This review dives into the Country Mod 12V air conditioner, a promising solution for van lifers seeking efficient climate control. We detail our experience installing and testing this unit in our Camp Maker Vans, comparing it to other options on the market. Our focus is on real-world performance, exploring its cooling capabilities under extreme heat, energy consumption, and overall practicality for van dwelling. We’ll cover installation ease, weight considerations, and the impact on interior space. Crucially, we’ll examine the unit's power draw and battery life, along with our charging setup and strategies for maximizing battery usage.This in-depth analysis assesses the Country Mod AC's effectiveness in managing interior temperatures, especially during heatwaves. We’ll present data from our tests, highlighting the unit's performance across various operating modes – turbo, eco, and sleep – and detailing battery usage under different conditions. Our findings will help you decide if the Country Mod 12V air conditioner is a game-changer for your van life setup, weighing its benefits against potential challenges and offering practical advice for successful integration.
Pros And Cons
- Efficient: Offers eco and sleep modes with lower wattage and BTU usage.
- Fast Cooling: Cools van interior by at least 20°F from outside temperature in about an hour (in turbo mode).
- Standard Size: Fits standard 14x14 RV vent openings.
- Lightweight: Weighs 57 lbs (significantly lighter than other AC units).
- Low Profile: 7 inches tall, minimizing impact on gas mileage.
- Easy Installation: Relatively easy to install; existing support beams may be sufficient.
- User-Friendly: Interior unit is easy to use.
- BTU rating may be overstated by marketing.
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The Upgrade from Max Fan to Country Mod
After successfully preparing a van for sale equipped with a Max fan in May, I was intrigued by the emergence of efficient inverter air conditioning units from Out Equip Pro and Country Mod. This prompted a serious consideration of integrating AC into our Camp Maker Vans.
Both brands showed significant promise in terms of efficiency. Numerous positive reviews and installations further solidified their reputations. Ultimately, Country Mod's unit was selected due to its comparable efficiency and size to the Out Equip Pro option.
While some manufacturers exaggerate BTU ratings, actual cooling performance in extreme heat is paramount. We found that Country Mod's unit, operating near 10,000 BTUs in turbo mode, could effectively lower interior temperatures by at least 20°F in an hour. Subsequent operation in Eco and Sleep modes demonstrated energy-saving capabilities.
Installation and Physical Characteristics
The Country Mod AC unit's significant advantage is its compatibility with standard 14x14 RV vents, streamlining installation. Its lighter weight (57 lbs) compared to other units (90-100 lbs) made the process easier, minimizing roof reinforcement requirements.
Unlike many van builds needing robust steel support, the existing Max Fan support structure proved sufficient for the Country Mod unit. The low profile (7 inches tall) and streamlined design minimize the impact on gas mileage during highway driving.
The interior unit is only 2 inches thick, preventing significant intrusion into the van's interior space. The vents provide effective airflow, and the control panel is intuitive and user-friendly.
Power Consumption and Battery Performance
The practicality of a 280 amp-hour battery to power the AC was thoroughly tested. Initial testing was conducted with a single 280 amp-hour battery; there is space to add another for extended use if needed.
A 10-hour test under 95-97°F external temperatures, using settings ranging from turbo to eco modes, showed approximately 103 amp-hours consumption (reducing the battery to 63%). Overnight window-opening and morning solar recharging increased the battery level to 77%.
A second daytime test using eco mode resulted in around 24 amp-hour savings, ending the day with 49% battery life remaining. This demonstrated the efficient energy management enabled by the various operating modes.
Charging and Conclusion
A Kiss DMT 1250 system (50-amp solar and DC-to-DC charging) was utilized for battery replenishment. A Victron smart shunt with a Bluetooth app provided real-time battery monitoring.
While extreme heat testing was limited to a specific heatwave period, the Country Mod unit efficiently cooled the van despite high ambient temperatures. Strategic use of eco mode balances cooling with power conservation.
Overall, this AC unit offers significant advantages. Its compact design, low weight, and energy-efficient operation are complemented by effective cooling performance. While battery capacity remains a consideration, effective charging strategies, shade parking, and driving time can further mitigate any concerns.
