How to Install 12V Split Air Conditioner?

Learn how to install a 12V split air conditioner for your transportation HVAC needs. This portable air conditioner is perfect for recreational cooling on the go!
12V Air Conditioner 8000 BTU, Truck Parking 12 Volt DC Air Conditioner Split Electric Truck AC Unit
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[@electrickingzton7678]

Not going to lie, but this is the first video that I’ve seen where they actually show us everything. I installed one on my own truck and it took some researching to do. Good job. Great video.

[@MatthewYBarbo]

Haven't seen a unit exactly like this yet. Very clean install as always, and appreciate the tips you leave along the way!

[@robjknight6501]

That was awesome. Thanks. No one else went into this much detail about the installation.

[@ralphsnow2337]

The inside install looks horrible. You couldn't put the inside part somewhere else where the hoses and wires were hidden. Once those hoses start sweating the bed will get wet. I think you should have put a T fitting in the drain line and hooked both sides up. We don't always have level parking spots. Sometimes the driver side is high sometimes the passenger side is high and sometimes they can be extremely different. With that said I like the idea. I might look into a system like that. I think I would install dedicated batteries though so I won't wake up to a truck that won't start. Very informative video you did a great job of explaining everything . Thanks

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

The T to use BOTH drains is a excellent idea, I was thinking during the install why not hook up both

[@topher8634]

The unit I got came with a Tee to connect both drains. If you are not parked level or leaning towards that single drain, the condensate pan will flood within minutes on a humid day.

[@Khmtravelvlog]

@@ralphsnow2337 I think installing under the bunk and make ducts for the vents would hide the unit and it would be better

[@locutz]

@@ralphsnow2337 at the end of the day who gaf you want cold breeze .

[@pitaeata8493]

great job. nice unit. customer is gonna be soooo happy.

[@samtour8545]

A mini split like pioneer is a better way to go since you can heat as well as cool

[@kuroshrezaei311]

Hi, you did a great job.🎉🎉

[@TaddyDigest]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Deltakitty32780]

Awesome Contant love you bro❤😅

[@lf7469]

Is the manual of this unit recommended any type of fuse to protect the unit from a power surge? Very detailed instructions, thank you! Have you had installed this type of unit with a bank of batteries other than the starter batteries using a dc to dc charger to keep batteries charged while driving?

[@TaddyDigest]

I am not sure

[@mariusneumayer4419]

DC to DC....Nice thought

[@topher8634]

There is a fuse on the positive cable that connects to the battery.

[@joserf1173]

How long does it last running with the truck off before draining the batteries?

[@TaddyDigest]

I am not sure

[@JB-jr3bm]

Wonder if it would run off solar in a covered trailer. Wondering if it would run off the the 12 volt from the hitch wiring.

[@HectorFabela-k6u]

Sure if your hitch wiring is capable of safely delivering up to 80amps.

[@zalo_tuandriverga]

Where are you at? Can I hire you to install the same set up on my truck?

[@TaddyDigest]

I am in tennessee

[@ADB-97]

How long does it take to run it with 4 truck batteries while running the fridge at the same time when the truck is off

[@TaddyDigest]

not sure

[@topher8634]

A couple of hours and you won't be able to start the engine. The A/C draws 50 amps in itself.

[@AkweteyVivian]

Hi Bro how are you Because you I got to no more machines thank you bro William from Ghana

[@toastedonion]

Why not get the apu fixed

[@conquest7563]

What happens to his apu?

[@MPiccolo23]

Tad can u install this unit on a ram 5500

[@TaddyDigest]

great question If there is enough space for mounting then yes

[@yutuniopati]

Aren't most truck running on 24v?

[@mariusneumayer4419]

That is what I was thinking too

[@topher8634]

12/24 volt. This system is available in 24 volt as well.

[@deanatkins988]

I’m thinking it’s very very unreliable.

