Seeking recommendations for a small portable evaporative cooler or a refrigerated unit

ottg · Veteran Member

Seeking recommendations for a small portable evaporative cooler or a refrigerated unit

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Don't waste your time or money with a small evap. A larger "Convair 2000" unit or similar would be OK, but you must leave windows open to stop recirculating air otherwise the effectiveness will be poor. Probably only available second hand from "Cashies" and the like.
A portable refridge unit MUST be vented to the outside. Can't offer advise on a model.
Cheers,
Peter

hako · Guru

Portable refrigerated aircondioners are always available 2nd hand pretty cheap. I just searched on Gumtree in the Perth area and found 13 for sale from $100 to $450 take your pick.
They can work well in a poptop but not as good as 'dedicated' expensive custom fitted units but really you only need it on a sultry night when trying to sleep - other times you are out of the van.
Also do a search on Google for "portable airconditioners in caravan". Here is a link to one in Perth that sounds good:

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/maylands/air-conditioning-heating/portable-airconditioner-fujita-12000btu-h-1-15kw/1195968840

Quite a few people use them.

Good Luck.

ottg · Veteran Member

Thank you @peter_n_Margaret and @hako for the replies. Will definitely follow up with the Gumtree ads.

Rud · Member

Bunnings have a couple at a reasonable price, you can always return them if they don't work properly, same with Aldi but you have to wait for the week they have them.
To vent to outside if you have an opening window (even a front door window) you can make a suitable shape from say 6mm MDF and make hole to suit the outlet hose, if worried about security you can bevel the edges so the window can be wound against the MDF to hold it tight, put a sticker on the outside "Beware of Dog" or something.

villatranquilla · Guru

problem with the evapourative type might be the availability of water