It should also be noted that in humid environment these evaporated coolers do nothing as far as temperature change and just make it more muggy. So really depends on the areas you plan on operating.
Yup actually the creators of the product even state that in their advertising and have charts so you can find out whether or not it will be viable or not. 50% Humidity at 85 degrees seems to be the limit.
turbokool... also a swamp cooler- have one on an rv and it still works great after 20+ years! I believe a turbokool runs around $700 - also very low amp draw :) Truly a great option for VERY dry climates (AZ, NM) becomes less efficient when going into humid climates (WA, OR, FL, etc)
Awesome video man! I just saw you on that stealth guy/ghost/Jarod channel and was super impressed with your build. So was pretty happy to see you did a video on fresair when I started searching the day after that lol. Great idea showing all the gear at the beginning and getting straight to the point. Subbed! Only problem for me is getting fresair shipped to Australia.
Hey , ive already installed this onto the ceiling , and not sure witch hose is intake and witch is intake ?! any suggestions ..so we hook up the right one > great video btw
Thank you for this video! Super helpful. I was considering installing both a Fresair unit for AC, and also a roof vent fan to move air out from the shower, the stove etc. Will the Fresair operate as a vent as well, so that I don't need to install that additional vent fan? I'd like to put as few holes in the roof as possible, so I'm just wondering if this Fresair unit will do everything I need it to. Thanks!
Just bought the same unit waiting for it to arrive. Think it would be able to install in front of the van? the middle of the roof hump that is on the Promaster (the area where your max air is) thanks
great video, as you continue make videos of the build out it would be super helpful for a products list int he description of all necessary tools and supplies for each job
@@shaidenvalentine1 I see you have the dicor 501lsw-1 self-leveling lap sealant. I'm finding it's not easy to come by on amazon. Where would you suggest I get this product?
Wonder if you could use it as a water heater also. This works like a boat ac; however, boats have unlimited water to recirculate. Nice educational video. Great video angles.
Hey man I am just wondering... because I'd like to have an air conditioner in a van like this also. Does this cool only LOCALLY, or does it actually cool off temperature of the ENTIRE van? Thank you a lot! And also, how much water does this use per day or per week? Since you've already used it for a while...
I'm in the process of converting a cargo van into a camping/transport vehicle to help transport dogs from high kill shelters to fosters and rescues on the East Coast. Would it be hard to run this constantly along with the vehicle AC?
I would love to know the specific product name or version number so I can find it. A link in the description would be nice too! Thank you very much. Also would this system cool a 32 foot bus with 20" raised roof in 2/3 of the bus?
Nice video. I love the idea of getting rid of the extra tank. Any issues with drinking the recirculated water? Funny taste? Bacteria or fungus? Thanks for the input. Cheers
If the pipes are clean, you get pure distillated water drops. Can be even better than Evian. Make sure you clean the unit with an alcohol sprayer bootle with the trucks doors opened. Spray inside the holes, then start the unit fans....and wait 2 minutes for the cabin to exchange the alcohol vapor.
Installing my FresAir unit and there are 2 black water hoses coming out , but no indication whether there is a specific in or out. How do you know which hose to connect where?
James Dunn great question! I t’d it in before the seaflow because you wouldn’t want all the pressure from the seaflow conflicting with the little pump. You want both pumps drawing from non pressurized water. :)
I was wondering if someone can help. My pump runs for a few minutes and then it doesnt pull water. I tried new pumps, and installed a clear tube to see the flow. Eventually the suction side tube gets filled with air and no water comes in. I disconnect the discharge to bleed it out and again its fine for a few minutes. Thoughts? Thanks
Keeping your RV cool is definitely an issue to be addressed, however, Fresair is a swamp cooler and they cool through the evaporation of water. That raises your humidity in the RV to extremely high levels. Moisture can often be a problem in an RV and that is without adding a swamp cooler. Another drawback with swamp coolers is that they do not work well in humid climates, such as Florida or the Southeast. They work best in dry climates, like Arizona and California.
Yes, Fresair is an evaporative cooler that works best in dry climates. If you are over 80% humidity the cooling effect lessens. It does not dump moisture into the van if you ventilate by cracking a window 1/2" or running a MaxxAir on extract. The air flow is fantastic and keeps your van fresh with circulating air. The huge benefit is that it runs on a fraction of the power needed by a traditional AC unit. It is the best cooling solution for the majority of van life needs, especially if you do not have a massive expensive battery bank.
In the absence of a compressor, can a unit be made with a sealed radiator system and reservoir tank using low % alcohol or engine coolant as refrigerant?
Sounds like the lower your water tank level, the less effective your Fresair unit will be. How about running the water loop through a marine style water heater (engine coolant warmed type) and heating (or warming) domestic water in the process?
I just wanted to post my experience here as someone who has actually purchased and tested a fresair unit for my van build. I had great hopes for this product. 2k for a unit that provides any amount of cooling for essentially the power consumption of a maxxfan would have been a deal, I don’t care what anyone says. Most of my van travels are in the desert, so reduced performance in humid conditions wasn’t a concern. I was so stoked. Then I tested it out. Unfortunately, contrary to all the Fresair marketing materials claiming the unit produces DRY air - they really hammer this home, waxing poetic about their miraculous pine filter that results in DRY air- I have found this to be an out and out lie. This unit puts out air that is 40-50% HIGHER humidity than the ambient air. So if it is 90 degrees and 30% humidity out, this unit churns out ~75 degree air and a whopping 75-85% humidity. In all my research I found no one who called them out for this, so here I am. Learn from my mistakes, if it sounds like snake oil, it probably is. And here is where all you swamp cooler people can say “I told you so.” Sigh.
