Keeping it cool

[KentMike]

I'm sure this has been covered already - but i can't find it with the search so here goes.

How do you keep cool in the summer ? - Air con's way to expensive for us - so we currently use a small desk fan - but that really just blows warm air about.

Does anyone use a "cooler" - some take water (i think) and some ice packs - any good ? and if so - which ones ?

Or what other ideas - and gadgets keep you cool in the van.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Kent? Mike

You are correct, the AC units for caravans tend to quite heavey and expensive for only a few days a year usage. Have you considerd one of the mobile units offered at DIY stores. These can be reasonably effective provided the exhaust from the condenser coil is ducted to the outside. The other two benefits are that they are not quite as expensive as the dedicated caravan units, and they can be used at home as well.

You mention other types of cooler. the ones that use water actually humidify the air, and whilst they do produce cooler air they generally become uncomfortable after a whule asteh air becomes saturated. The other problem is that the evapouration matrix is a perfect breeding ground for fungal spoors, bacteria and of course legionalla.

The ice pack versions are safer, but the do not produce a great volume of a chilled air. You als have to consider how you will keep them supplied with ice in a caravan.

Hope these jottings are of some help.

, and .

 

[WatsonJohnG]

We had the Travel Kool on the roof type for a few years .These are sold by C A K Tanks and weigh 8kg.

They do reduce the temp but the fan is noisy and they work on the evaporation principal.

I fitted an extra resister to give a slower but quieter fan speed.

We now use the "Detor" mobile type which has a refrigerator type of cooler.

For the technical:

Cooling capacity:3200BTU/H

Heating capacity:1220W

Dimensions:700mm high by 365mm deep by 265mm wide

It also dehumidifies and is very refreshing when pointed at you on a hot day.

In the Oklahoma it fits inside the cupboard by the sink for travelling and in use the fan noise is acceptable and contained within the caravan.

The exhaust tube heat takes your breath away !!

It cost about

 

[mikeE]

I cut a floor standing fan down to desk height - or you could try a larger diameter desk fan - for more breeze. It stands on the side table or on top of the oven unit aimed upwards to the curve of the front ceiling. The draught then wafts down onto the those below. Not as effective as full blown air-con but quieter and cheaper.

 

[Val & Frank]

Floor unit costs

 

[Val & Frank]

Floor unit costs