| Author | Message | ||
| Wayne Ellenburg (Wlnburg)
Registered Member Username: Wlnburg Post Number: 49 Registered: 6-2008 Posted From: 128.158.1.163  Rating: N/A |
My Eagle has 2 roof air units. I have been thinking about adding a third, but the biggest problem I am having is that the driver is the one suffering the most. Thats me. I saw this at Costco http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?ec=BC-EC30575-ProdID11323975&pos=1&whse=BC&topna v=&prodid=11323530&lang=en-US and would like the experts thoughts. I will mount it in the "dash" up front. Your thoughts are appreciated. | ||
| Grant Thiessen (Busshawg)
Registered Member Username: Busshawg Post Number: 148 Registered: 10-2007 Posted From: 206.45.93.160  Rating: N/A |
I've been thinking the same, will be interested to see the input | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 698 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 70.212.244.228 Rating: N/A |
I think there was a bunch of stuff posted several years ago about this subject...could have been on "the other board"...might check the archives. RCB | ||
| George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member Username: George_mc6 Post Number: 820 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 64.55.111.6 Rating: N/A |
Well, From their description, its 20" deep, and uses the two hoses to intake and exhaust outside air. In its normal mode, they say it brings in all outside air and cools it. Automotive type dash air conditioners do this, roof airs don't. In dehumidify mode, they recirculate inside air, as dash airs do in max mode. Absolutely NO electrical specs anywhere? Won't fit in my dash, not even close. It requires two outside air connections, which shouldn't be near each other. Have to be careful with the intake so as not to take in bugs and dirt... It would need the drain connected, which isn't an issue. Somebody else said a while back, "Might work, might not." FWIW, G | ||
| Chuck Newman (Chuck_newman)
Registered Member Username: Chuck_newman Post Number: 345 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 99.0.41.3  Rating: N/A |
Wayne, A suggestion is to give an extra fan or fans a try. If your current roof airs do a reasonable job inside the coach for the climates you frequent, then a relatively cheap test is to try to circulate more of that cool air around the driver. I've noticed in this bus, and the last two commercial RVs I had with big bus type front windshields the simple fact that the driver area is the hottest place in the coach while driving, and the coldest place in the coach while driving, both depending on the climate your in. And that was with super duper upper lower built-in fan configurations of dash AC and heat/defrost. With all that exposed glass, there's no way around it. That being said, I've found a couple little "supplemental" fans to move air to my face and arms helps a lot. I would start by getting a little cheap clamp on plastic fan and position it to blow on you. From that, you will determine if you need another, maybe a single larger fan, or that it doesn't help you at all. But you won't be out a lot of time or money, and it may give you further ideas for a solution that fits you. And to me that's the key. All of have our comfort areas, and most of us are different on what that area is. You need to try and find a simple and not costly solution that fill your requirements. | ||
| Bill Gerrie (Bill_gerrie)
Registered Member Username: Bill_gerrie Post Number: 263 Registered: 3-2006 Posted From: 216.198.139.38 Rating: N/A |
Wayne I had the same problem with the extra large windshield on my bus. The front area was hot when traveling in warm climates. I have one A/C that is about 6' from the front so I close off the rear outlet and point the front outlets toward the driver and passenger area. I have a varible speed fan mounted at the top of the windshield area and it blows air down at me when we travel. It works very well and saves having another A/C unit. Bill | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 464 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.197.237  Rating: N/A |
Just another thought to add;; I put window tint on the windshield down as far you can but not in a way to obstruct your vision. You can get them in colors also and they do work. I would go with the fan also. | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 465 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.197.237 Rating: N/A |
Just another thought to add;; I put window tint on the windshield down as far you can but not in a way to obstruct your vision. You can get them in colors also and they do work. I would go with the fan also. Gomer | ||
| Greg Roberts (Eagle 20) (Gregeagle20)
Registered Member Username: Gregeagle20 Post Number: 262 Registered: 4-2002 Posted From: 66.18.167.76 Rating: N/A |
