Adventure Car Camper

[Gregw]

Ok, this is probably a dumb question but.... Would there be a way to add an electric motor to the AC compressor so that I could plug it in at a camp site. I'm going to find a way to fold the front seat all the way forward so I can stretch out in the full length of the car. Staying warm in the winter is easy, but it would be nice to have AC at night in the summer heat.

 

[W. WIllie]

Yes it is. IIRR the front seat folds back to a comfortable reclined position, so why bother with the rear seat for "nappin" ?

 

[Coss]

Yes it is. IIRR the front seat folds back to a comfortable reclined position, so why bother with the rear seat for "nappin" ?

He's asking for a way to run the A/C without the car running.

 

[W. WIllie]

I responded to that in the first part of the sentence.

 

[NSTG8R]

Ok, this is probably a dumb question but.... Would there be a way to add an electric motor to the AC compressor so that I could plug it in at a camp site. I'm going to find a way to fold the front seat all the way forward so I can stretch out in the full length of the car. Staying warm in the winter is easy, but it would be nice to have AC at night in the summer heat.

Didn't actually do the math [yet], but an 84mpg @ 55mph vehicle should burn though less than a quart of gas at idle over 7-8 hours...Figure a buck worth of fuel for a night of a/c'ed bliss in your Elio.

 

[AriLea]

Didn't actually do the math [yet], but an 84mpg @ 55mph vehicle should burn though less than a quart of gas at idle over 7-8 hours...Figure a buck worth of fuel for a night of a/c'ed bliss in your Elio.

I guess that's no different than having to run a Genset in your RV all night. Except it's easier to get maintenance on your Elio!
What you would want at that point is a AC converter so you can use AC appliances in your tent!

 

[outsydthebox]

Didn't actually do the math [yet], but an 84mpg @ 55mph vehicle should burn though less than a quart of gas at idle over 7-8 hours...Figure a buck worth of fuel for a night of a/c'ed bliss in your Elio.

I agree! Just run the engine. "KISS" principal. You also get lulled to sleep by the "gentle purr of the engine."
I would probably make a cover plate/footrest to prevent pushing on the gas or brake while sleeping.

 

[Maurtis]

I guess that's no different than having to run a Genset in your RV all night. Except it's easier to get maintenance on your Elio!
What you would want at that point is a AC converter so you can use AC appliances in your tent!

He is looking to camp inside of the Elio, no tent.

As NSTG8R said, it is probably just easier to let the Elio idle overnight to run the AC while you sleep. Unless you plan on living out of your Elio and having it idle constantly, it should be fine as long as your cooling system is in good shape for a night or two of camping.

 

[W. WIllie]

A little off the estimate of fuel. With AC on, there is a good load on the Elio engine at idle.(probably 1200 rpm vs.950 rpm)
Of course it will idle back down to 950 after the interior reached the desired temp, then speed back up after the temperature rises.

 

[booboo]

Ok, this is probably a dumb question but.... Would there be a way to add an electric motor to the AC compressor so that I could plug it in at a camp site. I'm going to find a way to fold the front seat all the way forward so I can stretch out in the full length of the car. Staying warm in the winter is easy, but it would be nice to have AC at night in the summer heat.

I lived in a Big Truck for 7 years. Usually did not idle overnight. If the sun was down, even on a hot night, 15min of AC, shut her down, turn on 12v mini fan, lights out. Having screened windows was nice in comfortable weather in quiet places.