I have a crazy idea.....

[SoccerMom4x4]

So, I'm in the process of ripping out my interior and turning my Astroglide into a camper. Because of my layout I won't need the rear heat or the rear A/C so I will be removing both of them..or so I thought... Now I'm wondering if I can somehow convert my A/C into a mini refrigerator. I can relocate the AC unit closer to the drivers seat and build a cabinet around it. Can I somehow utilize the cooling power of the A/C to keep an ice chest cold while driving and then throw ice in the chest when parked for long periods of time? Again, a crazy idea that might not even work but how cool would that be?! Flip an A/C switch and enjoy an ice cold brew

[CopperFiremist]

Oh you are on the right track. Do some Googling on interior coolers. You may have to get new lines made up if you intend to move it from its OEM location! Good luck!

[TurnNburn]

Of course it will work! With enough proper insulation and a small enough space it would work pretty well actually. As long as you didn't open the door after the engine was turned off.

With that being said, there are a few pretty awesome 12v "coolers" that work great and are cheap. More affordable then diy.

[97cargocrawler]

Sounds cool. I think the only concern may be the lines/evaporator freezing up. I think there needs to be a decent differential in air temp from one side of the evap to the other to prevent freezing. You may not be able to achieve that in such a confined space since all the air will be pretty dang cold. But, I dunno crap about a/c.

[WimpTech]

I L O V E I T ! ! !

What a great concept! Well, let's see.... The biggest issue I see is cost for custom lines, other than that... with a very low CFM fan, lots of insulation... why not! You could integrate a cooler into your camper design, got a mark up?

[AstroWill]

I don't see this working out well... I would stick with a commercially available cooler.

[WimpTech]

Well yeah... but what's the fun in THAT?!!

[icebrrg3rd]

I know some newer Chryslers along with other makers have cooler type glove boxes, it routes the A/C thru the glove box and there is some extra insulation around it too. Not saying it will replace a fridge but will keep your soda cool. Point is that even the OEMs use the A/C for fridge purposes.

-Andrew

[AstroWill]

Ducting an existing vent would work ok, as long as you remember to keep it on...don't forget about your chocolate in there when it's time to turn the heat on ;)

[97cargocrawler]

I guess you need to decide if it's cold beer or ice cream you desire.

[markmitch]

Many years ago I thought about ducting AC cooled air through the intake of a carburetored engine to get more power as cooled air is better to build horsepower due to it being condensed. Of course I never did it but it sounded good. Why not give your idea a try? I never did it simply because at that time in my life I was without priorities. Mark

[Big_kid]

Kinda like I was going to see what happened if I routed nitrous from a can of whipped cream into the intake. Never got around to trying it out.

[AstroWill]

Kinda like I was going to see what happened if I routed nitrous from a can of whipped cream into the intake. Never got around to trying it out.

Would probably be as effective.

[markmitch]

well you have to understand what made me think that for you to understand why I was thinking that. Back in the late 70's early 80's people would have a cool can to run there fuel lines through this can. It would have a coil of fuel line inside then they would load it with ice this would create a cooler charge of fuel into the engine which would make the molecules in the fuel to become dense which by there standards along with some science made it twice as flammable or rather combustible. So my assumption as a kid with very little automotive experience came up with the idea of the AC being used the same way but had no knowledge of AC or truly how an engine made power. So excuse me for being ignorant back then, I see it as being pretty innovative considering my age and level of experience or schooling on he subject considering about 3 years after one of the nascar teams attempted it by adding ac lines through the intake manifold it was not successful but it was tried.

[Big_kid]

NOBODY succeeds without trying. Some just try more than others.

That nitrous thing I mentioned almost happened. I had a Camaro with a 267 that smoked like a chimney due to worn valve guides. I was all set to try it on the weekend I was swapping in a rebuilt engine, but before I got home my buddies disconnected everything. Next time...

[Astrofarian]

NOBODY succeeds without trying. Some just try more than others.

That nitrous thing I mentioned almost happened. I had a Camaro with a 267 that smoked like a chimney due to worn valve guides. I was all set to try it on the weekend I was swapping in a rebuilt engine, but before I got home my buddies disconnected everything. Next time...

Canned whipped cream.....on the weekend? So, this was going to be a SUNDAE project?

Seriously though, I don't see the harm in trying this. A lot of variables that are unknown here but the fastest way I can see to discover what they may be is to try it. Just keep it simple; if it doesn't work out, it can get removed ......which is what the O.P. was planning originally anyway.
-M!ke-

[AstroWill]

well you have to understand what made me think that for you to understand why I was thinking that. Back in the late 70's early 80's people would have a cool can to run there fuel lines through this can. It would have a coil of fuel line inside then they would load it with ice this would create a cooler charge of fuel into the engine which would make the molecules in the fuel to become dense which by there standards along with some science made it twice as flammable or rather combustible. So my assumption as a kid with very little automotive experience came up with the idea of the AC being used the same way but had no knowledge of AC or truly how an engine made power. So excuse me for being ignorant back then,

Youse guys are so sensitive. I can see the reasoning behind cooler fuel, however, doing it with A/C isn't something that would make sense because of how much energy it takes to compress the refrigerant. Never know, could happen.

considering about 3 years after one of the nascar teams attempted it by adding ac lines through the intake manifold it was not successful but it was tried.

Really, they added an entire A/C system to attempt to cool the intake? I would love to see some documentation on this. would really be an interesting read.

NOBODY succeeds without trying. Some just try more than others.

Of course, it's always good to try new things, that is what I always tell her.

That nitrous thing I mentioned almost happened. I had a Camaro with a 267 that smoked like a chimney due to worn valve guides. I was all set to try it on the weekend I was swapping in a rebuilt engine, but before I got home my buddies disconnected everything. Next time...

I think that is the best way to send off an engine. I blew up the 4.3 in my first Tiger, it had a horrible knock, I wasn't going to let it leave peacefully. I already had the one I bought from CM, so it was only going to go to the scrap yard. I did fail however, at getting it on video. Hey guys, watch this ;)

[WimpTech]

[KyleS]

Did this A/C ice box idea ever gain traction? I just bought an 03 to build-out a camper van and as I was gutting the interior yesterday, I had the exact same thought. I figured I'd leave it where it is and just build the ice box next to it in that corner but now that you mention it, behind the driver seat would be more convenient.

[AstroWill]

I'm pretty sure that it hasn't, and won't. Look at the 12vdc compressor fridges, so far they are the best of what is available.