Date:         Tue, 7 Jul 1998 17:50:02 -0500
Reply-To:     "Robert S. Williams, MD" <rwill@DIGITECHS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "Robert S. Williams, MD" <rwill@DIGITECHS.COM>
Subject:      Alternative to Toyotomi Airconditioner
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I remember someone discussing using a Toyotomi A/C unit in his Westie for
camping... Well, I've given the problem of A/C for camping a bit of thought
and have come up with a lower-cost solution.

Carrier makes a line of low-profile window A/C units called the
VisionAir[tm]  ( series LC, model LCA061P). I just bought one from
www.comfortspace.com for $374.00 shipped to my door. This little 6050 BTU
fits nicely in the luggage rack and it works just fine sitting in the
luggage space. To use it, I pop the top and open the screens and window.
Then I have a board with a 6.5" X 20" notch cut out of the bottem. I taped
black plastic sheet around three sides.. the other end is affixed to the
"window frame" using clothes pins and the power cord is run into the window
and plugged into the inside AC power outlet.

I am still experimenting.. using thin board and sheet plastic... letting
the A/C blow into the vanagon. Today, the temp was 101 F, and the Westie
was sitting in the sun ... still, I got a 15 F decrease in temp and the air
was lots less humid... it was almost comfortable inside! And sweltering
outside. I found it helps to draw the curtains and to pivot the upper bunk
upright... thereby blocking out any unused space and insulating somewhat.
BTW: this unit is only 20" wide and projects a mere 4.5" above the lip of
the luggage rack.

Tomorrow, I am going to get some sheet styrofoam and cover the plenum-board
and the windows of the westie and see if I can get the inside really
chilly!


                                Robert S. Williams, MD