Hypothetical airconditioning Question

[Bazzle218]

A hypothetical Question. I'm going to purchase an non air conditioned 200 tdi Ute in the near future. Whilst discussing retro fitting air-con ( I'm Soft). The thought crossed my mind of fitting a small caravan air conditioner to the roof and running it off and inverter. Any reason why it would not work. Just speculating but If it worked i think you could air con your wagon or Ute for well under $1000. Feel free to shoot me down.:D Slim line one similar to roof modules dont quote me red dot?

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

Wind drag of a chunky unit on the cab roof

[blitz]

dont do it - the efficiency would be goona in comparison to a mechanical A/C running off of your engine

[Michael2]

I don't think that your batteries will last long. There will be considerable power loss going through the invertor. The alternator wouldn't be able to keep up, and I'm guessing upgrading to a 100amp alternator won't help. Adding more batteries won't help in the long run either, it's a bit like having a small compressor with a massive air tank, once the initial charge is depleted, the little unit (whether we're talking compressor or alternator) won't keep up.

You should be able to pick up an original unit 2nd hand pretty cheaply.

[CraigE]

Why would you. You can buy purpose made roof top air cons for vehicles in 12V and 24V. Ingrahms can supply these units. You could also get a mini van / small bus type unit and mount in the roof if there is room.

[Blknight.aus]

if your going to go one of those 12'24v units that are allegedly custom made

get the 24v setup and install a dedicated set of batteries and alternator for them.


they work reasonably but wont get in front of a high heat load unless you scale up to the full size truck ones, they can draw quite a few amps on full steam.

[Sprint]

Wind drag of a chunky unit on the cab roof

on a vehicle with the aerodynamics of a garden shed.....

[Blknight.aus]

hey, it counts...

single story sheds are a lot more areodynamic than double story ones.

of course areodynamics still dont count in low range.

[Ace]

it might work, but would look ugly.

Go to a wreckers and find a disco of simlar vintage and pilfer the aircon components and then rig it all up. Shouldnt be to hard to get the main bits hooked up then you would need to work out venting etc inside.

[Sprint]

hey, it counts...

single story sheds are a lot more areodynamic than double story ones.

of course areodynamics still dont count in low range.

And with an Isuzu, aerodynamics are a moot point regardless of what gear youre in!