Adding electric ac to bunk

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by skallagrime, Jul 25, 2021.

  1. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Makes sense, the stress will be on the top and bottom. I’m curious also as to how well it cools, and his much poser it draws
     
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  3. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

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    Me too, supposedly a 20 seer rating, and straight from 12v with 134a, they claim 8 hrs is 300 AmpHrs, ill certainly be testing it, but update, pouring sweat and close to time to start grill, but outdoor unit is up

    Worst case i can take stuff with me and finish on the road now, best case i finish up and roll out with it working in the next 5 hrs (It wont be best case for sure)



    20210725_164545.jpg 20210725_164534.jpg
     
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  4. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Looks good, that was fast. I’ve tried to study different batteries, regular deep cycle boat types, forklift types, golf cart type. Trying to figure best weight/reserve amp/ cost combination. Would be nice to have a 3-4 battery pack, isolated from Trucks system, yet able to charge while Driving. Simple cut off switch would be cheapest, simplest way. Maybe a small generator for extended layovers, to charge battery bank? I don’t know. Not real good with such things.
     
  5. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

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    Plannin on getting rid of step fairings and replacing with w900 batter boxes both drive and passenger side, will require some hood cleanup, but should look sharp, will end up isolating the passenger side 4 or maybe even 2 in driver side as well for inverter and this, for now will just have the low voltage cut on 2 aux batteries, still have 2 starting that way.

    Supposedly ideal case would be 2-3 lifepo batteries, but they dont play nice with low voltage cuttoffs. Have to do full isolation from main bank, more work than i want

    As far as fast... started in earnest about noon, 2 half hr cooldown breaks and wife had to help hold one of the bolts on the lower horizontal. Feel like im moving at a snails pace.

    Generator is a good idea, this is more because the truck just cant keep up when its 80 or over. so even if i have to idle during the day while it runs on a layover, i would call it worth it.

    Old 94 t600.
     
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  6. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    I’d like to get one to keep from idling. Worried about glazing my cylinders on the fresh overhaul. It’s got 50k now. About 40% idle time I’d guess. Trying to avoid the dreaded blow by that Old Detroit’s are known for coming back. Auxiliary unit would be good if A/C goes out. Run it going down the road if needed. Or both on real hot days. Bunk A/C can’t keep up now.
     
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  7. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

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    Yeah im hoping it knocks my idle down for sure, but ill settle for it keeping the cab cooler than ambient :p
     
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  8. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

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    Update, poked at the inside, already had the flip down desk frame down low, had an old living room end table top, found good anchorage in the top and supported from the bottom where the desk frame is attached to the aluminum studs.

    Gonna use the light hole to run the cables through, but packed everything up and gonna do that tomorrow i hope. From here on out it should just be cabling and hose management

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    Last edited: Jul 25, 2021
    Reason for edit: Forgot pics
  9. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    A piece of Armatex like they used on a/c lines makes a good grommet. Sell it at Home Depot. Kind of pricey, good stuff, keep the lines from sweating. You probably have some with the kits line set. I see it comes with 16’. Can you cut it down? Or just have to coil it up? You got Me geeked. Bought some 1/2” aluminum channel today. Going to make some shelves in my Truck, with 1/2” plywood, going to try to make them removable. Still a rough plan. It will change as I start cutting things. Lol.
     
    Last edited: Jul 25, 2021
  10. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

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    This kit is only 10 foot but yeah probably a good idea to sleeve everything, came with a tiny armatex sleeve for the hole (6"), ill worry about sleeving the lines after i have the cables and hoses routed how i want em though

    Electric i think is 16', but thats almost perfect for how ill be running those, ive got the heavy duty crimp and lugs if i needed to change the length though, that has the split loom on it, impressed with the kit so far, we shall see if that lasts past hooking it up

    Can never have too many shelves for tools :p
     
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  11. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    From what I red the kit has compression fittings. No need to weld line set. That’s better anyway. Less chance of weld breaking. Welding the line set is hardest part. I’ve done Central Aur in my last house, plan on doing this one soon. I paid someone to weld line set and vacuum/ fill last one. I’ve got some rod now, going to try my hand at welding. Lol. Why not? Good Luck. Let Us know how it works. I like the idea of being 12V. Totally battery powered. No generator hassle.
     
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