The BEST 12V Air Conditioner For Van Life? INSTALL & TEST

[@johnhardcastle.7906]

Hi. as a a/c and refrigeration engineer in the transport world , you did a great job.

[@TimKatie]

Thank you so much. I appreciate your feedback

[@imperfectadventure]

Oh man, I wish I had this video a few months ago when I started installing mine! Another great video from you. Unfortunately I've had nothing but trouble with mine. From learning how to install it, evap not programed correctly, shops filling incorrectly, and now a frozen evap valve. Tom's been helpful though and is sending a new evap. Thanks for posting this...it makes all the difference to see someone do it seamlessly to understand how to do it. Great job!

[@TimKatie]

Thanks so much. Sorry to hear you’ve had so much trouble with your unit. Great to know that Tom has been helpful but hopefully it all gets sorted soon!

[@michaelscarfi3196]

I’ve been studying this for two years. I’ve picked the same unit. It’s by far the best thing out there. Another drawback of the cruise n comfort is the hot compressor mounted inside the space your cooling.

[@TimKatie]

Great to hear you came to the same conclusion. Thanks for the comment!

[@CruiseNComfortUSA]

I have been building the HD-12L for over 11 years and this has never been an issue. However, if this and ducting is a concern, the VES system is a good alternative. With the VES system, the compressor can be mounted in an enclosure with the electronics, because the compressor is cooled primarily by the return refrigerant. I always welcome phone calls, so please don’t hesitate to give me a call and I would love to discuss my products. -Chris

[@michaellynn3928]

@michaelscarfi3196 did you get yours installed? How'd it go?

[@michaelscarfi3196]

@@michaellynn3928 I did it myself it went well

[@michaellynn3928]

@@michaelscarfi3196 any details you can share? I have it partially installed in my Sprinter, and I'm deciding how to route the cables and lines from under the van and into the rear through the walls.

[@Mark-gg6iy]

The underbody screws concern me. I would have strongly tried to use nylok nut/washer/ bolt to mechanically prevent dislodgement due to vibration. At the very least the screws you used should be positionally marked so future visual inspections can identify any possible movement easily. Great video and info, are being filed to aid in my design. A thermal curtain to trap the cool air where sleeping will be in my design. Tip: anytime you are having difficulty drilling use the reasonably smallest possible (4mm?) carbide bit simply as the pilot hole subsequently increasing in bit size.

[@ososdechengdu]

I just completed a similar install of the UndermountAC system on a '21 Transit. Many thanks for putting this detailed video together, as it served as both reassurance during the purchase and a valuable resource during install. Some observations from my experience: - They are now shipping kits with some material differences including (1) a control board integrated into the Compressor (2) new (non ProAir) Condenser (3) new digital control pad. - The documentation is just some random notes. There is no proper installation manual and some information is old (see above), ensuring you will have to seek direct support. Fortunately, he is very responsive although I can't help but think it would be easier to just write everything down in a real product manual. - After seeing this video, I elected to install the Compressor in a slot towards the rear left. This allowed for easier install (esp. since removing the control board would be tricky), easier access for fill/maintenance, and no issue with the transmission. Despite going smoothly, it was definitely a challenging install and there were moments are regretted not just getting an unpowered integrated roof model. Now that it's done, I can't wait to unleash its power this summer. Going forward, I am a little concerned about support of the ProAir components since the company is defunct, but will cross that bridge later. Good luck to anyone embarking on the journey!

[@redbeardedt3437]

And this is why I did a mini split in my enclosed trailer conversion. Easy as possible installation, incredibly quiet at only 25 dB. It's 9,000BTU, and low power usage at 720W and 6.26amps. It's a 110v, so around 64amps on 12v, though I have a 24v system so it runs around 32amps. I have a 1000Ah 24v battery bank, so it can run around 30 hours on battery, with my 4000 watts of solar it'll pretty much run indefinitely, and it only cost me $750 for the mini split.

[@Scotmond1]

Hi. What mini split did you buy?

[@mydogo]

Wow ! Your solar set up and battery are huge !!! Gigantic !! out of this world for most people. How much money does that set up costs ???

