Does Anyone know about Roof-Top AC Units...

TheOGExpediterGuy · Sep 3, 2010

Im looking to get a rooftop ac unit installed in the sprinter...Anyone know what would be the best one to get and how the best way to power it up would be...Any info would be greatly appreciated Thanks...

greg334 · Sep 3, 2010

Tj, there are a bunch of threads in the truck forum about this very subject. The most agreed to method is a Honda generator.

ebsprintin · Sep 3, 2010

ebsprintin said:
I installed the idlebuster on my 07 sprinter. Their model goes on the roof. Their website is at www.idlebuster.com APU's are expensive and heavy. And this one is LOUD--like a big truck reefer unit. They say the new model is a lot quieter (does me a lot of good). What you might consider doing is running a while without a unit and figure out what your requirements are going to be. Get an idea what your cargo and weight configuration is in the real operational world. Same with your idling and electrical usage. Yes there is a smaller percentage advantage in fuel economy in a cargo van, but there is also the reduced wear and tear on the engine.

I went with an apu because I'm a fairly heavy power consumer. But going with an apu uses up a lot of my weight capacity. I can haul 2000 lbs, but I must tightly manage my personal stuff. I'd like to have a couple heavy auxiliary batteries, but can't because of weight, unless I cut back on something else. So do a good audit and projection of your weight.

And in the case of the idlebuster which rides on the roof consider what it will do to your fuel economy on the road. I lost a very solid two mpg that will never be regained.

eb

This is a previous write up I did. I also did a writeup when I removed the unit about a year and a half ago (but I don't remember where it is). Idlebuster went bankrupt. Probably related to me not being able to get the system to work reliably. I still like the idea of finding something that is not a roof top model. If it is roof top, then low profile. I would start with maximum insulation first then look for an ac unit.

eb

greg334 · Sep 3, 2010

You don't know where it is?

Lose things often?

ebsprintin · Sep 3, 2010

I am at least sure it is on this forum. You would think I would remember enough about it to be able to do a reasonable search for it.

eb

cheri1122 · Sep 3, 2010

TJ: perhaps, if you spend enough to insulate the bejeebers out of the van, you could get by with a much less expensive FantasticFan?
I'd start there, anyway.

Doggie Daddy · Sep 3, 2010

cheri1122 said:
TJ: perhaps, if you spend enough to insulate the bejeebers out of the van, you could get by with a much less expensive FantasticFan?
I'd start there, anyway.

Try getting by with just a fantastic fan in Laredo,that will get you thinking about rooftop a/c's in a hurry.

johnpetrus · Sep 3, 2010

tjpohio44 said:
Im looking to get a rooftop ac unit installed in the sprinter...Anyone know what would be the best one to get and how the best way to power it up would be...Any info would be greatly appreciated Thanks...[/QUOT

In another life i was a Tour bus driver we ran 5 Duo-Therm with heat strip per bus and they ran for ever ! you would not go wrong with one

Doggie Daddy · Sep 3, 2010

TJ, we have the Carrier V a/c and it works great. This is also a low profile unit.

Try going to some RV stores for a better price on a a/c unit,you might get a good end of season price.

BillChaffey · Sep 3, 2010

What about Espar of Michigan?.

Bruno · Sep 3, 2010

TJ

Here is a site that I used to look up one.
.http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-air-conditioners/marine-air-conditioners.htm

Hope this helps

Dakota · Sep 4, 2010

look up dometic air conditioners

LDB · Sep 4, 2010

I've got a Carrier Air V low profile unit. I'm not certain how many BTU it is. The a/c does fine with my moderately insulated extended Chevy. I'm not sure how it would do with the extra volume of a Sprinter unless it was well insulated. The heat strip part of the unit is ok for chilly nights but don't count on it for winter. If you can power the unit you have a source that should also power a $20 plug in 110v heater from your favorite big box store and it will do a far better job keeping you warm. Besides, I figure the fan in the Carrier has a lifespan of xxxx hours. If I use my $20 ceramic heater to keep warm I've got all xxxx hours for it to push a/c air out for me before it quits.

greg334 · Sep 4, 2010

Hey why don't we move this to the right forum with all the other "how do I use my A/C with a long extension cord" threads?

OntarioVanMan · Sep 4, 2010

Arctic Cat 7500 BTU/Coleman..Low profile...runs with the Honda Generator at least the older model Hondas...I priced it at around 750 buck plus the install and then theres the extras...like the sidewall plug in and wiring...

Moot · Sep 5, 2010

LDB said:
I've got a Carrier Air V low profile unit.

Leo, what are you powering this with?

LDB · Sep 5, 2010

I have an Onan Micro Lite 2800 that powers it and recharges my hotel battery and gives the 110v to run my ceramic heater in winter. If I get Murphy beaten down enough I'm going to get an Espar heater and second hotel battery so the Onan will only have to run for a/c and recharging.

Moot · Sep 5, 2010

LDB said:
I have an Onan Micro Lite 2800 that powers it.

Can you share some more details about this unit? Where is it mounted? Does it draw fuel from your gas tank?

LDB · Sep 5, 2010

It mounts underneath in the spare tire well. The spare is on a rear door carrier now. It draws fuel from the van fuel tank. It uses one quart of oil and no filter so the change interval is 150 hours.

Moot · Sep 5, 2010

This sounds like a nice set up and I have more questions:

Is the spare tire well considered an Onan approved location? Will this unit hold up to the water, salt and snow mounted in this location? Is your spare tire mounted on a hinged carrier so that it swings out of the way when opening the rear doors? Got any pictures?