Van A/C

[LivGolden]

Can you run your a/c all night ? Is it advised against, I should say...

 

[lenny flank]

It's physically doable on shore power. On a genny if you don't mind keeping the neighbors awake all night. Pretty much impossible on solar without a very very very big battery bank.

I've never been anywhere that I needed it though. Even in the desert, the temps drop off pretty quickly at night.

 

[QinReno]

Can you run your a/c all night ? Is it advised against, I should say...

My take on an air conditioner is in the following thread, post #17. It's a vicious circle.
https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?tid=32808

I use a fan like this, 12V dual.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?&_nkw=12v+auto+dual+fans&_sacat=0

 

[johnny b]

If you mean the vehicle A/C with the engine running...that's a big no-no...danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

[QinReno]

If you mean the vehicle A/C with the engine running...that's a big no-no...danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Liv is a gal who will try anything once, but I figure she wasn't meaning to run her car engine all night long. Hopefully not.

 

[LivGolden]

No. It wasn't me. I drove past a MB Van; last night and the engine was running. When I cam back past the van, it was still running. The van was clearly parked for overnight. I worried a bit because there was not just a slight puddle underneath the van but rather a whole lot of puddle. It was after midnight and I didnt want to disturb anyone so I just kept on. But it made wonder if running your a/c overnight might not be the best idea. If that was the case, of course...

 

[QinReno]

No. It wasn't me. I drove past a MB Van; last night and the engine was running.

See, I said you were too smart for that, . But if you want to put AC in your rig one day, you'll probably need 400-500W of solar minimum.

 

[CaptainBuilt]

Small, portable, quiet inverter generators are very cheap these days.

 

[lenny flank]

I think "quiet" is a relative term...

 

[QinReno]

OK for some. The last thing I want to do as a vanner, a minimalist, and a long-time camper/backpacker is get a generator. I don't plan to ever have a separate AC in the van either, myself. Fans work pretty good in the low-humidity west. If it's hot I find a tree to park under, or else go to elevation which is my preference.

 

[Mattkcc]

If you can get killed by running your vehicle while parked I and thousands of others would be dead. There are several occupations that spend countless hour parked in running vehicles. You need to make sure your exhaust system doesn't leak. Now if it's snowing there is the danger on the muffler being covered. It is very hard on a gasoline engine and wouldn't want to do it with a vehicle I owned.

 

[Jack]

Having reliable A/C is one of my top priorities. I hate the heat. Cold weather? No problem! I don't know how it's going to happen yet, but it's darn well going to happen. Even if I have to invent the way to do it.

 

[John61CT]

There is no magic invention.

It just takes a certain amount of space (roof and interior), time and money.

Money per day vs money invested up front.

Nothing mobile / off-grid will be cheap compared to shore power, aircon uses **a lot** of power if running more than 1-2 hours a day.

Different approaches are indicated depending on your situation and preferences.

The key is knowing what sacrifices are required in choosing between very limited options, and that takes some detailed knowledge.

Being realistic, accepting the limits of reality, physics and chemistry, is the first step.

 

[Jack]

There is no magic invention.

...yet.

QinReno mentioned going to higher elevations helps stay cooler.  I'm not a rocket surgeon, but I thought hot air rises?

 

[John61CT]

Lower air pressure.

 

[QinReno]

Look it up, Jack.