Generator for the tractor

So, as well as all the duct work etc in the truck, you also need a box fan too?
And here I was, thinking the portable ac unit I am using until I get the time for the rooftop install, was messy and a pia.
Rooftop ac is the way to goduct work everywhere making the interior look like a 1960'a sci fi movie set, and no setting anything up before use. If you're going to cut a hole, may as well make it so it's easy to use with NO setup time
I looked at every other option for getting ac, instead of cutting a hole in the roof of a brand new Western Star, but have yet to find one that either works as good or is as easy to use.
Not to mention also looking neat and finished off inside, with no hoses etc laying around.
I commend your work on getting working ac inside the truck, for a reasonable amount of money, and firmly believe that anything is better than nothing where not idling is concerned.
Martin

 

Yes, the best option is to cut a hole in the top of the cab, is the cheapest way.

 

Like this, which was in my last truck.....


By FAR the best way to go.

Martin

 

I have a condo, are their any RV air conditioner units that can mount to the back of the cab? I have a bunk heater and only need air.

 

I have seen some that are back wall units, I believe Coleman makes one, Dometic might make one as well.

 

Check out this unit.

http://www.cool-it.ca/pdfs/FLYER_VERSION2.pdf

Cool It is local to me but I believe they sell on E Bay. It's 12V but you could get a small genny to charge the batteries.

 

Only 8500 BTU though, which will have a HARD time keeping the cab cool in 100 degree plus weather. More so if the unit is the under bunk one, as hot air rises etc.
Why does it say 12-16hrs runtime? Battery capacity? If so, can it run for a whole weekend if a generator is running it? 45amps at 12 volts though, would be a pretty big battery charger to keep the trucks batteries charged for starting etc. My battery charger is an automatic 3-4 amp one, which is small in size, but big enough to charge the batteries if sat for a weekend etc. Cant imagine the size of a quality 45+ amp charger mounted inside the truck.....
I guess they are saying to run an independent battery bank, which would add both cost, and a substantial amount of weight to the 94lbs of the unit itself.
Still not as good as a rooftop, unfortunately. I wish there was another option besides cutting a hole in the rioof of a brand new truck, but have yet to find one that is as light, works as good, and is way under $1k in price.
Martin

 

I have seen a fair few condo's with rooftops on them. Either they run them at the angle, or make a bracket to level it up more to being parallel to the ground, Looks a little goofy to me, but if it works good.....
Dometic make one that goes under the bunk, with the condenser on the rear wall of the cab. I got quoted $1495 for a reman unit they had, or over $4k for a brand new setup. Both have a 12 month parts warranty IIRC.
http://www.aap.com/ is the place that gave me those quotes.

Martin

 

Thanks. I have shore power, inverter, battery charger built into my truck from the factory. So a gennie that plugs in to my shore power is all I need. I have a 10,000 btu portable air conditioner we are currently not using (new house has central air) it will fit in front of my pass seat when I'm travelling, just need to find the 3500watt Honda. Almost had a used one for $700 but missed it by an hour... The guy was blown away by the calls he had for it, asked if he had sold it too cheap......

 

I think I would figure out a window mount before mounting a rooftop unit on the slope of a condo.