

| Subject: | Keeping it cool, simple |
| Date: | Wed, 5 Jul 1995 14:21:23 -0500 |
Problem: Family going camping in East Texas over July 4th in '73 Campmobile wants to keep from melting during sleeptime at night. Lots of pressure for cool air on bus owner by family members. Solution: Purchased a used 5000 btu window unit air conditioner ($95), built small box which is duct-taped to cool air vent on a/c unit. Took 2 dryer vent hoses and using proper sized pinapple cans with both ends cut out, duct-taped the hose/can assembly to the box unit on the a/c. Ran dryer hoses into side vent window opening of bus, using cardboard (or 1/4" plywood) cut to fit and seal vent window openings, with holes to fit dryer hoses. Everybody cool and happy! Ok, so it's not high-tech. I figure all I have to do is pump some cool air in the van (it's not that big) and keep people cool so they can sleep well at night. It did work really well. The negatives are 1) you have to haul all the stuff, 2) you need to find a lower fan/thermostat setting that will keep the van cool but not freeze you out. Keep in mind that the thermostat really doesn't know what the temp in the van is - you could put a probe inside, but I didn't go to the trouble. The positives are 1) it didn't cost very much, 2) it was kind of fun to do, 3) it makes summer trips in the bus bearable 'cause sleeping with all the screens open, top popped, and even the screen installed in back (with fans) is not cool enough! Dean Aukes '73 Campmobile
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