Nomadic AC 24V Air Conditioner Install For Your DIY Build

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Having an AC in our build is such a game changer for our lifestyle on the road! We never had an AC in our van build, but there were plenty of moments where it would have been nice to have, so that we could stay in places longer. Our MaxxFan Install was a great way to cool us off, but sometimes there were days where we hit 95 degrees and an AC would really make the difference. This is one of those comforts in a build that truly help make it feel like a home.

Why we chose Nomadic Air Conditioner over other options?

This was one of the lowest profiles that we could find, and considering our box truck is incredibly tall, we didn't want to contribute to that with another high profile AC. This AC also was the perfect dimensions for our roof layout and would fit in between our 480W solar panels with only a few inches to spare.

In addition to that, aesthetically the AC looked great, and comes in a 24 volt option. We also met a lot of people on the road that had this AC and told us how it instantly cools off their living space. Plus they're just rad people to speak to at Nomadic Cooling!

How is it powered?

We did go 24 volts for various reasons, but efficiency factor, the system runs better at a higher voltage. We have lower current in our system so our wire gauges are smaller which saves money. If we got 12v air condtioner it would have had to run a 24V to 12V DC converter to power the AC since our battery system is 24V.

How long can we run our air conditioner for?

We really only use it for really hot days. Most of the time we are in cooler climates but having this option when it is hitting higher temperatures is super nice. When we were finishing up the build, we were in June temps near Joshua Tree, CA and we definitely needed it during the day and at night. We used it pretty much all day long and didn’t have any issue and instantly got relief.

This AC also has various modes to run, one being the Eco Mode which we can run it all night without worry. It draws less power and still cools our living space. It works really well because we installed our AC right by our bed so we can run the vents all towards our direction very easily.

Whats in the box?

Parts & Required Tools

Nomadic 3000 AC

Wire

Wire Crimper

Heatshrink

Heat Gun

Wire loom

Jig Saw & blades

Drill with bits

Angle Grinder

Dicor Self Leveling Lap Sealant Rust-Oleum

Wrench Set

Installation & Electrical Preparation

Now it's time to install a Nomadic 24V AC! Also watch our quick reel on how to install it!

After unboxing it we quickly got to work:

1) First we needed to strip, crimp and heat shrink the 2awg from the AC to our 2awg wire which will run to our Lynx Distributor. Our cieling is very tall so we didn't want to strip, crimp and heat shrink above our heads so we did this before anything else.

2) Traced out the 14x14 Metal Trim Plate from Nomadic onto our roof to prepare for the cut since it was the exact size.

3) Once we knew our cut location, we drilled the corners out to fit the jigsaw blade in and started cutting.

4) Then we used an Angle Grinder and cut off wheel to remove the remainder of the steel roof stud. After the cut has been made, make sure to use a metal file to run down the edges and spray the area with Rust-Oleum.

5) We tested out where the trim ring would go, and with the steel studs cut, it was easy enough to slide the trim underneath the stud area.

6) Next it was time to adhere the 14x14 foam gasket that the AC rests on and used Dicor Lap Sealant to seal around the edges.

7) Almost ready to put the AC on the roof! There is a little foam strip that goes towards the back of the AC which is the same height of the 14x14 foam section. It just helps distribute weight so that it's not hanging over the 14x14 foam alone. It has a sticky adhesive on the back so it's easy to stick on.

8) FINALLY brought the AC up to its new home!

9) Now it's time to make our own wood frame for additional support since we did cut into a roof stud on the box. We glued it all in and had it friction fit against the studs.

10) With the provided hardware, we bolted the metal supports to the air conditioner with our wood frame and that wraps up the install!

The face plate and wiring will be completed once the ceiling is installed. And there you have it! You've officially installed the Nomadic AC!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZG5MT3fPk-Y