showed. If you were right in front of it, a good cool blast of relief. overall didn't cool the bus. Then tried a 12000 btu double hose unit(with heating capability) and was better. Then (3 years ago I think) we were in SD during the big heat wave, at a campsite with shore power. 107 degrees, 40 mph wind, gusts of at least 60 mph. Sitting there rocking in the wind, was still miserable 92-95 degrees inside. Final (I Hope) solution was a Pioneer 12000 btu inverter mini split, that will cool the bus down to 75 degrees on a 98 degree , almost 100% humidity day in full sun in FL. The max wattage it has pulled was less than 1200W in "turbo mode", and is SO much more quiet inside ! We have 800W solar panels, 3-100ah battleborn's, 2500W Aims inverter/charger. In full sun, after the interior cools down and the mini-split ramps down, can run the unit and put charge into the batteries. I'd advise anyone who tries a portable unit to go with a double hose unit, better yet to get a mini-split.

[@FeMiNem-Poet]

Wow!!!🎉🎉🎉 Thank you. Battery operated portable!🎉 Thank you!!!

[@roberthutchison315]

Evap coolers are great for energy conserving cool in the dry heat. Humidity is a concern, but if you air out at night it should be ok.

[@calibos3329]

This only works in arid environments.

[@teax25]

@@fratermus5502 True, but not everyone is going to be in dry heat.

[@cordellscott]

I just bought the Hessaire 1300 evaporative cooler from Home Depot. 1300 cubic feet of air/minute. It is a reconditioned unit. Probably as good as new. $138 as opposed to around $200 for new. It was on sale for $109 over memorial day. I use it on my patio to cool a mother cat and her kittens. It works great now that the humidity is low and uses 82 watts on the low selling. 250 Watts on the high setting. Low would be plenty for a smaller vehicle like a car or van. Uses about a gallon of water/hour on low. So you'd need access to clean water to run the thing. The AC unit that is being discussed uses 900 Watts? So you could run the evap about 11 times longer than the AC unit based on energy usage 900/82 = 10.9 hours. If you do use the evap in a vehicle, place the evap in a window and seal all around the window with some towels. This insures that fresh air is being sucked in from outside and then blown through the vehicle instead of blowing back out of the open space of the window that surrounds the evap. Then open an exhaust window on opposite side of the vehicle so there is always a flow of fresh, cool air coming through. This unit can be hooked up to a garden hose or filled with water, through a little side opening. The unit has UV protection built in to the polymer so it is made for being in the sun.

[@quickeagle7308]

Look on KZbin and just build a small evap cooler. Pretty cheap and seems to use very little electric. Again, only used for dry climates.

[@johngalt97]

Where the humidity is too high for comfort with straight evap cooling, one can still use it to pre-cool the air that flows across the condenser coils, which don't have a comfort sensitivity.

[@marksimmons1193]

Thank you, it's always good to hear from the experience of others and especially on the flaws of the "promoted". I'm sure there's a learning curve in all of lifes lessons and myself being on the low end of that curve appreciates all the help he can get. Props !

[@davet7663]

Great video Bob. You sure do a great job on saving folks time and money by testing different items. Stay cool 😎

[@aprilbaxter2578]

Great job explaining the A/C. Thank you for letting us know the limitations.

[@KPHVAC]

A window AC is almost always more efficient at cooling. Portable units push room air outside and then outside air will find a way back into your space. A dual pipe portable AC is better!

[@marychristie6194]

We use this in our house in the PNW-We don’t need air conditioning all the time so they has been perfect on those rare occasions that it gets hot and our bedroom is roasting 👍⭐️

[@samwheelock9743]

Firstly, thanks for what you do! AC units. My rig is a 16' cargo trailer with about R 11 wall/floor insulation and R24 in the roof. More than most. Black wall exterior color. Yeah, I know. In the southeast, the rig gets hot in daytime summer heat. When the sun goes down, drop the ramp and open windows/door for a quick air exchange. Still it's too warm to sleep. Enter a single hose 8K BTU portable unit for the last few years. It operates via shore power which is a 25' 12-2w/ground extension cord plugged into a GFCI recep (there are more receps hiding than most know). The efficacy of the portable AC is unacceptable as the hose gets hot and in turn that heat contributes negatively to interior temp. Additionally, the power demand is such that the extension cord gets hot. Therefore, the portable unit does not properly cool the cargo trailer nor can it be left on all day or all night. My experience is not favorable. To that end, a small window unit will soon replace the portable AC. Let's hope for better results.

