
Swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, are a great way to keep your camper cool in hot, dry climates. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to build, and highly effective in low-humidity environments. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of swamp coolers and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make your own evaporative cooler for your camper.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Cost | $40-$50 for parts |
Effectiveness | Drops temperature by 15°-40°F |
Conditions | Works best in hot, dry climates |
Power | 12-volt DC power |
Parts | Bucket, cooler pad, submersible water pump, fan, vinyl tubing, wire |
Installation | Cut holes in the bucket, attach fan, roll up and insert cooler pad, attach vinyl tubing to pump, poke holes in tubing, wire electrical connections, fill bucket with water |
What You'll Learn
Parts needed for a swamp cooler
Swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, are a great way to keep your camper cool without breaking the bank. They are especially effective in hot and dry climates.
The main components you will need to build a swamp cooler are:
- A bucket or water reservoir: This will hold the water that is used to cool the air. A 5-gallon bucket with a lid is a good option, but any container that can hold a few gallons of water will work.
- A cooler pad: Aspen pads are commonly recommended for their effectiveness in cooling. The pad should be rolled up and inserted into the bucket, with trimming as needed.
- A water pump: Look for a small, submersible 12-volt DC water pump to circulate the water.
- A fan: A 12-volt fan, such as a CPU case fan, is ideal as it draws very little current and operates quietly. This will be used to blow air through the cooler pad and into the camper.
- Vinyl tubing: This will be attached to the water pump and run along the perimeter of the cooler pad. Small holes should be poked into the tubing to allow water to drip onto the pad.
- A power source: The swamp cooler can be powered by a standard 12-volt electrical connection, such as an old cell phone charger connector.
- A frame: You can build a simple frame to hold the fan and cooler pad in place, using pieces of 1-inch pine wood and a skill saw.
In addition to these main parts, you will also need some wire to connect the electrical components and a switch for turning the cooler on and off.
The total cost for the parts should be around $50, and you may already have some of the items, such as the bucket and vinyl tubing, lying around your house.
Best Places to Park Your Camper in Pennsylvania
You may want to see also
Steps to build a swamp cooler
Swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, are a great way to keep your camper cool in hot, dry climates. They are relatively inexpensive, highly effective, and use very little electrical power.
- Gather the necessary materials: a 5-gallon bucket with a lid, a cooler pad (preferably Aspen pads), a 12-volt mini DC submersible water pump, a 12-volt fan (CPU case fans are recommended for their quiet operation and low current draw), vinyl tubing, and some wire.
- Cut holes in the side of the bucket, at least four inches up from the bottom. These will serve as the air inlets.
- Cut a hole in the bucket lid and attach the fan. This will be the air outlet.
- Roll up the cooler pad and insert it into the bucket. You may need to trim the pad to fit it properly.
- Attach the vinyl tubing to the pump and place the pump at the bottom of the bucket. Run the tubing up and around the perimeter of the cooler pad.
- Poke small holes in the downside of the vinyl tubing. This will allow water to drip onto the cooler pad when the pump is running.
- Wire all the electrical connections. It is recommended to wire in an on/off switch and a standard 12-volt electrical connection for power. An old cell phone charger connector can be used for this.
- Fill the bucket with water.
Note that swamp coolers work on the principle of evaporating water to cool the air. Therefore, they are most effective in low-humidity environments. The physics behind this cooling method relies on the evaporation of water to lower the air temperature. As a result, swamp coolers may not perform as efficiently in high-humidity areas.
By following these steps, you can create a simple yet effective swamp cooler to keep your camper comfortable during hot weather.
Car Campers: Welcome to RV Parks?
You may want to see also
How swamp coolers work
Swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, are a cheap, efficient, and environmentally friendly way to cool your home. They are particularly effective in hot, dry climates, such as the arid western and southwestern regions of the United States.
The basic principle behind swamp coolers is evaporative cooling. When hot, dry air passes over or through water, it cools off. Swamp coolers work by drawing outside air into a blower or fan, which then pushes the air through a set of damp pads where the evaporation takes place, and finally into the house. A small pump keeps the pads moist, and the water is collected in a pan or bucket at the bottom of the unit. The cooler air is then pushed into the house through a duct, and the warmer air is pushed out through open windows or doors. This process also adds humidity to the air, which can be beneficial in dry climates.