Thanks for the feedback! In our conversations with you, you noted that you didn't install this in your van and tried simulating in a faux setup. We've done testing in the field with actuals and our readings and those on our team who travel in various environments have not had the same experience, and certainly not in the desert. It absolutely will add a small amount of humidity since it is using evaporation to cool your air so you *must* crack a window to vent and avoid humidity build up. In completely dry environments it's not normal to produce what you have claimed if you are venting. By the way, the preferred level of humidity for humans is 50%-60%, so in very low humidity like 30%, Fresair will improve the air quality and make it healthier. The unit also has a mode where you can run it dry and with ventilation that should also reduce the temperature. We certainly would hate to be compared to snake oil (we're terrified of snakes) and are glad that you at least experienced the 75 degree temp in 90 degree weather using a *tiny* amount of power compared to a traditional compressor based AC unit. In the end, we allowed you to return for a full refund (something a snake oil peddler would never do) and continue to wish you the best of luck finding what you're looking for.
I have a 12V Igloo fan. Fan on top, vent on front. Put some ice inside and let the fan blow the cold air. I bought a dual zone refrigerator/freezer specifically so I could always make ice, even off grid. I have no problem with heat during the day, but need cooler temperatures for sleeping. Being from the South a typical swamp cooler does not appeal to me in the least.
Hey there, and thank you for making this video so easy to understand. It has helped me a lot in the install. Now that I have gotten to the plumbing portion of the van build, I am wondering if you bypassed your main water pump because the fresair water pump is designed to supply it? Did you put the T running water to the fresair before it went through your main seaflo pump and only used the provided fresair pump? Also, do you have any information regarding which water line coming out of the unit is supply and which line is return? I labeled my water lines before I did the ceiling with which line was closer to where the wiring came out of the unit but the manual that came with the fresair has basically no useful information at all. lol I hope you can answer my questions. Thank you for your time.
Hopefully you already figured this out. The line to the Fresair needs to directly from the tank and before your main water pump or your pump will flood the whole Fresair unit and have a waterfall over the back of your van. I am speaking from experience! Currently re-routing the water intake now!
@@davidlane1248 What was the better solution for Florida from @shaiden! on instagram? I don't typically use IG. Worried about how well it will work in 100% humidity of SW FL and the Keys.
Do show how to install the black water container just incase we wanted to use it? That would be great if you could show us a little clip about it how to install it
Been there done that. Burns through water and that is a limited resource in Van life.not to mention requires external ventilation to prevent the humidity from rising
Off-Grid Optimist hey man! Interesting feedback. This one uses a max of 4 gallons of water per day in the driest 100 desgree climate running on max. It essentially uses water instead of electricity and most people can’t afford the electrical investment so this is the best option unless they want to invest heavily in electrical.
Tricked Out Vans so is it possible to run an AC of Offgrid power nowadays? I think this cooling fan is a great option if it’s effective, maybe a video showing the temp change while using this fan.
It evaporates water, I guess that may seem like burning! There's another extremely limited resource in van life called power. At max power and in the *very* arid climates Fresair will use at most 1 Liter per hour (1/4 gallon), usually way less depending upon humidity. Plus at less than 8 Amps or 100 Watts it uses a *fraction* of power compared to a traditional AC compressor system. You do need to crack a window 1/2 inch to keep air flowing but that just means you have fresh air exchanging too. A traditional AC system requires a completely closed space to function. Hell, with Fresair, just open the door in the day and enjoy cool air *and* the great outdoors!
Truth. I got one and didn't realize how much water it would go through. Not tenable for full day use unless you have a large reserve of water and/or you can fill up every day or three. Also, my freair is completely worthless in arizona, no matter how dry it gets. Not sure if I got a defective unit, but it lowers van temp by nothing and the air coming out (of really nice fans) is outside temp except right when the pump is going, then it's maybe 5 degrees cooler. I regret my purchase.
Lisa Keys hey lisa! This is really designed to just cool the air in front of the vents, the fresair really isn’t going to cool the entire van down drastically because it doesn’t recirculate air. For that I would recommend a zero breeze or cruise n comfort depending on your budget
@@walterperez7412 yeah there's a video on here of a guy that does it the PC radiator is $11 the pump is $8 the fan is $10 the tubing is maybe another ten and then you just have to buy high-efficiency cooler such as the igloo BMX 2
@@walterperez7412 this system fresair. It's actually a really bad idea because it's a swamp cooler and it will increase the humidity of your van interior using a PC radiator on a cooling Loop will not so not only is it cheaper but it's better. Has every van lifer knows increasing the humidity inside your van is a bad idea.
Alternatively PC radiator on a cold Loop will actually act as a dehumidifier and is how the electrical dehumidifiers work, pulling condensation out of the air.
we are looking into one of these for a van build but I have a lot of questions. 1) how many watts should I expect this to use per hour? 2) have you had success with it in areas like FL, GA & LA? I have seen some comments about how it won't work in humid environments. Any of your feedback would be super helpful.
Absolutely NOT!! Evaporative coolers or "Swamp Coolers" do not work well in high humidity areas such as FL..I live in FL and have tried!!! It is well known that they are great for out west like AZ and CA but not FL! I don't think one would even cool 80% of what a real A/C unit would cool either like what was said in the video...no way!!! I have a 6050 btu window unit that only draws 564 watts so could actually be used on some solar set ups for a short time or used with a very small gen..
Fresair is an evaporative cooler and works best in environments less than 80% humidity. If you are in 99% humidity you may need a snorkel! Seriously though, humidity drops at night and that is when you would use Fresair the most versus traditional high-power sucking compressor based closed AC units. It uses a fraction of the power.
That is correct, evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers will not work in humid environments. I really wish they would not call this type of unit an air conditioner.
If you're in an environment that is over 80% humidity then the cooling effect is minimal. This is a trade-off as it runs using a fraction of the power compared to traditional AC units. There is no more power and environmentally efficient cooling system than an evaporative cooler and ours is the best of the best! If you are constantly in a very high humidity area then you can run the Fresair without water, as a very powerful 4 directional-vent fan, which also cools tremendously.
