RV Tour Living Off-Grid in an RV with AC! 

It is because of this video that i am able to run my house on solar. I couldn t pay my electric bill and it got turned off. I went for a year with no power, lights , till i was able to build my own solar system from your video here. I just copied your list and bought and installed it. Thank you verry much. So helpfull. So happy i can live my life again

It seems fitting, perhaps even ironic, that one would use the light of the sun to comfort one's self from the heat of the sun.

I love how you aren't afraid to just give simple answers to simple questions without worrying about minutia and dodging.

All the money that you would spend month to month on rent or mortgage is the perfect amount to spend month to month on the solar setup, until you have all the parts.

Easy Setup! Affordable and does the work. Cools every corner of our 250 sq ft room.

The reason I love this channel is that it gives straight answers in a no-nonsense way.

On a cargo trailer you can use telescopic poles to tilt the solar panels on one side. Also to protect panels when traveling or hail, a metal cover can be stored under the panels complete with a hinge system which will fold over the panels with a wind beveling edge on the front for traveling.This metal cover can also be extended off one side and propped out for an awning if you want.

I run a 5,000 btu AC for about one hr and then off an hr during the day, along with a dorm fridge 24/7 on 3-315 watt solar panels and 4-150 AH trojan batts, the batteries are doing ok, still have enough power to watch tv, use laptop and lights all night (1am).

For those in the process of becoming a Nomad like myself, I plan on investing as much as I can in my van and getting a propane generator in the beginning. I want to get the best solar equipment and I will be saving up for it when I’m living as a Nomad. The reason I’m going with a propane generator is I don’t want to deal with the smelly gas. Also I plan on having a propane freezer so the propane does double duty. As an added bonus I’m also a jewelry artist so I can use the propane for my torch set up. I definitely plan on contacting Jim when I’m ready to do my solar. Absolutely love this channel and all you Nomads out there!

Really the best channel for straight talk on nomadic and off grid living. Thanks ☺️

Amazing! I'm so glad to know there's a way to use an air conditioner in a car or SUV or camper... Thank you for this information!

I knew it could be done but THANK YOU for going deeper on the topic. 💖🚐🎞

Vincent Price knows what he's talking about. This is great.

You can't be a bad person win you try to help people good man bob keep the videos coming 😎

I guess Santa is not always at the North Pole all year round.

Awesome and informative as usual Bob thanks so much to you and your cohort for helping to clarify issues and furthering our undersanding and making the rv lifestyle easier for us all!!! A solid 10 guys!!!! B

There is an interesting AC design I saw here on youtube that was genius. it was basically a swamp cooler with a desiccant. Only requiring water and a tiny bit of power. The system also used the sun to remove water from the desiccant. So the only thing using power on the system were fans and pumps.

Great information , especially new people who need someone like Jim to set those people in the best direction

Great video. Jim is probably the guy I need to talk to because he does explain it pretty simply.

JIM IS THE MAN FOR SOLAR

Very useful info here. Will be using this video as a reference. Thanks Bob and Jim

Thank you for sharing Bob and Jim! 👍😊

Thanks Jim and Bob. All you doubters need to do is your research, check out other videos and compare numbers. Do the one that fits your needs and finances.

It is nice that when you need an air conditioning the panels are generally in full sun. Did that on my cabin this summer but used the generator for long duration use.

I like that you wore your Alaska shirt for this interview. It seems like a nod to the topic of this video.

Thank you, Jim & Bob!

Thank you for making videos, have a great day! I learned so much in this video. I’m definitely not gonna buy a super lite. I’m planning on buying a 25ft rv and boondock full time. Gonna watch more of both of your videos!

GE has an 8000 BTU unit that only needs 695 watts and is energy star rated. I bought 3 of them in case my central HVAC goes out. I have enough Rich 200w panels and lithium batteries of course to power them all through the entire day if SHTF.

Okay I love this video. I live in California and worry about being too dang hot and if I could have a solar set up to get away with running air. Love how you explained the numbers. Cold here is just wrapping up more, but cooling off is a job. So when I start my set up Jim I will be getting with you. THANKS SO MUCH FELLAS.

Yay! Boy am I glad to see this. I think ac is definitely worth the investment for me. I'm still in the process of finding the right vehicle (I had no idea what a slog it would be to find one under $11k without doing an entire build!) But I definitely want to see the country, while also being my definition of comfortable. I like the idea of being able to stay longer in a place and not necessarily have to move due to the cold or heat. Hopefully, I'll be on the road really soon and any extra building I have to do will be an on the go adventure!

I would also add to anyone who is currently working on their conversion projects, to pay special attention to insulation during your build up phase. Every thermal transfer area needs to be addressed. The more efficient your insulation job is the less you need to run your AC/heat. This is crucial when setting out to use solar for your AC.