[@rvdelivery]

Thank you Tad and crew. Viewers, I am the owner of this truck. I'd like to point out a couple things. I purchased this unit on Amazon and it was only after I took delivery did I ask Tad and crew to install. Very professional and well worth the price paid to have it installed. I do not recommend DIY. The truck was dirty because we use it a lot and it had just come off the road for the scheduled appointment. It's a working truck and we went right back on the road after install. It's OK to not be clean and in no way should refection on the professional service we received. The locations of the outside and inside units were selected by myself. The install crew only provided good suggestions, again, very professional. Overall, the unit works very well. It is used to supplement cooling when we go back and forth to the Phoenix area. We do have an APU but the AC side is temperamental and sometimes not enough. This unit provides 100% cooling when we park. Battery drain. We don't have that issue as we run the APU to keep charged up. I do not recommend operating the unit for long periods of time unless you monitor the voltage drop and charge accordingly as it does draw power over time. Condensation and water in the bunk. Not an issue. Slanting the unit was a genius idea and wrapping the hoses alleviates and water in the bunk. We have not had any issues. Noise level. It is quieter then the APU running and of course the big motor running. You hardly know it's there. Very pleased with the unit overall and am glad we took a chance on this product. Thank you Tad and crew. We are very grateful.

[@TaddyDigest]

Excellent, so glad we were able to do this. Install for you. I'm very happy that you're happy with it. And I love the fact that you have shared all the knowledge so that others may learn from it.Thank you

[@samo8204]

@@rvdelivery how much was the unit?

[@GOLTURBO555]

Remember to keep both units CLEAN, and put some filter at inside unit, to keep it clean.

[@sargemarine3709]

Check tire pressures, before leveling ? LOL

[@topher8634]

They are around 400 bucks on amazon. Definitely want to have some means of keeping battery(ies) charged as this system draws around 50 amps DC. You will spank a battery quick.

[@takyc]

i am wondering the purpose using bubble level on a truck. How you know your truck is parked on a flat surface. shouldn't leveling the unit according to the truck build instead? also tilting the indoor unit to one side so the water be collected .. how practical is it? What if you park on a street that titled the other way. If I would do it, I will have hose connected both side outlet connect to a T-coupler. That way no matter the truck titled either way during parking, water will still be collected.

[@topher8634]

It actually comes with a Tee to do this. Obviously, unless you are mindful of how level you are or at least favoring the single drain, you will flood the small condensate pan in the evaporator within a few minutes on a humid day. The ⅜ Beckett tubing is what I used as well. Mine came with a short section of super thin, black vinyl tube that split as soon as I pushed it onto the Tee.

[@my_channel_44]

Brushless option is better than the brushed motor in the link. Would be quieter and last longer.

[@g41thomas]

Please make a second video tell us how is working for you so we can follow up...thx

[@MCscarfacematt]

perfect i can just run it off the 12V battery and trickle charger I use for my diesel heater in the winter

[@carlosnino421]

China products workings only 6 month we need American products

[@alanclarke5979]

Ive never seen this channel before, i was sitting in my truck eating dinner laughing at how rough some owner drivers are when installing stuff like that and lights etc, then you said "the customer" and i almost spat my food out laughing 😂, i know the exact kit you got and you get what you pay for but you could have done a little nicer job on the trim work and where you ran it all 😂😂

[@TaddyDigest]

Glad you enjoyed

[@broncheemims8493]

Thanks Tadd. I as a ac tech, I always wanted to know how to install units like those and now i know. Thanks again

[@TaddyDigest]

You're welcome so glad you liked the video.Thank you for watching

[@joelmcneney5366]

increase those rates

[@paulndfam]

@@joelmcneney5366 facts

[@paulndfam]

Facts

[@pcsof33]

Taddy amazing work ☺️ but I'm so sorry about bleeding your hand please wear gloves before starting any work 🥹

[@beltex63]

maybe clean the truck first?

[@tollav]

@@beltex63 naggggh lol

[@abdullah_fiaz]

Please run it on Solar

[@GreyRockOne]

An other quality install! Helps with the rights tools too. Thanks Tad! #giveaway

[@TaddyDigest]

glad your here brother thank you for watching

[@Emilthehun]

Well dang. This might be the answer to nyc no idling law.

