AC for Skoolie

Swamp Coolers, Cooler Management, Dry Ice, Misting Systems, and just plain how to beat the heat.
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fastgaz
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun May 27, 2018 11:01 pm
Burning Since: 2017

AC for Skoolie

Post by fastgaz » Thu Aug 18, 2022 6:13 pm

I just bought a short skoolie for the burn. Quick question: anyone have experience on how many BTUs you need to keep a ~21 ft bus cool?

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JayBobBoy
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Burning Since: 2002
Location: Boise, ID

Re: AC for Skoolie

Post by JayBobBoy » Thu Aug 18, 2022 6:39 pm

I used a 7K BTU window unit in my old travel trailer the same size. That and a few well placed fans and I was in heaven!
"It is all very beautiful and magical here - a quality which cannot be described. You have to live it and breath it., let the sun bake it into you" - Ansel Adams

fastgaz
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun May 27, 2018 11:01 pm
Burning Since: 2017

Re: AC for Skoolie

Post by fastgaz » Tue Sep 13, 2022 11:40 pm

Here is the post-Burn report for those of you who have the same question. The 5000 BTU unit was not nearly enough in the 106 degree weather. I am going to upgrade to 15,000 or 20,000 BTU unit next year.

FYI, my bus is yellow, with 1 inch insulation. But I didn't put up silver bubble insulation on the windows, which people recommend. I suspect that once I do that, it will help a lot.

I'll post an update next year.

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BBadger
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Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:37 am
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Location: (near) Portland, OR, USA

Re: AC for Skoolie

Post by BBadger » Wed Sep 14, 2022 12:42 pm

If you haven't yet, you might also consider putting some amount of shade over the vehicle to reduce the amount of cooling needed, and maybe shading a porch or something. That can also make a pretty big difference.
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