12v AC

[Jim Weber]

I came across this recently and was wondering if it is any good. Seems to make sense for boondocking, since it is 12v (and fairly lightweight for roof mounting). Perhaps it does not cool as well as a 120v unit, but if it cut humidity and dropped the temp a few degrees, it might be worthwhile. Both the DC4400 and DC9000 look promising.

http://www.dcairco.com/products.html

[Jim Weber]

PS- I don't own a fiberglass trailer, but do dream about a 13-17' Casita or Escape all the time. It will happen eventually. I've also been researching the conversion of a single or dual axle 14' Hallmark (or similar) cargo trailer for a possible RV project. I enjoy reading all of your posts. Thanks!

[Roy in TO]

Seems to make sense for boondocking, since it is 12v

If I understand the specs correctly you are looking at a 30A or more draw. That would drain a battery in an hour or so.

[Roger C H]

If you camp where the humidity is low, a swamp cooler could work. And it would save electricity, no compressor!

http://www.swampy.net/swamp-cooler.html

The MW1 weighs 3lbs and uses 10Watts. (on low)

Sounds like something for our tiny eggs.

[Frederick L. Simson]

According to page 2 of the pdf manual, It needs AWG-7 minimum wire run directly to the battery, and a 60 amp fuse for 12 volts (30 amp fuse for 24 volts).

On page 6, paragraph 3.2 it states, "The 9000 consumes 39 A/h maximum on 12 volts. We advise therefore a battery capacity of no less than 250 Amp hours. On a camping site you can run it over the battery changer. Consumption 4 Amps/ 115 Volts"

Paragraph 3.4 states: "When driving the alternator will keep the battery charged. The capacity of the alternator is however important. For the RM9000 we advise an alternator of at least 80 Amps/12 Volts. When camping for more days you need a 25 Amp/ 12 Volt battery changer.

(I think that changer means AC to DC converter.)

[Pete Dumbleton]

What it boils down to is that changing the a/c voltage isn't going to change the basic energy requirements (In fact, the 120VAC models have had a lot of years in which to come up with basic efficiency mods).

[Coach George Jessup]

....http://www.dcairco.com/products.html

They are in the Netherlands. My guess is there is no US distributor and it may not yet be inspected and certified for use/sale in US either. Does not hurt to ask them though.