The Cool Down
Off-gridder shares essential tips for beating summer heat inside 'tin can' trai…
Content creator Zak Collings shared his technique for keeping a trailer cool off-grid.
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Off-Grid RV Cooling: Utah Resident's Solar-Powered AC Solution
Utah Desert Dweller Pioneers Solar-Powered RV Cooling Solution Zak Collings, an off-grid resident in the Utah desert, has developed an innovative method to keep his RV cool during scorching summer temperatures, relying on solar power rather than traditional generators. Collings, who previously struggled with an inefficient roof-mounted air conditioning unit that consumed excessive gasoline and even posed a fire risk, has transitioned to a more sustainable setup. His new system incorporates a standard window air conditioner, which he has ingeniously installed in an RV window, connected to a 2000-watt Anker power bank. "That roof AC unit almost caught my trailer on fire in the middle of the winter, and I still have no idea why," Collings stated, highlighting the challenges of conventional cooling in an off-grid environment. He explained that his previous 3000-watt generator struggled to power the old AC and consumed a significant amount of fuel. The Anker power bank is continuously recharged by 400 watts of solar panels, allowing Collings to run the window AC unit for approximately eight hours straight before needing to switch to a gasoline generator for supplementary power. This setup enables him to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature of around 72 degrees Fahrenheit, even when outside temperatures reach 81 degrees. Collings' solution offers a practical blueprint for other off-grid enthusiasts seeking efficient and eco-friendly ways to manage climate control in their mobile or remote dwellings.
