Since we shared our very first RV solar video we’ve been asked the same question over and over:  Can I run my air conditioner with all that solar power? We’ve always responded with a “NO” since we felt it wasn’t realistic based on the battery banks and inverters we’ve had in our previous motorhomes.  With our current RV, we installed some serious Off-the-Grid technology and for the past several months we kept thinking, maybe we can run our a/c without being plugged in?!? An opportunity landed in our laps as we unexpectedly crossed paths with our friends John and Peter The RV Geeks near Joshua Tree National Park. It’s almost like the stars aligned: The Geeks are RV DIY install gurus, the desert temps were rising, the sun was brightly shining and the wind was calm so we could actually talk to the camera. So, we decided to put the question to the test! Will we really be able to run our RV air conditioner off our solar setup? Please remember we’re not RV Solar or Air Conditioner professionals. 

We’re simply sharing our experiences and I’ve done my best to explain our test results and I hope the information below makes sense. Oh yea, and don’t forget the most important part of this equation: We’re only discussing running 1 A/C unit in full sun.  If your RV so large you have to run 2 or 3 A/C units to effectively cool it, or you wish to park the RV in the shade, well…I think you’ll need to tow a trailer full of solar, battery and inverters to handle it.  coleman ac unit warrantyOr you could just run the generator or plug-in to shore power and say “fahgettaboudit”.jeep cherokee ac diagram The missing link for us is the Soft Start. goodman ac parts orlandoAfter making this video the Micro Air people decided to offer a $50 discount coupon if you use the code “GWTW” at checkout.

We think that’s pretty nice so we’ve passed it along to you. What do you think?  Any plans to install a giant off the grid kit to run your air conditioner?  Think we’re crazy for even suggesting it?  Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below because I know you’ve got an opinion on this RV mod. Disclaimer – This video and post are solely based on our testing experience. We were not sponsored by or swayed by the mfrs of these items. The soft start discount was offered by Micro Air after we created this video, we receive a small commission and you get a discount so we think everyone wins. « Corporate CPA and Designer Turned Self Employed Nomads Resurrecting Dinosaurs – Influencing RV Design Changes »With its low weight and economical power consumption, the Saphir compact is the ideal air conditioning unit for small and medium-sized recreational vehicles. The new Saphir comfort RC also off ers an integrated heat pump function through its reversible cooling circuit.

Light, quiet and powerful. Thanks to its high power level, the Saphir comfort cools every inch of your recreational vehicle - even those measuring up to 6.5 m in length. At just 24 kg, it is the lightest in its class. Intelligent automatic air conditioning. Featuring three variable operating levels, the Saphir vario offers the ultimate in comfort. Thanks to its installation height of just 20 cm, it can be installed in the false floor of a large number of motor homes. Learn how you can earn $30,000/year renting your RV Off-Road Camper Trailer | Split System Air Conditioning A great way to stay comfortable when you are camping STAY COOL IN SUMMER Another World First - split system air conditioning in a camper trailer! Split System reduces humidity inside the tent for a more comfortable sleep Adjustable air vents for independent control - no more arguments! Enhance your holidays allowing you to stay cooler in summer Conveniently and securley mounted in dedicated compartment above the Delta Gullwing Multibox.

Air is recirculated from the tent for improved efficiency and reduced humidity 240V Operation - requires a 240V source to operate (site power or generator) Air Handler Unit with adjustable air direction and full temperature and power control - reach through from bed forZippered cover protects Air Handler when traveling. Condenser Unit - Isolated from Air Handler. Located in right side of Delta Gullwing Box. Delta box door can be held and slightly open to allow air flow but remain protected from the weather and help with noise suppression. Extended Tent Air Section - this is integrated into the front wall and attaches to Airconditioning unit withIf you don't require the airconditioner, you can zipper this section back to the front wall and use window as airflow - the rest of the time it travels folded up with the tent body inside the camper trailer. Click on the thumbnails below for a larger image: Air Conditioning with Extended Section Attached

Adjust Temperature, Fan Speed and Vent Direction from the comfort of your bed Air Conditioning combined with space heater for all season comfort Condenser located in Delta front box Use the Front Wall as normal when not using the Air Conditioning At Aircommand we design and manufacture a full range of air conditioners for caravans, motor homes, marine and commercial mobile accommodation. We have over 35 years experience developing and manufacturing our units in Australia for the harsh Australian conditions which means lower running costs, maximum cooling/heating and a long life. Aircommand has been recently acquired by Dometic Group. 24/03/2016 Dometic Australia will continue to stock the full range of Aircommand products and selected Atwood products. About Dometic GroupDometic Group is an innovator and trendsetter for people enjoying a comfortable, mobile lifestyle. We serve the market with a complete range of air conditioners, refrigerators, awnings, cookers, sanitation, portable coolers, lighting, mobile power equipment, windows, doors, minibars, safes and other products that make life away from home more comfortable.

Read more about Dometic... ...auPhone: (08) 8345 8444 (Int. +61 8 8345 8444)Fax: (08) 8243 0628 (Int. +61 8 8243 0628)Post:954-956 Port RoadAlbert ParkSouth Australia 5014 New release - Atwood 240v/Gas storage HWS 08/12/2014 Aircommand Australia is pleased to announce the release of the new Atwood Gas/240v storage Hot Water System. This unit is 22.7 litres in capacity, it runs from either gas with 12v ignition or with a 240v element or both for quicker recovery. Ibis 3 released by Aircommand - The best is now even better! 15/06/2014   Aircommand Australia is pleased to announce the release of their new low profile roof top reverse cycle air conditioner to complement the range of Aircommand products currently available. This model is an upgrade to the very popular Ibis model and will be known as the Ibis 3. Sandpiper ducted unit released by Aircommand 15/05/2014 Aircommand Australia is pleased to announce the release of a compact built-in ducted reverse cycle air conditioner to complement the range of Aircommand products currently available.

This model is ideal for any small van, from a camper trailer through to pop-tops and small caravans to provide spot cooling for specific areas. QLD Caravan & Camping Show 13/05/2014 The 2014 QLD Caravan & Camping Show will be held at the Brisbane Showgrounds from Wednesday 4th to Tuesday 10th June. The show is open from 10am to 6pm except for the last day when the show will close at 4pm. Aircommand will be located in the upper floor of Building 14. Come and see the new Ibis 3 on display! Aircommand Australia Pty Ltd specialize in the supply of air conditioners and compressor refrigerators for the mobile accommodation market. Aircommand do not recommend the use of our standard range of rooftop and split airconditioners on commercial trucks, prime movers ,locomotives and other machinery with high vibration levels. Any such applications should be  referred to Aircommand for review. Failure to do this may void the warranty of the product Our head office and R & D facility is located in Adelaide, South Australia, where Aircommand air conditioners are designed and tested.