Zach Woods
New member
Very thorough history of A/C on the Airstream Sprinter Westfalias.
*****
By the way, some history on the A/C. The European James Cook
Sprinter does not have A/C--apparently Europeans aren't big into
A/C. Our Westfalia is the American version of the James Cook
Sprinter, and the A/C was added (along with the Onan generator).
If you look at the interior photos of the James Cook Sprinter, there
are no A/C vents and that interior compartment space is used for
storage (accessible from the bathroom). If I recall correctly,
there's also an available roof hatch in the kitchen (not available
for the American market as the A/C unit eats up that space on top of
the roof).
The original sleeker looking A/C was from Kerstner. Immediately,
buyers were complaining that the output was inadequate for the
American climate. After discussions apparently among Airstream,
Westfalia and Kerstner, a new replacement A/C unit was retrofitted
into existing Westfalias in March/April 2005 and used for the new
ones. This new A/C has a much higher cooling output (which required
a higher output from the 12 volt converter, heavier wire from
converter to 120 volt circuit breaker, and higher amp circuit
breaker).
Both the original and new A/C units are from Kerstner (a German
company), and run off the vehicle alternator (200 amp alternator).
When plugged into 120 volt or off the generator, a converter (behind
the bright metallic cover in the hot water heater compartment on the
side) converts to 12 volts (actually a bit more)--so the A/C doesn't
run off 120 volts directly.
The big plus of this A/C unit is the ability to run it while driving
(without having to run generator). Kerstner makes a variety of A/C
units for mobile use, including a totally refrigerated body for the
Sprinter.
Downside is that the A/C and generator add quite a bit of weight--
probably a couple hundred pounds. Also, there's little English
information available on the Kerstner website (so don't know the
specs on this new A/C).
*****
By the way, some history on the A/C. The European James Cook
Sprinter does not have A/C--apparently Europeans aren't big into
A/C. Our Westfalia is the American version of the James Cook
Sprinter, and the A/C was added (along with the Onan generator).
If you look at the interior photos of the James Cook Sprinter, there
are no A/C vents and that interior compartment space is used for
storage (accessible from the bathroom). If I recall correctly,
there's also an available roof hatch in the kitchen (not available
for the American market as the A/C unit eats up that space on top of
the roof).
The original sleeker looking A/C was from Kerstner. Immediately,
buyers were complaining that the output was inadequate for the
American climate. After discussions apparently among Airstream,
Westfalia and Kerstner, a new replacement A/C unit was retrofitted
into existing Westfalias in March/April 2005 and used for the new
ones. This new A/C has a much higher cooling output (which required
a higher output from the 12 volt converter, heavier wire from
converter to 120 volt circuit breaker, and higher amp circuit
breaker).
Both the original and new A/C units are from Kerstner (a German
company), and run off the vehicle alternator (200 amp alternator).
When plugged into 120 volt or off the generator, a converter (behind
the bright metallic cover in the hot water heater compartment on the
side) converts to 12 volts (actually a bit more)--so the A/C doesn't
run off 120 volts directly.
The big plus of this A/C unit is the ability to run it while driving
(without having to run generator). Kerstner makes a variety of A/C
units for mobile use, including a totally refrigerated body for the
Sprinter.
Downside is that the A/C and generator add quite a bit of weight--
probably a couple hundred pounds. Also, there's little English
information available on the Kerstner website (so don't know the
specs on this new A/C).