I can vouch for everything Jim and Bob have said here. I've done it myself and it works fine. The only catch is that before 10am and after 2pm the solar output is far from peak and the batteries will have to pick up the difference unless you have a lot of solar. Great interview Bob. Thanks to you and Jim for a wealth of real world information!

lol decades ago now going to college living in a 16ft travel trailer, I slammed a little swamp cooler into the floor area of its closet, which had an access door on the back of the trailer. think it pulled about 250W, and it did a GREAT job. it'd be really easy to slap one together to run on very little DC power too, using 12-15 computer case fans and a small circ pump.

I’m glad to see the different options shown. I like it cool. I’m kind of surprised not to see even smaller AC units available on the market. It has to be possible by now?? with everything else going mini micro nano. I would love to see a small portable ac I can take many places like the small gen/inverters. It was easier camping 40 years ago! Less decisions more camping. 🙃

And looking at the Amazon store the stuff you guys are advertising to us is sold out so y'all must be doing a most excellent job and teaching and training people got to be self-sufficient and they must be taking your advice because not that many things sell out in a particular category like this. Thank you too great American Patriots God bless you and protect you and your family amen

I like Jim's around the world laugh at the intro.

I love this channel.keep up the good work!

Very valuable information here.. Thanks so much! Awesome interview!

There is no need to pay someone to do it. RU-vid and google gives you ALL the info you need. I put a very complex system in myself and I have NO technical training. Just a retired truck driver.

I live columbia mo. Running ac in my house cause of your video. This video rite here. The info in your video. A big thanks to you and your videos

Wow! Consideration towards what other people are forced to listen to. What a unique concept. Thought I was the last person left who gave a crap about that.

Got to tell you the new inverter technology is really awesome

This is best solar doy ever.....tjanks you guys, so very much.....

This guy is a genius 👏, Thanks for sharing your info and thank you for sharing your video

Living in Texas where the summers can be unbearable this would be ideal for me! Jim I will be looking you up when I can get out there!! Thanks & Blessings ~Sidney

I have the exact same air conditioner on the boat. It uses around 400 watts when running the compressor, and averages around 130 watts over 24 hours because it cycles on and off to maintain the temp.

i believe jim. that can be done just place that window ac in the bedroom on the hottest time of the day which is also the peak hour.no need to use AC at night because its not hot if you want some breeze use a fan to circulate the air.

This is really great. Thanks ever so much for posting.

i believe this man knows what he's talking about!

correction 800w inverter will struggle with that unit. 1000w is going to be a safer recommendation across multiple brands

Love these guys haha, i had the same reaction to being told it cant be done, also did not let that stop me. i now run my ac 12 hours a day purely off of solar in sothern california! I just started uploading videos about the entire set up last week. Very happy to see I'm not the only one going down this road

Bob, you're so awesome. Love your videos. Say hey to your best buddy Cody. Keep on saving. God bless. Hi to mom and sister.

I have that exact AC and it works great

Hey Jim, I just picked up a 5000 BTU GE that is running on 4 amps 420 watts and uses the new R32 refrigerant. I don't completely understand how this unit does it but it is cooling our living room dining room kitchen and hallway on 5000 BTU when we used to use an 8000 BTU to keep up with it during the hot months. Here in Pennsylvania it's been running in the 90s for just about the last 30 days and this air conditioner is keeping up with it fine and saving us a ton on electric. They are fantastic air conditioners in my opinion and use very low power. I would highly recommend them for use in a van or RV because they are small and lightweight and really pump out a lot of cold air for very little Electric.

Thanks so much for posting this video!!

Thanks guys, fun and informative.

Thanks Bob! Love the info.

i bought a midiea minisplit window unit and it runs on solar no issues. good vid thanks for making it.

It really depends on the ac unit. Most rigs run 13.5k ac which requires about 3k surge capacity and will decimate your battery bank in short order. No matter what you are told RVs will not efficiently contain heat/cool so the ac will run all day. I paid a lot for a "four season" model and it bleeds thermally like stuffed pig.

I have issues being in the heat but when I was working on the dry docks at Pearl Harbor (even our gang area was outside), I had a neck cooler I bought from Sharper Image that kept me unbelievably cool.

Hello Jerry nice to see you there in the back

#1 Poster - loved this video. Just the info I needed. Thx. You guys are great together too!

Also a voltage regulator is so easy to add dear God....🤪 It's like the little thingy That makes lights brighter and dim

Thanks so much for this video! Very informative!

Thanks again, Bob

A Lot info here. thanks for sharing with us!!!

Just a tip..dont forget differential(rear gear/axle oil) & transmission oil..heat n load demand more frequent drain intervals.

Excellent video. Learned a lot.

I have one of those sportsman gennies. Had a few fuel issues when new but cleaned it all out (tank & carb) now runs very good. 4 to 6 hours every weekend when airsofting. Charging batteries both mine and many others in addition to 2 or 3 fans. Get one if on sale, but milage will vary.

lol, my 8 year old daughter, who just got ready for school and came to give me a hug and kiss and seen a few seconds of this video, asked if that was Santa....pointing to you....I laughed and said YES

Wow interesting! Thankyou Take care Be safe and ENJOY Australia

Good vid, at homebase I currently have 6 panels, 80 amp solar controller, 6 golf cart batteries, with a 750 watt inverter, I am continuously improving the system. On a sunny day I run my corded electric mower directly from the inverter. The new 80 volt lithuim battery mowers might be better with solar. My solar panels have reduced my homebase elect. bill $50 to $52 a month savings.