Back when I was planning my conversion I did some thorough heat load and zone calculations and it became very clear to me that the driver's area would need more than one air con unit under the condition of direct sunlight through the green house. What I did was design a ducted system that allows me to direct output from two units (the center and the front units) all the way to the front of the bus to one driver vent and one copilot vent. The system has 8 controllable vents that can be adjusted to balance air to the front half of the coach. Works like a charm and I never get hot. Along that line, I also ducted the rear unit to all 6 bunks as well as the rear lounge and the head. Very good sleeping indeed. If you have the option to run some ducts I would highly recommend two units feeding a common duct. | ||
| Wayne Ellenburg (Wlnburg)
Registered Member Username: Wlnburg Post Number: 50 Registered: 6-2008 Posted From: 128.158.1.163 Rating: N/A |
I already have a "truckers" fan and it does help but living in the south, North Alabama it is always hot. I do like the window tint idea and I have bought some shades to pull down to block some of the sun. We took a trip to the Gulf and it was 95º on the way back and it was miserable. Everyone was hot. I bought a fan to circulate the air and it helped some. I think 2 roof airs is just not enough for the south and was looking for a way to add cooling with out making another hole and possible have to move the one that is already there. I read the other post and could only saw speculation. Several said they were going to give them a try. | ||
| PA Doug (Padoug)
Registered Member Username: Padoug Post Number: 5 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 76.120.147.169 Rating: N/A |
I checked out the reviews of that model at Best Buy. The specs say "11 and up amps". http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8625561&type=product&id=1193452148080 | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 1467 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.110.9  Rating: N/A |
Somebody needs to be the guinea pig and try this. If you and your other mostly ride, consider a curtain of some type behind driver's area.And the roof ac unit far enough forward. Could be nice for privacy at the camp site. | ||
| doug yes (Dougg)
Registered Member Username: Dougg Post Number: 84 Registered: 1-2007 Posted From: 174.131.116.42 Rating: N/A |
A friend uses one of those portable units in a display tent to cool 20 seated people. Should work for a bus, if you can find a place to put it. | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1057 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.3.157.139  Rating: N/A |
"I already have a "truckers" fan and it does help but living in the south, North Alabama it is always hot." Wayne, Just curious, where in north Alabama? We are planning to be in Huntsville/Athens area 3rd week of June. Jack | ||
| Moe Hollow (Moehollow)
Registered Member Username: Moehollow Post Number: 91 Registered: 12-2007 Posted From: 71.102.27.164 Rating: N/A |
Is the plan to actually install one of these units somehow or just wheel it up front for when traveling? | ||
| Ralph Peters (Ralph7)
Registered Member Username: Ralph7 Post Number: 10 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 66.59.120.99 Rating: N/A |
In a discussion here several years ago, remember to cut a large hole for the heat from the condensor. Space for the unit, that flex hose. Not to mention about the amps needed to power it. Last year Wally Mart had some. Do not know if someone tried one. | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 899 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 208.54.200.1  Rating: N/A |
First try cutting a hole in the bottom of the roof AC housing inside the bus so the air blows straight down. Then place a fan on the floor underneath the AC so it blows on the driver. Works for me. | ||
| Wayne Ellenburg (Wlnburg)
Registered Member Username: Wlnburg Post Number: 51 Registered: 6-2008 Posted From: 173.24.219.217 Rating: N/A |
Jack I live in Hazel Green about 15 miles north of Huntsville and about 20 miles west of Athens. I would love to meet for coffee or a meal if you have time. If you need anything while here let me know. I will send you an e-mail with my cell number | ||
| Larry Nelson (Larryn4106)
Registered Member Username: Larryn4106 Post Number: 28 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 173.30.230.77 Rating: N/A |
Going down the road, we close the door to the bathroom/bedroom area, and turn on one rooftop which is powered by the inverter/starting batts fed by the 250a alternator. Has worked great for us for many years. We use 12v fans to move the air around. | ||
| Tom Christman (Tchristman)
Registered Member Username: Tchristman Post Number: 87 Registered: 1-2006 Posted From: 66.218.33.156 Rating: |
Please spare yourself all the anguish of trying to make a household A/C work on the road. Just install another roof top air up close so it can blow directly on you while driving. I have this setup and it works well-along with a dash fan to blow air right on me. You'll be glad you did this with the build roof airs have over house hold units. Good Luck, TomC | ||
