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Old 05-24-2018, 11:28 AM   #1
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Why no window A/C?

Do any of you just put a window a/c in your window and call it done?

I've seen a lot of threads where people mount them in the bulkhead or put in a plywood panel to replace the window, but haven't seem anyone just stick one in the window.

I initially assumed that this was because they didn't fit, but we just put one in and it fit fine and worked good.

We're not looking for a permanent installation - just something that we can store and pop in on the days where we really need it.

I'd rather not install a new roof top one and mini splits don't seem worth the investment for the amount we currently plan on using the a/c.

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Old 05-24-2018, 11:29 AM   #2
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And just to be clear, this would never be in the window while driving.
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Old 05-24-2018, 12:52 PM   #3
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CabinBus has a "removable" window ac.
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Old 05-24-2018, 02:05 PM   #4
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I can't seem to find that in any of their posts here. Did you see it in person? I'm curious if they just had it out the window or if they built something.
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Old 05-24-2018, 02:52 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PigPen View Post
I can't seem to find that in any of their posts here. Did you see it in person? I'm curious if they just had it out the window or if they built something.
I don't think there are pics on here. I'll look through my Imgur page and see if I have one. Someone here had to have taken a pic. We had a bus gathering last year.
He just had it sitting behind the drivers seat and would stick it in the window hole when he parked.
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Old 05-24-2018, 05:02 PM   #6
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I originally used 2 window units with plywood in place of 2 of the windows.

Idk if a window ac unit would be small enough to fit in an open bus window. If there is one, I'd be curious on it's btu rating.

Most window ac units that are 8-10k btu are usually pretty large and bulky.
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Old 05-24-2018, 05:56 PM   #7
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I've seen window units fitted in a bus window, usually by removing the window and fitting into the space left.

I've seen them fitted in side windows with the entire unit extending inside the bus, and sealed and drained from inside.

So yes, it is possible.
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Old 05-24-2018, 05:56 PM   #8
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This is an option though it's only 5000btu. But it's compact.
Noria Air Conditioner | Cool Material
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Old 05-24-2018, 08:05 PM   #9
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This is an option though it's only 5000btu. But it's compact.
Noria Air Conditioner | Cool Material
That's a kickstarter thing, not an actual product.. And if it does make it to the real world they predict a $600 price. Those boxy window units look a lot less ugly with that in mind!
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Old 05-24-2018, 08:05 PM   #10
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I’d definitely be interested in seeing the pics of you find them.

To clarify, I have put a 5000btu air conditioner in an existing bus window by just opening it. It was the first and only one I tried with. It was one that we just had on hand, not new.

I was mainly wondering if there was a reason other people didn’t do the same. Perhaps I got lucky? Also most people are looking for more Btus I guess.

Also- I checked out the noria in the past. They were a successful kick starter from 1-2 years ago that was never delivered on and a lot of people think that they’re never going to, so I would be very careful about buying that .
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Old 05-24-2018, 08:26 PM   #11
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Someone on here or Pinterest had cut a square box into the rear cap and mounted a window unit facing forward into the bus.
Found this one, thought of mounting in one of the rear door windows?
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Old 05-24-2018, 10:05 PM   #12
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Or...you can add one of these to the roof...



8K window unit goes inside here.
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Old 05-24-2018, 10:58 PM   #13
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Charlie - Here is a snapshot of the bus without the AC - I am not sure what Jeremiah does when it rains! But his bus is beyond awesome!!!

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Quote:
Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
I don't think there are pics on here. I'll look through my Imgur page and see if I have one. Someone here had to have taken a pic. We had a bus gathering last year.
He just had it sitting behind the drivers seat and would stick it in the window hole when he parked.
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Old 05-25-2018, 09:14 AM   #14
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IDk guys, I guess it depends on how much ac you need. For me, in Ohio, when it's 90+ outside with 80% humidity, I need all that I can get. In that situation, 5k btu in a school bus is wasting your time. I started with 2 7k btu window units, and now have a 15k btu roof top unit, and would honestly like more. Or I might upgrade to a modern efficient unit.
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Old 05-26-2018, 10:51 AM   #15
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So how do people power these air conditioners? Generator and 110v? Inverter when driving (so as to pull from the alternator)?
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Old 06-02-2018, 05:28 PM   #16
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Portable AC.

Quote:
Originally Posted by PigPen View Post
Do any of you just put a window a/c in your window and call it done?

I've seen a lot of threads where people mount them in the bulkhead or put in a plywood panel to replace the window, but haven't seem anyone just stick one in the window.

I initially assumed that this was because they didn't fit, but we just put one in and it fit fine and worked good.

We're not looking for a permanent installation - just something that we can store and pop in on the days where we really need it.

I'd rather not install a new roof top one and mini splits don't seem worth the investment for the amount we currently plan on using the a/c.
We used a portable AC/heat pump. Dual hose model. Permanent install
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Old 06-02-2018, 06:36 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Megabea View Post
We used a portable AC/heat pump. Dual hose model. Permanent install
that is what I would go for rather than window unit.
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Old 06-02-2018, 08:32 PM   #18
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5000btu window unit works great in GA, 22 seats

in GA last summer, the trees didnt keep the 11 window bus cool enough while working inside so i installed a 5000btu window unit i had used in a 300sf room, $80 in 2013 at wallmart. i had to remove the two 1/4" rubber bumpers from under the window so it went down enough. it fit snug and i added a shelf under it outside, and some flashing. it works fast from 90 down to 75 and made it bearable. usually on 11am to 3pm. might add one in a rear window. also use 3 fans.
you can see pics at
School Bus Conversion Resources - xrw44's Album: 1997 Thomas 22 seat off grid
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Old 06-03-2018, 05:23 PM   #19
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Hi, I've put a 5k but in several rvs. Got one right now in the rear of our A motorhome. Run it on a Honda 1000 generator, does a great job for the bedroom and bath, never have to run the big propane generator. Use central AC in campgrounds of course, where there is power.
I like the Hier brand, energy efficient model. I installed one in an A Liner, with the Honda 1000 on the back bumper, sweet set up. Put one one our Casita houseboat, more than enough.
Put on rear if possible, but on the A Liner, I put it out passenger side like the factory does.
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Old 06-03-2018, 05:51 PM   #20
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which side to use?

On the passenger side we have trees and mailboxes.
On the diver side we have people hugging the white line.
And we don't always get our 14 feet of Federal clearance.
So the back or front sides are better but in the end where will it function best. i sleep and eat in the 1st 10ft so the air conditioner is on the opposite side by the sink. and a fan can blow cool air up to the driver.
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