[@topher8634]

If you don't have some means of charging the batteries, you'll spank them quickly. It draws around 50 amps DC.

[@AliNawaz-ic7rf]

How much time it runs on 200 amp battery ?

[@TaddyDigest]

I am not sure

[@ameenghuloom1346]

Good job man What about oil You did not add any oil in the line

[@TaddyDigest]

I did not that is right

[@JuanEspinoza-zl1yy]

Hello from Las Vegas Nevada Can you put a link to a website for the ac GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

[@my_channel_44]

united States for America link is in the description

[@JuanEspinoza-zl1yy]

Thank you

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

HUM, never seen such, I would think this would be good for a RV / Van setup, too bad they don't make like the Mini Splits that you DON'T have to pull the vacuum

[@bryancallender1372]

Thank you. You actually showed how to connect it. Nice😊

[@geel1590]

You said $52/ph 3hrs labor is $156 $344 a freon charge

[@TaddyDigest]

52 per man x 3 men

[@diydiyworlddeunclelee2574]

Great job. How much does it cost in the US?

[@TaddyDigest]

it's around $800

[@redneckways1617]

That “block” is the expansion valve

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

The TXV looks like one from a Nissan A/C unit.

[@topher8634]

And Chryslers, Chevy/GMC Colorado/Canyon. They called it the expansion block or "H" block.

[@ronchambers9762]

Very professional work at super...really super fair price. Thanks for the complete story. Your team should be really proud of yourselves.

[@eendexy7671]

It work rely good but recently it give me E05 error code and shutoff did you know what that code

[@j1mbobtech]

Hey, I missed that "Main" fuse going inline, close to the battery so that the electric line is safe...

[@pfoxhound]

Secure those hoses, while driving - vibration is horrible, hoses will fall apart.

[@AskRemy]

is it loud? how much power does it use? is this a good quality product?

[@TaddyDigest]

It's not loud.It's very quiet.It works really well.I'm not sure how many amps it uses.I would have to check out the manual again

[@topher8634]

Around 50 amps DC. Just look at the size of the main power cable.

[@cdinnetz]

Why would anyone do this to thier truck? Horrible. Just horrible.

[@TaddyDigest]

tell me why

[@haitiano1982]

Jeez Karen. Sck it

[@enquire422]

Those flexi lones are brilliant!

[@dnell6854]

Nice!!Thanks for the Training

[@iShujaat]

$100- $150 for qualified tech minimum.

[@z06rcr]

Expansion valve system without a receiver/drier can cause problems since a reserve of liquid refrigerant may not be available especially with low ambient conditions. ..not to mention the lack of dessicant.

[@mariusneumayer4419]

Sounds like you know a lot about this unit. Do you recommend this system ?

[@z06rcr]

@@mariusneumayer4419 If you’re going to spend considerable time in the cab with engine off, it might be a reasonable option… not sure about long term reliability.

[@topher8634]

The receiver is built into the condenser.

[@topher8634]

The fan slows down during low ambient to maintain head pressure

[@topher8634]

If you spend a considerable amount of time in cab with engine off and this system on with no means of charging batteries, you'll spend an even more undesirable amount of time with the engine off. System draws around 50 amps DC.

[@Not-by-sight]

I fell asleep did it in 2 ho7rß by myself

[@victoruribe885]

The manual indicates that the outdoor unit must be mounted vertically, I believe that considering the position of the compressor and the installation in the video it is horizontal. Is there a reason for that? And will that not affect its operation?

[@RealRothschild]

It is installed vertical in this video

[@michaelgriggs6903]

Awesome , I would had thought to use both drains lol just do to turns...

[@BarGolum]

Excellent video easy to follow thanks for taking the time to do this video. Recently I changed the condenser, vacuum and add Freon to the system of my step daughter VW beetle they were charging her $2500 to do the job, poor thing she was looking to get a loan, but here I’m to the rescue 🎉❤ I spent $140 in parts.👊🏼 I believe the square part inside where the hoses goes it looks like The expansion valve in a car that removes pressure from the liquid refrigerant to allow expansion or change of state from a liquid to a vapor in the evaporator.