[@maydayfaerie]

@@Scotmond1 bumping in hopes of a reply & update from @redbeardedt3437

[@tehdreamer]

4000w solar? What do you have like solar wings that extend?

[@redbeardedt3437]

@@mydogo about $14k for everything, including wiring.

[@warphillips]

Thanks for this, my system is on order, expecting to begin install in a couple weeks.

[@mountainman4410]

A couple of pointers. Drill through the metal with a small 1/8 in bit first. It will go through much faster. It also makes ait easier to drill exactly where you want, without the drill bit "walking" on you. Then switch to a larger size bit to make the hole bigger. It will go through so much easier. As for the self tapping screws that are holding the condenser and fans up. Don't trust those alone for very long. They will loosen and can easily pull out. Put yourself a metal strap or two across the entire condenser. Something that will hold it up, just incase they loosen up along the way. 😉

[@TimKatie]

Thanks for the tips! I tried to use at least one cross nut for each component (threaded with blue loctite) and then reinforced with the self tapping screws (with lock washer), but will certainly try to use OEM bolts for my next install 👍🏻

[@jasonthirlaway7412]

Definitely use a through bolt and loctite. That will vibrate loose and it won't be pretty. Self tapers are great for light duty fastening but never trust a self tapper. The threads are too loose and will back out. Thank you for the video and always fun to see fellow builders finding solutions. Cheers!

[@robwickham8530]

At some point it would be great to insert a wifi-based thermostat into the control loop. We did this to our cruise-n-comfort because the analog control panel only uses a simple on/off switch and a fan speed dial making it easy to hack into with our ecobee. Great video, and great build. Hope to run into you guys some day.

[@TimKatie]

Thanks Rob! Great idea - I read they have come out with a new digital and wifi based thermostat so I’ll be curious to test it out on our new van. We hope to see you on the road!

[@paulutd69]

Great install. With homes costing close to a median price of $300,000 to $600,000 nowadays there are Soo many young people and seniors doing van life. Hopefully more employers realize that the young demographic prefer remote work and the tech today does not preclude a workforce that has to be based in office towers. Thanks for posting this video!!! 12:13

[@functionalvanconversion4284]

Awesome system! Great demonstration for those of us who are looking to install one of these. Thank you👍

[@TimKatie]

Thank you! I’m glad you found it helpful 👍🏻

[@AladdinSE]

That under-mount compressor unit is DEFINITELY too loud! You’re gonna tick off plenty of neighbors in RV parks and camp grounds. Thank you for the demonstration, especially when you bent down to check out the sound from the undercarriage. That decided it for me. Low profile, quiet and efficient top-mount Houghton®️ AC unit is the way to go!

[@TimKatie]

I’m glad to hear you found it helpful 👍🏻 We’ve never had an issue or complaint with it but likely depends on your camping/park style as well

[@Adam_Gray]

I'm thinking about installing this type/brand unit into my Sprinter 3500XD this fall. I would really appreciate your 1yr review of this particular unit and how well the undercount held up to driving conditions and how well the ducted cooling performed. Thanks for your time in both making this video and responding to viewer questions.

[@TimKatie]

I’ve installed 2 of these units now in different vans and they have been on the road for 6 months and >14 months full time with no issues to the undermounted condenser units. They function well to cool off the extended length transit and I am about to order another unit to install in our new extended length transit build. Still highly recommend 👍🏻

[@Adam_Gray]

@@TimKatie Thanks!

[@mikefranks4528]

Great video on an install of this unit but NOISE is the main reason why I am going with a mini split residential unit where the compressor is housed inside the van in the garage with a max air fan assisting for airflow (maxxair mounted on the door). It is extremely quiet. noise is my pet peeve where I could not compromise. Other than that it’s a great install video for that particular unit.

[@undermountac]

The compressor itself is not a source of real noise. It's relatively quiet. The majority of noise that comes from our system is from the condenser fans. The dual condenser fans push a lot of air and they are standard automotive units. They can be slowed down so they are quieter. Please note a residential unit is not designed in any way for automotive applications. There is no vibration isolation or water resistance built into residential systems.