1000000000. I've seen people spending 4-5k on systems + 1-2k installation and parts and I'd rather just rewire a 500W 120V to fit a 12V, which I had done in my Van for less than $600 total for the AC + installation and conversion. People are making a killing running the train on dummies with money.
@@txredbeard4734 you can get a portable swamp cooler for cheaper than this. It’s called the “turbo cool” you can google it I think it’s less than 500 bucks. If you’re in a low humidity area it works good
@@mrmotofy I did this myself without instruction. You will need to step down the V with a transformer, install an additional 12V fan for your evap coil, and potentially upgrade your expansion valve. I installed a 5000 BTU unit after relocating the comp to the roof of my van, allowing the hot air to vent. For my build, I powered a breadboard and Arduino with 12V and installed 2 temp sensors to adjust my AC temperature based on power available within my system. The temp accounted is the average of both sensors placed on either side of my van. The AC I have uses approximately 500W per hour in 80F. When tested in my system, it's closer to 415W per hour but I still suggested at minimum 50Ah allotted just for your AC to function per hour with a 5000BTU unit. For the build, you'll need a battery isolator and 200W of solar, and 1200W (100Ah) of lithium unless you're running approximately 3600W (300Ah) of lithium. You will not intelligibly be able to run an AC using VRLA or AGM. I would also recommend 600W of solar if you plan to use this during peak hours. I initially had a 200W and 100Ah system but found I needed to turn my van on for 30 minutes, every 3-4 hours just to keep up with the AC. This is do-able, but to fully sustain your lifestyle, the higher capacity is better for a multitude of reasons. You can also use a 2500BTU system but I live in high humidity, high heat and run several electronics and have two pets, so heat exchange was an issue for myself. Such units capable of sustaining your van will cost between $200-$500USD. You would need to route your exhaust to the roof, a drip pan for condensation, and to use 6 gauge wire for installation, 4 gauge if your wire extends beyond 15 feet. The wall-mounted AC units can be purchased with hose attachments if you don't feel comfortable devoting a section of your van to your unit. Mine fits perfectly in place of my 2nd Maxx Air fan by design. I don't have any references, but I can draw up schematics to make it easier if you'd need that. It's not a difficult process unless you over-engineer it like I did. I opted not to spend more money to power a larger unit that required an inverter due to the power loss through conversion. Stepping down is 98% efficient but inverting up is roughly 75% efficient. Big difference in terms of hours cooled, money spent, and space allocated.
Excellent!! One issue with this unit....ya must be in a “Very dry” climate for water cooler to work.....i.e.swamp cooler. (Run water over material and have fan blow on cool Moist air). Back east...not gonna work there big boy....just saayain
@@shaidenvalentine1 Thank! 4 Gallon per day with what kind of summer? Phoenix Arizona kind of summer? Which part of the country, and which month of year? Thanks in advance.
My freair is completely worthless in Arizona, no matter how dry it gets. Not sure if I got a defective unit, but it lowers van temp by nothing and the air coming out (of really nice fans) is outside temp except right when the pump is going, then it's maybe 5 degrees cooler. Tested with humidy changes, water temp changes, and over weeks. I regret my purchase. :(
@@breadfan_85 no problem, here's the chart from their website if you're interest in more detail, in 100 degrees it's basically useless above 35%, and at 95, at around 45-50% secureservercdn.net/50.62.198.70/a38.3bd.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Screen-Shot-2020-05-27-at-9.36.39-PM-1080x702.png
@Chris yeah, I find it very interesting that they are referring to it as "AC" which is a term typically reserved for refrigerated systems. Along with the fact that they avoid the words "swamp" and "evaporative," it's very misleading.
In Europe we have two models of that type but you can't say that they are air conditioners, cause they aren't. They are called ecological coolers. One is the viesa holiday IIIs. They work fine but tyou can't compared with an air conditioning
You still onewheeling? I'd be happy to do a vantour sometime with you if I qualify with a class B. I have a Roadtrek Zion (promaster) that I've done some modifications to if that fits your bill. 3'' lift, KO2 big ass tires, sumo springs, redid my electrical, lagun table, audio, blinds, etc etc
These rooftop air conditioners no one says anything about changing filters. Would be nice if they showed how to change the filter & how hard,how often & how much cost is to do this
@@shaidenvalentine1 Not an AC. Design specifically is designed to be sold for profit. Swamp coolers are not very effective if the humidity is high or the temp is above 90 degrees F.
@@shaidenvalentine1 unfortunately my brand new unit puts out air that is 40-50% higher humidity than ambient temps. Did you have a different experience?
Correct. I am seeing insanely humid air after testing this unit. raises the humidity by upwards of 40%. Waiting to hear back from Fresair about returning it, I'm hoping they are more principled in their returns department than they are in their marketing.
I’m in AZ where we live 120+ 100 degree days every year. MANY of those are over 110 degrees. Evap coolers here notoriously function at a level of comfort which would put many in an institution. Can anyone who’s used this in 110+ degree weather chime in with their feedback/review of this system? TIA!
We feel for you! You're exactly right, it gets absurdly hot in AZ. We know as we're out in the deserts of CA. Vans specifically can turn into metal ovens in environments like you described. While the Fresair will reduce the temperature, things like not having proper insulation, ventilation, etc. will have impact on cool air production and can either optimize or reduce cooling ability as with any air cooling unit. The lower the humidity the better the cooling, you will see a huge temperature drop in AZ. It works best in environments with a humidity less than 80%.
Thanks for the video, however (and please correct me if I'm wrong) it seems like its cooling the outside air then blowing it into the van. Ideally it would cool and recirculate the inside air like a window AC unit in a house. If that is how this unit functions it would not work at all somewhere dusting like Burning Man...the best place on the planet!
seagangsta b great point!! That’s where the new product I’m selling does even better! I have the perfect solution for burning man. Hit me up on instagram!
