Fresair review by Rydawell Builds

[@bwbrady8372]

Thanks for your video. We installed a Fresair unit in our 170 Sprinter (mid-size) van 2.5 years ago, and have regrets. We lived in central Oregon (desert) and have only traveled in the western US where humidity is low. It sits over the bed in the rear of the van, and we have a Maxxair fan towards the front, so that, in theory, air can enter through the Fresair and exit through the Maxxair. The Fresair is great if you are lying on the bed directly under it, but it can't seem to cool the air in the rest of the van. I set up one or two small portable fans to help move the cooler air forward, but it's still less than satisfactory. Perhaps we should have reversed the placement of the Fresair and Maxxair because we seldom need the Fresair at night. (One small portable fan works fine during the night, and is quieter.) We also cover the windows with insulated covers. We didn't want an insulated curtain between the cab and the rest of the van because with our swivel seats, the cab is part of our living area. Maybe that's something we should reconsider, but we do keep insulated covers on our cab windows. Our van is a light color. So we avoid camping during hot seasons which, where we live, is most of the summer. I agree that it's really annoying not knowing how much water is in the Fresair tank. It is good that the low profile on the roof allows for a solar panel above it. The low power usage is also good because we never use shore power. Sadly, the cons out weight the pros so if we were do another van build, we'd probably not choose a Fresair again.

[@eagle20g]

Thanks for the video, So I live in Pennsylvania, humid, I just want something that will keep the van 70-73 during a hot summer humid day. I sleep during the day so you think this would keep it comfortable Appreciate the information with it not being able to turn off on itself. That might be a deal breaker

[@rydawell]

I think this might be pushing it to keep a van cool for ~8 hours @ 70-73 in your area during peak daylight. You may need an AC.

[@MrAndreascmontano]

Have you seen this increase the humidty level inside the van? Humidty in the van is always a concern to avoid mildew.

[@teachingbeats]

Thank you for this, you may be the only real life test of this unit out there, do you use it while driving(of course guessing you have regular ac in the van)but just wondering if youve tried just this unit while driving on a hot day alone just to see? Thanks.

[@rydawell]

Yes, you can certainly use it while. driving. It could help cool the rear of the van while A/C takes care of the front, for pets or passengers for example.

[@danieldelima2436]

I’m doing a small van build Im Florida and debating on getting a max air or the fresair. I hear the fresair has really good ventilation but with humidity as high as it is here, should I save my money.

[@rydawell]

Florida would probably be the state with the worst performance of the Fresair unfortunately. May want to go with (2) fans for maximum movement.

[@leighclough100]

Hi thanks for the vid. how much water does it use ?

[@rydawell]

Not much, we have a 30 gal holding tank, so it is easy to top off.

[@mobius012]

How you liking it so far? Any reason you'd see that you can't install this on a sxs?? You think it would survive be on top while banging around offroad? How about the all the dust, would the dirty air cause any issues?

[@rydawell]

Yes, dirty air could be an issue. You would need to replace filters much more often.

[@RRE769]

Thanks for the review on the A/C. I live in the Washington DC area, so its very humid. I guess this won't be a good choice for me. By the way, did you build those cabinets, or did you buy them somewhere? They are beautiful.

[@rydawell]

Thanks! We make the cabinets in house.

[@nicholasmartin7922]

How loud is it? Could you sleep with it on?

[@rydawell]

Yes you can. It has about 10 speeds and low is quiet.

[@Mayax33]

Thankyou for making a good review of this! Curious to know how much water it uses on average?

[@rydawell]

it depends of course, but the tank should last a few days.

[@emkaytee73]

@@rydawell many gallons?

[@alicrieswolf]

Hi - thanks for this review! Curious your thoughts on the placement on front vs back when combined with a Maxxair fan. Looks like you chose to have the A/C toward front - what factors made you choose that and are you happy with placement?

[@rydawell]

It's kind of a personal preference but can get pretty cool at night so you may not want the cold air directly over the sleeping area IMO.

[@FromShetoMe]

Are you still happy with the unit?

[@rydawell]

Good question! I will know more this summer on year 3, but I think it is a great choice if you visit any dry climates during summer. So far so good!

[@tomgreen4094]

I noticed you had your doors open, I live in Utah, humidity is usually below 10%, will this keep the inside around 72-75 with the doors closed if it is in the 90s outside? Or is it not efficient enough to keep it livable inside?

[@rydawell]

it will depend if you are in the shade, insulation, window coverings, etc, but the thing that I like it is that it can be used when the door open. It will be be cooler inside than outside for sure, just hard to say exactly how much.

[@MrBofficial0913]

My resevor looks like is bulging, I'm not sure if I need to put a hole on the second bigger hole so it release air? Need help please

[@rydawell]

Yes, they can be overfilled! It is a good idea to fill slowly, check for bulging and stop as soon as it starts. Too bad there isn't a visible fill valve.

[@jaythejayzer]

for humid places like texas could this work even while using a dehumidifier?

[@rydawell]

I think it would work a little but efficiency would be minimal.

[@jaythejayzer]

@@rydawell thanks, I appreciate your reply.