[@mikefranks4528]

@@undermountac Thanks for your feedback regarding from where the noise is propagated on your unit. Yeah, turning it down will definitely decrease decibels but no other option when external temps are high and needs to run at full duty cycle in order to maintain a comfortable climate inside (unless really insulated properly). Would be great to get a decibel meter and share those results for the curious. Now, regarding my mini-split decision and how it is designed for residential use and not for automotive. True that automotive was not its original design intent, BUT, it has been tested for years within the van community as a reliable and LOW DECIBEL use. Low decibel is #1 reason why "full time" van lifers like to go with mini-split units. To add some credibility, here is a KZbin video clip I would like to share --> kzbin.infoUgkxgpMedWd7X-agemd1wEZQiXV2hqOu3q1z Please check it out at your convenience and see how vibration is not an issue with these systems. Moreover, regarding your concern with water resistance, the entire unit will be fully enclosed with proper ventilation thereby mitigating any meteorological events adversely affecting the entire system. I can have the outdoor condenser on the back of my van but not trying to go for that look. Here is a use case of what that design looks like --> kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGiyepeal6-fjMU

[@CosmicSeeker69]

you crack on Mike - IMHO it's the way to go. Building in AV mounts isn't rocket science and I'm sure you'll be fine. Domestic fringes and freezers have been used for decades now in vans and all good so don't worry too much about the fear porn,,,,,,,. Personally I'm using a heat pump unit in my build - so easy it's like child's play - but I do have a 7.5T Merc Vario - happy miles guys from the You Kay

[@WheresJoseToday-im1gr]

Great video! This is what I have been seriously considering for my LC HJ45 build!

[@TimKatie]

Thank you! I recently installed their newest version of this unit and still highly recommend 👍🏻

[@taylorcuthrell4123]

$3400!? Hell nah. nice install video though. I'll go the aliexpress route and get a minisplit for $600. My chinese diesel heater has been an amazing buy and I've been running it a year.

[@InitialDIYmods]

FYI, I got the same pump for $600 back in 2020 and pieced together a kit with automotive parts for way less. Granted, it's a car for me so I already have the vents, evaporator, condenser, etc. so it's "halfway done" from the factory.

[@mydogo]

What stops somebody from using the factory dash ac install and adding a 12 or 24 volt air compressor ???

[@FRZNTYM1]

Nice job on install. I have seen other mini - split systems where the condenser could not be mounted horizontal and needed at least a minimum 15 degree tilt. Nice you could mount yours this way and avoid road debris from damaging cooling fins.

[@TimKatie]

Thank you! Yes, it’s quite nice that this UndermountAC condenser can be installed flat 👍🏻

[@joeboxter3635]

@@TimKatie This is a great video. But you are at 13 SEER. A residential unit can be had at $3000 - 3500 which is 32 SEER and heatpump operating as low as 20F. So almost 3 times less energy. But of course harder to install.

[@TroyD-vo1bz]

Great video! I purchased a 24 volt mini split directly from China and paid $350. It was another $150 to ship it, but I'm located up in Alaska. So, I have a few comments and then a couple of questions. Mine is a 24 volt system (They have 12 volts as well but lower BTU rating). This one is rated at 9,000 BTU. It uses a Max of 800 watts or 33 amps. That would be 66 amps at 12 volts. Essentially it's about half the power of my air fryer or Induction cooktop. This unit uses a variable frequency compressor, so it actually never stays at full speed, and there is no way to keep it at full speed. It essentially just cycles more frequently. Controls on mine are Wi-Fi. At full blast I think I was getting similar readings to you. Somewhere around 54°, but, most of the time it's much higher than that as the compressor only stays at max for seconds. This is the way they achieve the energy efficiency. I can say up around 85°, which would put the interior of the RV at 95 to 100, It will Keep the Interior right about 70. Of course if your parked in the shade, it would do better. While the evaporator or head unit is whisper quiet, The condenser is mounted to the frame or floor of the Van and that's actually much more apparent as far as noise levels go. The company does mount the compressor itself on some rubber mounts, but I was surprised that the compressor was so much louder than the evaporator. Normally those things are mounted outside, and you don't hear anything. And while this one is technically mounted outside it's also mounted to the floor of the van so that residual vibration transfers. I think adding some extra insulation may help as well and some sound deadening mat material. I haven't done that yet. So, questions I have for you is what is the BTU rating of yours? How would you rate the noise level inside the van? And I guess it's been a year since you posted at this point so have you have any issues? At what level do you find you have to keep the unit at to keep the interior of your van cool? In other words what's the real world settings like?. I find I can turn my fan down, but I still need to keep it on Max Cooling. It probably runs 50% of the time that way, maybe 40%, but the evaporator never really shuts off, i.e. the blower is always running. That's not necessarily a bad thing as I kind of like white noise, but it does still draw a small amount of power.

