I have recently purchased an 1993 evernew 21' caravan.
I need to install an Aircon as I'm heading (back) up to Darwin.
I was talking to a caravan dealer and mentioned that I was thinking of installing an underbunk Aircon, to which he replied that he'd never seen one and that everyone preferred rooftop models.
I had a mate a few years ago complaining that he'd had nothing but trouble with several rooftop models.
I'm wondering what your experience is ?
northernblue
-- Edited by Northernblue on Friday 30th of May 2014 09:09:37 PM
-- Edited by Northernblue on Friday 30th of May 2014 09:10:30 PM
I was thinking of installing one once but sold the RV before I got around to it so can't speak from experience.
I am surprised the dealer you spoke to had never seen one though, they have been around for years. For instance Truma are imported by Dometic for the Australian Market and many larger RV stores sell them among others.
I have been told that the cooling only model (the one above is cooling and heating) is more efficient for cooling and is the better value, but others GN's who have them may be able to give you more info.
Here is an extract from another thread on GN found using the "Search" shown on the dark blue line above;
The latest Air Command Ibis appear to be the pick of the bunch for roof tops. but bare in mind that strengthening of the roof will be required. Under bed models A/C/s available are about at useful as tits on a bull. have you considered a Domestic Inverter type Split System A/C as they work better than any of the RV models and are a lot cheaper? Also the extra weight of any additions such as an A/C will form part of the vans Payload allowance. Cheers, Ozjohn.
-- Edited by ozjohn on Saturday 31st of May 2014 08:01:04 PM
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Retired Engineer, Ex Park Owner & Caravan Consultant. Holden 2.8 Colorado - Roma Elegance 17'6" Pop Top. Location: Mornington Peninsula Vic.
Have you considered a split system like they put into houses. I have a Kelvinator and I reckon it's more efficient than either the rooftop under under-bed its also quieter, uses less power and is cheaper.
Air command have recently brought our an under bed model called a "Sandpiper". 2.2kw of cooling and 1.8 kw of heating.
It looks like someone has thrown a polystyrene esky under the bed. It has 3 outlets. An inside the van return air duct and undervan ducts as well.
It was the item the dealer "threw in" to seal the deal when we bought out 15ft poptop.
We've only done a couple of small trips but it seems to work very well. If I had a negative comment it would be that the lowest setting still pushes a lot of air, but I would rather have it over powered than struggling to do the job, and it's very quiet when you hit the off button