Welcome to GN's Susie,
Firstly you must consider where and when you will be a gypsy to decide whether you need an air-conditioning unit at all. ie if travelling solely in Southern Tasmania I would suggest not necessary, if travelling in Central Australia, or Northern Australia will you be there in dry or humid conditions. Air conditioning has only become a must have in Australia over the last 30 - 40 years, prior to that we utilised windows, air vents, fans and even clothing choices to remain comfortable.

That being said; if you consider an air-conditioner vital, phone bus wreckers to ascertain whether they have a suitable unit for your Rainbow. Jap Spares used to have a good range of new and used componentry that may allow you the re-instate your existing unit.

Susie Burke wrote:

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Hi. I'm new.

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Sadly, I'm old :)

Good advice from Possum regarding the AC - do you *need* one?

I went nomad two years past and have spent that time in Victoria and southern NSW, I have only used my AC a handful of times on 40C days and even then I could have gotten by sitting under the awning and using a 12V fan. Also keep in mind you need 240V to run an AC so you'll also need a generator or caravan park.

As for the diesel heater? Yes, yes and double yes! :) I fitted an Ebay one ($185) last year and it has been *wonderful*. They make the van warm from -3C to +18C in about 10 minutes and use very little diesel (125ml/hour). The installation is not difficult but if you cannot do it yourself you'll, obviously, need to have it done professionally and the pros will usually only fit the name heaters so expect a final bill of around $2000+ Perhaps try and find a good handyman or the like who is looking for a weekend job and will fit an Ebay unit?

The people on this forum have a wealth of information - do not be hesitant in asking for info or advice.

Enjoy your new life - I nearly always camp in the bush rather than caravan parks and, after two years, have no regrets from adopting this lifestyle.

Dougwe wrote:

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Welcome to the gang Susie, enjoy here and out in the playground.

If I understand correctly you would have to have the engine running to operate the aircon if you put one back in. It might be worth looking into fitting a 240v aircon instead so that way you have cool air when stationary. You would need to carry a Generator (who said that G word?) to provide 240v when freedom camping. You could always go way out and have heaps of Solar and Lithium Batteries with a big Inverter. I didn't say that 'L' word either.

I have a gas heater fitted to my aluminium teepee but the Diesel is just as good. It's a personal choice thing really.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

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 Hi Susie

My thoughts. Others have said this but to be clear about using the missing bus airconditioner. If you refitted a unit then it would only be useful when you are driving and the engine is running. It could be a big cost to achieve that.  That is good to have but you usually spend more time parked and sitting or sleeping in the bus, than driving, and then you need a different type of airconditioner similar to a house unit. But they need power to run them and so if you are in a caravan park you plug into the 240V power. If you are not in a caravan park then you do need another source of power to run it. You would not normally leave the bus engine running while parked to get cool air. 

There has been discussion about how to get power for an air conditioner, using a generator or big battery bank, please read some of the threads here and ask some more questions if you want. There are disadvantages to these ways to consider. 

Jaahn 

-- Edited by Jaahn on Wednesday 16th of December 2020 08:15:39 AM

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the welcome and advise. I naively thought the cab ran the back unit whilst driving. Now I know it's separate and expensive so I can't see the merit in the front unit purely for driving. I bought a portable air conditioner and tent for intimate space when sleeping (to run off solar, drawers 750W). Can't see the point in having a roof unit that requires constant plug in. BUT does anyone know about roof unit and Genie. Looking at a Houghton Bellaire 3400. Can buy unit for $1700 but needs installation and Genie connection?? Clearly I'm clueless. Can that be put on whilst driving or only stationery? Would that unit need a 2 or 3 hp (?) Unit? I do struggle with heat and as this is my home I would like the option to be comfortable. Blaze, in your comment about a compressor unit, could you be more specific please. I have no comprehension on this issue and am seeking clarity. Thanks in advance Susie

Susie Burke wrote:

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Thanks everyone, I appreciate the welcome and advise. I naively thought the cab ran the back unit whilst driving. Now I know it's separate and expensive so I can't see the merit in the front unit purely for driving. I bought a portable air conditioner and tent for intimate space when sleeping (to run off solar, drawers 750W). Can't see the point in having a roof unit that requires constant plug in. BUT does anyone know about roof unit and Genie. Looking at a Houghton Bellaire 3400. Can buy unit for $1700 but needs installation and Genie connection?? Clearly I'm clueless. Can that be put on whilst driving or only stationery? Would that unit need a 2 or 3 hp (?) Unit? I do struggle with heat and as this is my home I would like the option to be comfortable. Blaze, in your comment about a compressor unit, could you be more specific please. I have no comprehension on this issue and am seeking clarity. Thanks in advance Susie

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 here is a link for a compressor, if you look through the link you caan build up a complete unit and work out pricing. The most efficent type for mobile and stationary for a motorhome and with electric vehicles becoming more popular hey will only get cheaper

https://speedyairspares.com.au/catalog/12v_24V_Fully_Electric_Compressors_Accessories-307-1.html

cheers

blaze

-- Edited by blaze on Wednesday 16th of December 2020 10:55:41 PM

Wow, thanks. I appreciate the reply Blaze, (haven't work out how to do individual replies yet, apologies). That is all together to complicated for me.....

I have existing solar on roof, but I would need 1.4kwh more to ring a small split system, there isn't room (existing vent and roof rack). So that isn't a viable option for me

Hi Susi 

I would not rush into things. Make a plan first. Plenty of time to get it right the first time, rather than getting some unit that might be unsuitable or possibly find another unit that might do two jobs.

If you do not have practical skills or background then you will probably need to get the work done. If you tell us what part of the world you are in then others who have experience might recommend good places they have used and recommend that are closer by you.

The range of experience on this forum is wide and a lot of years doing things also. So ask away ! Plenty of people here have a genny that they use for air con and other use. Other bought a MH with a built in genny and always use it. Some people bought a genny and then hardly used it after all and now leave it at home. Then there are the solar crusaders who like to free camp without a genny or noise and have systems that will do this too.  It depends on a lot of things and how you like to lead your life on the road. Read the thread here to get some of the discussions and ideas. Also the Solar sub forum above. 

Jaahn

PS I sent you a PM on this subject.