https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/ 2026-04-16T22:22:52+00:00 https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/ https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/lib/tpl/dokuwiki/images/favicon.ico text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=hvac:cooling&rev=1766617126&do=diff Cooling and Air Conditioning In general, air conditioning with solar power is impractical. Ventilation, on the other hand, is nearly-mandatory. snowbirding Since the van has wheels, many vandwellers follow mild weather. Keeping Cool Vehicle color has a very large impact on how hot the interiors can get. A Ford dealer in Texas text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=hvac:dehumidifier&rev=1766617126&do=diff Humidity Relative humidity of 25%-60% is generally comfortable for humans. excessive humidity Excessive humidity is a common challenge for vandwellers. It can cause mold/mildew, damage to electronics from water condensate, discomfort, wood expansion, and diminution of insulative properties of items like sleeping bags. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=hvac:heating&rev=1766617126&do=diff Words of wisdom: “Heat people, not places.” Heating Many RVers snowbird to get away from temperature extremes, but others enjoy the cold or sometimes get caught in it. The method one uses for staying warm will depend on whether or not one has “hookups” (grid connection). text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=hvac:insulation&rev=1766617126&do=diff Insulation There is no clear solid consensus on what the “best” way to insulate a van is, but there sure are a lot of opinions with very little in the way of empirical data. At best, you're making an educated guess and almost everyone insulates their van differently. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=hvac:roof_vent&rev=1766617126&do=diff Roof vents sizing The industry standard for RV roof vents is 14“x14” and can be as simple/inexpensive or fancy/expensive as one wants. See also non-standard vents below. placement There several and sometimes conflicting factors affecting vent placement. * text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=hvac:solar&rev=1766617126&do=diff Heating and cooling with solar power It is common for beginners to fantasize about running these impractical loads off solar power: * A/C * instant pot / ninja foodie / air fryers - use pressure cookers instead * george foreman grills * toaster ovens (or just toasters) text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=hvac:solar_ac&rev=1766617126&do=diff Words of Wisdom: “It's not a lost cause.. we just seem to be at that frustrating cusp where it's technically possible with current technology, just not easy or cheap.” -- thatswhatsup " Running AC on [an inverter] is rich man's game -- HaldorEE" Running A/C off solar text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=hvac:start&rev=1766617126&do=diff HVAC: heating, ventilation and air conditioning Many vandwellers are snowbirds, following mild weather. One major reason for this is heating and air conditioning with electricity from solar power is generally impractical. Heating is relatively easy with propane or diesel heaters. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=hvac:swamp_cooler&rev=1766617126&do=diff evaporative coolers <http://amzn.to/2Diz4nm> Evaporative coolers, sometimes called swamp coolers, are an option in areas with low humidity. They do not cool by a certain number of degrees, but rather output air ~5-7F above wet bulb thermometer reading. Standard sizing is cooler cfm = cubic feet of area / 2. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=hvac:ventilation&rev=1766617126&do=diff Ventilation Ventilation is an essential part of any van build. why vans need ventilation temperature control It is often hotter inside the van than outside. Heat comes from several sources: * greenhouse effect from light entering windows * reradiated heat from the body panels