I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

A place to discuss all activities related to the Great Outdoors & Camping
Post Reply
User avatar

Topic author
arlon
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 164
Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:56 am
Location: Midland Texas
Contact:

I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Post by arlon »

I had been looking for an AC system for the van that was totally portable, cheap, heat and cool, etc. I live in West Texas and being able to use AC at night really extends my season as long as I'm in parks with power which is most of the time.

I ended up getting a small portable heat pump. I've used for almost a year now and it has been the perfect solution for me. It calls the van down in minutes. It is a heat pump wit an auto mode that hold a temp. Had a hot night this past fall and front came through. Went to steep with the AC running and woke up with it in heat mode.

The unit fits perfectly between the front seats and is the perfect height to double as an elbow rest when I'm driving.

These are about $250 from the box store and it has a remote so I don't have to get up to change the settings.

Image

Image

I just run the vent out the window and seal with a few pieces of foam and a plastic sheet closed in the door to keep the rain out.
Image
2004 AWD Astro 2" lift, overnight-able
2003 Dodge/Cummins Quad cab
2006 Nissan X-terra MT
1985 LTD LX 5.0 HO
Plus wife's and kid's cars to take care of...

Astrophysics
I sleep in my van
Posts: 974
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:23 pm
Been thanked: 9 times

Re: I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Post by Astrophysics »

Very nice compact unit. Good idea. What is the manufacture model number? I like the fact that it also has heater mode as well as air condition cooler mode.

AP

Does Home Depot have them?

Thank you.

chesehd
I get chills without my van.
Posts: 87
Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2007 5:17 am
Location: The "Staggering Metropolis" of Lebanon, WI

Re: I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Post by chesehd »

I'd like to know the vendor, make & model as well.

This could be a great addition for a van & camper! :bounce:
Ken

2003 AWD
Back in the saddle on a new horse!

A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.

Image
User avatar

Topic author
arlon
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 164
Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:56 am
Location: Midland Texas
Contact:

Re: I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Post by arlon »

This one came from Home Depot. Brand/model: SPT WA-9061H, google those and you will find out all about it. Several of the big stores carry them.

Dimensions are 12" wide, 14" deep and 29" tall. It fits between my arm rests with about an inch to spare. This is a 9000btu unit and it cools the van off pretty fast. Screens on the sunny side windows help a lot... I have no complaints so far. It makes some noise in the confines of the van but it has not bothered my sleep in the least.
2004 AWD Astro 2" lift, overnight-able
2003 Dodge/Cummins Quad cab
2006 Nissan X-terra MT
1985 LTD LX 5.0 HO
Plus wife's and kid's cars to take care of...
User avatar

Mmusicman
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 109
Joined: Sat Aug 10, 2013 7:42 pm
Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Been thanked: 2 times
Contact:

Re: I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Post by Mmusicman »

Here's how I do mine... simple, cheap, quick setup, works great! A little bit old school. :)

The inside option looks pretty cool, and easy too! Like the way yours fits!
You don't have to pull yours if you need to drive, other than a quick window vent.
Price looks good too... Might have to look into that!
VanAC.jpg
-
Image
2000 Chevy Astro LS AWD | 31" LT265/70R17 Tires | 8" LIFT | 10" TOTAL
92 Chevy Astro Shorty | V8-350
http://www.CruisinSouthFlorida.com
User avatar

Topic author
arlon
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 164
Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:56 am
Location: Midland Texas
Contact:

Re: I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Post by arlon »

It just takes seconds to be back on the road again. Even when someone is in the passenger seat it just takes seconds. And second to have up and running again when you get to your destination.

It's also really easy to set up in my truck camper and a small travel trailer we have that sometimes needs additional cooling here in West Texas. I've even used it to cool and heat a small room off my garage. It's just really easy to move and use in other places.
2004 AWD Astro 2" lift, overnight-able
2003 Dodge/Cummins Quad cab
2006 Nissan X-terra MT
1985 LTD LX 5.0 HO
Plus wife's and kid's cars to take care of...
User avatar

Mmusicman
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 109
Joined: Sat Aug 10, 2013 7:42 pm
Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Been thanked: 2 times
Contact:

Re: I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Post by Mmusicman »

Multiple uses are ALWAYS a great option!
Our home's central-air died last summer, and something like this would have been fantastic.
-
Image
2000 Chevy Astro LS AWD | 31" LT265/70R17 Tires | 8" LIFT | 10" TOTAL
92 Chevy Astro Shorty | V8-350
http://www.CruisinSouthFlorida.com
User avatar

WoodButcher
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 411
Joined: Wed Apr 06, 2011 7:01 pm
Location: Woodbury, CT.
Been thanked: 16 times

Re: I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Post by WoodButcher »

My first thought w/ a mobile AC unit is how well it will hold up running on an extension cord and what gauge / length can you run? How many amp does it pull?
I use nail guns on a compressor for work and have an old compressor I can run no more than 50' on a good 12 wire and have a heavier cord that will run 100' but need to be mindful of the homeowners wiring. I've burned more than a few outlets because someone had changed circuit breakers to 20 amp on a 15 amp circuit.
'93 Safari shorty, 350 swap
'05 Astro AWD, lifted, 6 liter, cammed, ported and programmed for fast.
'69 G10, straight 6, 3 onatree, jumped at me when I had a pocketful of cash looking for a spare astro. :)
User avatar

Topic author
arlon
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 164
Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:56 am
Location: Midland Texas
Contact:

Re: I'm now camping in air conditioned luxury.

Post by arlon »

I'm using a 12g 50' cord where ever I go. I've never needed more than 50' the places I use it. Of course around the house I just plug into a wall circuit.
Tag says 906 watts, don't know if that max at start up or just running.
It might even run on a 1000w generator. Wish I had one to try it on. It runs fine on the 2000w I have.
2004 AWD Astro 2" lift, overnight-able
2003 Dodge/Cummins Quad cab
2006 Nissan X-terra MT
1985 LTD LX 5.0 HO
Plus wife's and kid's cars to take care of...
Post Reply