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| Ahh Swamp Cooler Life is Gooooood [message #187693] |
Fri, 19 October 2012 17:38  |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Getting rid of the smelly, loud, did I mention stinky Onan was the best thing I ever did! This summer with no loud generator, just quiet 600W solar panels, and a swamp cooler was truly peaceful. So nice to go camping without hearing that horrible sounding thing.
Solar panels faced the sun, collecting power for the 8 golf cart batteries, while the birds chirp, tea in hand, and peace and quiet. Ahhhhhh, life is good.
PS: I'm Back  <--- Big Cheesy Smile for all my "friends" and "skeptics!"
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: Ahh Swamp Cooler Life is Gooooood [message #187711 is a reply to message #187693] |
Fri, 19 October 2012 20:49  |
A Hamilto
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
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| Mr.RadioActive wrote on Fri, 19 October 2012 17:38 |
Getting rid of the smelly, loud, did I mention stinky Onan was the best thing I ever did! This summer with no loud generator, just quiet 600W solar panels, and a swamp cooler was truly peaceful. So nice to go camping without hearing that horrible sounding thing.
Solar panels faced the sun, collecting power for the 8 golf cart batteries, while the birds chirp, tea in hand, and peace and quiet. Ahhhhhh, life is good.
PS: I'm Back <--- Big Cheesy Smile for all my "friends" and "skeptics!"
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How about some details. Like inside and outside air temps with the swamp cooler running. Was 8 batteries enough or did you run out of juice occasionally? Did you run a microwave oven too? How long were you off the grid at a time?
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| Re: [GMCnet] Ahh Swamp Cooler Life is Gooooood [message #187713 is a reply to message #187711] |
Fri, 19 October 2012 21:14 |
werewilfs
Messages: 329
Registered: July 2012
Location: Rappahannock County, VA
Karma: 0
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Swamp coolers only work where there is low humidity (like in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah). It will not work well in the south.
Jared
73 PD
Amissville, VA
________________________________
From: A. <markbb1@netzero.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, October 19, 2012 9:49 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Ahh Swamp Cooler Life is Gooooood
Mr.RadioActive wrote on Fri, 19 October 2012 17:38
> Getting rid of the smelly, loud, did I mention stinky Onan was the best thing I ever did! This summer with no loud generator, just quiet 600W solar panels, and a swamp cooler was truly peaceful. So nice to go camping without hearing that horrible sounding thing.
> Solar panels faced the sun, collecting power for the 8 golf cart batteries, while the birds chirp, tea in hand, and peace and quiet. Ahhhhhh, life is good.
>
> PS: I'm Back :) <--- Big Cheesy Smile for all my "friends" and "skeptics!"
How about some details. Like inside and outside air temps with the swamp cooler running. Was 8 batteries enough or did you run out of juice occasionally? Did you run a microwave oven too? How long were you off the grid at a time?
--
'73 23' Sequoia
UA (Upper Alabama)
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Jared & Stefanie Kohl
Rappahannock County, VA
1973 Painted Desert "Onslow"
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| Re: Ahh Swamp Cooler Life is Gooooood [message #187764 is a reply to message #187693] |
Sat, 20 October 2012 10:38 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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8 batteries so far is perfect, never run out of juice. With ( 6v batteries, being charged by (6) 200w panels, and a MPPT charge controller it works well.
I do use a microwave not often, but whenever needed. Generator or not, I use a microwave VERY seldom. I use my coach for camping not for any long distance travel.
Swamp cooler works very well. But it was a PAIN IN THE BUTT to get the float correct. I finally had a friend who is a plumber come back and set it for me. (glad he did same moment my cold water nut on the galley sink blew off, and blew tons of water out!
When the RV is direct in the summer sun in the middle of the AZ desert lets say its 115 degrees out even with my ceramic painted roof, koolaroo on all the windows (but no the windshield, all the insulation I added in walls, and ceiling, etc) it was HOT still! But that is testing it WITHOUT ANY SHADE and my GMC is painted BLACK on 60% of the body.
I'm not a GMC scientist, and just a user that its either comfortable or not, I would say it gets effective 95 degrees and less in direct sunlight. It doesn't move enough air to keep things cool over 100 in direct sunlight where the coach is 100% getting hit by the AZ sun. The heat gain from all the windows, and the massive powerful amt of direct sun (ZERO SHADE) is way to much in this part of the hot desert. Remember I'm dead in the middle of the hottest desert where everyone hauls butt from here in march/april to cooler climates!
