Air con retro fit takes height over 3m

ScreenName24B14DE87F replied on 12/06/2020 09:26

Posted on 12/06/2020 09:26

Hi, we bought our 1st Motorhome yesterday and were planning to have air con fitted, I suffer with chronic migraine so it’s the only way our dream adventures, can come true.

BUT we’ve been researching lots and are worried that the roof housing takes our 2.9m van over the 3m toll restrictions in Europe, which ultimately is going to cost a fortune. 


How much of a problem is it please?

Thanks in advance 😊

QFour replied on 14/06/2020 16:30

Posted on 14/06/2020 16:30

We are just over 3m and haven't been charged yet. If you are slightly over when you get to the pay station just press the button and talk to the operator and tell them you are a Camping Car. Should be Class 2 unless you are towing a trailer.

We have found that fans work better and give a nice cool breeze. Put a tray of ice in front is supposed to work really well. If you fit 12v ones you can use them all the time.

If you are in France the Aires do not have power points. Camp sites can be expensive or run down ( My Opinion ) and we have learnt you don't book in advance until you see what it's like.

ScreenName24B14DE87F replied on 15/06/2020 07:48

Posted on 15/06/2020 07:48

Thank you, that sounds like good advice.  It’s all so new and we don’t want to make any huge mistakes! 

peedee replied on 15/06/2020 07:56

Posted on 15/06/2020 07:56

I think the height sensors on the autoroutes sense the height at the front of the van. I am told that anything behind that, eg. sat dome,a/c shouldn't  matter. I am over 3m at the front and have tried speaking to the operators, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I just generally try to avoid using them.

peedee

Dave Nicholson replied on 15/06/2020 20:33

Posted on 15/06/2020 20:33

Other things to consider over and above the overall height issue are:

Air con units are heavy and may compromise your payload so consider whether you want to have a fixed unit that will be with you 24/7 all year long. 

We have a free standing unit in our motorhome that’s vented through the floor. We spend over 5 months of the year in Italy ( 2 x 3 month trips from the UK) but on average only use the aircon unit for about one of those months (August). In the spring time we don’t take the aircon unit with us and rely on a fan and open windows to cool the motorhome if needed. Many aircon units need a 10 Amp 230V supply. Many campsites in Europe don’t offer such supplies. Our free standing unit takes only 4 Amps and we can often use it on pay as you go Aires/Stellplatz.

Hope the above helps.

ScreenName24B14DE87F replied on 16/06/2020 07:33

Posted on 16/06/2020 07:33

Thank you, it makes sense that the sensors only pick up the van height and not any furniture you have on top.

Unfortunately, air con isn’t just about hot days for us.  I get 8-10 migraines a month and The only way to speed up their exit is a cold room and ice packs!  

Heethers replied on 18/06/2020 11:44

Posted on 18/06/2020 11:44

My Autotrail Tribute 625 High line is 3.1 metre (10ft 2") in height, how much more is the toll charge for a MH over 3 metre's 

peedee replied on 18/06/2020 12:20

Posted on 18/06/2020 12:20

 You should pay Class3 on the French Autoroutes including bridge and tunnel tolls where applied. These are roughly twice that of class 2.

peedee

Kasspa replied on 18/06/2020 20:39

Posted on 18/06/2020 20:39

Another interesting post as my MH is 2.89 high but the Teleco aerial puts it up to 3.05.....

henniek replied on 24/06/2020 14:51

Posted on 24/06/2020 14:51

On a similar note might some of you recommend portable fans and also has anyone tried the Fiamme fans that go in your skylight?  Thanks in advance as I too am new to much of this!

 

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