Installing an A/C unit.

[Jimit100]

We will be installing A/C in our Malibu Carthago T440 and the least expensive option is to put the unit in the window above the central bed, thus blocking the natural light. Another option is for the shop to cut the roof and put the unit elsewhere (meaning to make a hole in what is currently a watertight roof. That begs an obvious question). The real question is, those of you who have blocked the natural light by installing the A/C unit in a ceiling window opening, do you have any regrets about blocking the natural light?

Thanks in advance. JT

 

[Richard n Ann]

You can get ducted systems that go under the seats if the layout is suitable.

 

[eddie]

If your worried about the loss of light fit the Dometic Freshlight.

As for be worried about a roof cut about 50% of the AC installs we do are new hole cuts. It's not an issue. The underside of the roof mounted "bit" has a massive seal, and underneath the "cosmetic" bit you see inside is frame that bolts through the hole into the roof bit. Once tight the roof seal is compressed and water tight

Just bear in mind if you do use an existing roof vent, the vent can be replaced when you sell the van so the AC can be installed on the new camper thus saving the capital cost.

The Freshlight though because it retains the natural light needs a 70 cm x 40 cm aperture so whether you adapt an existing rood vent which will normally be 40 cm x 40 cm or cut new hole its not so easy to swap it if you change the motorhome

 

[funflair]

Deleted, I was a few seconds behind Eddie

 

[Badknee]

Ours is in a locker and ducted the cool air

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[MITHRANDIR]

I have fitted several dometic units and truma , in fact i have just fitted a truma, it is fitted in place of a 400x400 rooflight, in the same position as you propose, while it does reduces the light into the van i dont think it's too bad, i don't have any regrets doing so, and would do the same again, but i notice on your van there aren't as many windows as on mine so that may be a factor for you.
We can still read for example using the bed to lounge on, easily without artificial light, during the day of course, overcast though.
Can i ask what make of unit you propose?

 

[EuroTrotters]

You can get ducted systems that go under the seats if the layout is suitable.

That’s what we have.

so much quieter than roof models
Don’t take light away
Weight off the roof and lower down.

 

[EuroTrotters]

You can get ducted systems that go under the seats if the layout is suitable.

That’s what we have.

so much quieter than roof models
Don’t take light away
Weight off the roof and lower down

 

[Wikky]

That’s what we have.

so much quieter than roof models
Don’t take light away
Weight off the roof and lower down

Which system do you have?

 

[EuroTrotters]

Which system do you have?

Truma saphir compact

I only paid €850 from a company in Holland . Brand new

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[Bessy765]

Although a different layout to you, on our Burstner 736, we had it installed (fresh jet 2200) over the rear bed, during the day we direct the airflow forwards to cool the the van then downwards to cool the bedroom. It is too noisy to sleep with it running but at least it cools for a while so we can get to sleep during the hot summer we had in France last year. Whilst it cuts out the light from the roof vent, the side windows let in plenty of light during the day. I feel the noise level if over the lounge would be intrusive for use sitting just below it Hence why it was placed where it is.and if we were to sell the van it would be easier to transfer it rather than have a specific hole cut.

 

[TerryL]

Assume you will be staying on campsites with hookup? Any half decent aircon unit needs mains electricity to power it.

I took our aircon unit out as it never got used for precisely this reason. Replaced it with a Maxxair unit (also uses a 400mm square hole) that in the short period we've been able to has been used far far more often than the a/c ever was over a 11 year period. Okay it doesn't "cool" the air but provides a more than respectable airflow which gives the same effect, much quieter too. Finally, as light was the question, you still get some useable daylight through it.

Oh yes, sold the aircon unit which paid for the Maxxair. Win-win!

 

[In a Pickle]

We had the Truma Aventa Compact Plus fitted into the front sky light of our 6 metre PVC. Worth every penny and it doesn’t matter to us about blocking out the light as that’s a help in summer in Spain. I didn’t want it fitting over the fixed bed in the back as I am a bit claustrophobic and like to be able to look up and see the sky! The size of the unit means it cools the whole van and is relatively quiet. The dogs definitely appreciate it!