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I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2016 9:31 am
by arlon
I had been looking for an AC system for the van that was totally portable, cheap, heat and cool, etc. I live in West Texas and being able to use AC at night really extends my season as long as I'm in parks with power which is most of the time.

I ended up getting a small portable heat pump. I've used for almost a year now and it has been the perfect solution for me. It calls the van down in minutes. It is a heat pump wit an auto mode that hold a temp. Had a hot night this past fall and front came through. Went to steep with the AC running and woke up with it in heat mode.

The unit fits perfectly between the front seats and is the perfect height to double as an elbow rest when I'm driving.

These are about $250 from the box store and it has a remote so I don't have to get up to change the settings.

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I just run the vent out the window and seal with a few pieces of foam and a plastic sheet closed in the door to keep the rain out.
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Re: I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2016 9:38 am
by Astrophysics
Very nice compact unit. Good idea. What is the manufacture model number? I like the fact that it also has heater mode as well as air condition cooler mode.

AP

Does Home Depot have them?

Thank you.

Re: I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2016 4:30 pm
by chesehd
I'd like to know the vendor, make & model as well.

This could be a great addition for a van & camper! :bounce:

Re: I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2016 2:56 pm
by arlon
This one came from Home Depot. Brand/model: SPT WA-9061H, google those and you will find out all about it. Several of the big stores carry them.

Dimensions are 12" wide, 14" deep and 29" tall. It fits between my arm rests with about an inch to spare. This is a 9000btu unit and it cools the van off pretty fast. Screens on the sunny side windows help a lot... I have no complaints so far. It makes some noise in the confines of the van but it has not bothered my sleep in the least.

Re: I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2016 3:23 pm
by Mmusicman
Here's how I do mine... simple, cheap, quick setup, works great! A little bit old school. :)

The inside option looks pretty cool, and easy too! Like the way yours fits!
You don't have to pull yours if you need to drive, other than a quick window vent.
Price looks good too... Might have to look into that!
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Re: I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2016 7:59 pm
by arlon
It just takes seconds to be back on the road again. Even when someone is in the passenger seat it just takes seconds. And second to have up and running again when you get to your destination.

It's also really easy to set up in my truck camper and a small travel trailer we have that sometimes needs additional cooling here in West Texas. I've even used it to cool and heat a small room off my garage. It's just really easy to move and use in other places.

Re: I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2016 6:51 am
by Mmusicman
Multiple uses are ALWAYS a great option!
Our home's central-air died last summer, and something like this would have been fantastic.

Re: I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2016 7:29 am
by WoodButcher
My first thought w/ a mobile AC unit is how well it will hold up running on an extension cord and what gauge / length can you run? How many amp does it pull?
I use nail guns on a compressor for work and have an old compressor I can run no more than 50' on a good 12 wire and have a heavier cord that will run 100' but need to be mindful of the homeowners wiring. I've burned more than a few outlets because someone had changed circuit breakers to 20 amp on a 15 amp circuit.

Re: I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2016 10:03 am
by arlon
I'm using a 12g 50' cord where ever I go. I've never needed more than 50' the places I use it. Of course around the house I just plug into a wall circuit.
Tag says 906 watts, don't know if that max at start up or just running.
It might even run on a 1000w generator. Wish I had one to try it on. It runs fine on the 2000w I have.