Rear AC in Defender

[Michael2]

Are there any automotive AC experts here?

I'm thinking of fitting a rear AC unit to the Defender 110 S/Wagon.
I'm thinking of fitting it on the rear floor, between the cargo barrier and the rear draw.
I'm thinking of using a standard "underdash" type AC unit and making a compartment for it.

Q1. Will the AC compressor on the Defender 300Tdi cope with the 2nd AC unit?

Q2. Will the radiator (is it condensor or evaporator, I always get confused - the engine bay one), cope with the 2nd unit?

Q3. Would you recommend separate switches (on/off & fan) or have it come on with the front unit?

Q4. Would you recommend any particular unit?

Q5. Is there any other advise that I have been too ignorant to ask?

Thanks in advance.

If I go ahead and do it, I'll post a tutorial with pics.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

There are a number of issues you need to consider with valving - positioning of Tx valves etc. so you should talk to a "fridgy" who is going to gas up the system for you.

Have you thought of something like a Waeco roof top air conditioner unit.



You can run them off 12V through an inverter and on the + side you don't need to run the engine when stopped to keep the car cool.

Diana

[Blknight.aus]

in short yes it is all capable of what you want but your better off with the ancillary units like lotzalandies suggested. There are some units available that work straight off of DC (not sure what voltage but Id guess 24v) for use in those eco friendly houses that run solar/wind/water generators and inverters....

[ladas]

The easiest way is to fit a 'mini bus' type evaporator at roof level at the back - just above the door - I have some pictures of the types of units somewhere, I will try and dig them out and post them here.

The compressor/condenser 'should' cope with the additional duty, but I would recommend fitting an additional liquid reciever - or an oversized reciever drier. Plus might do to fit a bigger/more efficient condenser fan.

The difficult part is 't' ing in to the existing system, however, they parts are available - as the Disco 2, has dual cab AC - I would guess it would be just a hunt round for the right parts.

Have the 2nd evap individually switched. The evaps I am talking about actually have wireless remotes.

Hiding the hoses from the engine bay up to the evap should be easy enough, a bit fiddly - but should be okay.

I will look for the pics.

[ladas]

Pictures of the evaporators

The condenser is the bit in the engine bay.

[EchiDna]

Hey Ladas - where doe one procure such an item?

[ladas]

Hey Ladas - where doe one procure such an item?

Repco should be able to supply them, or you can go direct to someone like OEX or Ingrams