Introduction
If your truck bed doubles as a home away from home, then you need to invest in a truck bed air conditioner. Nothing makes the heat of summer more unbearable than being stuck in an unwelcoming truck bed. Having a truck bed air conditioner is the ultimate solution to this problem, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable environment even when temperatures are soaring.
A truck bed air conditioner offers various benefits for its user. It can be used efficiently wherever you travel and is able to cool both small and large vehicle interiors, making it perfect for open-top trucks, motorhomes, and other large vehicles. Also, these devices come with adjustable settings that allow you to customize air flow so that you can stay comfortable even in extreme weather conditions. What’s more, they require minimal maintenance and power consumption while still providing maximum output capacity so that you don’t have to worry about running out of energy while on the road. The units also come with their own built-in ventilation systems which ensure your vehicle’s interior stays fresh and well ventilated at all times. Moreover, most models are lightweight and portable meaning that they can be easily transported without sacrificing performance or durability on long trips. Finally, installing one of these convenient devices is simple and straightforward so anyone can enjoy the luxury of having cool living space no matter where they go!
History of Truck Bed Cooling Systems
The idea of having a truck bed air conditioner dates back to the 1950’s when air conditioning units were relatively large and heavy, making them impractical for use in smaller scale scenarios such as trucks or work vehicles. For many years, this remained true, until the 1990’s when an invention patented by Rocky Mountain Air Solutions Inc., revolutionized the viability of having an AC unit on a truck bed. RMAS produced their Roof Top Truck Air Conditioning Unit which was designed to fit onto the roof of a pickup truck and supply cooling air straight into the cab without placing any stress on the engine of the truck whatsoever.
In more recent years, RMAS expanded their offering to include what is known as a “truck bed air conditioner”. This specific type of system offers many advantages over its predecessor – firstly, it eliminates all potential stress caused to a vehicle’s engine due to supplying power directly from an external power source or by harnessing alternative sources like solar panels. Further still, given its size and location, it offers improved aerodynamics resulting in an improved fuel economy; not to mention improved access and ease of maintenance should it ever be required.
Today these pickup truck air conditioning systems are becoming increasingly popular across different professions ranging from construction workers to farmers, as well as recreational activities like camping and tailgating.
Different Styles of Truck Bed Air Conditioners
When considering truck bed air conditioners, there are generally two different types to choose from. The first type is a portable model that allows the user to cool their cab even if they are away from a power source. These air conditioners come in different sizes depending on individual needs, with some of the larger models having enough capacity to cool a whole pickup truck. They usually run off of rechargeable batteries and utilize gas-powered fans, usually producing enough cool air for a comfortable drive.
The second kind of truck bed air conditioner is the built-in variety. These systems provide a far more advanced cooling solution than their portable counterparts with large AC units and complex wiring systems that need to be professionally installed inside your vehicle’s bed or cargo area. Although they are much more expensive than portable models, these units often offer features such as variable speed fans, remote controls, and programming options including temperature settings and automatic shutoff after stationary use.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Truck Bed Air Conditioner
1. Installation – Truck bed air conditioners require professional installation, and it’s important to find a service provider who can provide the best quality of work.
2. Size – You need to make sure you purchase a unit that fits your truck bed size and shape. Consider where in your truck bed you want the air conditioner to go so that it does not interfere with any other pieces of equipment or supplies loaded inside the bed.
3. Type – There are several types of truck bed air conditioners available on the market today, from traditional window-mounted units to larger rooftop models. Consider what type of unit works best for your needs.
4. Ease of Use – Make sure the unit is easy to operate and user-friendly, as well as having intuitive controls that make it simple to use while driving or while parked.
5. Energy Efficiency – Look for an energy efficient model that works with renewable energy sources such as solar power or one powered by your engine’s exhaust heat, allowing you to save money on fuel costs and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
6. Cost – Don’t forget to factor in the overall cost of purchasing, installing, and operating your new truck bed air conditioner before making a purchase decision (this includes calculating estimated maintenance costs). It may be more economical for some people investing in a larger rooftop model over several smaller single unit models installed in different parts of the vehicle depending on their needs and budget restrictions..
Installation Tips for a Truck Bed Air Conditioner
1. Clean and inspect the existing air conditioner duct system to ensure it is in working condition before any attempts to install a new air conditioner are made. Make sure there is adequate space for the airflow, tubing, and components.
2. Read through the installation instructions carefully before beginning for a successful installation of your truck bed air conditioner. Having all tools, parts, and measures required at hand will make the job smoother.
3. Mount the compressor onto a safe and secure mounting surface with vibration-damping material between them to reduce noise vibration from the compressor running.
4. Start connecting both ends of refrigerant lines with service ports by using double flares & O-rings on both sides which should be tightened securely with an torque wrench then connect one end of expansion valve line to service port while other end of line to evaporator outlet tee fitting & check orientation of arrow marks on orifice tube towards expansion valve line side only then check whether gas/ liquid flows through sightglass size submerged between two degrees or not as according to your model specs such as 5/16” HCFCs or ¼ “high-& low side pressures HFCs etc..
5. Connect wiring harnesses in their designated positions followed by attaching condenser fan shroud periphery while mounting condenser assembly but ensure that no stress or vibrations over connections which might damage it during driving so add extra strapping straps or velcro tapes if necessary at places where it requires reinforcement .
6. Test overall operation of installed unit & listen for any leaky sound from connections before you finish up task then use refrigerant manifold gauge set & vaccum pump for evacuation precharge process & fill predefined charges as mentioned in instruction manual including gauges shut off valves if needed , switching on power supply delivers motor rotation direction as desired specified by manufacturer same should be applied in case replacement occurs too because improper direction reverse may cause permanent damage due poor operating temperature differences soon after start up
Benefits of Owning a Truck Bed Air Conditioner
Owning a truck bed air conditioner can bring a range of benefits. First, it helps create a comfortable resting space and ambient environment in the truck bed, which is great for long drives or camping trips. Moreover, the air conditioner will keep all the items stored in the truck bed from suffering from heat damage – which can be very costly. Lastly, it prevents mildew from accumulating on the contents stored in the truck bed, helping to maintain health and safety. Having an air conditioner installed in a truck bed also makes it easier to access and organize items stored in the vehicle. It eliminates the frustration associated with rummaging through boxes looking for what you need, as everything will stay cool and dry. All these factors combine to improve the overall quality of life while traveling or spending time outdoors.
Conclusion
Investing in a truck bed air conditioner can be a great way to keep the cabin of your truck cool and comfortable during warm climates. It’s important to note, however, that properly incorporating these devices is essential for enjoying their full benefits. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when installing the unit and if possible, use high-quality materials to seal up any gaps or seams that may remain around your air conditioner. Additionally, remember to check up on the functioning of your air conditioner regularly and replace or adjust parts where needed. Doing so will ensure you get maximum benefit from your purchase for many years down the road.
