Starcool AC Options

[WanderDog]

I have also been considering if adding a Starcool system makes sense. I've been trying to figure out how to run the AC from battery power for 1-2 hrs ... it would enable me to keep my dog cool while stopped for a meal or shopping. The only information I have found from Sportsmobile says this can't be done with Starcool systems. The load when starting the compressor is apparently too great for the inverter.

I have found an AC unit from Dometic designed for truck cabs which is designed to run on battery power. If you have enough batteries you can run it all night.

If anyone has any other great ideas I would love to hear them.

[jage]

I have Chili Dog. You set temp ranges and when the van gets hotter or colder the Chili Dog will start the van and run it. You leave your AC or heat set so that when the van starts the max A/C or whatever comes on. The van runs until the temp is back in OK range (or for a set period)... so while you're shopping the van remote starts itself a few times and keeps the pooches in good health.

The one thing I can tell you is programming it is inscrutably hard. Hard enough I've never used it, I just use the remote start -> run 1 hour if I want the van to stay cool.

Oh yeah, you can also do the "run once a ____ for ____" for storage or cold nights, etc.

[Greg In Austin]

WanderDog,

Check with SMB on the StarCool question..... it is my understanding that the new version of the StarCool (III or IV) is being change to where it will do exactly what you describe. They want it to run for an hour or two so that you can keep the van cool while you hit a stop for a meal, etc.

I asked in another thread just yesterday if anyone was involved in the beta testing of this new version.

We have a SMB on order and we have been told timing should allow us to get this new version.

Greg in Austin
SMB on Order

[WanderDog]

Thanks ... I will look into both options. Hopefully the Starcool will now also run on battery power.

[charlie56]

Here is something else to consider. When discussing my build plans with John K (Fresno) we decided not to incorporate A/C at this time. Danhard www.danhard.com makes small 12v split systems that can be retrofitted into the van. A small compressor goes under the floor in front of the air compressor location, and a ducted evaporator goes inside a cabinet. My build will include modifications to the casework to allow the A/C to ducted above the pantry cabinet. I don’t think it would be much of a problem even if you ducted them low in this small a space.

So you are not limited to just Starcool.

If I do add A/C in the future I was advised to have Texas install it.

[smb4me]

FWIW:
I got this off the ford.com commerical truck site:
http://www.commtruck.ford.com/ctw/default.asp

there appears to be this $825 OPTIONS:

High Capacity Front & Rear Air Conditioning
Includes: Headliner Delete. Includes auxiliary heater. Stand-alone unit mounted over left rear wheelhouse cover. Does not include overhead vents or ducts.

And if you peruse further, check out all of these INCENTIVES:

check to see if applicable to you and the SMB pass them on to you, DOESN"T HURT TO ASK.,

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