Recommended Vent Setup to Cool Enclosed Trailer Mobile Workshop
Question:
I turned an enclosed trailer into a mobile micro mechanic shop.inch Im trying to figure out a way to run a small AC unit in there...like an RV rooftop ac, or even a portable AC. I need to run it off batteries as I dont want the generator running inside while im inside monoxide. Im trying to figure out how many batteries I would need to run it 7-10 hours a day and then charge them at night. I know there is a huge power loss using an inverter dc-to-ac. I have tried looking for a DC air conditioner but they are unreasonably expensive $3-8,000. I have found several cheap portable AC units for around $3-500. They are generally around 12-15amp, at 115v, and 1100 watts give or take. Is it even realistic to try to set up an AC powered Air Conditioning system....even if it means setting up 4-6 large AH batteries? Are there any realistic DC air conditioning systems out there?
asked by: Corey
Expert Reply:
Even the smallest RV air conditioning units we offer will require 115-volt AC electrical service of at least 11-amps to operate properly. The Atwood Air Command Rooftop RV Air Conditioner will draw almost 4000-watts at startup and even once running it will still need close to 1300-watts to operate. Delivering this amount of power via high capacity 12V batteries and an inverter such as the 5000-watt Go Power # 34280179 will be a fairly costly and bulky proposition.
Instead what I recommend is using multiple vents to both allow cool air in and to exhaust out the hottest air at the ceiling of the enclosed trailer. Installing multiple vents like # PLR20 or # HMAV2-AVT2 along with a roof-mounted 12V powered vent like MaxxAir # MA00-06401K will give you a large volume of air flow (up to 900 cubic feet per minute) without the high power requirements of an AC setup.
No, a warm breeze is not as nice as a cool one but given the cost and complexity of the AC's power requirements and that a suitable inverter like the Go Power will itself generate waste heat, using vents instead will probably give you a much more satisfactory result on a cost/benefit basis. The MaxxAir vent has 4 operating speeds and includes a rain shield so it can remain in operation even on a rainy day. It requires a 14 x 14 roof cutout.
If you want a vent with powered lid lift and more operating speed choices you can use the MaxxAir # MA00-07500K which also includes a remote control. This vent also has reversible operating direction for air exhaust or air intake, depending on the weather. For either vent I recommend our install kit # 344270KITW.
Products Referenced in This Question
Go Power Heavy-Duty Modified Sine Wave Inverter - 5,000 Watts - 12V
- RV Power Inverter
- Modified Sine Wave Inverter
- Heavy Duty - Large Loads
- 12V
- 5000 Watts
- Inverter/Backup Power Functions
- Outlet
- Go Power
more information >
Roof Vent Installation Kit - Sealant, Butyl Tape, Screws - White
- Accessories and Parts
- RV Vents and Fans
- Vent Install Kit
- LaSalle Bristol
more information >
2-Piece Exterior Wall Vent for Enclosed Trailers - Polypropylene - 3" Diameter Hole - Black
- RV Vents and Fans
- Vent
- Wall Vent
- No Fan
- 6W x 8L Inch
- Plastic
- Black
- Redline
more information >
MaxxFan Deluxe Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan - Manual Lift - 4 Speed - Smoke
- RV Vents and Fans
- Vent
- Roof Vent
- Manual Lift
- 5 Inch
- 12V Fan
- 14W x 14L Inch
- Plastic
- Tinted
- MAXXAIR
more information >
MaxxFan Deluxe Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan, Thermostat, and Remote - Powered Lift - 10 Speed - Smoke
- RV Vents and Fans
- Vent
- Roof Vent
- Powered Lift
- 5 Inch
- 12V Fan
- Reversible Fan
- 14W x 14L Inch
- Plastic
- Tinted
- MAXXAIR
more information >
Exterior Wall Vent for Enclosed Trailers - Aluminum - 12-1/4" x 10-1/2"
- RV Vents and Fans
- Vent
- Wall Vent
- No Fan
- 10-1/2W x 12-1/4L Inch
- Metal
- Silver
- Polar Hardware
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Wagan Mobile Power Inverter - AC Outlet and USB Port - 1,000 Watts
- 12V Power Accessories
- Power Inverter
- 3 AC Outlets
- 2 USB Outlets
- 1000 Watts
- Wagan
more information >
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