r1alvin Posted June 8, 2017 Author Share Posted June 8, 2017 (edited) 3 hours ago, chong said: I think you'd likely need a larger vent than the plug in the back. That hole was barely large enough for me to run an extension cord through. Also, how are you planning to power that thing? The answers section on Amazon says its 800-900W. My battery setup is pretty nice, but it would only run that AC unit for about 2.5 hours. Things to consider. yes I do understand that it needs to be powered by electricity. lol Options are endless there so I'm focusing more on the actual a/c units and arrangements first. Edited June 8, 2017 by r1alvin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G B L Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 The 900 watts are going to require lots of batteries. Most house sized Solar panels 36X54 "s put out just over 120 watts. Watts are Watts no mater what the voltage. I have a Edgestar Fridge, Freezer and it works very well. It Draws 5 amps and it too will drain the battery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1alvin Posted June 10, 2017 Author Share Posted June 10, 2017 1 hour ago, G B L said: The 900 watts are going to require lots of batteries. Most house sized Solar panels 36X54 "s put out just over 120 watts. Watts are Watts no mater what the voltage. I have a Edgestar Fridge, Freezer and it works very well. It Draws 5 amps and it too will drain the battery. Time for a new Fridge. The ARB I'm looking at only draws .85Amps per hour Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beta Don Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 1 hour ago, r1alvin said: Time for a new Fridge. The ARB I'm looking at only draws .85Amps per hour That's probably averaged over a 24 hour period, fridge set to cool and not cold, kept in a place where the temperature is 70 degrees - Not hot and never opening the fridge to add warm beverages, etc. Under real world conditions, expect your average amp draw to be closer to 2.5 amps/hour, maybe even more if you have it set to freeze ice and you frequently open it to get things out or put warm things in Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtn Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 What type of fridge are you talking about? Mine's just a square bucket with a cooling fan on top. It can keep sandwiches fresh but not cool a six pack of beers down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beta Don Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 49 minutes ago, mrtn said: What type of fridge are you talking about? Mine's just a square bucket with a cooling fan on top. It can keep sandwiches fresh but not cool a six pack of beers down. That would be a 'cooler' and not a 'fridge' . . . . correct? A fridge can keep insulin at the proper temperature and keep meat from spoiling . . . . it could even make ice cubes if you need to Don jrm223 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G B L Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 This is the one I am running, I suspect that the Compressors of both units are very similar, with the same power requirements. During cool down and if the unit gets hit by the sun the amount of power increases alot. https://www.amazon.com/43-Portable-Compact-Refrigerator-Freezer/dp/B0012EGZ9S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497129469&sr=8-1&keywords=Edgestar+Fridge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1alvin Posted June 11, 2017 Author Share Posted June 11, 2017 (edited) 4 hours ago, Beta Don said: That's probably averaged over a 24 hour period, fridge set to cool and not cold, kept in a place where the temperature is 70 degrees - Not hot and never opening the fridge to add warm beverages, etc. Under real world conditions, expect your average amp draw to be closer to 2.5 amps/hour, maybe even more if you have it set to freeze ice and you frequently open it to get things out or put warm things in Don Thanks I'll keep that in mind. Would be cool to see someone put a current clamp on a running unit in different conditions to see some numbers. In any case, an idling Transit Connect should easily keep the fridge up and running with no issues. Edited June 11, 2017 by r1alvin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1alvin Posted June 11, 2017 Author Share Posted June 11, 2017 3rd and final coat of Durapoxy drying. Wood has soaked it in very nicely. I used a tinted Oil Based Primer before applying the Durapoxy coats. The color should be pretty close if not the exact same color as the interior panels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beta Don Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 (edited) 16 hours ago, r1alvin said: Thanks I'll keep that in mind. Would be cool to see someone put a current clamp on a running unit in different conditions to see some numbers. In any case, an idling Transit Connect should easily keep the fridge up and running with no issues. It's very similar to the technology many of us have used for years on boats, except that on a boat we usually have much better insulation around the fridge than these little portable units have. It will draw a constant current when it's running, but the compressor will cycle on and off. The overall average amp draw will depend on the ratio of it's running time vs it's off time and that will vary greatly depending on how cool you have it set, how full you keep it (fuller is better) how warm the ambient temperature around the unit is and how often you're opening it to get things out or put things in. Putting a warm 6 pack of drinks in it may have it running constantly for a couple hours to cool them down. Putting a warm tray of water in to make ice cubes, same thing When you're designing your electrical system to power it, I would figure on 3 amps per hour, about 75 AH per 24 hour period and you should be closer to the actual requirement. The amp draw in 'normal use' is always much greater than the advertised rate Don Edited June 11, 2017 by Beta Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thx138 Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 On 6/7/2017 at 2:56 PM, r1alvin said: I am currently looking at a small 12V fridge/freezer combo unit made by ARB. Leaning towards smaller 37quart size vs. the 50quart model. Anyone have experience with these devices? do they work well? is the 37 to small for 1 person and 2 dogs? i feed my dogs freshpet stuff so it has to stay cool,,, I am also contemplating a small (8,000btu) Portable A/C unit like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B2BSXS2/ref=asc_df_B00B2BSXS25019855/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B00B2BSXS2&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167149293059&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1685624209074481986&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026282&hvtargid=pla-274004431568 It has a flexible heat vent to run either out a side widow or maybe out the rubber exit plug in the floor on the back of the van. What do you all think? I have the 50Qt ARB and have had it about 7 years, I ran it off 75 watts of solar panels on a deep cycle battery in my Land Cruiser before getting my Transit. It