The BEST Battery Powered AIR CONDITIONER For Van Life? 

Purchased: August 2022 - still works GREAT! ru-vid.comUgkxxsUnXhGsSJLim_XnMHyQK0u3XVaW-CGn I live in a studio and during the summer it gets scorching hot - really old building with no ac units. I can’t express how EASY it was to install.This unit has been a life savior during the summer and some days during other seasons where it can still be a bit warm at night. In this small place is my friend, a husky, poodle mix and myself. We need AC - lolI don’t use the dehumidifier option - I’m not sure if it will leak in my house, since I did not install the small draining hose that came with it. May look into it late but I don’t worry about much humidity in the apartment.I don’t understand why the negative reviews since all things mentioned, I personally did not find issues with. Definitely worth it!

The "Mad Scientist" of Vanlife. I saw a vid about this AC install and they also added a small metal deflector for to help with road debris. Might want to consider it since off roading in the zombie apocalypse will, no doubt, have random debris and body parts on & off road, lol. 👍🏼

Can’t stress enough how good your videos have gotten. You and dual ex have inspired me to make my first van build. It’s coming along great! Keep up the good content

You May want to think about insulating the ducting as the humidity differential can cause condensation and dripping , love both builds so far, great job sticking with it ( former NIST guy here)

I agree with people saying you should do some heat shielding between the exhaust and the condenser, like a divider with some gold heat shield tape. Also you can line the cabinet with some heavy vinyl to deaden the noise of the fan. Keep em coming though, Savage, love the build!

This is the definition of properly in my eyes. A HUGE ass battery bank + proper A/C setup, nicely done! I often see these super pretty fan builds, but they lack an A/C.

Nice overview of the installation process. This is the first video that the RU-vid algorithm pushed my way since your 80/20 rack framework setup video. Yeesh!

Love your style of filming and explaining. Incredible battery bank, AC, and toilet. I look forward to the rest and you actually using the van.

You're a legend. Thanks for making these videos. I'm learning a lot during my build.

I have been waiting for this video! So COOL! Great video! Thank you!!!

Very interesting and enlightening video, no question. Glad you made the point about enclosing the shelf unit which will quiet things down. Good luck with your project.

The thought an engineering you put into each element is amazing!

Hey bud! Love the videos! I have the HD-12L installed in our sprinter and I quickly found out that in humid environments the evaporator will sweat A LOT. So much that it will actually leak into the van and weep through the drain holes. Chris (who is an awesome dude!) also sells a stainless steel tray that you can mount the evaporator on.

Lately, different YT Channels across the USA bcuz it’s Summer their Pros Cons. By far yours overall checks all the boxes. Great Job‼️ 👍👍⬆️

alright , more super perfectionism . awesome as usual Sevin .

Great video. I didn’t even know that model you got was an option. I got their 24v system in my van. Chris is awesome. His shop is 5 minutes drive from my house in Arizona. Talking to him about his systems, history behind them, and how they function, absolutely amazing. Well worth the price.

Excellent video amen. I enjoyed this very much. You touched on everything perfectly from technical details to personal use experience and observation as well. Very nice job! Thanks for sharing, James

Wow, system looks great. Love the van so far

I can barely spell pHd but, I feel like I'm getting one. Thank you SEVENO

Nice to see some people can afford these high ticket items. Van life is cost conscious for a reason; this shows it doesn't have to be.

This is AMAZING! Thank you for the tips!

Dude, such a great video and well explained!

Great video! I live in NC and am doing my research on a very liveable van, and if I want to use it during the summer AC is a must, at least to sleep at night.

One thing I might recommend is soft mounting the noise generating AC components on the shelf. Using rubber, silicone or another soft material can help decouple the noisy parts from the shelf and quiet it further.

Amazing!! Thank you for this amazing instructional video

Cool van build! When you have your Solar Panels set up I have a suggstion. The AC System may be more efficient if you set it and forget it. Thermal Dynamics. Set the AC Thermostat where you will be comfortable and leave it running 24/7. The Walls, Floor and Ceiling, along with everything else in the van, will help maintain the temperature and make the system become very effective and efficient.

Nicely done. Watched many of your vids and did not realize you were so close to me (Cloverdale!). Would love to see your build first hand and maybe get more local resource info. Just beginning build on 2018 Transit 350 high roof ext. dually. Similar purchase experience as we flew from Santa Rosa to SoCal to pick up in Fontana. Love how your build is coming together.

