Solar Panels Mt'd on Truck for Charging & Power

[The_Governor]

This is a very cool thread.......very informative

[Dice]

Dice, it would make better sense to go with a separate A/C system to use while parked. Trying to convert the truck's A/C system to run off an electric motor would require a rather large one that would draw a lot of current off of your batteries. Chris brought up a good point about the need for a condenser fan which would also draw a lot of current, especially when it cycles on.

You would also likely have to rewire the A/C system to run on the accessory circuit (instead of the ignition circuit) to get the sensors to work in that situation.

Besides, if you had a separate A/C system to use while parked, either system could be used as a backup for the other if one has a problem and quits working.

I remember when my truck had an A/C compressor lock up when I was in south Florida one summer years ago. Instead of having to roll the windows down and deal with the invasion of 10,000 insects I just cranked up my APU (which I set up as a 'stand-alone unit' with its own cooling system) and used that A/C to keep the cab at a comfortable temperature until I got home and replaced the A/C compressor myself a few days later.

Good points and that is what this thread is for!

Thanks!

I knew about the condensor fan and forgot to add that. My APAD system is on when my key is turned to the accessory position and all my blower fans work in that position too.

I believe also the electric motor would be not as efficent as a seperate system would be and like was said the back up is not a bad idea.

I have even read in some other forums where the cheap indoor portable AC units and a 2500 watt inverter works good as long as you exhaust vent out of the unit to the outside.

Even Wal-mart sells them for $399...

$399.00
Haier 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner With Remote


Link to Wal-mart online with specs: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Haier-10-0...#ProductDetail

Just to add for more discussion to save money....

[K C Brau]

I've got the ProStar with Espar unit, very impressed with the unit. Heat will run you out, air when I've had the chance, seems adequate for driver comfort under most conditions. Runs quiet. Not sure the draw, Crete put 4 extra batteries on the truck and it runs all night and still cranks easily in the morning.