Cheap a/c

[Ferretz]

Hi! Is there an inexpensive way to put a/c in the back of a van/vehicle to keep my bird cool if I go somewhere else for a while, like inside a store? Thanks in advance.

 

[bullfrog !]

Hi! Is there an inexpensive way to put a/c in the back of a van/vehicle to keep my bird cool if I go somewhere else for a while, like inside a store? Thanks in advance.

Only if it is an Prius or similar vehicle that has climate control. People have mounted small window units in vehicles and powered them with a generator. This is possible in most motorhomes with generators as well. Best and cheapest way is to live and stay in moderately cool climates so AC isn’t necessary.

 

[twomountainlions]

Can look for the smallest portable A/c unit, but you need your batteries/energy/solar setup accordingly, this will cost some. Can find 700 watt units.
There are also swamp/evap cooler type small portable units sometimes called air coolers, some of which run off 12v dc, they requre much less energy (I think 50-300 watt range) but they dont bring temperature down as much as a/c.

If you are doing really good battery setup anyway you can just run rv/van roof a/c which can be down to 850 watt usage and get a used unit. "Cheap" setup is going to be evap cooler

 

[bullfrog !]

Can look for the smallest portable A/c unit, but you need your batteries/energy/solar setup accordingly, this will cost some. Can find 700 watt units.
There are also swamp/evap cooler type small portable units sometimes called air coolers, some of which run off 12v dc, they requre much less energy (I think 50-300 watt range) but they dont bring temperature down as much as a/c.

If you are doing really good battery setup anyway you can just run rv/van roof a/c which can be down to 850 watt usage and get a used unit. "Cheap" setup is going to be evap cooler

The evap coolers don’t work in certain climates very well and in the ones they do require a good water source.

 

[twomountainlions]

The evap coolers don’t work in certain climates very well and in the ones they do require a good water source.

Well people fulltime using them in hot climates even out east. The OP wants cheap that's a cheap option. With clever use of fans.
Moving around with the weather is what I do year round and it does not prevent hot parking lot time. It can be a week of 70s then a 100f. Which reminds me need to order evap cooler myself today.

 

[Willy]

There are small 24v spot A/C units available, drawing abt 300W, but they're not cheap. I actually have 1, made by EENOUR, & it works very well. I paid abt $300 for it on Ebay.

 

[Gr8ful]

Why not use a 12v vehicle a/c unit like the rear unit on an ambulance? They're self contained with nothing out the top or sides like POS MHs use. We have dozens of RV surplus stores not far & I'm sure RV wrecking yards also.

 

[BlueMarkOhio]

Hi! Is there an inexpensive way to put a/c in the back of a van/vehicle to keep my bird cool if I go somewhere else for a while, like inside a store? Thanks in advance.

Your vehicle probably already has an AC system - and most van ACs include back cooling.

You can replace your engine belt-powered AC compressor with a 12v version like in EVs.
The power to the compressor and fans can be attached to a switch to select running from the alternator when driving or from house batteries when parked.

Electric compressors cost $300 and up. You will need someone competent with custom vehicle wiring to set up the dual-mode power.

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Automotive-Conditioner-Compressor-Replacement/dp/B0DB5H3M17

There are also "complete" systems that are designed to be usable when the engine is off:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGK29DSJ

Amazon links are examples, not recommendations.