[@webluke]

An option I don't see discussed is the use of a "Swamp Cooler." They are just a fan and water pump using way less power. The problem with them is you need to be in a dry climate and have access to clean water. My grandpa was a preacher on the reservations and he would build a shack with a small camper next to the churches, he would bring a few extra gallons of water and run a swam cooler in Arizona and New Mexico. I have a swamp cooler in the western desert of Colorado and it works well. I could see a 12v fan pulling air past a filter with water running onto it with a small pump that could use very little power running off a single 60-100W solar panel with no battery.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

yes

[@richardgray115]

I've got a different but similar aircon portable unit for my bedroom in Australia. Keeps me cool during 35 degree Celcius nights . Whilst watching the video I switched it on to see how much power it draws . The metre indicated 540 watts. Used it for 2 years and I'm really impressed. Runs 6 months of the year every night for 8 hours so far

[@stephaniemcbroom9615]

Thanks Bob..that's a big help....much appreciated...😊❤

[@randomspirit]

I have a slightly larger floor unit, similar to that one, in a 14x80 OLD trailer house (poorly insulated), in hot and humid Minnesota. Up to about 85°F it keeps my house comfortably cool despite the lack of shade trees outside. Above that, it starts to struggle a little but adding a separate fan to help keep the air moving makes a big difference. One thing I've learned though is that if you can't attach a drain hose to it, make sure you empty the holding tank regularly because if it gets close to full the unit automatically powers down to about half capacity, and if full, it shuts down entirely. That can be a problem if you leave pets home alone while you go do something else. Other than that, I've had it for five years and it's still going strong. It's a GE, btw.

[@uber2tuber]

Thank you Bob! So awesome. I have wondered about these! You're the best... 💕💓

[@markwolf6092]

Hi Bob the best ac for out west low humidity is Hessaire MC37M evaporator cooler which actually feels like a real ac and uses less than 100 watts portable ac units using 900 watts is literally like using 2 window ac at 450 watts each I run a window ac unit in my van completely off 800 watts of solar and 4 lithium battle born batteries 🥰👍

[@bensonsspeedshop1191]

Awesomeness, Brother Bob!!

[@foxfox9845]

Thank you for your dedication & hard work. 🗽🇺🇲 Brooklyn NY ❤️

[@gailjohnson6670]

Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.

[@boomerartist9772]

Thank you so much Bob for all the reviews you do to help people save money of what may or may not work for a comfortable life on the road living on a tight budget. 💕

[@reidcrosby6241]

I see mentioning A/C in tents. FYI one tent company started its journey in the Middle East with commercial space tents. Crua Tents ROCK. I saw many set up outside a home in Saranac Lake NY and immediately flipped a u turn. Here thd guy is THE only distributor in the USA. I am a former outdoor gear manager for a fairly large outdoor program. i sew, design, fix, repair jist aout ANYTHING, wood, metal, canvas, nylon. NICE products.

[@cindychurch925]

Thank you for these videos. Your information is invaluable

[@frankjacoby9460]

Great evaluation, thank you!

[@nol3231]

A high SEER number AC and a lot of insulation is the best bet. These portable units have a low SEER number, about 15, look for SEER 20 or higher.

[@kcgunesq]

I have the same portable AC that I use to supplement cooling at home. I've been pleased with it. The first one developed a control panel issue and the company promptly sent me another unit with no hassle.

[@kerstinloiselle936]

I bought a hess last summer portable swamp cooler....love love love it!!!!

[@annieyahu676]

Japanese mini-splits are also a great option to consider. Thanks for Sharing ❤️

[@meinidaho]

Thank you for your continued search and sharing. Air conditioning is the one thing that keeps me from being on the road 100%. This may be a good choice. I currently have a 23 foot camper. The biggest problem is finding a way to exhaust without cutting a big hole in the side or taking out one of the windows? Anyone have a good way to do that?

[@pamelarussell1808]

I opened my small window. I had a friend cut a board to fit the window and cut out a hole big enough for the exhaust hose.

[@ahsnap9103]

get an efficient rooftop ac or if you are able to do a more complicated mini split install.

