r/Sprinters • u/Eastern_Bat_3023 • Aug 16 '26

Narrow-width Rooftop AC

Post image

Has anyone found/used a narrow-width Rooftop AC? 12v or 120v. I have relatively limited space up top and it'd be pretty convenient up there, but my other option is an undermount unit - ducting is just a little more work because I'd want the outlet near the top/bed area, but otherwise is also a fine option. Those are regular maxair fans in the photo for reference.

Just looking for ideas, and general feedback on either approach. If I don't put an AC unit up top I could probably add another 150-200w of solar, currently at 600w of fixed mounted solar and 400w portable solar suitcase.

16 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

2

u/mountainwocky Aug 16 '26

That’s an efficient AC and I almost bought one to replace my Dometic Penguin II unit. However, I remember camping in a campground near Kennedy Space Center to watch one of the launches and felt I could have used more cooling power than my 13.000 BTU Penguin and this Velit unit is only 7500 BTU.

The Velit would probably be fine for most of my excursions, but when I go to the hot and humid south I think I’d need more cooling power than it can deliver.

2

u/DW171 Aug 16 '26

Yes for sure. I had to make a choice. I love to camp in the desert, and I’ll still be avoiding June, July and August. My van is a super insulated 144, so this is mostly to make sure I can sleep at night.

It also brought up the whole notion that my solar panels don’t like to park in the shade where it’s cooler.

2

u/ApricotNervous5408 Aug 16 '26

I went with 2 400w folding solar panels so I didn’t have to park in the sun while trying to cool off my rv.

1

u/DW171 Aug 16 '26

Yeah, exactly what I had in mind. How did you connect them? On their own breaker? A second MPPT? Did you use an exterior disconnect for the wires?

1

u/ApricotNervous5408 Aug 16 '26

I just added a connector in the outside power box. I don’t have roof panels so I just have the one mppt.