Swamp coolers work great in the desert. They suck in humid climates. Additionally they dump a crapload of humidity into your environment which then negates any cooling. It’s essential that you keep a window open so that the humidity has a place to escape. And if you live where the water is hard, you’ll need to clean the unit on a regular basis to keep the salts down.
Yes, Fresair is an evaporative cooler that works best in dry climates. If you are over 80% humidity the cooling effect lessens. It does not dump moisture into the van if you ventilate by cracking a window 1/2" or running a MaxxAir on extract. In drier humidities it actually balances humidity levels to those more comfortable and healthy for us humans, around 50%-60%. The air flow is fantastic and keeps your van fresh with circulating air. The huge benefit is that it runs on a fraction of the power needed by a traditional AC unit. It is the best cooling solution for the majority of van life needs.
Fresair is an advanced evaporative cooler that works best in dry climates. It's not like those old swamp coolers but you are right, it is not a traditional compressor A/C. If you are over 80% humidity the cooling effect lessens. It does not dump moisture into the van if you ventilate by cracking a window 1/2" or running a MaxxAir on extract. The air flow is fantastic and keeps your van fresh with circulating air. The huge benefit is that it runs on a *fraction* of the power that's needed by a traditional AC unit. It is the best cooling solution for the majority of van life needs.
We call it an Air Cooler or an Evaporative Cooler as the "Swamp Cooler" moniker is so laden with negativity because of old systems of the past! Fresair works so well in the majority of environments but, you're right, over 80% humidity the cooling effect is limited. It will run on such limited power though that it's a great solution for van life.
Humidity increases only when humidity is very low. If you are running in higher humidity areas the increase is almost negligible. You need to crack a window 1/2" to ventilate and keep air moving to stop moisture accumulating though. In very low-humidity areas you can decrease ventilation to adjust humidity to a level that is best suited to us humans, around 50%-60%. As temperatures get really high then Fresair will only work well in lower humidity environments. At over 80% humidity you are essentially receiving very little cooling but the powerful air flow can be directed using the 4 vents much better than a regular fan.
The roof seems like a terrible place for this..... that's where the hot air is! You don't need to make a huge hole in the roof of your vehicle to have an evaporative cooling system.
It should also be noted that in humid environment these evaporated coolers do nothing as far as temperature change and just make it more muggy. So really depends on the areas you plan on operating.
it is basically a swamp cooler that if the outside air is too humid the air will not be cooled,same what happens in homes .
Plz sir explain a little more
@@zeekfranco509 google how swamp coolers work to get more accurate info.
That's what I was thinking. Just saved me some dollars. I can handle heat but the humidity here is what's probably gonna kill me.
That's what I was thinking. Just saved me some dollars. I can handle heat but the humidity here is what's probably gonna kill me.
Yup actually the creators of the product even state that in their advertising and have charts so you can find out whether or not it will be viable or not. 50% Humidity at 85 degrees seems to be the limit.
Awesome information dude!
turbokool... also a swamp cooler- have one on an rv and it still works great after 20+ years! I believe a turbokool runs around $700 - also very low amp draw :) Truly a great option for VERY dry climates (AZ, NM) becomes less efficient when going into humid climates (WA, OR, FL, etc)
Awesome video man! I just saw you on that stealth guy/ghost/Jarod channel and was super impressed with your build. So was pretty happy to see you did a video on fresair when I started searching the day after that lol. Great idea showing all the gear at the beginning and getting straight to the point. Subbed! Only problem for me is getting fresair shipped to Australia.
Matt Robinson i can help you ship to aus if you need!
This is super dope and the style was easily accessible. Super pumped for the series
Matthew Gramlich thanks so much man!
So epic! This is the perfect air conditioner for a van. It doesn't use that much energy at all! So stoked on this!
This is a fancy fan...
I been thinking bout this very important to have ac very much needed without running the vehicle
Great video. I am having some trouble understanding where you connect the return hose. Can you please elaborate? Thanks
Hey , ive already installed this onto the ceiling , and not sure witch hose is intake and witch is intake ?! any suggestions ..so we hook up the right one > great video btw
Thank you for this video! Super helpful. I was considering installing both a Fresair unit for AC, and also a roof vent fan to move air out from the shower, the stove etc. Will the Fresair operate as a vent as well, so that I don't need to install that additional vent fan? I'd like to put as few holes in the roof as possible, so I'm just wondering if this Fresair unit will do everything I need it to. Thanks!
Just bought the same unit waiting for it to arrive. Think it would be able to install in front of the van? the middle of the roof hump that is on the Promaster (the area where your max air is) thanks
We would love a video of how you created the custom shower pan in one of your previous vans. When you mixed the colors
Love the idea of not having to keep a separate water tank!
Bryson definitely!!
Hey, what gauge wire did you use to run from your DC power supply to the Fresair wiring harness? Our calcs came out to 8g but that feels a little big.
great video, as you continue make videos of the build out it would be super helpful for a products list int he description of all necessary tools and supplies for each job
Thanks!! Noted :)
@@shaidenvalentine1 I see you have the dicor 501lsw-1 self-leveling lap sealant. I'm finding it's not easy to come by on amazon. Where would you suggest I get this product?
Oh when you can release the video of you installing this AC and what it looks like before it's installed..
Wonder if you could use it as a water heater also. This works like a boat ac; however, boats have unlimited water to recirculate. Nice educational video. Great video angles.
Did you feel the need to add a max air unit to the van with this?
Hey man I am just wondering... because I'd like to have an air conditioner in a van like this also. Does this cool only LOCALLY, or does it actually cool off temperature of the ENTIRE van? Thank you a lot!
And also, how much water does this use per day or per week? Since you've already used it for a while...
Your van enough battery to run the air con ?
I'm in the process of converting a cargo van into a camping/transport vehicle to help transport dogs from high kill shelters to fosters and rescues on the East Coast. Would it be hard to run this constantly along with the vehicle AC?
