Anybody using one of the new battery powered Ac units? do they work?

It was a Prostar with auto start. I talked to the driver, and got a look. Same dash as mine.

 

No it had an apu. That's what surprised me. It was 2014 Prostar, with an apu and auto start. Had a cummins engine. I don't know what version.

 

I've been using them since about 2001, back then it was water evap units like viesa, they work pretty good but they would be defeated in desert heat when the water in the tank got hot, some people insulated the tanks and moved them under the cab which helped.

In 2007 I bought a new truck with a WAECO. Compressor unit (this company is DOMESTIC in NA) that worked really well, I never had to turn it up full ways even in Italian or Spanish summers which are as about as hot as things get anywhere , batteries would last almost 30 hours ( euro trucks are 24 volt so maybe that makes a difference ) they will shut off if the batteries get too low so you can start your truck.

http://www.waeco.com.au/forms/cataloguebrochures/c_101001_truck_lwr.pdf

 

Quite a strong resemblance if I do say so!

 

and that is sup to be funny on what day of the week?? let me know, cuz so far it isnt.....

 

Had a factory installed webasto on a a brand new white '08 model 387. It was lousy in the south in the summer. Zipping up the bunk and precooling while driving, might stay comfortable about 3 hours on a 90* day. The bunk heater worked great in winter. That sleeper was too big for this setup to keep cool tho..

 

By the numbers, they simply don't compute. Most of the Ac units are good for about 6000 btu's max. And at max cooling they will drain the batteries before the 8-10 hours needed. Most of the factory installs have excellent insulation packages as part of the unit, and advise pre cooling the truck and only cooling the immediate bunk area. Evening/night under 90 deg probably work ok, don't expect them to do the job in the daytime above 90 deg.

 

during the day, I try to put a windshield screen in to help reflect the sun. Seems to make the biggest difference next to attempting to find a place in the shade.