[@yettimouse3561]

Company and distribution center please, this sounds great

[@mountainman4410]

As soon as I saw that you were using insulation around your duct work, I knew you were going to install this thing right!

[@TimKatie]

Haha thank you!

[@dominicperez3207]

That Anderson connector was so cool.

[@mehranrostami6967]

Thanks for sharing and going through the whole process. lots of work! not sure if I want to go through that... how happy are you with your batteries and invertor.

[@Hozomean]

Nice job! Very informative. It would be interesting to know the decibel levels of your 3 options. Also, I suppose you'd have to be mindful of blocking that intake vent in the garage.

[@TimKatie]

Thank you! That’s a good idea - I will keep that in mind for a future video 👍🏻

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

It's absolutely obscene that you don't get a variable speed compressor for the price. Outstanding video :)

[@TimKatie]

Thank you :)

[@michaelscarfi3196]

It is variable speed

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

@@michaelscarfi3196 Well - that's news. And something that isn't advertised on their page. Can you point to where they say it is?

[@michaelscarfi3196]

I read it the other day. I specifically remember it because of your comment and how it surprised me.

[@TimKatie]

@@MyGoogleKZbin Page 23 of the install manual "Compressor is variable speed and will ramp up, so allow some time for pressures to increase and stabilize"

[@ArtstradaMagazine]

Since the AC is almost never used when driving, I think a fold-away Solar panel could be used on top of the AC unit and folded back when driving. I would like to see AC manufacturers start to think about the integration of solar into their design.

[@joelrugg]

Great video I have been thinking about this for my truck

[@TimKatie]

Thank you! I recently installed another one (their newer version) on our last van and still highly recommend 👍🏻

[@je-fq7ve]

using corrugated flex hose ills your ac wind speed. pvc pipe is smooth a better but harder option.

[@ronethridge9875]

yes-is the compressor a rotatary or scroll compressor/i chose a scroll compressor-it is more efficient-from my research/i have a van i am customizing/my unit will have eco-mode/an i plan to catch the condensate water to use for other uses/how much solar do you have/anyway great job/neat work too/thanks much

[@Kevinmagendans]

Great video, Just one comment i got is the self tapping screws u got to use locktide to jam them up nicely because they will vibrate and become verry loose overtime. Overal great video!

[@carlosrios5162]

Damn that is loud haha ! Thanks for the video man !

[@TimKatie]

No problem - I didn’t mind it find it too loud but just installed their new version with the included hush vans and it is much quieter!

[@carlosrios5162]

@@TimKatie ahh sick ! because i want to stealh camp so i want it to be subtle! haha Thanks again for the video

[@gothikia]

Exceptional job!

[@TimKatie]

Thank you!

[@brahmincalgary9239]

That duck bill that drains the water (at 32.12), will cause you issues because the small end opening will get gunked up with dirt and cause the water to not drain. I had a similar thing happen. Better to use a bigger drain pipe.

[@ZillaYT]

Cool video. I think I'll stick with a rooftop, or even a mini-split, A/C.

[@cabracove]

Cool install. I guess it never goes anywhere dirty? Everything underneath would be packed in mud on a trip up the North Klondike Hwy. I'm still pressure washing my van.

[@TimKatie]

Thank you. We haven’t had any issue with it getting clogged up - it’s manufactured to be the same durability as any other component under the van and should just be rinsed off if particularly muddy/dirty

[@ajaxgrac6547]

Self tapping screws-the bane of RV manufacturing

[@richardhenry1969]

Nice job but Other then it looking nice. I think a regular window unit with a soft start would do about the same and cost a lot less. Plus the window unit is much quieter.