What makes it more effective however is adding 110v fans to blow some of the cooler air around instead of just relying on the airflow from the cooler. That helps a lot. When its smoking hot outside, it makes turns it from wanting to die, to want to get to a cooler camping area as soon as possible without dying.
When its under 95 degrees even in direct sunlight things cool off nicely with the aide of a little 110v fan. In the mountains, or in the shade that helps a lot!
I use a microwave. But generator or not rarely if ever. I use a 600 watt microwave. But again no serious testing I rarely have a need for it. We cook campfire. And the micro may only be for a popcorn bag now and again.
The frig, and spinflo euro cook top are lp. All lights are LED. Two TVs are 12v but 2.2 amps max.
I haven't done much upgrades this summer, but its starting to cool off, and almost time to get back on it! My biggest project is one that I have no clue how to tackle. I had 100 plans but nothing sure yet. How to remake a ceiling now that I ripped it all out with a claw hammer!
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: Ahh Swamp Cooler Life is Gooooood [message #187768 is a reply to message #187764] |
Sat, 20 October 2012 11:18 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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| Mr.RadioActive wrote on Sat, 20 October 2012 10:38 |
My biggest project is one that I have no clue how to tackle. I had 100 plans but nothing sure yet. How to remake a ceiling now that I ripped it all out with a claw hammer!
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Hit the GMC photo archive and search on "ceiling". Lots of info there. Others may have some specific directions.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Ahh Swamp Cooler Life is Gooooood [message #187770 is a reply to message #187764] |
Sat, 20 October 2012 11:24 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Michael,
Thank you for this information, from the temps you provided it is apparent that the Turbo Kool won't provide sufficient cooling in
the Outback as it reaches 40° C (104° F) regularly and can hit as high as 47° (116° F).
I guess my PO was related to your PO, here's a picture of The Blue Streak,
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p24154-first-quot-unofficial.html
Why in the world anyone would paint a GMC BLACK is beyond me, ESPECIALLY the roof!
When you pull down the ceiling to reline it you'll be able to put insulation in between it and the bottom of the roof which will
help.
There are window tints that cut down on heat gain also.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael
8 batteries so far is perfect, never run out of juice. With (8) 6v batteries, being charged by (6) 200w panels, and a MPPT charge
controller it works well.
I do use a microwave not often, but whenever needed. Generator or not, I use a microwave VERY seldom. I use my coach for camping not
for any long distance travel.
Swamp cooler works very well. But it was a PAIN IN THE BUTT to get the float correct. I finally had a friend who is a plumber come
back and set it for me. (glad he did same moment my cold water nut on the galley sink blew off, and blew tons of water out!
When the RV is direct in the summer sun in the middle of the AZ desert lets say its 115 degrees out even with my ceramic painted
roof, koolaroo on all the windows (but no the windshield, all the insulation I added in walls, and ceiling, etc) it was HOT still!
But that is testing it WITHOUT ANY SHADE and my GMC is painted BLACK on 60% of the body.
I'm not a GMC scientist, and just a user that its either comfortable or not, I would say it gets effective 95 degrees and less in
direct sunlight. It doesn't move enough air to keep things cool over 100 in direct sunlight where the coach is 100% getting hit by
the AZ sun. The heat gain from all the windows, and the massive powerful amt of direct sun (ZERO SHADE) is way to much in this part
of the hot desert. Remember I'm dead in the middle of the hottest desert where everyone hauls butt from here in march/april to
cooler climates!
What makes it more effective however is adding 110v fans to blow some of the cooler air around instead of just relying on the
airflow from the cooler. That helps a lot. When its smoking hot outside, it makes turns it from wanting to die, to want to get to a
cooler camping area as soon as possible without dying.
When its under 95 degrees even in direct sunlight things cool off nicely with the aide of a little 110v fan. In the mountains, or in
the shade that helps a lot!
I use a microwave. But generator or not rarely if ever. I use a 600 watt microwave. But again no serious testing I rarely have a
need for it. We cook campfire. And the micro may only be for a popcorn bag now and again.
The frig, and spinflo euro cook top are lp. All lights are LED. Two TVs are 12v but 2.2 amps max.
