Tvan AC and heating

[lyndon]

Hi

Just wondering if anyone has the AC and heater option together or even just the AC.
If so, any chance of posting some photos of the above. Really hard to come by.
Also, has anyone used the AC in our beautiful Top End climate in the warmer months (October/November for example). Really interested to hear if it can cut it.

Thanks for your time.

Regards

Lyndon

[Monester]

HiLyndon,
I have the Truma aircon for our mid summer outback trips. No built in diesel heating altho I have a cheap portable diesel Chinese parking heater I up-specked for snow camping on the odd occasion I need it. However, I lent it to a farmer friend for his workshop and he won't give it back.
The aircon is superb and runs on our Honda EU20i with zero problems. Aircon runs in 40 to 50 degree temps or high humidity faultlessly. Also heats if ambient temp is above 4 degrees C.
The only issue is that at night the two headboard vents dump too much cold air near our heads. I came up with a mod as per attached photos. (cannot upload for some reason but I will keep trying). The elbow is removable and minimal friction keeps it in. This allows it to be swivelled to suit the direction of airflow. I attach the elbow at bedtime and swivel to preferred direction.
There is a 4 compression lock panel protecting the aircon drain and air intakes under the Tvan from dust, mud, water. You need to wriggle underneath to remove/attach but that is not an issue for me.
I am happy to talk you though it.
Regards
MM

[Monester]

More photos

[lyndon]

Hi

Thanks for the info. Did the AC come from TT with the van? I see you are saying a 2015 model. I'm not sure when the first Tvan models where released with AC?
I to looked at the vents and thought about the issue of getting cold air dumped on your head at night.

Cheers

Lyndon

[Monester]

Hi Lyndon,

Aircon was my focus.

I attach the original Half HP Box Aircon I made up for my 2006 Tvan which also ran on the Honda EU20i. I reinforced the interior pipes and bits. It has compressor harnesses etc made to enable the unit to stay in one piece on corrugated roads. It lasted 8 years of pretty abusive treatment and now cools my study. I did need a small fan to redirect cool air into the bed area.

I changed-up to the 2015 on the basis TT would do the Truma install. They were really focussed on developing the diesel heating and hot-water at the time but I really pushed the development of the aircon. My Tvan is the first install. I workshopped location etc with the fabulous TT design department. The Truma was chosen for its superb quietness and durability and that it was designed as an under-bed unit. I couldn't be happier. It works superbly. The vents are just an evolutionary tweak which I expected with the first install.

I'm happy to chat at any time.
Regards MM

[lyndon]

Howdy

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated. I wouldn't be tooooo keen on carrying around a box AC, but it's good to know that TT have come up with an AC that actually works. We live in Darwin and I hate crowds. So looking for an option to travel outside of the tourist season. This is why we sold our Canning (before TT had the AC option). I can do the stinking heat during the day but you have to be able to sleep.

Thanks again.

Lyndon

[mapples]

Hi all,great discussion about a/c.
I haven't bought a tvan...yet,but I'm looking.
Can an a/c be retro fitted to older vans.Older probably being a 2000s model.And as a matter of interest how much fuel do they consume.And if poss.ible to fit how many $.
  Thanks mapples.

[William_Foster]

Mapples, Track Trailer say that the cost of retro-fitting is cost prohibitive.

[mapples]

William,thanks mate.I sold a car once for that same reason.

[peter_mcc]

Has anyone ever fitted a roof mounted A/C through the top hatch? How did it go?

[mapples]

Hi Monester,old chat,but hopefully🤞
Did you retro fit the truma,or was it ex factory.
We would like to fit(maybe someone else) an a/c,so our touring window can be a bit longer.Not a fan of hot humid nights.thankyou mark.

[mapples]

Sorry i did not read your post well enough.
Exfactory,the first one.
Still if yourself or anyone else has worked out an efficent way of doing a retrofit,i'd appreciate the input.thanks all mark