| Don Evans (Doninwa)
Registered Member Username: Doninwa Post Number: 204 Registered: 1-2007 Posted From: 208.81.157.90  Rating: N/A |
I think Jerry Liebler tried something similar and was not happy with it. Don 4107 | ||
| Alex (Doctor_al)
Registered Member Username: Doctor_al Post Number: 5 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 75.120.173.202 Rating: N/A |
I installed a portable a/c in the front portion of my 4905. right behind the passenger seat. vented the heat out with a dryer vent hose and outside cover. ran the condensation water out a small hose next to the vent. worked great to keep the driver cool | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 707 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.208.146.59 Rating: N/A |
Gus...Interesting concept....I have pretty much done that with out "basement"... unit; But...from the side vented Plenum.... FWIW RCB | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 903 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 208.54.200.6 Rating: N/A |
RC, I only have rooftop ACs, no basement. The reason for the center cut in the AC cover is to keep from losing all the air force making those right hand turns, the difference is amazing. The air blows straight down to the floor in a powerful blast and bounces out from there. It is not possible to get a rooftop too close to the front, wish mine was in the next bay forward but I hate to cut another hole. | ||
| Debbie and Joe Cannarozzi (Joe_camper)
Registered Member Username: Joe_camper Post Number: 155 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 71.239.202.82 Rating: N/A |
The moral of the story here is 2 roof air is not enough for a 40ft bus, period. What if one fails in extreem heat? A bus originally built with 2 probably has to have the 2 original units moved to upgrade to 3. It would be a job I would be willing to do. (Message edited by Joe Camper on May 18, 2009) | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 728 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.210.28.5 Rating: N/A |
I recently saw a coach with 5 rooftops...Wonder what size his generator is. Must be a lot of "activity" going on.....inside......  Redundancy is fine...but 5? RCB | ||
| Debbie and Joe Cannarozzi (Joe_camper)
Registered Member Username: Joe_camper Post Number: 156 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 71.239.202.82 Rating: N/A |
That was probably an entertainer coach with as many as 15 bunks. Often these entertainer coaches also have 2, 15 or 20k generators to ensure everyone stays comfortable. Ant professionally converted 45ftr motor home has 4 a/c standard. | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member Username: Buswarrior Post Number: 1605 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 76.66.18.100  Rating: N/A |
Entertainer coaches are built with redundancy. The customer will be unwilling to put up with any BS if something starts going wrong, and it always does. Remember, the coach is driven by a hired hand, the coach is full of hired hands, so nobody gives much of a damn about taking care of the coach. Duplication is cheap insurance until affordable service may be found convenient to the customer's schedule. The big money customers, and the big attitude customers put up with absolutely NO SCREW UPS in delivering the service. Pretty much no one else left in the way of customers! The RV crowd is just exhibiting roof air envy. The more there are, the better it must be? Thankfully, a busnut may be far less capital intensive in designing and building a perfectly good cooling system. A whole lot of us only have 2 roof airs for 40 feet and have no trouble. Dare I say that there are some with only one? happy coaching! buswarrior | ||
| Moe Hollow (Moehollow)
Registered Member Username: Moehollow Post Number: 95 Registered: 12-2007 Posted From: 71.102.27.164 Rating: N/A |
We are 35 feet and have two roof airs, which is common. However, it is rare that we use more than one at a time. Further, most campgrounds only have 30 amp services, so using even two is not really supported unless, of course, you are on your generator. I can't say I would not go for three in a 40, but I do not think it is mandatory. Placement would seem to be more of an issue. Generally, one unit is dedicated to the bedroom, which there seems to be no way to avoid in a non-ducted system without sacrificing privacy. Even 13500 BTU's is overkill for that tiny space. Probably it would be best to have the biggest unit available placed as far front and close to the driver as possible (assuming no OTR air). The bedroom would be better off with the smallest unit available (I believe they go as low as 8500 or 9000 BTU's) and, if you want three, a middle range unit in the middle. That way you would have a chance of running two on 30 amps. Here on earth compromise is often required, Hell has no climate control, and, in Heaven, everyone has their own thermostat. |