I haven't done much upgrades this summer, but its starting to cool off, and almost time to get back on it! My biggest project is one
that I have no clue how to tackle. I had 100 plans but nothing sure yet. How to remake a ceiling now that I ripped it all out with a
claw hammer!
--
Michael
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Ahh Swamp Cooler Life is Gooooood [message #187776 is a reply to message #187770] |
Sat, 20 October 2012 12:04 |
Ronald Pottol
Messages: 505
Registered: September 2012
Location: Redwood City, California
Karma: -2
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Senior Member |
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I wonder about using a heat exchanger and a swamp cooler, the swamp
cooler provides cool damp air to the heat exchanger, and you blow
ambient air through the heat exchanger, out comes cool dry air (well,
water content not changed, RH up because temp is down) into the RV,
and you dump the warm damp air.
Granted, in some areas (having lived in Las Vegas for a bit), raising
the humidity some is a feature.
Ron
On Sat, Oct 20, 2012 at 9:24 AM, Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au> wrote:
> Michael,
>
> Thank you for this information, from the temps you provided it is apparent that the Turbo Kool won't provide sufficient cooling in
> the Outback as it reaches 40° C (104° F) regularly and can hit as high as 47° (116° F).
>
> I guess my PO was related to your PO, here's a picture of The Blue Streak,
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p24154-first-quot-unofficial.html
>
> Why in the world anyone would paint a GMC BLACK is beyond me, ESPECIALLY the roof!
>
> When you pull down the ceiling to reline it you'll be able to put insulation in between it and the bottom of the roof which will
> help.
>
> There are window tints that cut down on heat gain also.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Michael
>
> 8 batteries so far is perfect, never run out of juice. With (8) 6v batteries, being charged by (6) 200w panels, and a MPPT charge
> controller it works well.
> I do use a microwave not often, but whenever needed. Generator or not, I use a microwave VERY seldom. I use my coach for camping not
> for any long distance travel.
>
> Swamp cooler works very well. But it was a PAIN IN THE BUTT to get the float correct. I finally had a friend who is a plumber come
> back and set it for me. (glad he did same moment my cold water nut on the galley sink blew off, and blew tons of water out!
> When the RV is direct in the summer sun in the middle of the AZ desert lets say its 115 degrees out even with my ceramic painted
> roof, koolaroo on all the windows (but no the windshield, all the insulation I added in walls, and ceiling, etc) it was HOT still!
> But that is testing it WITHOUT ANY SHADE and my GMC is painted BLACK on 60% of the body.
> I'm not a GMC scientist, and just a user that its either comfortable or not, I would say it gets effective 95 degrees and less in
> direct sunlight. It doesn't move enough air to keep things cool over 100 in direct sunlight where the coach is 100% getting hit by
> the AZ sun. The heat gain from all the windows, and the massive powerful amt of direct sun (ZERO SHADE) is way to much in this part
> of the hot desert. Remember I'm dead in the middle of the hottest desert where everyone hauls butt from here in march/april to
> cooler climates!
> What makes it more effective however is adding 110v fans to blow some of the cooler air around instead of just relying on the
> airflow from the cooler. That helps a lot. When its smoking hot outside, it makes turns it from wanting to die, to want to get to a
> cooler camping area as soon as possible without dying.
> When its under 95 degrees even in direct sunlight things cool off nicely with the aide of a little 110v fan. In the mountains, or in
> the shade that helps a lot!
>
> I use a microwave. But generator or not rarely if ever. I use a 600 watt microwave. But again no serious testing I rarely have a
> need for it. We cook campfire. And the micro may only be for a popcorn bag now and again.
>
> The frig, and spinflo euro cook top are lp. All lights are LED. Two TVs are 12v but 2.2 amps max.
>
> I haven't done much upgrades this summer, but its starting to cool off, and almost time to get back on it! My biggest project is one
> that I have no clue how to tackle. I had 100 plans but nothing sure yet. How to remake a ceiling now that I ripped it all out with a
> claw hammer!
> --
> Michael
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
--
Plato seems wrong to me today.
