Ducted Air-Conditioning   –   The Expensive Alternative

The configuration of the A'van design allows a flow through breeze action to keep a van cool.   We are led to believe from the manufacturer that this is the optimum cooling system and like many other A'vanners over the years we have accepted the status quo.   A trip last year to Central Australia changed that attitude when it was possible to literally fry an egg on internal metal surfaces.   Returning to base we decided to install ducted reverse cycle air-conditioning throughout the A'van – YES that's right – ducted air-conditioning, and HANG THE EXPENSE.

In fact, indirectly this extreme action forced us to review our whole approach towards storage in the A'van as the ducting took up more space than anticipated.   We had already previously decided to get rid of the ‘hanging wardrobe concept' area at the front of the A'liner as this was deemed a waste of space.

With the A'van completely empty it was delivered to Lloyds Caravans P/L in Fyshwick during April 2007.   To also increase greater airflow we had also decided to replace the two fixed sky domes on the front of the van with a set of opening hatches.   These currently cost $650 each plus fitting.   By coincidence Lloyds were already replacing the roof of a 2006 Cruiseliner damaged in the Jan 2007 Canberra storm.   The smooth roof had been pitted, but the hatches were undamaged.   By accepting these hatches we halved our material costs.

The underbunk reverse cycle air-conditioning unit is a Dometic ‘Truma' Climaster.   It is a one-piece pre-charged unit with no plumbing or connections required.   This came with three outlets.   The basic unit cost was $1980 plus fitting of $590 (April '07).

Technical Data:

Nominal Cooling approx. capacity...   2.2kW
Nominal Heating approx. capacity...   1.9kW
Recommended Generator capacity...   2.5kW
Weight approx...   32kg

Installed air-conditioning system under side seat with three outlets


External air-conditioning showing rolled up road cover


Return air vent and one outlet


Ducting adjacent to water tank and battery


Control Switch with idiot proof precautionary safety knob
Avoids accidentally lifting wooden seat base and hitting air-conditioning switch

Because the air-conditioning unit itself occupies the space once used for the awning, ropes, hoses, etc the external storage opening hatch door was relocated near the door at the front of the A'van.

Summarising the following work was carried out:

1. Supply & fit air-conditioning unit with three outlets.
   
   
2. Relocate outside rear hatch forward.
   
   
3. Remove bubble roof domes and supply & install roof hatches.

Because we were not travelling again for some considerable time the A'van stayed in the workshops for about 8 weeks.   This time frame suited us.

Storage in the past was based on plastic cube boxes to fit a specific area.   This equated to 4 boxes each end.   We have now substituted these boxes with ‘under bed' storage units.   The added advantage being that a dress, skirt or trousers can be laid flat in the bottom with no creasing or falling off the hangars in the hanging wardrobe.   Because the boxes are sealed, dust does not invade the clothes.

With the removal of the ‘hanging wardrobe' I incorporated a very strong fixed shelf halfway up the inside of the former wardrobe. This allowed access from top or bottom for made-to-measure storage boxes.   The bottom boxes are ideal for those items that we all need to take, but may never use.   When you travel north & south you can easily get caught out with weather changes.   The relocated external front hatch door makes easier access for last minute items that need to go onboard.

Restricted rear storage area with intrusive ducting
Extra ducting tape used in corners to alleviate accidental damage by storage boxes


Front ‘former wardrobe' area showing fascia panel removed for greater ease of sliding in storage boxes
Access now easy


Partitioned front storage area with two (2) under-bed storage units in place

The location of the air-conditioning unit ensures that the A'van remains well balanced, with water tanks and battery compensating on the other side.   Thus there is no additional weight on the tow-ball.

The major drawback to this installation is that the unit is NOT whisper quiet.   But after a short time as the A'van starts to cool down inside, you consider that this is a small price to pay.

Dennis Thornton