Rooftop AC for 144' Sprinter Conversion

Do not think a fan will keep your dogs cool. It won't!
Fans cool by evaporating sweat, they will do very little to cool a dog because they don't sweat like humans do
A fan can circulate the air inside a van, but never make it any cooler than the outside ambient temp, and usually not come close to it.

Thanks, Ill check that out. After doing a lot of research on this it looks like I may skip the rear AC for now and just invest in really good vent fans. See how that goes and maybe add an AC later if needed. My only concern was leaving dogs in there, but its not like the AC is foolproof for that either.

If you are planning on devising an electrical setup you should look at these: Part 2

Part 2

Part 1 is referenced here.

Sorry - double post

If you are planning on devising an electrical setup you should look at these: Part 2

Part 2

Part 1 is referenced here.

Why do you think you need a second A/C unit for when you are driving? I've never felt a need for a second A/C and most people who drive B's don't either. those that want it buy a generator to power it.

More important to controlling climate is insulation - figure out a good way to get proper insulation and you won't need an A/C while driving.

Wouldnt a 5000btu system be enough for sleeping and driving in a 144" wheelbase sprinter? its only around 70 sq feet.

A typical 15,000 BTU A/C unit requires 2400 watts (Camping World info). Camping World also suggests a generator of at least 3500 watts to run that A/C.

Running that A/C with an inverter and alternator requires an inverter of at least 3000 watts and an alternator that ALWAYS puts out at least 200 amps even at idle. I don't think you can find a normal alternator that can generate that many amps.

It might be possible if you can find a 5000 BTU A/C for an RV but that is not much cooling power.

Before proceeding with this, I would strongly recommend doing a lot more research including checking out how engine RPM affects the power output of your alternator.

I would look at the units truckers use in their sleepers.

So the do not make an AC unit that can run off of an alternator and inverter?

If you are going to attempt to run a 110V AC off of the 12V the MH is putting out you will find a lot of problems. You will most likely be overloading the alternator of the vehicle and get shortened life out of it. If you have a generator on the RV that is what would be needed to run a 120V AC. If your idea was possible it would have been done by everyone building MHs. That is one of the prime reasons generators get installed.