Rear AC

Brianf7028 · 03-04-2019, 08:34 AM

I am looking at a few vans for DIY builds. Some of these vans in considering have rear AC. Is the rear AC worth keeping? I live in Orlando, FL and it can get hot here. Any suggestions welcomed.

Flux · 03-04-2019, 09:18 AM

Worth keeping. I live in California desert.

saline · 03-04-2019, 09:26 AM

Absolutely worth keeping!

Flux · 03-04-2019, 09:31 AM

It's pretty easy to enclose the unit and route different vents for it. When I get in my van and it's 100 degrees out I can crank both units. It's hot like that for many months of the year here.

Flipperfla · 03-04-2019, 09:53 AM

Im in Orlando also, definately keep it.

IanF · 03-05-2019, 07:35 AM

I've pondered what to do with the rear A/C in my conversion van. While I agree it would be nice to have, it only works with the engine running. When not in use it takes up interior space.

For a time, I had an idea of fitting a small diesel engine (my van is a diesel) that would turn an automotive R134a compressor and a 250A alternator. I still think it's a workable plan, but not for the limited underside mounting space I have available.

I'll probably remove the rear A/C and replace it with roof A/C and a bank of lithium batteries.

JWA · 03-06-2019, 07:02 AM

BrianF7028 are you asking about the rear A/C units fed by the front A/C compressor? Those can be problematic for the entire comfort cooling if so. Naturally they're not designed for cooling while parked or camping. I have a few thoughts about those if it would be interesting or helpful.

If you're talking about an RV-type unit I can't add anything to that discussion.

boywonder · 03-06-2019, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brianf7028

I am looking at a few vans for DIY builds. Some of these vans in considering have rear AC. Is the rear AC worth keeping? I live in Orlando, FL and it can get hot here. Any suggestions welcomed.

Worth keeping...and as mentioned the vents can be relocated many different places if you are installing a roof...

kccourtney · 03-06-2019, 10:40 AM

Keep it! I ripped mine out and have regretted it ever since.

arctictraveller · 03-06-2019, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanF

I've pondered what to do with the rear A/C in my conversion van. While I agree it would be nice to have, it only works with the engine running. When not in use it takes up interior space

I'll probably remove the rear A/C and replace it with roof A/C and a bank of lithium batteries.

I think a large enough bank of battery's to run an a/c for even a few hours will take more space than you gain removing the AC unit, not to mention the high cost of all the parts.