Thanks for this video! There are folks who have taken these undermonts off road on year-long trips to Central America without issue, so I'm not in the camp that you have to keep this on road. I love the idea of saving space on the roof. Van building is all about deciding what is most important to you and where you want to spend your money. For some it's the kitchen, for some it's power, for some it's a really nice bathroom.or a music system. For me it's keeping the van cool for my Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. So being able to run from a battery system is key. Keep up the good work!

Split units are obscenely efficient compared to packaged units. I built a custom tow-behind BBQ competition trailer for a buddy and I custom built a split heat pump for it so he can use it as a camper/trailer when not doing BBQ competitions in it. I set it up so that even with everything running full-blast it only pulls 15 amps at 120 volts, so he can run it on a super small generator, or any camp site power outlet or even solar power. The trailer is insulated pretty well and has a 12,000 BTU split heat pump system and a hidden drain hose that drains directly to the ground. I am also an HVAC technician, EEE, and Network Engineer so I was able to install and build the whole thing myself with assistance from my buddy. I am super proud of how it turned out, and he absolutely loves it. He was able to run his trailer at a super small camp ground in south east Kansas that only had 15 amp 120 volt outlets. The system is not a 12 volt system, but it is an inverter compressor system so it can even run on a modified sign wave power inverter or really poor quality 120 volt power source. (inverter compressor system takes 120 volts and converts it to about 90 volts dc then to 3 phase power to the compressor motor, similar to the way electric skate-boards or electric scooters power the motor from lithium battery packs) It is really easy to convert an inverter compressor heat pump to 12 or 24 volts just by modifying the power converter part of the control board to skip the a/c to d/c conversion and put d/c from the batteries directly to the motor controller part of the heat pump controller board.

This was very helpful. I know I'll need a/c in Az. I think the roof top will be my pick based on ease of install. I'll loose the roof space, but maybe have some extra outside panels if needed. Thanks for showing us what goes into this install.

Cool setup man. Definitely subscribed 🙂

Yay! Cruise en comfort is a fab choice!

I highly recommend a expanded steel skidplate to protect against rock kick-up. Especially needed when driving washboard dirt roads when it kicks up tiny rocks at high speed.

Awesome! I recommend looking into 3M Crystalline heat rejecting window film for the front cab windows. Apparently it's crystal clear and comes in 90% clear, which shouldn't look tinted or cause problems. I'm eager to get it installed in my Sprinter because my AC is fighting a hopeless battle with all the heat coming in!

those machines are so insanely easy to use. I figured it out within 5 minutes on my first try. I became the go-to guy for ac in my shop. Your system is no different than a normal car ac, those shops were just worried about liability. Even the receptionists at those shops should have no problem doing that task. The shop just wont allow that.

People in the comments act like this product has never been tested at all for an undermount. It looks good to me, you made your informed choice. It looks good to me! Get those front window covers quick!

In Sprinter ambulances they mount the fans on the driver's side. It helps keep passenger-side quieter on the outside, which is where you would typically have your camp set up.

You should line the evaporator box and the compressor box with thinsulate to help muffle the noise. It will be really interesting to see DBA measurements when they are enclosed. But, I suppose white noise of the AC would help drown out street noise. Also noise levels of the under mount condenser in series and parallel. Perhaps double wire it to a switch to select between series and parallel as needed.

Great video. Although cruise in comfort seems to be a great company and I appreciate them providing options for vanlife, I cant afford to pay more for my ac system than i payed for my van.

I’ve got a zendure super base pro with a 5000 BTU window shaker. It could cool the van in no time, but would be heavy and bulky. Comfort is king!

Thank you for getting right to it! So many of these van AC videos are loaded with filler or skip the install details entirely.

Your exhaust pipe is going to get pretty hot while you’re driving. Radiant heat from the exhaust may melt the cowling around the fans. I suggest you install a stainless steel divider vertically between the exhaust and the fans to stop that from happening.

Awesome video. I'd like this in my van build.

Me - I'm a mini-split fan. You get cool + heat and can do simple vacuum yourself with ones that are pre-charged. I understand its a challenge to mount the outside unit... (maybe on a door on the back) but efficiency + silent operation are very strong pros for me. I have a Senville 9000 BTU on my 7 x 14 cargo trailer conversion w/1" insulation all around - takes about 4-5kwh / 24hrs to keep trailer cool at 100-105F outside and warm down to 25-30F outside - and then less power if the temps are inbetwenn those extremes. .