Can this be mounted on the side of a vehicle or does it have to be top mounted?
Thank you 👏👏👏
I would love to know the specific product name or version number so I can find it. A link in the description would be nice too! Thank you very much. Also would this system cool a 32 foot bus with 20" raised roof in 2/3 of the bus?
Im from the Netherlands, where can i buy the Fresair air cooler ??
Any updates on this? Happy with it?
Nice video. I love the idea of getting rid of the extra tank. Any issues with drinking the recirculated water? Funny taste? Bacteria or fungus? Thanks for the input. Cheers
If the pipes are clean, you get pure distillated water drops. Can be even better than Evian. Make sure you clean the unit with an alcohol sprayer bootle with the trucks doors opened. Spray inside the holes, then start the unit fans....and wait 2 minutes for the cabin to exchange the alcohol vapor.
Trying to gauge how much water these units use, i.e. how many hours of run-time can you expect roughly off the tank they include?
Will it cool in humid climate; like Texas, Florida, etc
Installing my FresAir unit and there are 2 black water hoses coming out , but no indication whether there is a specific in or out. How do you know which hose to connect where?
How many solar panels are needed to power a traditional AC?
Please provide links to plumbing parts and adaptors. ie 1/2 to pex
Great vid! Quick question: Do you T in the fres air pump before or after your seaflow pump
James Dunn great question! I t’d it in before the seaflow because you wouldn’t want all the pressure from the seaflow conflicting with the little pump. You want both pumps drawing from non pressurized water. :)
My resevor looks like is bulging, I'm not sure if I need to put a hole on the second bigger hole so it release air? Need help please
I was wondering if someone can help. My pump runs for a few minutes and then it doesnt pull water. I tried new pumps, and installed a clear tube to see the flow. Eventually the suction side tube gets filled with air and no water comes in. I disconnect the discharge to bleed it out and again its fine for a few minutes. Thoughts? Thanks
Keeping your RV cool is definitely an issue to be addressed, however, Fresair is a swamp cooler and they cool through the evaporation of water. That raises your humidity in the RV to extremely high levels. Moisture can often be a problem in an RV and that is without adding a swamp cooler. Another drawback with swamp coolers is that they do not work well in humid climates, such as Florida or the Southeast. They work best in dry climates, like Arizona and California.
Yes, Fresair is an evaporative cooler that works best in dry climates. If you are over 80% humidity the cooling effect lessens. It does not dump moisture into the van if you ventilate by cracking a window 1/2" or running a MaxxAir on extract. The air flow is fantastic and keeps your van fresh with circulating air. The huge benefit is that it runs on a fraction of the power needed by a traditional AC unit. It is the best cooling solution for the majority of van life needs, especially if you do not have a massive expensive battery bank.
Stoked on this video!!
Amigo el calentador de agua como se llama?
In the absence of a compressor, can a unit be made with a sealed radiator system and reservoir tank using low % alcohol or engine coolant as refrigerant?
hoplophobiadoc there’s no refrigerant in this system
Wheres the link
How much solar system will be required for this ac????
Sounds like the lower your water tank level, the less effective your Fresair unit will be.
How about running the water loop through a marine style water heater (engine coolant warmed type) and heating (or warming) domestic water in the process?
what size wire did you use for the fresair? 12awg? larger? Thanks
Vincent Agazzi Morrone just 12 is more than enough!
In very hot temp. You can add some ice in water tank it will turn the air cooler into AC
So what kind of power support does my van need to run/sustain this? What are the minimum and also the recommended specs...
It uses 120 watts about a couple gallons of water per day
Which model is it? S8, S9 etc
I just wanted to post my experience here as someone who has actually purchased and tested a fresair unit for my van build.
I had great hopes for this product. 2k for a unit that provides any amount of cooling for essentially the power consumption of a maxxfan would have been a deal, I don’t care what anyone says. Most of my van travels are in the desert, so reduced performance in humid conditions wasn’t a concern. I was so stoked. Then I tested it out.
Unfortunately, contrary to all the Fresair marketing materials claiming the unit produces DRY air - they really hammer this home, waxing poetic about their miraculous pine filter that results in DRY air- I have found this to be an out and out lie. This unit puts out air that is 40-50% HIGHER humidity than the ambient air. So if it is 90 degrees and 30% humidity out, this unit churns out ~75 degree air and a whopping 75-85% humidity. In all my research I found no one who called them out for this, so here I am. Learn from my mistakes, if it sounds like snake oil, it probably is.
And here is where all you swamp cooler people can say “I told you so.” Sigh.
Thanks for the feedback! In our conversations with you, you noted that you didn't install this in your van and tried simulating in a faux setup. We've done testing in the field with actuals and our readings and those on our team who travel in various environments have not had the same experience, and certainly not in the desert. It absolutely will add a small amount of humidity since it is using evaporation to cool your air so you *must* crack a window to vent and avoid humidity build up. In completely dry environments it's not normal to produce what you have claimed if you are venting. By the way, the preferred level of humidity for humans is 50%-60%, so in very low humidity like 30%, Fresair will improve the air quality and make it healthier. The unit also has a mode where you can run it dry and with ventilation that should also reduce the temperature. We certainly would hate to be compared to snake oil (we're terrified of snakes) and are glad that you at least experienced the 75 degree temp in 90 degree weather using a *tiny* amount of power compared to a traditional compressor based AC unit. In the end, we allowed you to return for a full refund (something a snake oil peddler would never do) and continue to wish you the best of luck finding what you're looking for.
Will this run all day without using too much power and would it be compatible with a thermostat?
Alex Faber not compatible with a thermostat without some modification. This will run all day though without much power draw
I have a 12V Igloo fan. Fan on top, vent on front. Put some ice inside and let the fan blow the cold air. I bought a dual zone refrigerator/freezer specifically so I could always make ice, even off grid. I have no problem with heat during the day, but need cooler temperatures for sleeping. Being from the South a typical swamp cooler does not appeal to me in the least.
