Air-con cons

We have a dometic 2200 fitted to the roof and would not use it at night as it is very noisy in my opinion. The van vibrates as the condenser kicks in and would wake me up every time assuming I got to sleep in the first place.

However it is useful to cool the van prior to bed and in the evening.

We also have a transcool unit which costs about 1/10 of the air con. Do not take the unit apart, you may feel robbed as there is just a couple of cheap fans inside. It does seem to work though.

We spend several weeks every year in hot climates and as others have said a fan blowing across the beds works very well. It was an option on our Motorhome but rather expensive but if fitted as standard (as on Autosleepers Mercedes vans) then I would consider it a bonus.

One thing to think about is that if you use A/C during the day you will need to keep doors and windows closed which does not enhance one of the main benefits of camping/vanning which is to be in touch with the outdoors!

We've never felt the need for A/C and to be honest I wouldn't want it.

We have been disturbed by others using their units and if I couldn't use it at night (when its needed) what is the point.

Last year when in Europe in June it was 42c during the day for about 4 days very uncomfortable but we just used the 2 fans with a couple of blocks of ice in front of them to speed the cooling of air, it does make a difference. As does closing the curtains inside but opening the windows and skylights during the day. 

I have the B2200 unit and would say inside the van it is very load on its maximum setting and tolerable on its minimum setting. But outside it is very quiet. 

I do like it because I have it when I need it and can leave it on for the dogs if we go out.  But as mentioned, all doors and windows closed and blinds down to get the full benefit. But in hindsight I would save the money I paid for it and just use fans to circulate the air with windows doors and blinds open. 

So when I think about it I have spent £2k to keep the dog cool!

 But in hindsight I would save the money I paid for it and just use fans to circulate the air with windows doors and blinds open. 

So when I think about it I have spent £2k to keep the dog cool!

You can always sell one or the other!  

Slightly off topic for which I apologise.

Some of the oils you mention can be dog killers so if you have dogs please research the subject before using them.

If you're OK with DIY you can make your own transcool equivalent quite cheaply.  For example:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-Cheap-Air-Conditioner/

Greetings

I make this comment as a word of "warning"..... 

I have a 2017 Elddis Crusader Mistral and when I asked at my dealership what was the cost of an after fit roof mounted air con unit, I was told that the first stop was to contact Elddis which the dealership did.

Elddis advised that IF you had not specified that you wanted an after fit aircon unit fitted - then the roof was not strong enough to hold one.  Apparently it has strengthening bars fitted if an a/c is to be fitted.  I believe the dealer was sincere about this, it was not a fob off as they were effectively missing out on a £2k job.

If you do go for one then you might have to consider an underseat unit but that creates problems in having suitable vents fitted.  That is why we did not proceed.

I would be interested to know if your dealer says something different.