[@JG-kv4oi]

Put a hole through the floor for the exhaust

[@haroldleedye7755]

Thanks for product review and a happy June 2-3-4th weekend of 2023

[@cordellscott]

I just bought the Hessaire 1300 portable, evaporative cooler from Home Depot. Highly rated. Efficient. 1300 cubic feet of air/minute. It is a reconditioned unit. Probably as good as new. $138 as opposed to around $200 for new. It was on sale for $109 over memorial day. I use it on my patio to cool a mother cat and her kittens. It works great now that the humidity is low and uses 82 watts on the low selling. 250 Watts on the high setting. Low would be plenty for a smaller vehicle like a car or van. Uses about a gallon of water/hour on low. So you'd need access to clean water to run the thing. The AC unit that is being discussed uses 900 Watts? So you could run the evap about 11 times longer than the AC unit based on energy usage 900/82 = 10.9 hours. If you do use the evap in a vehicle, place the evap in a window and seal all around the window with some towels. This insures that fresh air is being sucked in from outside and then blown through the vehicle instead of blowing back out of the open space of the window that surrounds the evap. Then open an exhaust window on opposite side of the vehicle so there is always a flow of fresh, cool air coming through. This unit can be hooked up to a garden hose or filled with water, through a little side opening. The unit has UV protection built in to the polymer so it is made for being in the sun.

[@georgecoons6872]

Just get use to the heat and deal with it. Beats the Montana cold any day.

[@marilynmartino4245]

Thank you! I have a friend on the road right now. Will share the info!😊

[@Jennie-405]

Awesome Mike God bless you and your family 🤗

[@brucemoore348]

Good Lesson! ... Bruce

[@angiedixon8017]

Thank you, this really helped me. Subscribed.

[@lonestarlaurel]

Coool, Bob. lolollll. Thanks. Again. Stay safe, happy trails, all, 🙏🏼🐾🎶

[@Gio-un4wh]

Great video very informative!!

[@KDClark1953]

I put one of these in a truck not long after they came out around 2006. It worked well for many years with a Honda generator.

[@johngalt97]

I learned from motorcycling in the heat, that air circulation around the body helps. I cut a Kool Kusion seat 'cushion' in half, and then bend that around my motorcycle seat. It changes what would be a sticky-buns situation into dry(er) comfort. In Arizona, it felt like an A/C blowing directly on my butt/crotch.

[@suejackson5023]

You're the best, Bob!

[@billmccaslin4198]

Mr Bob I just want to say thank you my wife and I have been in our van and Ben camp host now for four years it's everything you said it would be thank you my friend for showing us the way.

[@genreofstubby]

I wanted to buy that exact ac unit for my camper. I needed this video! i now know how much solar i will need. Now to figure out the best power box . Thank you for doing this video!

[@genreofstubby]

Question... can you just run the dehumidifier with out the AC on it?

[@genreofstubby]

and how much energy does it use if it just uses the dehumidifier?

[@howardboyd7764]

Wow.... thank you this video has been MOST helpful indeed....

[@einzgeisha]

I liked this kind of AC portable unit. It worked well in the SF bay area East bay in California. I had one for years but it was Haier brand. Only the tubing broke though and replacing it was the challenge.

[@elsathal7359]

Thank you for sharing 💞

[@hobohobbies]

Thanks Bob!

[@sogdal1]

I use one pf those units in a 6X12 cargo conversion. your right it puts a lot of heat out of the back witch i vented out a wall but still really cools my trailer very well. thanks!

[@TurnFullCircle]

Love practical test like this - very interesting....Cheers

[@marymcmanus]

I have one and it worked for me I did have it plugged in at a campground.

[@brendaowensvisuals3543]

Bob's intros and outros always make me smile.

[@tinawray9240]

Awesome! Thanks for the review Bob! Curious to know how well it would work over here in the SE.

[@westcoastlocal1]

Bob, I have had 2 of these air conditioners, wow did a great job. Also designed well, wheels and handles too. Never used the dehumidifier feature, but worked as an air purifier during summer smoke season.

[@jenkp8179]

Learning all about van/rv life the past couple weeks but the one thing I’m fairly certain I would want to do is to move with the weather. So. I’d go north in the summer I think. Idk. Who knows. That’s the beauty of it tho. Not knowing.

