12 Volt Rooftop Air Conditioner or Heat Pump for a 1991 Spartan Fire Truck  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hi Rodger, we do have one true 12 volt rooftop air conditioner that doesn't require an inverter. You need the Velit 2000R RV AC with Remote, part # VE77QV. It runs directly from a 12 volt battery system, so you don't need shore power or an inverter to operate it.

The Velit will require its own dedicated battery. You could then use your truck's 300 amp alternator to recharge that battery with a DC to DC charger Redarc In Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger, part # RED96FR. That keeps the air conditioner isolated from your starting batteries while still letting the alternator recharge it as you drive.

What I really like about the Velit is how efficient it is. It only draws about 250 to 300 watts in Eco mode and up to 650 watts in Turbo mode, so it's much easier on your batteries than a traditional 120 volt rooftop air conditioner. One of the guys on our video team actually installed one in his van conversion, and he's been really impressed with how well it cools the space, even on hot summer days. He said it was easy to install but it does require a 14 inch by 14 inch roof opening, so on your fire truck it would likely require cutting that size opening in the cab roof if one isn't already there.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Redarc charger only charges the battery while the engine is running. Are you hoping to cool the cab while you're driving, or are you looking to run the air conditioner with the truck parked and the engine turned off?

expert reply by: Heather A

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Rodger S.

8/6/2026

I don't think they would want to use an inverter with 12VDC A/C units apparently now available.

Rodger S.

8/6/2026

Normal FD practice would be truck running if outside of the station. Yes I gathered would need to cut a big ol hole in the room (that would seriously pain me van or fire truck). You have much experience/track record with this mfg? I assume all add on R/V A/C units come from China 12vDV or 110VAC. Not a good for longterm confidence in your purchase. This FD has run this fire truck for 37yr. Its in very good condition so I'd assume they want another 10yrs out of it. I hesitate to sell kit that may be an orphan in a couple year (with a big hole in roof). But I think a 12VDC air conditioner is the only practical way to add A/C to their truck (not practical to add a conventional compressor to the engine). Can you send me a B to B quote on these two units? [email protected]

Heather A.

8/7/2026

@RodgerS I completely understand where you’re coming from. If that fire truck has already given the department 37 years of service and they’re hoping to get another 10 out of it, I’d be thinking pretty hard before cutting a big hole in a perfectly good roof too. Unfortunately, we don’t offer business to business quotes, so I’m not able to send a separate B to B quote for the Velit and Redarc setup. Our current pricing on the website would be the pricing to go by unless you are planning on signing up for a dealer account. I can help with the next steps if you'd like to do that. The Velit 2000R, part # VE77QV, is a newer product for us, so I don’t want to give you a long term track record that we simply don’t have yet. We do have some firsthand experience with it, though. One of the guys here installed one in his own van conversion and has been really happy with how well it works. That obviously isn’t the same as having 10 years of history behind the product, but it does give us some real world experience beyond just what’s written on the spec sheet. I was thinking about the BTU which is 8K and covers about 450 sq feet. How many square feet do you think the firetruck is?

Rodger S.

8/8/2026

@HeatherA\ Cab would only be about 8ft wide x 10ft long 5fft high so not that large ft3

Heather A.

8/8/2026

@RodgerS Got ya, that was really my only concern about the Velit, It will work well for you then.

Don V.

8/7/2026

I replaced a Dometic 120v a/c with a 12v Velit on my 25’ micro mini. 1 wired it directly to my lithium battery bank. I rarely stay in Rv parks taking advantage of off grid locations. The velit has worked great. Uses about 45 amps per hour on normal setting. I would not recommend it for a larger rig. Should be ideal for vans, small trailers etc.