[@Bugs11000]

I live in a van full time. I need an air conditioner because I work the night shift. I've got a simple normal air conditioner. 6000 btu's. Uses 600 watts or 50 amps/hr. I've got a lithium phosphate 300 amp battery pack. After the sun goes down I can have six hours of air conditioner. I've got 600 watts of solar coming in. Even in hot temperatures, around 80°f, the air conditioning keeps up easily since the van is insulated for 4 seasons. Cost me 200$ for the air conditioner with also a remote control.

[@TimKatie]

I wouldn’t consider 80f “hot”, as even here in BC it is commonly over 100f in the summer and there’s no way a 6K BTU unit would keep our extended length van cool. But I’m glad it’s working for you - cheers

[@WELDERUPGARAGE]

We have a 43 foot retired city bus that’s extremely hot inside especially in Arizona. It gets to 125 degrees inside.

[@mafosa8519]

"excellent work bruh!"

[@TimKatie]

Thank you!

[@jamesforler6897]

Awesome job! The benefits of having the roof clear and the weight low on the vehicle is apparent. I’m curious if the evaporator could have been mounted vertically on the wall so as to save space and make the ducting more natural with less bends? Thanks! Very through explanation in your video. Helps a lot!

[@TimKatie]

Thanks for your comment and feedback! I believe the evaporator needs to be mounted flat so that any condensation pools in the pan and drains appropriately, but it would be nice if that was possible!

[@jamesforler6897]

Ah! Totally makes sense! Thanks for the quick response! And thank you for the info! I’m in the design stage and you’re video was extremely helpful!

[@cindymatos3118]

Omg l love it ,that van that u just did thats my van 🎉

[@TimKatie]

Thank you 😊

[@alamgiramirbaig]

You must purch charging house also. Before you start charging refrigerant

[@SHazerbrook]

The condenser is not supposed to be upside down, refrigerant should go through the lowest tube in liquid state, but now it is highest. It can work, but you will be absolutely stunned, when you fill the difference.

[@yyl3683]

Great video! Very detailed and informative.

[@TimKatie]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@jimallen8238]

Thanks for the detailed video. I wonder if the condenser unit can be used on the back of my truck camper instead of mounting it underneath. I noticed that many 18-wheelers have their AC's mounted flat against the rear cab wall also.

[@jockosboy17]

Awesome setup you guys are building there. New to the channel and plan to continue to follow along. The under belly AC system looks great but makes me nervous putting in underneath in salt county.

[@TimKatie]

Thanks for the comment and for following along! We’re just about to install the same system again on our new build and hope to share an update video soon 👍🏻

[@undermountac]

The entire system is all automotive grade built with the same quality as the rest of your van. If you take care of your van and wash it occasionally the system will look just like the rest of your van in 10 years!

[@chrisunderhill8853]

yeah convinced me this is the best route.

[@Amit_Kumar_Trivedi]

I would put the air inlet higher up in the van because warmer air is lighter and in higher parts. Also, I would drain the water into a tank/container, given it is nearly distilled water and can be used for washing and cleaning. Not safe for drinking though.

[@undermountac]

We do not recommend re-using the water for washing or drinking as it is not potable water. While yes in theory evaporator water is clean and clear, the reality is that with high humidity comes mold, mildew and embedded dust and dirt particles.

[@bifish101]

Thanks for tacking the time to make a vidoe about this gave me in insprason to do mine thanks agane

[@billzeitzmann1585]

You did a nice job on the install , but issues I see. Its Loud, susceptible to damage and sucking hot dirty air from the ground,

[@davidatkinson3542]

wonder if rugged enough for overlanding? Thoughts?

[@Insanebynight]

Did you do a vacuum on the lines? And the refrigerant charge as well

[@TheDopesic]

If it is a brand new system that has never been charged, what is being recovered from the system before charging. Why not just charge vapor on the low side?

[@laurelanderson-rostami109]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!! Why did you not go with a mini split (senville senl-09cd 9000 btu ductless mini split air conditioner and heat pump)?

[@leblancexplores]

I know warranty on the van/ac is a concern but I wonder if using the van’s condenser would work instead of mounting an additional and then you get the added bonus of it being up front so quieter and already mounted.

[@jrbloggins]

Hello thanks for the great install video. Wondering why you chose the 109 condenser instead of the 105? Thanks!

