Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 14:43:30 -0400
Reply-To: robert shawn feller <carboncow@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: robert shawn feller <carboncow@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Roof Top Air Conditioning
In-Reply-To: <2cb866ef0606131022j720aaeb5m37f4dad81ff3f72@mail.gmail.com>
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John,
You made this comment:
"Stealth camping is a big part of my
routine and my top stays down most of the time"
that told me you camp with the top down when you are in sneak mode! Since we
don't drive with the tops up of course its down for the majority of it's
life!
I've know for a fact that most items that use refrigerant are highly
dependant on level operating for proper flow of gases/fluids and lubricants.
Look at all the discussing on making sure you are level for proper use of
the horrific Dometic fridge on board. I am involved in facility operations
and we have dozens of different types of heating/cooling systems from HVAC
roof top units to beer coolers. I've gotten to know the HVAC specialist we
use quite a bit and he give me "goodies" all the time for use on repairing
home and automotive A/C. I've learned quite a bit from him and would state
from my non-profesional experience that level is essential. I'll follow up
with him tonight as I have to call him.
Of note all home (window units) as well as cruiserair (hatch mounted boat
a/c units see) all state you should wait 15-30 minutes before turning the
unit on if it was not level. My best guess is that (think automotive here)
is that lubricants for the compresser are included in the freon and if these
things are not even and balanced out you could get a dry spot and kill the
compressor (with lack of lubricant). Highly likely when you tilt the unit
you are looking at at 45 degrees. There is no application for RV roof top
a/c units other then westaflias that they would ever be at an angle.
99.999%roof tops are used on level roofs or within a few degrees, not
45 degrees!
Additionally those trailers that are "A" frames like Aliners don't have roof
units they always have little window/wall units. I wonder why? These things
are not cheap (over priced IMHO) but at that cost they better have a/c! see:
http://www.aliner.com/page57.html
Food for thought.
Shawn
On 6/13/06, Jonathan Poole <jfpoolio@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Thanks for the input,
>
> I notice is that you assumed that I would no longer raise the pop-top on
> my van. I am not sure why you read that into my email?? but agree that it
> would be silly to quit using the pop-top. It is not that I am in places
> where I can't raise the top it is just that I typically don't.
>
> If the unit will not work at an angle then there is a problem with putting
> it on the pop-top. You state that they have to be level to operate, but is
> that the case for the polar cub? Maybe I am optimistic, in any case it is
> not obvious to me although I do see many reasons why it would be the case.
> The weight is considerable, but supports could be added etc. And for all of
> that it could mounted in the rack.
>
> I have seen the roof top and window mount units that you mentioned and
> might end up going that route but would prefer something that doesn't need
> to be set up before use, and also if possible something that could work
> while driving.
>
> Thanks again for taking the time to reply and for sharing your
> configuration.
>
> Jonathan Poole
>
>
--
shawn feller, ohio
1986 vw vanagon gl westfalia
1993 vw eurovan gl
plus a couple of saabs, boats, jet skis, dog and wife (all require to much
maintenance, accept the dog)...
www.carboncow.com
www.carboncow.net