Date: Wed, 9 Jun 2010 12:43:07 +0000
Reply-To: J Stewart <fonman4277@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: J Stewart <fonman4277@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: AC While Camping
In-Reply-To: <9294E09B-A673-4682-880E-5F74111F311E@horizonview.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
I made my own set up years ago with my '75 Bay. Basically a shelf that hung from the drivers side door with the A/C unit sticking in through the window. Made a vinyl skirt to go around the A/C unit (5K BTU) to close up the gaps. It worked very well, not only kept the camper cool, even up top, but blocked out camp ground noise as well. I modified it to fit my Vanagon, but have not used it since the bay window days. Jeff
Jeff Stewart
----- "Stephen Steele" <steeles@HORIZONVIEW.NET> wrote:
> I am trying to address one of the wife's chief complaints about
> longer duration summer trips in the Westy... A/C while camping and
> especially overnight.
> Typically, our OhioValleyTribe VW camping group does a June trip
> using campgrounds with hookups. We are planning on attending this
> year's outing.
> Yesterday afternoon I did a search of the archives on the subject of
> A/C while camping. "Long Gone" TK has a hanging bracket available on-
> line
> with a window mount unit. Another member actually offered a "funnel
> tarp"(my words) for the luggage rack A/C mounted unit.
> Last night on the van we played around with a 5K BTU unit in the
> passenger door window and then on the top in the luggage rack.
> I temporarily enclosed the unit in each location by using a small
> tarp to minimize air loss.
> Once up in the rack, the A/C unit I used seemed to do a much better
> job in the luggage rack as the cool air naturally dropped down into
> the cabin.
> Storing the unit while driving and lugging it about for mounting in
> the window seemed a bit problematic.
> Also, TK's approach wouldn't allow opening/using the passenger door
> while the A/C unit is in place(Alternately, I guess the driver's door
> could be used for the unit.)
>
> Accordingly, it looks like I'm going to try the luggage rack approach
> to the problem; with the following issues:
> • The 5K unit is a bit heavier than I would like, but it's what we've
> got. We used to have a 3K unit that would be perfect for the Westy.
> • I'll need to prop the hot end of the unit up so the cool face is
> even with the pop top window's bottom, while sitting on the back edge
> of the luggage rack.
> I plan on using a solid block of Styrofoam® for that purpose, with a
> bungee cord to hold the unit in place.
> • I used an old sheet to produce a pattern for the tarp (funnel)
> enclosure. I'll pin it up on this test trip, before deciding on the
> best method of attaching it more permanently.
> • This trip I'lI will cover the unit with a trash bag and later make
> another cover for the unit while it travels up there enroute.
> • And finally, I am anxious to hear how others have dealt with the
> condensate from the unit when mounted up there. I assume it will
> drain easily down and out of the rack
> through the drain holes in the front of the luggage rack.
>
>
> Thanks in advance for any more info on the subject.
>
> Stephen
> Chillicothe OH
> '89 Westy
> '90 Parts Carat
> '85 Wolfy Pop Top Camper(no kitchen)
> '73 Sportsmobile
> On Jun 8, 2010, at 9:55 PM, David Wilhite wrote:
>
> > Anyone ever try something like this?
> >
> >
> >
> > http://www.globalindustrial.com/g/hvac/air-conditioning/portable/
> > portable-spot-cooler-air-conditioner?ref=h/pricealert
> >
> >
> >
> > It's more pricey than a window unit, but may be easier to lug around.
> >
> >
> >
> > David Wilhite
> >
> > 84' Westy
> >
> > Middle TN
>
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