[@TimKatie]

Thanks for watching. My understanding is that the 109 condenser (horizontal flat mounted unit) is the standard one that comes with their kit, and the stainless steel 105 (vertical mount) unit is an upgrade. I had planned to mount mine flat like in the video so the standard one worked great

[@bryanrussell6679]

I like the flexibility of the system, but I'd still be concerned about those condenser coils and the absolute filth they are going to be subjected to. You've seen how dirty the underside of a car gets, right? It may be fine, but I'd keep a pretty routine maintenance schedule on running water thru the coils just to be safe.

[@garrettscott4094]

Is this a heat pump? Does this heat and cool? Great video

[@TimKatie]

Thank you. This unit only cools (AC) but it can be configured to work with a hydronic heating system to utilize the same control panel and venting for both heating and cooling

[@garrettscott4094]

@@TimKatie maybe your next video then haha

[@TimKatie]

@@garrettscott4094 haha maybe! ;)

[@vincentstouter449]

This seems to be a sweet build. The DC should be more electrically efficient than an AC unit thru an inverter. Do they make these units for 24 or 48 VDC systems (the current and wire size would be smaller.)? What is the SEER Rating? Is this a heat pump too, or just AC? I really like the cleanness and stealth of the hidden components. It’s good to think outside the box from what the rest it the herd is doing 👍. What is the contact info for manufacturers & vendors? Thanks 🙏😎

[@TimKatie]

Thank you! Yes they offer them in 24V as well if preferred: undermountac.com/collections/air-conditioning These DC units don’t receive an official SEER as far as I’ve been able to find. I did the math myself to compare units but it isn’t an official number.

[@gordonpotts753]

Nice job

[@waynec2962]

Nice video! seems like a lot of work for one extra solar panel on the roof though..🤔

[@rishikeshgautam6768]

Thank you so much

[@diaperdood1]

Thank u for sharing. Can you just leave it on and let the power run from the engine?

[@TimKatie]

No problem. Yes you could do that as have 120 amp alternator charging (CTEK combo) when the van is running

[@Thinker2-truth]

All that expensive A/C equipment and you use Channel-Locks as a substitute for wrenches?

[@VensystemsUk]

Hi Guys, really great informative channel - you'll grow subs well with content like this. I've seen mixed reports when researching the unit, so thought i'd check with you - is the Compressor unit also working off the house batteries? - so on DC 12v or 24v. Seen a couple of diy'ers say it only works when van is idling.

[@TimKatie]

Thank you so much. Yes, the compressor also works off the house batteries (12V DC) in our van - I believe those DIYers wired it directly to their alternator/van battery positive which would be why theirs only works on idling.

[@HADJEE]

Apollo 13, revisited! I want you two to, eventually, help me build an electric van class b.

[@TimKatie]

Haha! Sounds good 👍🏻👍🏻

[@HADJEE]

@@TimKatie I am glad that you got my Apollo 13, joke! I will have to wait a bit for my electric van, I hope you guys are still doing your great work on class b vans when I am ready.

[@TimKatie]

@@HADJEE Of course :) Sounds good - we plan to continue building them so hopefully. Cheers

[@Charlieboyfragrance]

This awesome

[@craigstroud9453]

Is this extra ac? If the van already has ac can't that be used to cool the whole van.

[@themikeporter]

Tim, I'm about to do a very similar install, but I had some questions. How is your compressor mount job holding up to road abuse? Did it end up seeming sturdy enough? Have you had any issues with the compressor and wiring facing the front of the van such as rain, etc.?

[@TimKatie]

Mike, the compressor mount is holding up great. I have no concerns about it and plan to do the same style mount when I install another one of these units in a few months here. I did not have any issues with the wiring. Good luck with the install 👍🏻

[@themikeporter]

@@TimKatie Thank you, just wanted to check before I copy what I can !! :)

[@undermountac]

Our advice would be to drill and bolt the mount in place to be as sturdy as possible for the long term! The compressor mount itself is designed for two 7/16" bolts and washer to be bolted through it and it mates up with factory holes beside the fuel tank on the Ford Transit vans.

