Running Rooftop AC down the road...

[NewSkewlHauler]

I'm getting really close to getting my bus...i can almost taste it...mmm diesel. Anyway, now that it's getting warmer, I'm thinking about air conditioning. How do you run a rooftop AC while en route to your destination? Can you run something that large off an inverter? If so, how large of an inverter and/or battery bank would be required? Would I need a genny to power the beast? Thanks in advance...

Ben.

[elkoskoolie]

It can be done, but you're way better off using a generator. It will take around a 3000 watt inverter and massive battery bank, which won't last long without charging. Or a moderate/large battery bank and a second alternator, which will need to also have high output. Remember, this alternator will consume engine power, and many of our Skoolies are already a bit underpowered. I'm going to build a generator bay, but for now I put my generator on a hitch mount cargo carrier. Have not used it on the road, but it should work just fine. Generator is the easiest and cheapest way to go. A third possibility is an add on engine driven compressor system. I think these are mostly used for a dash vented driver area A/C system, not whole bus cooling..

[GoneCamping]

You'll find that even the big Class-A Motor homes use the genny to power their roof a/c's when moving down the road. They all have dash air but that won't do much for the size of the unit. I got a genny bay ready, but have not mounted my genset in there yet.