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1973 26' GM outfitted
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| Re: Ahh Swamp Cooler Life is Gooooood [message #187781 is a reply to message #187693] |
Sat, 20 October 2012 15:47 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I have a lot of window cooling. I have koolaroo cut out for each window including the drivers side and passenger side front windows. 94% I think reflective. Plus each window in the house is tinted, plus window shades. Ceiling has about 1-4" of insulation through out. Roof white ceramic paint. If I had two Turbo Kools it may help but then water would be more of a issue.
The Swamp Cooler only draws 4.4 amps on high. If I was able to use a 110V waterproof fan and moved more air it would help a lot. I don't miss the AC or generator at all. While driving making power is no problem I could run fans all day. Where we camp it becomes no issue, swamp cooling works perfect, and power consumption is little issue. While driving I'm thinking a few 110V fans are going to help a lot.
One thing that so many people have mentioned is damp air. (I agree in the southwest a little humidity is a huge bonus!) If the air is dry like AZ damp air isn't a issue AT ALL. I have posted about swamp cooling many times, and I hear a lot about how DAMP air was going to be a issue. Any moisture being blown by a swamp cooler is gone in about 2 seconds. If the air stayed moist it would cool the entire RV better. The reason it doesn't is the moisture doesn't last long enough!!!
I heard it all from the GMC will be so adversely affected by the swamp cooler, I'd get soaked, it would drip, can't use it while driving. NONE of that has been true. Before I had it set up correctly it would drip because the pan would overfill. But after it got adjusted perfect. I heard that it would fill up with mud. Never happened. I hosed it off once this summer. Getting the float adjusted was key to it all. I was also told that my cover I made was a bad idea. I used the plastic outdoor cover for a coleman AC and use it was my cover for my Turbokool. The TurboKool never gets ANY direct sunlight. I painted the cover white as well.
I also don't use PVC or plastic plumbing. I have copper lines so the uV doesn't affect anything.
I'm thinking if I can mount 110V fans to blow around more air, next summer I'll be set. SInce I use my GMC a lot more in the winter then the summer my system is working well.
Winter in the mountains I use my Heater Buddy. We have only ever gone camping with power hookups 1x We always go dry camping.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
[Updated on: Sat, 20 October 2012 15:49] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Ahh Swamp Cooler Life is Gooooood [message #187790 is a reply to message #187693] |
Sat, 20 October 2012 17:04 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I wanted to do that actually lol. But the problem with that is a lack of h2o for a full sized cooler. The turbo kool sips water, but your right doesn't move enough air for the entire 23ft when its really hot. I don't want to have to increase the water tank capacity while driving. If I did use a full sized cooler then I could of made the worlds first indoor horizontal sky dive training facility. Hummmmm thats a good idea!
I should actually say the old 12,000 btu >AC< did NO better then the Turbo Kool. It was old and I'm sure wasn't totally full on gas. While it blew cold, the Sonoran Desert heat, (this summer was brutal) tons of windows, and 60% of the coach painted black sure didn't help at all. I took the old AC and pitched it off the roof and watched it hit the ground. The TurboKool is more effective then my AC was at temps below 100, and a little more comfortable with the humidity. After about 90 degrees out its works better and continues that way as it cools off more outside.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Ahh Swamp Cooler Life is Gooooood [message #187953 is a reply to message #187693] |
Mon, 22 October 2012 08:47 |
Kudzu
Messages: 377
Registered: November 2011
Location: Marshville, NC
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Michael,
Good to have you back. I finally got some of the Blackjack roof paint
shipped to NC and it works great (a week in the Black Rock Desert was...
interesting.). May add a coat or two before the spring.
One question, here you say 600W of solar but in a future post, you state
(6) 200W? Just wondering how much it will take to refill the batteries
as I'd like to eventually remove the Onan too.
Dan in NC
1976 Eleganza II
On 10/19/2012 6:38 PM, Michael wrote:
>
> Getting rid of the smelly, loud, did I mention stinky Onan was the best thing I ever did! This summer with no loud generator, just quiet 600W solar panels, and a swamp cooler was truly peaceful. So nice to go camping without hearing that horrible sounding thing.
> Solar panels faced the sun, collecting power for the 8 golf cart batteries, while the birds chirp, tea in hand, and peace and quiet. Ahhhhhh, life is good.
>
> PS: I'm Back :) <--- Big Cheesy Smile for all my "friends" and "skeptics!"
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1976 Eleganza II
1996 Chevy Impala SS
1999 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad
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