[@lindasue8719]

It's important to check whether any air conditioner is "self evaporative". If not, you will be constantly having to empty the water from it... And you certainly don't want water going all over your vehicle (nor your sticks and bricks). Also, some of these units are extremely heavy. I have a small one but I certainly can't lift it. Camping with Steve did a video using an air conditioner in an insulated ice tent. As I recall, it went quite well (I think they may have done it in an un-insulated tent first, which wasn't great, but it worked out nicely in an insulated tent). I can't remember the power source, but I suspect they had an electrical connection - I don't remember if it was a home test or a generator in the field.

[@realestateinfonet9041]

Superb video! Thanks!

[@imbonnie]

I can run my Midea window AC on cool on as low as 150 watts. It has a very efficient motor. When running 150 watts it wont cool a room but it will cool me when I’m sitting next to it.

[@gardeningintheburbs]

i will be going full time on the road in a few years, so I will be looking you up Bob...thnx

[@GimpyCamper]

I have been using a SereneLife Portable AC in my RV as my second A/C for years. I power it from the panel so when I'm on 30 amp service it doesn't effect my power usage. I have the model that also has a built in heater. I have insulated the hose. The hose was actually the hardest part of the install. I have a video showing how I did it but basically I used a piece of 1/8" plywood to attach to the window screen and connected the hose to it.

[@campgoerOne]

Those work great! I have ac unit that looks similar like that one! I put it in my gazabo when I went to RV Rebel Girls meet up in Illinois last summer...it was a life saver! Though I was able to have hook ups at the camp site!

[@lah1743]

Thank you. I have been working for a few years now on tolerating more extreme temperatures without heat or cooling units. I can tolerate 40 to 90 but below and higher then that range I need help. With more practice I can stretch the range, but probably not much more. Its good to know there are options.

[@user-mj9hq6vm1g]

Dear Bob love all your videos please let us know how safe out there to park in your car where to go to be safe Thank You have a great safe day God Bless

[@sugarskulllyfe5890]

That’s awesome!!!!!

[@omavicmcmurray2893]

Thanks Bob, Price for the unit is good but the need for lots of solar is expensive. We’re getting closer to the answer!

[@CaravanCarolyn]

These are absolutely wonderful. I have one and use it on my patio. The problem with using it on the road is it drinks a good 10 - 20 gallons of water per day.

[@donnasloane9031]

These are s cool have one too....they are great!...stay in the desert when hot!....use in your home or apt too....comes in different sizes too...

[@KateMcCridhe]

I have had a similar unit for several years now. But mine can also be used as a heat source. I didn't use it in my skoolie, just hadn't gotten to that point with the electrics yet. (I'm Mom's caregiver, so my progress is painfully slow.) What I will say is keep that exhaust hose as short as possible! I had to put mine on a crate so the exhaust hose didn't have as much opportunities to heat up my room. It was dreadful if it slipped loose, too. Water. In the Ozarks climate, there is lots of humidity. That tubing is mightily short, and I had problems with it curling back onto the siding, and leaking into the window below. So, unless you get a longer piece of tubing, get a jug to catch the water. For a 1 gallon jug, be prepared to empty it twice a day. You don't want the jug to overflow (my rooms are on the 2nd floor). Uhm. Have a tub to catch overflow, just in case. I switched pretty quickly to 3 gallon catlitter containers (5 gallons was just a wee bit too much to lug down stairs), which (usually) gave me more time between tending to that chore. Note: I am taking about a much more humid climate.

[@vegasprepping1022]

Great video. IMHO, Portable A/C have their place in RV's, if you have the power. Wife and I are on year 3 living in Las Vegas full time in a 35 ft 5wheel. We didn't know any better when we bought this one with ONE rooftop A/C. We quickly adapted 2 portable A/Cs, and it seems to work for us so far. I would recommend spending the extra $$ to buy the ones that can be accessed remotely over the internet.

[@2woman1Journey]

Thanks for this bc we have a huge yurt, we are putting in the desert.

[@justmona9647]

I'm happy to see you're testing A/C! It doesn't appear to be cost effective.

[@MjVanCamping]

I ran my 5000btu ac window unit in my van off of a 120ah life po4. It would run from 10pm to 7am. Cycling on and off while the van stayed cool. Now I've added a couple more batteries but yea it saved power by cycling on and off. I'm in Oklahoma by the way and it gets hot!