is a good size for a family of three and a dog. They only made the 50 when I got mine so it was an easy choice for me. I dont know how far you looked but the 37 and 50 share the same foot print so you will not save floor space going smaller. I had to learn how to rotate new items into the fridge when shopping on the road, I never use a cooler camping anymore. r1alvin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1alvin Posted June 12, 2017 Author Share Posted June 12, 2017 On 6/11/2017 at 5:55 PM, thx138 said: I have the 50Qt ARB and have had it about 7 years, I ran it off 75 watts of solar panels on a deep cycle battery in my Land Cruiser before getting my Transit. It is a good size for a family of three and a dog. They only made the 50 when I got mine so it was an easy choice for me. I dont know how far you looked but the 37 and 50 share the same foot print so you will not save floor space going smaller. I had to learn how to rotate new items into the fridge when shopping on the road, I never use a cooler camping anymore. Interesting I didn't know they were both on the same footprint,,,glad you told me that thanks! I do see that the 37QT model is 3" smaller in height compared to the 50,,,not much. Hmm...I will have to take a few measurements and see but it seems the 50 may be the way to go since the vertical real estate in the transit is abundant,,,, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1alvin Posted June 13, 2017 Author Share Posted June 13, 2017 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loafer Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 I've followed along Alvin, not that I've understood everything. Some of you auto mechanic/tech/engineers seem to have the super abilities of a Marvel Comic Hero. It's incredible what you can do. Many thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BSUPC Posted June 15, 2017 Share Posted June 15, 2017 Awesome work. Your skills far surpass mine. Also I subscribed to your Youtube channel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1alvin Posted June 15, 2017 Author Share Posted June 15, 2017 18 hours ago, Loafer said: I've followed along Alvin, not that I've understood everything. Some of you auto mechanic/tech/engineers seem to have the super abilities of a Marvel Comic Hero. It's incredible what you can do. Many thanks for sharing. You're welcome! I don't understand a whole lot either. Heck I dont even have a manual for this van lol. The biggest help has been a combination of Youtube, a few of the other build threads on this site, and knowing what I need from my van,,, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1alvin Posted June 15, 2017 Author Share Posted June 15, 2017 (edited) Began Phase 2 Cabinet last night,,,this whole process for me has been 95% gears turning in my brain and measuring, 5% actual cutting and building. I dont use any fancy software or cardboard cutouts,,,just kind of going along with what I think will work and going for it. Although a bit pricey, I bought 2 of these 16" folding shelf brackets from my local Rockler Woodworking,,,the pair has a combined load rating of 750lbs! As I entered the store, I came across a large stack of very nicely finished 1/2" 30"x 24" Russian Birch plywood for 7.99 a piece. Picked up 2 pieces and plan on going back for some more today. This cabinet will be a bit tricky because I need to figure out a way to not block my rear heat vent by the floor,,,,but the plan is for a single hinged lid and a 30" x 16-17" extension ply that flips up and locks in place. In the down position, I will have full access to the 2nd row area where I originally built up that floor shelf. Edited June 15, 2017 by r1alvin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beta Don Posted June 15, 2017 Share Posted June 15, 2017 If all your high quality craftsmanship is only 5% of your effort, you must really be racking your brain the other 95% of the time! It's really looking great. Amazing that little battery runs that pump as long as it does Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1alvin Posted June 16, 2017 Author Share Posted June 16, 2017 6 hours ago, Beta Don said: If all your high quality craftsmanship is only 5% of your effort, you must really be racking your brain the other 95% of the time! It's really looking great. Amazing that little battery runs that pump as long as it does Don Yea its doing well. Since I last charged it, I have taken 3 showers, rinsed my bikes off 3 times, and also used it while making the youtube video and its discharged from 12.6VDC down to 12.0VDC. The cells are discharging evenly as all 3 individually measure in at 3.99VDC. This Venom pack that I had was an anomaly. I was in a bind and needed a 3S pack a while ago and got this from my local hobby shop. I typically purchase Lipo's from Hobbyking. I'm probably going to pick up one of these Zippy Flightmax 8,000mah packs right here : https://hobbyking.com/en_us/zippy-flightmax-8000mah-3s1p-30c-lipo-pack.html?___store=en_us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beta Don Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 There is a power source in the back of the van - Why not run it off the TC's battery and then you don't need to worry about recharging the little ones . . . . or buying a bigger one? Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1alvin Posted June 16, 2017 Author Share Posted June 16, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, Beta Don said: There is a power source in the back of the van - Why not run it off the TC's battery and then you don't need to worry about recharging the little ones . . . . or buying a bigger one? Don You mean come off that fuse block on the rear passenger side? That option is always there,,,in the future I will look into it if I ever get my hands on a wiring diagram for the vehicle. For now, the lipo works and it's simple. I have a small Antigravity Micro-Start multi function battery that has a 12V output (and other useful functions) that I believe will also work yet I haven't made the barrel connector to XT-60 adapter for it yet. Edited June 16, 2017 by r1alvin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1alvin Posted June 22, 2017 Author Share Posted June 22, 2017 (edited) Phase 2 Cabinet is mostly complete. The folding shelf brackets are a pain in the YOU KNOW WHAT to align so they release smoothly. I have a few adjustments to make with them but I think I'm real close. Edited June 22, 2017 by r1alvin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1alvin Posted June 22, 2017 Author Share Posted June 22, 2017 Loafer and BSUPC 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chong Posted June 22, 2017 Share Posted June 22, 2017 Coming along quite nicely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1alvin Posted June 24, 2017 Author Share Posted June 24, 2017 (edited) Alright I got the shelf brackets dialed in! A square, measuring tape and a few clamps were my best friend here....Also spent some time planing, sanding, filling and getting ready for primer,,,, Edited June 24, 2017 by r1alvin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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