I just wanted to let you know that I'm inspired by all your videos. I have a 2017 Transit van 350HD duly high top extended. I am following your 8020 frame install and a lot of other things that I've learned after watching your videos for the past year. Thanks for all your hard work

Cool Install, you can mount a cover ( U shape)Backside of your el step.. once your step is in its covered when driving down the road and use cab air con

Thanks for the awesome demo! When will your kit be listed for sale on cruise and comfort website.

Hows that Van is always so clean and shinny :D ! loved the video

Not just sun shades in the front cab area but a curtain behind driver/passenger seats will help with cooling.

Wow. Excellent

Nicely done.

I have the same batteries (1020AH)and run and inverter with a mini split. Works great and will freeze you out. 🥶. Mine cost less than $800. Downside it does take up more room and the back has to be vented or door opened.

Amazing walkthrough of installation. Thank you for showing us some easy mistakes that a lot of us won't have to repeat. My husband charges AC units without the $8000 machine. I think it takes longer though. I am subscribing because you nailed this walkthrough!

Nice! Do you know if there is a roof top 12/24v dc unit that also has a vent function? I want to use my existing maxair vent hole. Thanks

As a professional refrigeration technician I will strongly recommend to stay away from this setup. The original purpose of this particular unit was to cool down a cab of a tractor. The condenser should be mounted on the back wall of the cab. By mounting the condenser on the bottom you creating the harsh environment for the condenser. If your condenser is dirty - your liquid freon is not really liquid, it becomes a saturated mixture. It means you loosing a cool capacity and you creating a high pressure which eventually will damage your compressor. Another important point is the winter. If you will drive to any place where road salt is used it will destroy your condenser and condenser fan motor just in one season. Not even talking about the fact that condenser requires a vertical installation for the condensed liquid easily getting to the bottom. I can give you 5 more reasons why this is a bad idea, but I think I've said enough. DON'T DO THIS, UNLESS YOU GOING TO DO HIGHWAYS ONLY IN SUNNY CALIFORNIA.

Not sure if you have an air fryer at home but it's wonderful. You should build in that since you have the battery.

You do want to install a heat shield next to the exhaust from the engine. If you need to have the unit recharge (only if you have leak in refrigeration system) found a refrigeration company. The system look great

Thank you

Some of that amazing new window tent would make it alot cooler

oh cool. thank you for sharing, I love your videos. comprehensive and fun. How would you say this compares to something like the Dometic FreshWell 3000? I'll be curious how this turns out once it's all done and you got your window insulation etc. Does the thermostat self-regulate? So you could leave it set to 80 and it would turn off once it reached that?

This is something I was toying in my mind with, right now I have a Dometic Penguin 2 A/C mounted on top but due to height clearance I am considering to take it off, put a MaxXVent instead and go with the below deck A/C I've got a High-Top Sprinter so top clearance IS a problem when running into an underpass that's only 9 feet tall. Note: As I was saying I've thought about replacing the Dometic with a Semi-Truck A/C unit (the one you see behind the Semi cabine)

Painting your roof white would help immensely.

I installed a Cruise N Comfort HD-12L system in my Sprinter last October and have been very happy with it... especially with the temp hitting 106 degrees in parts of N. Cali last weekend! With 1,120 watts of motorized tilting solar, I can run the A/C on max throughout the daylight hours and not touch any of the 600Ah of lithium in reserve until nighttime (rarely needed at night in the SF Bay area). I didn't have any previous HVAC experience, but just bought a cheap set of guages on Amazon and added the freon myself. Pretty easy, actually.

Do the interior components require any kind of ventilation?

Can attached smart thermostat to my factory air conditioner on my 2017 sprinter 17’WB? If so what kind and how do i wire

How are you going to protect stones and other items from damaging the unit underneath? Also when you close the cabinet in how are you going to keep the compressor cool? It will get warm. Nice job on these video's by the way, I'm learning lots and when I win the lottery, I'll be doing my van build much the same.

There is a window tint that is clear for your windshield and door windows that will block out the heat. Check on the internet you'll see the film I'm speaking of it will make driving or being in the front of your van tolerable summer or winter.