[@quartamile]

Can anyone explain why these aren't more efficient???? 12000btu / 900W = 13.3 EER ... I thought residential mini splits can get 20 or 30 EER.

[@undermountac]

Not quite how it works. The 900W is just instantaneous load/max load, if you averaged the load across the a period of time (1 hr+) the compressor would shut off with the evaporator still being cold enough to produce cold air. Residential units have high EER ratings for a couple of reasons. They are littered with sensors to achieve the finest balance between condenser motor speed, evaporator motor speed and compressor motor speed shutting each down or ramping up as necessary. Small scale production (in comparison to home systems) would make this a very very expensive system. A home system also runs for extended periods of time to run "low and slow" like a slow cooker to cool your home across a great span of time and at no point do you open 1/3 of your homes walls and let heat back in to spike a system (like you do with van doors). The other factor is residential mini splits use high pressure refrigerants approved for static systems (400+ psi). Automotive systems use low pressure R134a or R1234yf. Those are the only currently approved refrigerants.

[@dinosaur6756]

Do you not own wrenches? Channel locks on a $2500 unit seem risky.

[@brianflynn7148]

And using them backwards 🤦‍♂️

[@DB.expertise]

Bro come to gulf we do have numerous ideas to keep cool this van😄

[@CJ30123]

I have an Embassy RV. Here are the major downsides of this unit after 2 years. 1. LOUD! Loud inside and even worse outside. To the point that if you are at a campground with generator bans you will get people complaining. It is as loud as a typical on board generator. And inside its much louder than something like a Houghton roof AC that I have heard. 2. About a year and a half in the undermount unit broke. We always tried to keep it clean as we could but it was incredible how dirty it would get. Hard to imagine that it will ever have a very long service life.

[@TimKatie]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I would recommend trying their new hush fans. I installed them on our last build and they are noticeably quieter. Sorry to hear your unit stopped working - ours is still working great without any issues after ~18 months on the road 👍🏻

[@undermountac]

This is not the same system. Embassy RV used a different system manufactured fully by Proair and not UndermountAC We use different components and compressors.

[@jimm.9668]

In your video, you reference a seven speed evaporator fan, do they still supply those?

[@georgephilips3528]

Nice install but does the system tolerate the weather conditions, road maintenance solutions, debris on the road, etc. when traveling??? Seems very exposed to me.

[@undermountac]

The condensers that are mounted under the van have been in use in RV, Ambulances and Military vehicles since 1995. They tolerate salt and road debris the same as the rest of the vehicle as they are made to the same standard. No issues in thousands of vehicles. There are much more fragile components under your van/vehicle (Fuel tank, wiring harnesses, etc)

[@ThinkDifferentish]

I'd like to know how it works NOT in California, with it's mild temperatures (85, haha) and 0 percent humidity. Try somewhere east of the Mississippi in August.

[@9-5Adventures]

Would it be much cheaper to buy the components separate from PRO AIR? Do you know where I can find a list of the part numbers?

[@TimKatie]

Proair went bankrupt last year so I doubt you’ll be able to find any

[@sherylerp8601]

Very nice van! Did you have any issues acquiring vehicle insurance?

[@TimKatie]

Thank you! No we didn’t have any issues getting it registered and insured as an RV 👍🏻

[@cowpunkability]

But, is it registered and insured in Canada? Bc I think the states all have diff rules. Insuring a diy van gets harder and harder. They’ll push out diy-res and force people to use certify whatever places. Everyone wants their cut.

[@TimKatie]

@@cowpunkability Yes, it was registered and insured in BC without any issue. I know some other provinces can be more difficult but the process is fairly straightforward here in BC 👍🏻

[@mathewmorrison1503]

Can you do an update of this air conditioner? Like how it’s doing how customer support has been

[@TimKatie]

This unit has been on the road for over a year now without any issue. I recently installed the new version of the UndermountAC with the hush fans and like it even more. Customer support has always been quick to answer any questions during install or setup and I haven’t had any issues afterwards that I’ve needed them for. This is still my top pick and I’m hoping to install another one on our current 2023 Transit build. Will try to put a new video out for it 👍🏻

[@mathewmorrison1503]

Awesome thank you so much for the reply. I think I’m going to go with there unit. Seams worth it especially with everything heater compatible.