Hey there, and thank you for making this video so easy to understand. It has helped me a lot in the install. Now that I have gotten to the plumbing portion of the van build, I am wondering if you bypassed your main water pump because the fresair water pump is designed to supply it? Did you put the T running water to the fresair before it went through your main seaflo pump and only used the provided fresair pump? Also, do you have any information regarding which water line coming out of the unit is supply and which line is return? I labeled my water lines before I did the ceiling with which line was closer to where the wiring came out of the unit but the manual that came with the fresair has basically no useful information at all. lol I hope you can answer my questions. Thank you for your time.
Hopefully you already figured this out. The line to the Fresair needs to directly from the tank and before your main water pump or your pump will flood the whole Fresair unit and have a waterfall over the back of your van. I am speaking from experience! Currently re-routing the water intake now!
good job showing how cold it gets . ......
How does it work in humid climates like Florida? Debating between this and getting a portable generator with a Coleman Mach 3
Sean Nash hit me up on instagram @shaiden! I have a better solution for you!
@@shaidenvalentine1 why not just say it here?
@@davidlane1248 What was the better solution for Florida from @shaiden! on instagram? I don't typically use IG. Worried about how well it will work in 100% humidity of SW FL and the Keys.
Do show how to install the black water container just incase we wanted to use it? That would be great if you could show us a little clip about it how to install it
So looking at their chart it would be a wast of money here on the Alabama coast in summer.
IS THERE A SMALLER AIR UNIT LIKE THIS ONE, BECAUSE I WANT TO PUT ONE ON MINIVAN, AND A AIR VENT THAT'S SMALLER, LIKE A MARINE FAN.
Been there done that. Burns through water and that is a limited resource in Van life.not to mention requires external ventilation to prevent the humidity from rising
Off-Grid Optimist hey man! Interesting feedback. This one uses a max of 4 gallons of water per day in the driest 100 desgree climate running on max. It essentially uses water instead of electricity and most people can’t afford the electrical investment so this is the best option unless they want to invest heavily in electrical.
Tricked Out Vans so is it possible to run an AC of Offgrid power nowadays? I think this cooling fan is a great option if it’s effective, maybe a video showing the temp change while using this fan.
@@shaidenvalentine1 can this work with rain water?
It evaporates water, I guess that may seem like burning! There's another extremely limited resource in van life called power. At max power and in the *very* arid climates Fresair will use at most 1 Liter per hour (1/4 gallon), usually way less depending upon humidity. Plus at less than 8 Amps or 100 Watts it uses a *fraction* of power compared to a traditional AC compressor system. You do need to crack a window 1/2 inch to keep air flowing but that just means you have fresh air exchanging too. A traditional AC system requires a completely closed space to function. Hell, with Fresair, just open the door in the day and enjoy cool air *and* the great outdoors!
Truth. I got one and didn't realize how much water it would go through. Not tenable for full day use unless you have a large reserve of water and/or you can fill up every day or three. Also, my freair is completely worthless in arizona, no matter how dry it gets. Not sure if I got a defective unit, but it lowers van temp by nothing and the air coming out (of really nice fans) is outside temp except right when the pump is going, then it's maybe 5 degrees cooler. I regret my purchase.
I'm getting my VAN this fall and need an AC system for my dogs. Full time van. will this work?
Lisa Keys hey lisa! This is really designed to just cool the air in front of the vents, the fresair really isn’t going to cool the entire van down drastically because it doesn’t recirculate air. For that I would recommend a zero breeze or cruise n comfort depending on your budget
@@shaidenvalentine1 Thank you for the information. It helps in planing and budgeting.
@@lisakeys539 ruclips.net/p/PLWIKdKMF_mMaUTvN8DHmiL8X6O-SKSX-E
I look it up, it's pretty steep. But an awesome alternative.
Can make one for $100 with a pc radiator.
@@jordanwelty6582 really?
@@walterperez7412 yeah there's a video on here of a guy that does it the PC radiator is $11 the pump is $8 the fan is $10 the tubing is maybe another ten and then you just have to buy high-efficiency cooler such as the igloo BMX 2
@@walterperez7412 this system fresair. It's actually a really bad idea because it's a swamp cooler and it will increase the humidity of your van interior using a PC radiator on a cooling Loop will not so not only is it cheaper but it's better. Has every van lifer knows increasing the humidity inside your van is a bad idea.
Alternatively PC radiator on a cold Loop will actually act as a dehumidifier and is how the electrical dehumidifiers work, pulling condensation out of the air.
They should redesign unit to mount just like a conventional RV A/C with a 14x14 standard AC gasket
john villalobos great idea!
we are looking into one of these for a van build but I have a lot of questions. 1) how many watts should I expect this to use per hour? 2) have you had success with it in areas like FL, GA & LA? I have seen some comments about how it won't work in humid environments. Any of your feedback would be super helpful.
I have a better option for you guys in humid climates! Shoot me an email trickedoutvans@gmail.com
Would this work in Florida where its 99% humidity and 85 degrees like, all the time?
Absolutely NOT!! Evaporative coolers or "Swamp Coolers" do not work well in high humidity areas such as FL..I live in FL and have tried!!! It is well known that they are great for out west like AZ and CA but not FL! I don't think one would even cool 80% of what a real A/C unit would cool either like what was said in the video...no way!!! I have a 6050 btu window unit that only draws 564 watts so could actually be used on some solar set ups for a short time or used with a very small gen..
Mini split is my plan.
Fresair is an evaporative cooler and works best in environments less than 80% humidity. If you are in 99% humidity you may need a snorkel! Seriously though, humidity drops at night and that is when you would use Fresair the most versus traditional high-power sucking compressor based closed AC units. It uses a fraction of the power.
Yeeeewwww!!!!!
I’ve heard they don’t work if you’re in humid climates?