[@kimberluna2226]

Basically there sold for mobile homes or apartments, they work good... But hadn't ever thought about in a van , ambulance, rv, I used a swamp cooler in my RV plugged into shore power, worked decent but had to empty water so often ....Does that model have a drain plug for the condensation?...What a great experiment...

[@kimberluna2226]

Curious are you testing in AZ?????

[@melparrishjr]

@CheapRVliving Ever heard of the ancient Persian windcatchers? They cooled their homes perfectly day and night without electricity and they did it thousands of years ago. Each of the towers had tube-like channels running down the length of the inside of the tower and they often went down into a well called a quatar and back up again through the house and out a smaller chimney at the end. I've been toying with the idea of making a portable version of this technology. And I'd make it completely open-source for anyone to freely use and develop as they deem fit. So far, I reckon it could be like a scaffold and cloth for the framework with the vent tubes [2 sets, intake and output] runing down the interior over a clay pot [zeer] and then through the space you wish to cool and finally to its exhaust point. That's the guts of it and in principle, it should work. It's just a matter of working out the form factor for it to be completely portable. Afterall, it works so well that it's still in use today over much of the Eastern world...

[@allenjohnson4938]

Right when i was about to click off near the end you drop the gem of having a Gas Alt to run it when Battery & Solar arent enough and Thats the Ballgame. Multiple Sources of Power…Gas for Heavy Loads & Endurance(Quick &Cheap-ish🥴), Solar & Batteries For Smaller (But just as important) Loads (12v appliances/Lights) and also TopOff Littler Batteries (Phones,Laptops,Tool Batteries) in between Shore Power Hookups to Recharge The Solar Generator and on Board Batts. A System of Power instead of just a One and Done “Solution” also adds redundancy should one fail/die/lose or change/ upgrade out

[@BobSmith-kd4oc]

If you can afford it when you are in a high humidity area go to the liquor store and buy dry ice. Suspended from the ceiling in a wrapped cloth and it will naturally draw the humidity out of the air

[@000MACK000]

I have a Accuzone Maxicool, 960 watts of solar, 400 amp hours of lithium, and I can run it 3 hours which usually takes the batteries down to 30% so usually in the summertime I have to go to an RV park and plug in works great keeps me cool and yes I'm still in Quartzsite Arizona where it gets 120°.

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

The two hose portable air conditioners work better. With single hose, you are cooling the inside air, then using that to cool the condenser inside of the unit. Every bit of air that you pump out of that single hose will need to come back into the van as hot outside air from somewhere.. So now you have more hot air to cool and then push outside through the hose.

[@M4K9G22]

I wouldn't get a portable unit for a van unless it was a dual hose model

[@alfamaize]

When we remodeled our vintage camper, we put that exact same unit in it. It's not in an ideal spot, as it only fits in a back corner, but it works pretty darned well. We have to use some pillows to direct the air forward. As for the humidity, it works fine- I've plumbed the drain directly out of the camper, so it does a great job drying the air out. I might *try* to add a vent line to increase efficiency so that the system isn't always bringing air in. But we also don't camp much when it's hot here in the mid-west. Things are progressing so fast that had we did our remodel this year, we would put in a small mini-split. We did it in 2020, though, so this unit was the option we chose.

[@georgeburke6336]

Could you vent it out of your stove jack?

[@artlife6210]

I have the B and D with the motorized flap on top. It cools my 12x14 room to 73 during the hottest Florida days and nights, its loud and has that chatter sound small compressors do, and it creates negative pressure. Its important in an rv or vehicle that the rv is sealed tight or it will pull in outside air. If its sealed well, these will work okay but are more of a stopgap measure.

[@kay-pu7hr]

I looked at a lower btu portable at Lowe's yesterday. Looks just like that one you demonstrated on your video.

[@brianleonard6885]

Great stuff

[@frostykiller2437]

What about the people living in their cars in Arizona

[@mikiiaudish4194]

I live in Texas and camp in a Chevy Avalanche with a camper cap. I use one of these in my vehicle with great success. I only have 1000 watt solar generator which takes care of my microwave and everything else, but can’t run it off of that. It works wonderfully when I’ll in a campsite with an electrical hookup. Not ideal but takes care of my needs.