aircons in vans.

Thanks bigbear thats exactly what I was looking for. Had a 2.2 in a Jayco and it ran like a tractor. Tried a portable aircon in the new van but kept getting in the way. Her indoors not impressed. Cannot fit roof air because of shed. Cannot fit ordinary split because of room. So back to heron. $1.5 and my time seems a little better than 2.5.

Agree with your comments, dont' have any personal knowldge but according to air cond repair/service centre another disadvantage appears to be problems caused if your travelling rough stoney dirt roads, compressor/condenser unit is not desigend to withstand the rigours of vibration and dirt road travel while mounted on the A frame.

Yeh, maybe.
But,
1.Mine has done many dirt road miles, (some pretty rough) no problems at all so far.....
2.Mates with Heron's have had problems with mud/dust/water etc getting into the unit through the vents, and bits falling off. (One model has holes cut in the floor for ventilation.....)
Meanwhile my condenser unit sits happily on the A frame with no holes in the floor OR wall of the van to let dirt in.
I'm happy!
Cheers

P.S.
It's so quiet, when standing at the door of the van you usually need to look at the fan in the condenser unit to see if it's actually running!
Like I said I'm (more than) happy!
Cheers

Thanks for the follow up Flash, your the 1st I've had feedback from thats used one on a van thats doing dirt roads, and you sure seem happy with the setup. I'm not a Herron fan and was considering doing what youv'e done when we had the van built, but was put off by the negative comments made by air conditioner/refrigeration service centre, but may well give it a try next time around.

Yeh, if you have an email address I could send you the pix when I get a chance. (don't know how to post them here)
Ball weight is fine for my 4wd, about 180 kg fully laden (originally closer to 160kgs) - a little bit heavier than original but not a problem. If that's a hassle just moving your water tank rearwards a little should solve any problem. Plumbing for the aircon went up behind the frig and the evaporator (indoor) unit sits just below the cupboards/microwave.
The unit has been there for about two years and perhaps 15,000 klms on the van- absolutely no problem. Runs rings around the Heron.
I normally support Aussie made, but the Heron is like agricultural machinery by comparison yet very expensive.....

The photos have been sent, let me know if there's a problem.
Cheers

...partly true!
The flaring is the same.
The pipe is different (correct refrig copper piping has to be used)
Yes it does need to be evacuated before the gas is let out of the condenser unit into the plumbing and evaporator.
No gas is released into the enviroment.
For anybody who does not have the required skills/equipment you should get someone to help as required.
Cheers

err flash
plumbing flares are 60 degree and refrigeration is 45
and the difference and only difference between plumbing pipe and refrigeration piping is that refrigeration is internally cleaned and dehydrated