[@rashidminhasbhatti9618]

In Pakistan .under 50 dollar charges..500 to much

[@WaffleStaffel]

That's the cost of having a society with ample toilets and low r@pe levels.

[@my_channel_44]

Isn't that silicon tubing that came with the unit? That will hold up better than vinyl to light and heat.

[@topher8634]

It is cheap plastic that splits as soon as you push onto drain Tee. I used Beckett tubing as well.

[@MrAbdullhali]

Nicely done I would have added lock tite. Just as a precaution.

[@mariusneumayer4419]

Yeap. Nice video, but a few mistakes. No gloves, placement in the cab, and tilted, slappy silicone, and lock tite. But nice start up video if people take time to read comments.

[@andyphuong4826]

Thanks Tad 👍 very detailed and you are life saver 🙌

[@TaddyDigest]

Your Welcome My Brother glad you liked the video thank you for watching

[@nattydreadlocks1973]

I didn't see a reciver dryer or any limit switches.

[@topher8634]

The receiver is part of the condenser. If you look on the right side of it you can see it in video. It looks like a header, but it's not. Easier to identify in person. The limits are built into the inverter operation. If the amperage of compressor exceeds the maximum, it will turn off. If the amperage is real low during low loads/ambients, it will slow the condenser fan down.

[@hurcklynbrown2630]

Good job

[@vahyae431]

Appreciate you

[@TaddyDigest]

thank you so much

[@guapo1270]

Very nice installation!

[@weimiaofeng]

i installed 4700- watt generator[$250] at the back of truck, and placed a 9000-btu [$168] portable ,mobile air conditioner in the cab .i installed the heat dissipation vents on the windows next to to the bed,but the problem is that the heat dissipation pipe,which is more than tree feet long and 5 inches in dimeter, has a very high temperature when working. i bought some insulation cotton to wrap the heat dissipation pipe to prevent the high temperature of the heat dissipation pipe from affecting the cooling effect of the air conditioner

[@4625boowoody]

Great job. First I've heard of a 12v A/C system. What is the device to the left of the exterior condensing unit? It looks like a condensing unit itself. Or it could be some sort of other cooler. Maybe transmission oil cooler. Im just a curious guy.

[@terrysookhoo2528]

Boi i could do with that

[@AnsariBaksh]

Are these available in smaller sizes? I'm looking for one that can fit in a mini excavator.

[@vincentdoubt]

Its totally using battery power without start the engine ? how long its can run without starting engine ??

[@TaddyDigest]

not sure

[@topher8634]

Not long. You'll get a little more than in a conventional vehicle because there's 4 batteries in this setup.

[@kamols.5592]

16:47 that on your left hand is that blood?

[@TaddyDigest]

yes I think I had cut myself during the install

[@stevedutcher3875]

Great job Tad!

[@TaddyDigest]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@marqueswilsonn]

No comment on your work but that design stinks. Dometic has a 12v unit that looks way better. If this unit was able to keep the splitter outside and port into the ducting that’s already in the cab that would be way better.

[@my_channel_44]

@@marqueswilsonn DOMETIC does. But where's the price? I did some googling, and the 12v units are $2400+. They also offer 24 and 48v. I'm sure they are premium units.

[@topher8634]

This system is around 300 bucks on amazon. It's made in China and very cheap. But I will say I haven't had but one problem with mine after 8 months and it was minor. The electrical connector that joins inside and outside is real chintzy and melted. I replaced with a weather- pak connector. No other problems yet.

[@marqueswilsonn]

@@my_channel_44 dometic makes the fridges that come in most big rigs and RV’s. They have good stuff.

[@SeanNash-j8r]

Great installation vid man! The only problem i see with this installtion is that you need more than 4 batteries to make it worth the installation. 4 truck batteries are only 400 amp hours combined. The unit runs at 850 watts. That will give you around 4.7 hours of runtime before the batteries are completely drained. If the unit had its own set of 4 batteries that would be perfect.

