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Topic: Portable AC Units (Read 544 times) previous topic - next topic

Portable AC Units

On a recent trip to Longview, TX last month (July), my PowerTech 10k generator would not stay running and the circuit breaker on the control box would not reset.  I'm currently getting the generator fixed.  Temperatures in the coach reached over 90 degrees making the 3 hour trip home miserable.  I'm looking to keep a Portable AC unit in the basement to use on summer trips should this happen again.  I would want to run the unit while on the road.  The model I'm looking at is a 7.9a/840W EdgeStar AP8000W.  I know I would have to build a framed vent for the window while travelling to secure the vented unit.  Has anyone done this or considered this?  If so, what concerns or challenges would I run into?
Greg & Erin Burress
1999 U295 36 (Sold Aug 2021)
ISC 8.3 Banks Stinger
450 Watts solar
2019 Jeep Overland Hemi

Re: Portable AC Units

Reply #1 –
Bear in mind a 8000 btu portable unit gives about the same cooling as a 5 or 6 thousand btu window unit. The air it uses to cool the freon in the condenser is pulled from the space the unit is in before going out the tube. This means hot air from outside the coach will enter to make up what the unit vents out through the tube. One roof air is 13500 btu, so I would not expect a lot of the portable unit. Your dash air, if working, is 22000 btu's.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Portable AC Units

Reply #2 –
The dash AC isn't working very well.  That's another project.  Is there any concern with going with a higher BTU model, say 14,000 BTU?  I didn't know how the electrical would do with a 1000-1250 watt portable unit.  I have a 2000 watt inverter.
Greg & Erin Burress
1999 U295 36 (Sold Aug 2021)
ISC 8.3 Banks Stinger
450 Watts solar
2019 Jeep Overland Hemi

Re: Portable AC Units

Reply #3 –
I am looking at a window unit behind the bumper, ducted into the pass foot well.

Re: Portable AC Units

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Greg & Erin Burress –
The dash AC isn't working very well.  Thats another project.  Is there any concern with going with a higher BTU model, say 14,000 BTU?  I didn't know how the electrical would do with a 1000-1250 watt portable unit.  I have a 2000 watt inverter.
Depends on the condition of your batteries and alternator, wiring etc. Might be pushing it for long periods. Look at the dual hose portable units. They are much better than the one hose units because they pull outside air in one hose and discharge out the other.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl-uk_SpxPg
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Portable AC Units

Reply #5 –
We made it home to South Tx from Wash state with no air in August,once the gen is fixed it should run good,if the dash air is working
that and a good fan will keep you cool while in the front.We used to call the AC of the 60's cars 440,4 windows down at 40 mph.
I would get the dash air going for the 22k btu.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Portable AC Units

Reply #6 –
Ok here's some ideas.
1. Optional separate generator other then our built in units. Say a propane powered generator placed in a bay with exhaust ran external. Enough to power 30 amps. This is how other RV's have ac. Some use 2 of same unit.  Ones that are the size of carry on luggage.
2. Mini split ac. There has to be a smart, space saving way to utilize these quality units. Within the footprint of our RV's.
3. Poor man's Ac.
Ice chest
PVC pipe elbows
Fan (yes 12 volt)
Put ice in ice chest. Mount PVC large elbow for exhaust. Another for air in. Forced by fan.
Air blowing over ice, will cool, a dehumidifier would increase efficiency.
In my recent drive. I drove from Ky - sw Texas. Had 1 ac for long time. 2 ac for last 350 miles. Notice no dash Ac. Yup sweat was free.!
Very silent fan 120vac for sale on Woot. $29.99 made by Rowenta.
1999 U270 40 #5518
USN. USPS.

Re: Portable AC Units

Reply #7 –
I follow some other Sob form's. Lots of great reads on generator and ac arrangements. They discuss brands, setups. What works and doesn't. On Utube. Look at videos of mini splits in 5th wheels, bus, tiny house setups. All the reading I have done. I have found no one, no setup with solar that will handle running Ac. Even ones using cells of Tesla batteries. Which at first glance appears to be the best battery storage method. Yet it has tremendous issues with heat and cold. All come back to fossil fuels to generate power for Ac.  No one talks about wind generator. Why not a wind generator that operates as we drive. Some planes used to have generators as E Backup.
Hopefully this generates some exchange of ideas. Blast away!
1999 U270 40 #5518
USN. USPS.

Re: Portable AC Units

Reply #8 –
Why not just close the door between the kitchen and the bathroom and forget about running the back ac.The diesel generators in
these Foretravels will basically outlast the coach and will power both AC units easily,get it in good shape and don't worry about a spare.Most of these other ideas are good but if they were that good they would be built in already.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Portable AC Units

Reply #9 –
Quote from: John44 –
Why not just close the door between the kitchen and the bathroom and forget about running the back ac.The diesel generators in
these Foretravels will basically outlast the coach and will power both AC units easily,get it in good shape and don't worry about a spare.Most of these other ideas are good but if they were that good they would be built in already.

Believe he is talking about a scenario where his generator in not operational, and he want to run something off his inverter.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Portable AC Units

Reply #10 –
That's correct.  DW says she's taking the toad if the generator fails again and it's too hot. 
Greg & Erin Burress
1999 U295 36 (Sold Aug 2021)
ISC 8.3 Banks Stinger
450 Watts solar
2019 Jeep Overland Hemi

Re: Portable AC Units

Reply #11 –
That was my point,a good operational gen is the simplest way to get power,and he said he is getting the gen repaired,plus he was talking about going down the road,unless something is redone somewhere his only choice is the gen running the ac units.Everything
else costs more money then the gen and dash ac will cost to repair.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Portable AC Units

Reply #12 –
If you search you will find an extensive write up by PRFLEMING on upgrading the alternator so the front A/C unit can run while driving.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.
 

Re: Portable AC Units

Reply #13 –
I also can run my front ac off my inverter, have done so for several hours at a time, but realize I need to upgrade my alternator in order to utilize it full time.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.