Campervan Window AC Install (No Exterior Protrusion)

2005 Express van using a Toshiba 6000 BTU window AC unit.
900+ watts solar and 360AH AGM battery bank.

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[carlstephens]

As an ac service man for 35 yes, I have some thoughts on this . The first thing is the small units don't last very long being bounced around so it should be made to remove it with ease. They also need to be washed every season for mold and algae, the area around the unit should be water proofed with a drain pan and drain system . What normally happens is the condensing coil gets blocked and the fan then starts throwing water out the side vents in the ac getting that area very wet around the unit so putting the unit in a water proofed area is key to stopping the damage that comes. I would also add that as the ac ages they tend to rattle as well so a rubber pad system to sit the unit on will be needed I have installed many units and water damage from the old unit is almost always part of the deal. I have always advised my customers about possible water damage and the last job I did involved repairing the water soaked area. If you plan ahead you can minimize these issues

[skookapalooza]

You made it look like it was an OEM install. Your installation looks so much better than having the a/c sticking out through a hole.

[jeffwagg]

Best AC solution I've seen yet. Well done.

[DougDiLaura]

Excellent video and build. Further everyone's comments and suggestions is very helpful. I am having excellent results from a similar install in a lower area deflecting the cold air up a bit. Carl makes a good point, that in these installations' there are always compromises. The area in a van is small in relation to most 5000 btu units and even with some compromises will work fine. That said, as noted several times by many adequate air flow is one of the key factors. As to positioning high or low, as a practical matter in such a small confined area it has mattered little. Keep in mind almost every major hotel chain mounts the individual room a/c units down low with the vent facing up and control panel easily accessible to the user. Again, great job Tim.

[POW]

I have a Ford Econoline E350 van and have been thinking about installing an AC unit as well. As I watch this clip of my dream plan actually being accomplished by "Van with Tim", it was like seeing my dreamwork come to life. OMG this video brought tears to my eyes...it can be done and looks good as well!

[ChefBoiImHungry]

this is the only video i've seen that someone took the time to make a down slope not only for exhaust (not the best result) but also to drain any condensation from the dripping to leave the area at any angle! great job!

[rogerdunaway]

Good job, on the install. I put one of these in a van once and it worked great for the 30, 000 miles we had it. I’m now preparing one for a cargo trailer, thinking about making a cutout with a door cover and just sliding the unit in place when camping.

[hboyful]

But does it cool though. You should make a video showing it cooling down.

[joyking]

Hi Tim, thanks for the encouraging post. It would be informative to get your thoughts on the ac and install 4 yrs later. TIa

[markcrozier]

Dusty roads and water spray will clog the condenser fins quickly. Therefore, covers for the vents (maybe operable louvres?) should be used whilst in transit. Shading the vehicle during the day is preferable, so portable solar panels may not be sufficient to charge large battery banks for the A/C. I live in the tropics of Australia and the simplest solution to cooling off is to keep submersing yourself in cold water and reclining under a strong fan (wet the sheets at night). A cold beer or ten to knock yourself out doesn't hurt, either!!!

[coastalkev]

I'm old school.
My 5000 btu window unit is mounted in the window of the rear door.
After 5 yrs this is my third a/c unit.
Easily swapped out. This ' Arctic King ' has lasted the longest 2 1/2 yrs.
Any moisture from it easily drys out with the door open on a sunny day.

[skistrycharski]

Nice no gloves & no cut hands ! Impressed

[joshs]

Hell yeah. You were going HAM on the floor vent.. That was awesome 😂

[Dr.Tac]

Nice work. I was planning the same on my express conversation, but after reading comments i think i have to plan it out for replacement in case it goes bad.

[valtito]

don't know what that hole looks like up close but looks really good from far. nice work.

[ChristopherOBrien]

Very nice job, my friend. Excellent idea.

[alx]

U should do a video about ur solar set up and where you bought it all

[PLSchroeder]

Very nicely done, and super functional. Does not restrict input or output hot side airflow. Can you tell us where to get the grate for the floor A/C input air hole. Can't seem to find something like it. Any issues with water penetration through the outside side or bottom vents when it rains? Thanks.

[mattolsson]

Nice way of doing it.. Question though.. Because it's sitting on the floor it's pulling in the cooler air as opposed to hotter air at the ceiling.. Is it keeping the van cold ? Have you looked into adding a deflector to direct more of the cooled air towards the ceiling? Thanks for an inspiring video.

[jamesrogers]

Idea on doubling your solar setup.

Would be cool to have a second set of panels on top of the panels you already have. Set them on a frame that can slide 100% over the passenger side or driver's side, lock and pivot on either side. When extended the corner of the roof would be the center of weight and pivot point so the panels could tilt 30 to 40 degrees or so to catch more sun and provide shade to the side of the van as well as vent the panels better over the roof with a wider air gap. Would make a cool awning as well.

Would probably be difficult to design and build and surely if it was done you would already have several revisions if you had it to do over again.

I haven't ever saw anything like what I'm talking about but I would think something like this would set you apart from the rest of the crowd.
Might be standard for high rollers for all I know though.

The goal would be to make it strong for obvious reasons.
Sleek so it looks good and adds minimal height to the van, and doesn't weigh a ton.
Easy functioning would probably be the tough part because it would have several variables to simplify and condense into reliable working components. No one would use it if it was like putting together an erector set every time you deploy or adjust it.

Just my ramblings. I'm sure an a/c could always use more power and if this sounds like a good project I'd love to see it. Or any outside the box ideas.

You got some good videos so I'll subscribe to make sure I catch more.