That is correct, evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers will not work in humid environments. I really wish they would not call this type of unit an air conditioner.
That is correct. In the South, this would not work.
@@rosco77365 Thanks for telling us! Here's my Stupid question what if I put ice in the water tank would it work? Thanks for your time.
@@chadliggett286
Good question,
If you're in an environment that is over 80% humidity then the cooling effect is minimal. This is a trade-off as it runs using a fraction of the power compared to traditional AC units. There is no more power and environmentally efficient cooling system than an evaporative cooler and ours is the best of the best! If you are constantly in a very high humidity area then you can run the Fresair without water, as a very powerful 4 directional-vent fan, which also cools tremendously.
$2000 for a swamp cooler? Absolutely insane
1000000000.
I've seen people spending 4-5k on systems + 1-2k installation and parts and I'd rather just rewire a 500W 120V to fit a 12V, which I had done in my Van for less than $600 total for the AC + installation and conversion. People are making a killing running the train on dummies with money.
I knew in the first 5 seconds of this video that this was not a video for a basic vanlifer like myself. Haha. And after your comment, of course!
@@txredbeard4734 you can get a portable swamp cooler for cheaper than this. It’s called the “turbo cool” you can google it I think it’s less than 500 bucks. If you’re in a low humidity area it works good
DaveTheFish Any vids/links or instructions on what needs to be done?
@@mrmotofy I did this myself without instruction. You will need to step down the V with a transformer, install an additional 12V fan for your evap coil, and potentially upgrade your expansion valve. I installed a 5000 BTU unit after relocating the comp to the roof of my van, allowing the hot air to vent. For my build, I powered a breadboard and Arduino with 12V and installed 2 temp sensors to adjust my AC temperature based on power available within my system. The temp accounted is the average of both sensors placed on either side of my van.
The AC I have uses approximately 500W per hour in 80F. When tested in my system, it's closer to 415W per hour but I still suggested at minimum 50Ah allotted just for your AC to function per hour with a 5000BTU unit.
For the build, you'll need a battery isolator and 200W of solar, and 1200W (100Ah) of lithium unless you're running approximately 3600W (300Ah) of lithium. You will not intelligibly be able to run an AC using VRLA or AGM. I would also recommend 600W of solar if you plan to use this during peak hours. I initially had a 200W and 100Ah system but found I needed to turn my van on for 30 minutes, every 3-4 hours just to keep up with the AC. This is do-able, but to fully sustain your lifestyle, the higher capacity is better for a multitude of reasons.
You can also use a 2500BTU system but I live in high humidity, high heat and run several electronics and have two pets, so heat exchange was an issue for myself. Such units capable of sustaining your van will cost between $200-$500USD. You would need to route your exhaust to the roof, a drip pan for condensation, and to use 6 gauge wire for installation, 4 gauge if your wire extends beyond 15 feet. The wall-mounted AC units can be purchased with hose attachments if you don't feel comfortable devoting a section of your van to your unit. Mine fits perfectly in place of my 2nd Maxx Air fan by design.
I don't have any references, but I can draw up schematics to make it easier if you'd need that. It's not a difficult process unless you over-engineer it like I did. I opted not to spend more money to power a larger unit that required an inverter due to the power loss through conversion. Stepping down is 98% efficient but inverting up is roughly 75% efficient. Big difference in terms of hours cooled, money spent, and space allocated.
I’ve seen boat heat pumps that are a good option.
what was the product name that you sealed it with? lap seal?
DRAGON SHOT dicot lap sealant, honestly I’d use urethane windshield adhesive next time
Dicor like used on RV's. There's self Leveling or non Leveling
For second i thought i was watching ahs 1984!🤣
I'm interested
Excellent!! One issue with this unit....ya must be in a “Very dry” climate for water cooler to work.....i.e.swamp cooler. (Run water over material and have fan blow on cool Moist air). Back east...not gonna work there big boy....just saayain
Dimensions???????
Dude, your're even using Top-of-the-line tools. Milwaukee !!! 💪🏾
What's the water consumption rate? How many gallons per day? Thanks!
Michael Lin 4 gpd on high all day
@@shaidenvalentine1 Thank! 4 Gallon per day with what kind of summer? Phoenix Arizona kind of summer? Which part of the country, and which month of year? Thanks in advance.
Anything for minivan?
Teap San this could work for minivan! Or a zero breeze
Hi do you think it will work in Oman and AbuDhabi
e-vap cooler or humidifier
Agreed its not an ac...
My freair is completely worthless in Arizona, no matter how dry it gets. Not sure if I got a defective unit, but it lowers van temp by nothing and the air coming out (of really nice fans) is outside temp except right when the pump is going, then it's maybe 5 degrees cooler. Tested with humidy changes, water temp changes, and over weeks. I regret my purchase. :(
Dang!!!! 4 gallons of water a day WHAT U TALKIN BOUT WILLIS??? YOU NEED A CAMEL WITH A BIG HUMP MAN. LOL
It sounds like a swamp cooler. Will it work in humid weather? And how loud is it?
Yep that's exactly what it is, and nope won't work in humid weather, the physics don't allow it
@@rik_2345 yeah, I think I'll go with something else then lol. Thanks.
@@breadfan_85 no problem, here's the chart from their website if you're interest in more detail, in 100 degrees it's basically useless above 35%, and at 95, at around 45-50%
secureservercdn.net/50.62.198.70/a38.3bd.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Screen-Shot-2020-05-27-at-9.36.39-PM-1080x702.png
@Chris yeah, I find it very interesting that they are referring to it as "AC" which is a term typically reserved for refrigerated systems. Along with the fact that they avoid the words "swamp" and "evaporative," it's very misleading.