[@HectorFabela-k6u]

@@SeanNash-j8r Uh, run the engine and use the alternator.

[@mariusneumayer4419]

@@HectorFabela-k6u or solar panels...not on truck, but roof of a RV

[@topher8634]

Definitely have to have some means of charging, it pulls around 50 amps DC. The one I installed is on an enclosed EZGO electric utility cart. It's a 72 volt, I'm using a 72v to 12 volt DC to DC converter. It pulls around 12 amps at the higher voltage from a Trojan T890 battery bank. It's rated at 175 amp-hours over 10 hours, but it isn't used more than 3-5 hours a day.

[@bigdnelyria]

Why would you why the compressor is running, open up the high side? You never ever do that.

[@mariusneumayer4419]

Someone knows AC. Glad for the comments, you can learn so much from

[@topher8634]

You can charge high side while off, but have to close off and finish charging through low. It's recommended to do initial charge on liquid line because if you dump a lot of liquid on low side, then start compressor, you will slug it. Scrolls handle liquid better than recips but they can still be damaged.

[@justarandomguy401]

I didn't know that... American trucks doesn't comes with inbuilt Air conditioning from the factory just like in cars...

[@osvaldomcs1213]

Nice job. Should taken 2 hrs lol

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

What's the Hurry? Be careful be neat and be professional. Check your results and make it COOL! No Hurries and No Worries!

[@hprider01]

Hi im gettimg a E9 error hiyht presure switched any idea what could be wrong.

[@TaddyDigest]

Check to see if outdoor coil is dirty.Check to see if outdoor fan is running

[@hprider01]

@TaddyDigest hi thanks for the respond it's a brand new system similar to your I vacuum it added half can later was told by the sales guy that the system is precharge with 134a. Any idea we're the hight pressure switch would be located. On this type system.

[@topher8634]

If it was precharged and you added another 6oz, you overcharged it. If it has a switch, it will be located on high side of system. Does it run at all? If so what is the high side pressure reading? Is it above 300 psig? If not, then may just be faulty HPCO.

[@vvorldnewsmedia]

wow you spend a ton on the unit and then you still have to fill it with freon wow crazy good thing ac house units and cars dont do this wow crazy would not buy one of these

[@rohith300987]

Now its time to put some 12 volt solar panel to keep batteries topped up, while its parked in sun

[@LalaAssadKhan]

jo for room

[@heatncool]

I spy nick 👀 😅

[@junaid9667701]

What's the running amp

[@TaddyDigest]

not sure

[@danpresson]

Awesome video

[@TaddyDigest]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@AriasElectronics]

Good job!

[@TaddyDigest]

Thanks!

[@aaroncottrill7426]

Put a hose with a t so it dont matter witch way the rig is leaning

[@thomas4315]

Ive tryed having a ac in a van spend about 2 k I tell your not worth it, even my almost 2 k in solar panels are a struggle cause you need a delicated extra 2 k watts to be sound . Reason is they are too much cloud a day, and you need to turn the ac offer you be useing the battery you are trying to charge at the same time, so you barely charge. So you end up looking fir cloud like a crazy man. In time you realized why am I stressing myself over clouds that stay over head then move on. It not worth it, going turn into a gouchy old man alway thinking about the weather.

[@thomas4315]

The total time cloud pass you in a day are about 1-2-3 hr you notice it's a lot cloud , you never notice they was that many single clouds before you got the ac. Before it seen it was alway sunny

[@jeremymiltonify]

I'm going to add this to the front cabin area of my skoolie conversion. it's a 7.3l. Can I operate this unit from the vehicle battery as a primary air conditioner while driving? In other words, will the truck's battery and alternator be enough or should I add another battery? I will have a front passenger area walled off to make it a much smaller area. Thanks!

[@topher8634]

It draws around 50 amps DC so make sure your alternator can handle it with the rest of your electrical demands. You will have to keep engine running or provide some means of keeping battery charged or you will deplete it very quickly.

