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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: 3408cat on May 24, 2009, 05:05:32 PM

Title: Roof top 12 or 24 volt a/c
Post by: 3408cat on May 24, 2009, 05:05:32 PM
I would like to know if there are any roof top a/c units that 12 or 24 volt ? If so, what price range would they be in ? I'm thinking one 12 volt and two 120 volt  units ? Thanks, Bill.
Title: Re: Roof top 12 or 24 volt a/c
Post by: luvrbus on May 24, 2009, 05:12:28 PM
They are made but you will not like the price  www.alt-air.net
Title: Re: Roof top 12 or 24 volt a/c
Post by: gumpy on May 24, 2009, 05:13:22 PM
I'm not aware of any air conditioners in 12v or 24v. The current requirements would be prohibitive. Consider that a 120v will draw 13 amps, not counting startup requirements, and that comes out to 130 amps at 12v.  

Of course I've been known to be wrong.

craig

Title: Re: Roof top 12 or 24 volt a/c
Post by: luvrbus on May 24, 2009, 05:30:19 PM
They are about 1/2 of the 130 amp draw Craig    good luck
Title: Re: Roof top 12 or 24 volt a/c
Post by: TomC on May 24, 2009, 11:04:56 PM
I have looked into similar units for quiet night time use, and you're looking in the low to mid $3k for one 12v unit.  Much cheaper just to buy a 7,000btu 120vac roof unit and run it off the inverter.  Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: Roof top 12 or 24 volt a/c
Post by: 3408cat on May 25, 2009, 10:29:45 AM
I'm trying to get away from having the generator running hour after hour of travel time. The inverter idea sounds good. Thanks to all of you for your input, Bill.
Title: Re: Roof top 12 or 24 volt a/c
Post by: gumpy on May 25, 2009, 06:04:57 PM
Umm, even if the 12v unit draws half what I calculated, that's still 65 amps, and unless you have a humongo battery, you can't expect to run the A/C off battery for very long when boondocking, but it appears you're interested in running it while traveling. I suggest you set up your coach so your alternator is charging your house batteries while traveling. With proper crossover connections, you can run your 120v A/C off the inverter while the alternator is supplying adequate current.

craig