OTR Driver Air Conditioning

[Kenny]

Has anyone ever installed a belt driven automotive type AC compressor and condensor and use the original OTR drivers evaporator for driver only air conditioning? 

[BJ]

don't know what type of bus you have, but this is possible on an MCI. The compressor installs just above the blower fan pulley with a modified pulley for the blowers and the compressor. Then I guess you could pipe the rest of into the driver ac.. In the original set up for this type of ac it is installed in the back wall of the bus next to the bathroom.

[PCC]

I am going to be doing that in my coach, and I was told it is a great idea to save fuel, as well as giving the driver a completely separate system, and the controls.

Let us know how yours goes.

Keith
PCC

[JohnEd]

It sure makes sense to me.  What do I know.  I asked Nick and as I recall he said it wouldn't work cause the evap and cond and comp need to be sized for each other.  Please don't tell Nick but unless I got some really convincing details I would still try it.  You are only risking some 134.  Doing what he suggests (I think) you would install a smaller condenser and reduce the size of the evap up front also.  He is the authority though and I would ask him some questions.  But don't tell him what I said.

John

[Kenny]

Anyone know how to size componets (condenser, compressor, etc) for a project like this using the existing OTR evaporator?

Kenny

[PCC]

My driver A/C evaporator is 2 ton.

My problem is trying to find condensers that are flat, and not the wrap around kind that are used in most systems.

I do have two large flat condenser units but have no idea of the tonnage.

Then the compressors have to be obtained, but those should be the less difficult to find.

I am thinking of taking apart a window A/C unit, mounting the pieces where they will fit to do the job for the driver. Having the system recharged, and feeling the cool. Maybe that will work - I do not know, but it is worth a try.

[dickegler]

Hi,

I purchased an evaporator assembly with fans, and a condenser from Lamar Welch.   Very knowledgeable and bus friendly as well.  I used a sanden compressor and drove it off the auxiliary pulley on the 8V71    worked great

http://www.welchindustries.com/

ymmv

Dickegler

[rdbishop]

I'm planning on using a complete unit from a truck salvage yard, comp,cond and heat&cool under dash unit. I plan to install it where the old drivers ac unit was. My brother-in-law was a truck driver and said the unit would freeze your tu tu off.

Richard

[philiptompkjns]

My driver A/C evaporator is 2 ton.

My problem is trying to find condensers that are flat, and not the wrap around kind that are used in most systems.

I do have two large flat condenser units but have no idea of the tonnage.

Then the compressors have to be obtained, but those should be the less difficult to find.

I am thinking of taking apart a window A/C unit, mounting the pieces where they will fit to do the job for the driver. Having the system recharged, and feeling the cool. Maybe that will work - I do not know, but it is worth a try.

I'm thinking along these lines too... I don't like the idea of spending lots of  money on a system that can only be  used a small percentage of the time (OTR a/c, brakes).

[JohnEd]

Way to go Phillip.  You slipped that one right in there.  Good laugh.

I don't like the idea of spending lots of  money on a system that can only be  used a small percentage of the time (OTR a/c, brakes).

[TomC]

You can look on line at RedDot (rdac.com) for ideas of over the road add on A/C's.  Good Luck, TomC

[dougyes]

MCI installs a 24v separate compressor in the tire bay that is plumbed into the drivers dash for their conversion coaches that are ordered without OTR AC. It is belt driven by a 24v motor. You could call MCI for a price.