MAGE
New Member
- Joined
- May 27, 2021
- Messages
- 73
The guy in the video uses one that is 24 SEER the one I would get for a van rig is the Blueridge however, 38 SEER.It's 24.4 SEER. I messaged that guy when he first put out that video and he couldn't or wouldn't give me any specifics regard power usage. Nor does he in the video.
Mitsubishi makes a 6000 BTU 33.1 SEER.
Model: MSZ-FS06NA MUZ-FS06NA
Never seen anyone with a Frankencooler that worked well. Seems like a waste of time.
Swamp (evaporative) coolers can work but only where there is low humidity.
The way they work is actually pretty simplistic and you could build one yourself. The only thing I'm not sure about is how much water they require to run. Obviously, the smaller your rig is, the smaller the unit needs to be and the less water would be required.
I would most likely do something along the lines of the below but use a fan-tastic vent endless breeze 12v fan instead of computer fans.
Here is a video of someone that built one similar.
Here is a video that is interesting. They built a cooler using the fan I mentioned that fits in their van window.
I have a Frigidaire FFRE0533S1 5000 BTU window unit. It has the lowest power consumption of any I could find. It has since been discontinued but there is a replacement (Model: FFRE053WAE) that has the exact same specs.
Frigidaire 5,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner Cools 150 Sq. Ft. in White FFRE053WAE - The Home Depot
Our washable filter captures dust from the air and keeps your air conditioner working efficiently with our easy-to-clean washable filter. Our air conditioners maintain the preset room temperature, so you will remain comfortable at all times. With the Adjustable Side Panels, the side panels will...www.homedepot.com
When I first got it (3 years ago), I never saw it go above 410 watts. Maybe I didn't test it enough. I started testing it again since it's getting hot and I've noticed it's 410 watts @ 90F. As I write this it's only 83F and it's pulling 386 watts. At 94F it pulled 416 watts.
When in cool mode and the compressor isn't running the fan runs and uses about 65 watts. In eco mode, it doesn't run the fan except for 20 seconds every 10 minutes.
How well your rig is insulated is really going to matter and is key. So that it holds the cold air well / the times when the compressor doesn't run are longer. You want to insulate the floor. Hot air rises and cold air falls. I would also create some form of a partition to separate the cab from the rest of your rig. If you have windows in the rear, I would make insulated covers.
It has a low voltage start-up and you can easily run it with a 1000 watt peak / 800 watt continuous generator. However, I would get a generator that could power the AC with the generator in ECO mode (1600w continuous or so). It should give you a longer runtime (use less fuel) and likely last longer.
I've always run it off of a generator but building out a solar system for it now.
I will say that it's certainly possible that a mini-split AC could be more efficient. But I think it may depend on the size of your rig. I just don't know enough about them and can't find any info that I need to know in order to make a decision. Also, a good one with a high SEER / EER rating is upwards of $1500. Which I really don't want to spend to test how it will perform against my window unit.
When it's under 80F a decent fan(s) could work.
My favorite fans are the 02cool smart power and fan-tastic vent endless breeze. I have two of each.
The endless breeze can move more air but uses more power to do it and it's louder. It's basically a portable roof vent fan as it moves 900 CFM of air at the highest speed setting. The roof fans move 900-950 depending on the model.
High on the 02cool moves about the same amount of air or close to it, as the endless breeze on low.
Here is a YT video that compares them.
Another fan that might be a replacement for the Endless Breeze is the Boundless Breeze. It's only $40, where the cheapest I see the Endless Breeze for these days is $95 plus tax/shipping. I will likely buy one to test it out and see how it compares to the endless breeze.
Amazon.com: Quick Products QP-TE1-0126 Boundless Breeze Ultimate RV/Marine Fan - 12 Volt : Automotive
Buy Quick Products QP-TE1-0126 Boundless Breeze Ultimate RV/Marine Fan - 12 Volt: Ventilation - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchaseswww.amazon.com
I've convinced my Dad to order this one for his car shed I will make a video talking about it one day soon!
Love all the input guys I can't wait to try out my build! Also last night i had an epiphany of sorts but after some consideration I think I would run into a few snags.
Basically the idea is to run a 12v efficient fridge but remove the top lid and add the same type of Frankencooler build to it. A fridge that allows water, ad a solid block of ice to the exact center and let the fridge do it's thing. I would think the bilge pump would circulate the water well enough to keep liquid water in the bottom but the fridge and the ice itself would extend the life of the ice and simultaniously cool the water.
I know this has been tried before on youtube with no success, but those builds
1. Do not use a bilge pump or radiator such as the Frankencooler
2. Do not use proper insulation such as the Frankencooler
I'm considering how much of a hassle it will be to move the ice back and forth from the frankencooler and the iceco over and over again, swapping the water back and forth into possily a silicone mold that would allow for me to contain the water in the iceco and then drop the block of ice into the frankencooler. Also consider how I would have to dump the water from the frankencooler back into the Iceco to me made back into ice. Seems like quite the process but if I did it once ever 12 hours or so it would seem doable. But if there was a solution to run a Frankencooler style setup on an Iceco or a BougeRV fridge and just remove the lid and replace the lid with a Frankencooler buildout maybe it would work?
I'm willing to try!
I meant, not the one from the youtube video. Bit expensive, but man, that's some efficiency!