In Europe we have two models of that type but you can't say that they are air conditioners, cause they aren't. They are called ecological coolers. One is the viesa holiday IIIs. They work fine but tyou can't compared with an air conditioning
You still onewheeling? I'd be happy to do a vantour sometime with you if I qualify with a class B. I have a Roadtrek Zion (promaster) that I've done some modifications to if that fits your bill. 3'' lift, KO2 big ass tires, sumo springs, redid my electrical, lagun table, audio, blinds, etc etc
These rooftop air conditioners no one says anything about changing filters. Would be nice if they showed how to change the filter & how hard,how often & how much cost is to do this
I'm worried that's dumping too much moisture into the van.
007nadineL it doesn’t put out humidity!
The manufacturer designed this unit for van conversions specifically
@@shaidenvalentine1 Not an AC. Design specifically is designed to be sold for profit. Swamp coolers are not very effective if the humidity is high or the temp is above 90 degrees F.
@@shaidenvalentine1 unfortunately my brand new unit puts out air that is 40-50% higher humidity than ambient temps. Did you have a different experience?
Correct. I am seeing insanely humid air after testing this unit. raises the humidity by upwards of 40%. Waiting to hear back from Fresair about returning it, I'm hoping they are more principled in their returns department than they are in their marketing.
Solution for AC or Heating has not changed. Cost is high and always have issue breaking down
You should be on a piece of plywood to protect the roof from dents !
Nah b
I’m in AZ where we live 120+ 100 degree days every year. MANY of those are over 110 degrees. Evap coolers here notoriously function at a level of comfort which would put many in an institution. Can anyone who’s used this in 110+ degree weather chime in with their feedback/review of this system? TIA!
I think this makes vans totally liveable through the hot months
It doesn't work well in humid climates. It's a swamp cooler.
We feel for you! You're exactly right, it gets absurdly hot in AZ. We know as we're out in the deserts of CA. Vans specifically can turn into metal ovens in environments like you described. While the Fresair will reduce the temperature, things like not having proper insulation, ventilation, etc. will have impact on cool air production and can either optimize or reduce cooling ability as with any air cooling unit. The lower the humidity the better the cooling, you will see a huge temperature drop in AZ. It works best in environments with a humidity less than 80%.
👍👍
Thanks for the video, however (and please correct me if I'm wrong) it seems like its cooling the outside air then blowing it into the van. Ideally it would cool and recirculate the inside air like a window AC unit in a house. If that is how this unit functions it would not work at all somewhere dusting like Burning Man...the best place on the planet!
seagangsta b great point!! That’s where the new product I’m selling does even better! I have the perfect solution for burning man. Hit me up on instagram!
@shaiden
I live in south florida, looking for a solution for a cargo trailer conversion. I do not have Instagram. Could you share a link to your other system ?
@@josetmr ruclips.net/p/PLWIKdKMF_mMaUTvN8DHmiL8X6O-SKSX-E
Swamp coolers work great in the desert. They suck in humid climates. Additionally they dump a crapload of humidity into your environment which then negates any cooling. It’s essential that you keep a window open so that the humidity has a place to escape. And if you live where the water is hard, you’ll need to clean the unit on a regular basis to keep the salts down.
Great points, oh wait I’ve already responded to the same comment about 30 times..
@@shaidenvalentine1 yeah but none of them was as good as mine!
Yes, Fresair is an evaporative cooler that works best in dry climates. If you are over 80% humidity the cooling effect lessens. It does not dump moisture into the van if you ventilate by cracking a window 1/2" or running a MaxxAir on extract. In drier humidities it actually balances humidity levels to those more comfortable and healthy for us humans, around 50%-60%. The air flow is fantastic and keeps your van fresh with circulating air. The huge benefit is that it runs on a fraction of the power needed by a traditional AC unit. It is the best cooling solution for the majority of van life needs.
This wouldnt work in the southeast us but the southwest yes!
It's a swamp cooler, not an a/c. Swamp cooler put moisture into the air. It's the same thing with those smaller ones.
It’s a hybrid unit according to the manufacturer
Fresair is an advanced evaporative cooler that works best in dry climates. It's not like those old swamp coolers but you are right, it is not a traditional compressor A/C. If you are over 80% humidity the cooling effect lessens. It does not dump moisture into the van if you ventilate by cracking a window 1/2" or running a MaxxAir on extract. The air flow is fantastic and keeps your van fresh with circulating air. The huge benefit is that it runs on a *fraction* of the power that's needed by a traditional AC unit. It is the best cooling solution for the majority of van life needs.
@@Fresair I prefer my mini split. Heating and cooling with minimal electricity used.
Works great in hot, dry climates like Texas and Arizona. Hot moist climates like Florida, not so good.
ممكن السعر
10 amps x 12 volts equals 120 watts.
Water cooled ac system
guest man indeed!
We call it swamp cooler . Worthless in Coastal Gulf & East coast areas with real humdity & Temps .
We call it an Air Cooler or an Evaporative Cooler as the "Swamp Cooler" moniker is so laden with negativity because of old systems of the past! Fresair works so well in the majority of environments but, you're right, over 80% humidity the cooling effect is limited. It will run on such limited power though that it's a great solution for van life.
You are adding a lot of moisture to your van. That won’t cool you at 100 degrees outside.
Humidity increases only when humidity is very low. If you are running in higher humidity areas the increase is almost negligible. You need to crack a window 1/2" to ventilate and keep air moving to stop moisture accumulating though. In very low-humidity areas you can decrease ventilation to adjust humidity to a level that is best suited to us humans, around 50%-60%. As temperatures get really high then Fresair will only work well in lower humidity environments. At over 80% humidity you are essentially receiving very little cooling but the powerful air flow can be directed using the 4 vents much better than a regular fan.
Mini splits are superior.
The roof seems like a terrible place for this..... that's where the hot air is! You don't need to make a huge hole in the roof of your vehicle to have an evaporative cooling system.
10 amps to run a fan and a little pump? all for only $2000?!!?!?!?! WWOOWW amaziing deal LULZ /end_sarcasm
Should have made the title Sprinter van air conditioner. ... no way that would fit in my van.