"Not a hotdog but a hot dog" 🤣

After watching this video I'm glad I bought a Dometic unit that mounts on the roof for about $600 and took about 2 hours to install (13,500 BTU) The other day it was 100 degrees out and my friend said could you please turn off the A/C I'm freezing!! That definitely takes up a lot of real estate inside the van!! Good luck with your unit and I hope it treats you well over the years!! Hope to see you around Tahoe!!

Hi Seven, awesome videos, like your van convertion. I have to say that the price of the AC is absolutely not worth it in my opinion. But for cunsumers that does have the money, is like throing there mony away. But when it come to You, youre Van look awesome and all your videos are very educational. Thank you Bro.

I agree that a roof-mounted A/C is undesirable so was interested in the unit you fitted. The data I was looking for was absent so I went to the manufacturer site but their "Specs" page for the unit in question was also sparse to say the least. In a van and especially if powered with PV & batteries I need to know the BTU (of course) but also the startup and running load that I have to supply.

Great work, are you able to send some more photos of compressor unit?

Have you checked out the Ac/Dc 12/24v mini split ac for vans ??

Sorry if mentioned but how much approximatel for the whole unit?

Do you know of any 12v AC that also does heating (heat pump)? Would be super useful as it would allow having a propane-less van with no diesel/gas/propane heaters.

could one use the water from the evaporator for whatever non drinkable purposes?

how would the undermount unit fare if driven through high water?

In hot places the AC really comes into play at night

I charged my Cruise N' Comfort a couple weekends ago DIY style. I got the vacuum pump + manifold gauges I needed from Harbor Freight for about $180. Another $10 adapter from AutoZone to connect the 12oz 134a cans to the manifold gauges. I have the 12v HD unit

Hi. Wondering if bottom part get clogged with road dirt?

Do they make small 12v clothing washers you could put on the back double doors?

Recpro Houghton, best AC for Vanlife. Its what people upgrade to from Colemans, its what is on my 144" Sprinter 4x4 now, cost less than 1200 bucks. It is what Advanced RV uses, and that's all you need to know!

How many watts does it use? My zerobreeze mark 2 uses 170 watts on average.

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💝I am speechless, brilliant ideas !

Invest in medical grade window tinting for your front glass. You can even legally apply to the front windshield because it’s barley noticeable. It’s quite extraordinary how well it works

I have thought about a similar setup. I would likely buy a window AC though. Seems like it would be cheaper to have an AC tech draw down the system for you. Then take the unit apart, run new lines, electrical and fans. Then have the AC tech come back to draw a vacuum and/or nitrogen test the system, then charge it. You would likely have the same power consumption or better for a similar system and it would be maybe $1500 for parts and the labor of the AC tech. The downside of this approach is it would require a little bit of re-engineering of the system. Window units just have one fan motor, so that would need to be split. Also you would need an AC tech that was willing to do this. As Seven O Savage found out, that might be a bit tricky. So knowing a guy would be very helpful.

I don't know how this installation would be good when traveling on gravel or sandy roads and in winter when the roads are slushy. I wonder if it can be mounted on the side?

I am looking at Nissans NV3500 to convert to a semi van camper. Some are calling it a limo conversion. I want comfortable seating and a toilet/shower.

Nice install, just in time for the hot weather! Meanwhile, all we got are the fans 🥵 Be the way, great choice on the side steps (saw a little sneak peek there).

Can't we mount the solar panels above the a/c?

I sure wish it was that hot now in Texas. It's getting too cold.

Is this ac unit better than a mini split?

Are you planning to do a stress test, to see how long you can really run the AC on a full Battery?

Wonderful channel and videos. I love that you use absolutely the best components available. Keep up the good work!

Can you put a shield over the part under the van? Maybe a mechanical flu like contraption that can open when not driving? Either have a switch or a handle to open/shut. Seems like a vulnerable spot for an expensive part. A white or light color for the van itself would help. Reflectix in the front windows for sure (one side reflectix, the other side black for winter to absorb heat? ). Cant wait to see how it all goes together. *Any protection for battery bank if any fluids leak?

I'd love to hear a follow review of cruise n comfort. Many say they are undersized for large van and runs constantly. UndermountAC is selling one that is much more powerful that is likely truly the BEST.

how hi sos how much did you pay for your system and how came no one would charge it? ty

Will rain or snow break the system?

Ceramic window tint would make a huge difference for the heat coming through the windows 🤙🏻

Where can I custom my Van with some of this things in the GTA ?