[@tobiasberggren6921]

Level and making the indoor unit on an angle? On a truck ? hope you ALWAYS drive in level then! Hahaha. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@topher8634]

I guess he's betting on he's always stopped on level ground or at least favoring the drain. The one I got came with a Tee to connect both evap drains to eliminate this problem.

Did you have the entire truck level? Otherwise, it makes no sense to put the outdoor unit level. I would also use, for example, silicone on the rivnuts to prevent moisture from penetrating inside. I wouldn't trust the rubber anti-vibration pads alone, especially after a long period of time when they will be exposed to weather conditions.

[@RealRothschild]

Have you ever seen trucks riding on the street with the logos and lettering all crooked😂

[@romeomago3908]

That's awesome! Where to purchase that unit?

[@TaddyDigest]

link in description

[@romeomago3908]

@@TaddyDigest thanks taddy

[@sergeipro3642]

Really good job! BUT, the design of the indoor unit looks pretty wuird, separated line set that running through all bed part of truck, separated drain line which running same. Why it couldn't be designed like a split system indoor unit that covered all pipes and holes

[@topher8634]

It's made in China

[@NancyFlores-b9c]

question. I have Samsung unit model number it AM060TNZDCH/AA. My indoor blower Won't shut off it's a new Install

[@topher8634]

It runs continuously regardless of condenser operation? If so, check that the fan hasn't been put in continuous mode. If the outdoor is running with it, then it's not satisfying the setpoint. Either there is a refrigeration problem or it's being set too low or it is undersized.

[@MartinLDeLoach903]

I didn't no we had 12v AC 😂

[@topher8634]

It's 12volt DC. A/C is short for air conditioner. But any voltage of AC is possible through use of a transformer.

[@MartinLDeLoach903]

@@topher8634 I know ac/dc I ment air conditioner

[@joelgaralde3514]

Nice video. Thanks

[@theabsentmindedprofessor8357]

So this is 12volts right? So that battery in series is what volt?

[@topher8634]

It is a 12/24 volt system in this truck. There are (2) sets of 2x12 volt in parallel each providing 12 volt or across both sets in series for 24 volt.

[@pl747]

I would be highly disappointed in that temperature air. Especially for $1300 plus installation. All my vehicles blow 38-40 degree air. i changed over a r12 system to 134 one time and didn't change the condenser to a parallel flow and got 46 degree air. Changed the condenser to a parallel condenser and got 40 degree. Amazing difference in the cooling too.

[@HectorFabela-k6u]

You don't say what your DT was. What was ambient? I am in AZ and we regularly have 110⁰F and up ambients. 122⁰F on a nice July or August day. Evsry system is different. Owner said this was to supplement the original system, not replace it.

[@pl747]

@@HectorFabela-k6u okla here so lots of 100 plus days

[@topher8634]

46° is fine. It's air conditioning, not refrigerating. A/C is designed around a 40° evap. By time you pick up heat load, it's going to warm some. Split system in your house is usually around 55° supply with a Delta-T of 15 to 20°. Operation in higher ambients will net less.

[@HDXFH]

These compressors draw alot of power

[@topher8634]

Around 50 amps@12 volt

[@DeltaCo7175]

how many hours of run time before the batteries die ??

[@topher8634]

Maybe 3 or 4 if they are healthy. Wouldn't run it without engine started and alternator charging. Or provide some other means of charging battery(ies). It draws 50 amps DC.

[@theabsentmindedprofessor8357]

Did you weigh that charge in?

[@topher8634]

He had it on a scale in the video. Even showed changing the units from ounces to grams.

[@yaderdelgado4495]

I DO NOT SEE AC DRIER

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

A new system doesn’t need one if you manufacture and install it using standard practices.

[@heatncool]

There is no brazing

[@rykdheiner]

It could be integrated into the condenser like a lot of automotive style a/c systems

[@topher8634]

It is built into condenser. Visible on right side in video but easier to see in person. Looks like header but it's a receiver/drier. Recommended always. Even a perfectly designed system and installed using best practices can have moisture in the refrigerant.

[@fazemam3887]

later the battery is dead

[@topher8634]

Gotta run engine or APU