[@alansmith2203]

What about all the crap that flies up from tires? What about all the grime from road fog in heavy traffic on a rainy day. I can't imagine how insanely dirty that unit will be in one full season.

[@julianbutcher2642]

Why this style of AC rather than a roof top unit? Thnx.

[@damnitdang]

Amazon has the 12v system .. around $800, less than a 1/3 of this price

[@curtisjohnson4886]

Do you have videos on your build. I have a 2021 promaster that I made into a mobile barber shop

[@willn8664]

Damn that price difference between the Chinese AC and the other ones is crazy.

[@undermountac]

You absolutely get what you pay for. This is not a rebadged Chinese kit like some of the others out there, all components are high quality and the best in the business.

[@wesm3915]

Holy crap 65 amps

[@timfalvai4212]

What air vent/registers are you using with the 2.5" hose? Having trouble finding some that fit. Thanks!

[@TimKatie]

The 60mm webasto vents fit but I also used these 63mm (2.5”) louvered ones: www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B09MJDQZ4P?ref=ppx_pt2_mob_b_prod_image

[@larryferd1510]

So the fans are mounted under van exposed to mud rain stones and road debris. So the fans get caked with road dust mud and road debris and you thought this a good idea?

[@chrisbeiler8754]

What kind of amp draw do you see from this unit ? Thanks

[@austinterrill3108]

Ok so at 40.0 minutes, you reference that the compressor is at a certain speed,my question is are saying that the compressor itself is capable of being a variable speed compressor?

[@austinterrill3108]

Also you did a very nice install of not only this ac but your power bank looks great as well.

[@TimKatie]

Correct - it is a variable speed compressor 👍🏻 Thank you!

[@undermountac]

The compressor is variable speed. It has 3 RPM based set points to achieve a specific output, two of those are used and switched between on our system depending on necessary demand.

[@Knardsh]

Is there a good 12v mini split that does ac and heat? Seems silly to have a separate heater when a mini split should be able to do it.

[@TimKatie]

I’m planning to install espar HS3 (hydronic) with the UndermountAC for combo heating/cooling in the same unit and controls in our current build 👍🏻

[@nakonecznyt]

I have been thinking of this too. We get delivery of our 2024 in a couple weeks@@TimKatie

[@SyahduVw]

Hii ..what the size off betery you us?DIN66L?

[@prashantpatel5882]

1 Trip in muddy way and whole system will chock-up if condenser mount under side..

[@hamishconstruction]

how many BUT's is your unit ? amps ?

[@randallalderman2260]

All the components you attached under your van, couldnt you install them in the engine compartment ? seems like a bad idea to have all that stuff under the van

[@TimKatie]

They’re designed to mounted the under the vehicle, but ya if they fit in the engine compartment I don’t see why it couldn’t be done

[@WayneTheSeine]

Modern engine compartments I see don't have enough room left to mount a pack of cigarettes.

[@CharlesAnsman]

How about giving us a 12 month review ?

[@lakorai2]

Gotta love Tredeau's import duty and taxes

[@blairvigil1633]

Can this be used in a 2020 freightliner Coronado semi truck and what batteries do you recommend I can put 4 group 31 batteries in but need recommendation on type of batteries agm lithium etc I am in different types of weather very hot cold and humidity.

[@TimKatie]

You should be able to use it in a semi truck - I don't see why not. If you're frequently in extreme cold and weight/space isn't a concern then AGM batteries may be the best option for you but generally lithium phosphate (LIFEPO4) is a no brainer IMO

[@fairworld2522]

AC must be blowing from the top as hot air is high up than cold air Low down

[@gibrangarcia2442]

What’s the volume like inside after the full build?

[@TimKatie]

Not bad at all - noise is mainly on high setting just from the vent airflow rather than the Undermount compressor. That could likely be improved by using larger vents and/or all 4 ducting ports on the evaporator

[@The_Ballo]

Is your friend from Minnesota?

[@guttermastersplus5613]

I personally couldn't put up all that noise inside or out but to each their own

[@joelweinert3580]

A year in, it would be nice to have a review.

[@TimKatie]

I’m just wrapping up the updated AC video and it will be coming out this week!