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Old 02-02-2009, 10:18 AM   #1
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No Starcool, other options

I am looking for a used Chevy SMB and really want the starcool option. However, not every SMB that I have seen has one.

Has anyone else come up with a solution, install a small A/C unit either temporarily or permanantly, spot coolers, etc.?

I would like to know my options before buying.

Thanks George

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Old 02-02-2009, 10:24 AM   #2
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Re: No Starcool, other options

Back when I was looking putting Starcool in after the build was not an option, the expense didn't merit it in SMB's opinion. It's not that it was impossible, they just wouldn't undertake it.

Personally never found a solution. Getting a van with everything else was more important in the end. I've been in 115º heat with the dash A/C out and it sucked. Otherwise it has been OK with no aux cooling, although I do have a fantastic fan in the cab celing.
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Old 02-02-2009, 10:51 AM   #3
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Re: No Starcool, other options

SMB Texas installed a starcool AC in my Ford RB50 after the fact. All works well, we use it all the time. It is a bit expensive, a little over two grand. I can pull out the exact price if you need it.
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Old 02-02-2009, 06:22 PM   #4
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Re: No Starcool, other options

Is the Starcool the only option that will do? Or would the newer version, the Danhard AC work for you?
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Old 02-03-2009, 07:00 AM   #5
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Re: No Starcool, other options

The good thing about the starcool is that you can run it going down the road. This is great when you have kids in the back and it's 100 deg. outside!
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Old 02-03-2009, 02:55 PM   #6
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Re: No Starcool, other options

I always have wanted a small personal cooler that could just take the edge off a hot evening, something more like a fan which blows air 15 degrees cooler than the inside temperature. I have the Starcool which is great if you have shore power available but all the add-on systems I’ve seen are big and/or pull enormous amounts of power. Danhard no longer offers the Starcool. Their new units are better in that they are not tied to the stock vehicle A/C system which for me has been a problem from time to time but I would not be without some kind of extra A/C used while driving. If you call Danhard http://www.danhard.com/ they might be able to help you. If you want something else…..well just check it out. http://www.swampy.net/
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Old 02-03-2009, 04:31 PM   #7
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Re: No Starcool, other options

The swamp cooler is interesting- they only work when it's not humid though.
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Old 02-03-2009, 05:53 PM   #8
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Re: No Starcool, other options

The Danhard is the Starcool replacement, and it can also be run while driving. We did that a lot on the way to and from DC last July.
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Old 02-03-2009, 07:24 PM   #9
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Re: No Starcool, other options

I'm planning to drive 7 hours to Austin in mid-February over this issue. My dash AC just wasn't enough for last summer's heat even with the Starcool going. The van is from Fresno, so I think that the systems are connected. Austin told me I had to have them check the Starcool before Ford could start monkeying with the dash air so the warranty wouldn't become void.
This is depressing to me because even with the doghouse insulated, the diesel engine has dragon breath, the Rio Grande Valley is hell on earth in the summer and with the dash AC putting out room temperatures, I'm dying four months out of the year.
I would consider changing over to the new Danhard system, but it's an expensive, bitter pill.
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Old 02-03-2009, 07:39 PM   #10
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Re: No Starcool, other options



Joanna,

We had SMB TX put one layer each of two Second Skin products on the floor of McBeast's cab, and we noticed no 'dragon breath' at all. The first time we noticed any heat from the dog house was this winter when the van interior was cold....

No modification to the doghouse insulation.

...and I don't know if there are any differences in a 2007 and a 2008...
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2006 Toyota Prius (48 to 68 mpg) 120k miles [Penelope]
2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (15 to 18 mpg) [Johnnie]
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