Thank you for showing me more about solar. I’d like to add some in the future, but for now, my vehicle battery charges my phone overnight. It must be comfy mid-summer heat. I just bought a van and I’m thinking Fanrastic Fan... wish me luck. Enjoy that A/C... happy trails❤️

Intro was hilarious!

yes with cavets as you will need to know your complete vac wattage output prior to doing it.. and NOTE: depending on layout of your van the only mounting options is front or rear and must be braced to the van.. at estimation your internals between fridge range, microwave at 220vac typically consumes 4kva in normal operation and the more coolers you have the more power you will consume add a 1500 watt window mount system to the your van your 5.5 Kw to your power consumption based on that you be around 7-10kva in requirements This is base reqirement at 23 foot length cabin capacity never mount these in side window as you aren't going to keep the van cool other wise and you will need to add a second roof for sun and hail mitigation having lived in a caravan for 3 years I will tell you this tent both sides of the caravan if you want coolness from the heat as length ways caravans and 5th wheels are massive solar sails and tend to collect in the heat of the day and will add up to 10-20 degrees hotter than the out door temps.. and to keep van cool long ways is the best option for cool vans down appose to side mounting the things tend to localize the coolness and doesn't really cool the caravan down your base electrical cable will be rated 15-20 amps at 220/240 with roof mount systems typically have input for house and input for aircon as that chews upto 20 amps alone

This is a hot, humid summer. I can leave my ac off if I run a fan in my bedroom, and I have a ceiling fan in the dining room and a twin window fan between the dining room and kitchen, which sits on a ledge and is not in a window. My kitchen and living room are comfortable, and when anyone comes in from the heat, they are impressed by how comfortable my apartment is. I just bought a fan that runs with batteries as well as electricity. I intend to get several more, as I want to be prepared for a power outage. They are just under twenty dollars, but the batteries are extra. I am becoming a fan collector. I wish I had bought battery powered fans sooner, rather than just electric. The dual fans with batteries and electric are a good idea, especially when they are affordable. Fans don't just blow the hot air around, they actually create cool air, which is amazing. There are portable ac's that you don't put in the window, and you have to put water in a well on the side of the unit. It creates the effect of regular a.c. The heavy window ac's are going to be obsolete. It's just a matter of time, also central air will phase out due to global warming and the new portable ac's and fans that do the job and cost less with less electricity usage.

Too awesome for words. ⛄

I just finished building my solar system. 760 w a 40 amp MorningStar mppt charge controller, Xantrex 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter charger and two 100 amp-hour battleborn lithium batteries. In this video he didn't stress the importance of your battery Bank but he does in other videos. I'm just saying if you can afford it research lithium batteries I guarantee you will buy them.

This setup for about $2,400 maybe more depending on where you're getting your stuff at. It still sounds far better than one guy on a RU-vid video with a big RV spent about $12,500 for a 1000 watts of solar and no generator at all. And a small window unit air conditioners seem to be the best way to go especially two of them. easy far cheaper simpler faster to replace. And this way you can keep your roof clear for vents equipment and plenty of solar panels.

VIDEO STARTS AT 18:11

You know what guys, i saw a cap with builtin solar power & vantilator,so you could keep your self cool and protect your self against sun glaring as well.

I am not or nor do I plan to be a van dweller but being able to run AC off of solar panels is very interesting to me.

good info, i run a 5k btu AC( 485 watts on a kill o watt meter )for 10 hours a day on a $129 2k harbor freight inverter and 5 agms with my big rig running all day though to charge

Thanks for the info!

Being an HVAC I was suggest you go look for a 2400 w 12 volt converter to 120 for your solar setup and it would be beneficial to have battery storage. Can be accomplished on the cheap by using car batteries or lithium ion what car battery should buy for safer. Just take a lot of space. Offering full AC units for houses off solar power here in Arizona where we get much hotter

Thank you bob

Wonderful , Thank you !

Bob I run my 13,500 Btu A/C in my TT off 1000 watts of panels and 600 amp hours of lithium batteries for about 4 Hrs.

Fab! Love this, thank you :-)

I have always wondered what santa Claus does does in the off seasons. I'm glad I found this channel.

I love this!

You guys are awesome!

Great video. Was looking for more info on this.

Beautiful video guys! Thank you very informative! Keep it up godbless you!

Can get them at Walmart too... Had one in my backyard building n they work great as long as you spray them with water due to dust, I do n it's faithful.

NICELY DONE

Great intro!!

All dandy, but remember that lead acid batteries do require maintenence and monitoring. Apparently, the nautical markets are trending towards lithium batteries.

Thank you! Great information. Plus installation costs if I need help. Long term planning!

That was about the BEST and most useful videos ever.