Running a 120v a/c unit off starter battery
Hi, new to the forum. I have converted an 86 Chev G30 mini school bus into a camper, and i have mounted a Danby 5.1 "window shaker" air conditioning unit into a plenum, which creates the equivalent of...
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"Small metal box with very little or no insulation plus single pane windows and a lot of engine heat = a LOT OF COOLING NEEDED."
as part of the conversion, i removed the eight passenger windows and replaced 6 of them with thermal pain tinted rv windows. the rest of the bus is insulated with 1 1/2" fibrex sound attenuation fire blanket insulation, as well as bubble wrap laminated with aluminum foil. i also made thermal curtains with an aluminized polyester inner lining. it's not super efficient, but it's definitely better than it was. at the end of the day, though, a good shade tree can make for a much more pleasant stay, no doubt. and yes, engine and exhaust pipe heat are a big issue when driving.
honestly, i was initially concerned the a/c unit would be too big for such a small area, and would keep cycling, but it definitely gets a workout on hot days. i have yet to run it while driving, but i think a strategically placed fan would help push more cool air down toward the cab. i also want to re-insulate the engine cover and possibly install a better heat shield above the exhaust system throughout.
as part of the conversion, i removed the eight passenger windows and replaced 6 of them with thermal pain tinted rv windows. the rest of the bus is insulated with 1 1/2" fibrex sound attenuation fire blanket insulation, as well as bubble wrap laminated with aluminum foil. i also made thermal curtains with an aluminized polyester inner lining. it's not super efficient, but it's definitely better than it was. at the end of the day, though, a good shade tree can make for a much more pleasant stay, no doubt. and yes, engine and exhaust pipe heat are a big issue when driving.
honestly, i was initially concerned the a/c unit would be too big for such a small area, and would keep cycling, but it definitely gets a workout on hot days. i have yet to run it while driving, but i think a strategically placed fan would help push more cool air down toward the cab. i also want to re-insulate the engine cover and possibly install a better heat shield above the exhaust system throughout.