To make your own swamp cooler for a camper, you will need the following parts:
- A 5-gallon bucket with a lid
- A cooler pad (Aspen pads work best)
- A 12-volt mini DC submersible water pump
- A 12-volt fan (CPU case fans are a good option due to their low current draw and quiet operation)
- Vinyl tubing
- Wire
The first step is to cut holes in the side of the bucket at least four inches up from the bottom to serve as air inlets. Next, cut a hole in the bucket lid and attach the fan, which will serve as the air outlet. Roll up the cooler pad and insert it into the bucket, trimming it as needed. Attach the vinyl tubing to the pump and place it at the bottom of the bucket, running the tubing up and around the perimeter of the cooler pad. Poke small holes in the downside of the tubing to allow water to drip onto the cooler pad. Wire all the electrical connections, including an on/off switch and a standard 12-volt electrical connection for power. Finally, fill the bucket with water.
It is important to note that swamp coolers are most effective in low-humidity environments. If the air is already humid, the evaporation process will not occur as efficiently, and the cooler may not be able to lower the temperature significantly.
Exploring Camper Trailer Hire Costs and Benefits
You may want to see also
Benefits of swamp coolers
Swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, are a cheap and effective way to cool your camper. They are especially useful in hot, dry climates.
Energy Efficiency
Swamp coolers require significantly less energy than traditional air conditioning systems. They use the natural process of water evaporation to cool the air, reducing energy consumption by up to 75%. This is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly as it lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
Improved Air Quality
Swamp coolers improve indoor air quality by drawing in outside air and filtering it through moist pads. This process traps potential contaminants and allergens, resulting in a continuous supply of fresh, filtered air. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions.
Cost-Effective Installation and Maintenance
Installing and maintaining a swamp cooler is generally more affordable than a centralised air conditioning system. They have fewer mechanical components, which reduces installation and maintenance costs. Their straightforward design and operation make them easy to maintain, extending their longevity.
Quiet Operation
Swamp coolers typically operate more quietly than conventional air conditioners as they lack a compressor and other high-noise components. This makes them ideal for residential areas and noise-sensitive workplaces.
Continuous Fresh Air Supply
Swamp coolers constantly draw in and circulate fresh air, preventing the buildup of stale air and reducing indoor pollutant concentrations. This fosters a healthier living and working environment.
Customization and Versatility
Swamp coolers can be customised to cater to specific needs, making them adaptable for various industrial and residential applications.
Effective Ways to Remove Mildew from Your Camper
You may want to see also
Commercial vs. homemade swamp coolers
Swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, are a great way to keep your camper cool, especially in hot, dry climates. They work by using a fan to blow air across a cool, wet pad, which then evaporates the water and lowers the temperature of the surrounding air. This can be a more energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional air conditioners.
When it comes to choosing between a commercial and a homemade swamp cooler, there are several factors to consider:
Cost
Commercial swamp coolers can range in price from around $40 for small, portable units to over $1,600 for permanent, roof-mounted units. On the other hand, a homemade swamp cooler can be made for around $50, as outlined in the Truck Camper Magazine article. If you're on a tight budget, a homemade swamp cooler may be a more economical option.
Ease of Use
Commercial swamp coolers are typically designed to be easy to use and often come fully assembled, so you can just plug them in and turn them on. Homemade swamp coolers, on the other hand, require some time and effort to build, and you'll need to gather the necessary parts and tools. If you're handy and enjoy DIY projects, building your own swamp cooler can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Performance
Both commercial and homemade swamp coolers can effectively cool a camper, but the performance may vary depending on the specific model or design. Commercial swamp coolers often have higher airflow ratings and more advanced features, such as electronic controls and remote operation. Homemade swamp coolers may not be as powerful, but they can still provide significant cooling effects, especially in dry climates.
Maintenance
Commercial swamp coolers typically require regular maintenance, such as cleaning and servicing every six months, to ensure they function properly. Homemade swamp coolers may also require regular maintenance, but the process may be simpler since they have fewer components. However, it's important to note that cheap evaporative coolers may fail prematurely due to the stresses of loading, unloading, and constant use.
Size and Portability
Commercial swamp coolers come in a variety of sizes, from small portable units to large industrial models. Homemade swamp coolers are typically smaller and more portable, as they are often designed to fit in a camper or tent. If you're looking for a compact and lightweight option, a homemade swamp cooler may be a better choice.
In conclusion, both commercial and homemade swamp coolers have their advantages and disadvantages. Commercial swamp coolers offer convenience, advanced features, and higher cooling capacities, but they may be more expensive. Homemade swamp coolers are more affordable, customizable, and portable but may require more time and effort to build and maintain. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.
VW Camper Insurance: How Much Does It Cost?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, are devices that cool the air through the evaporation of water. They work best in hot, dry climates and are a great way to keep campers cool.
Swamp coolers work by drawing air through a water-soaked membrane, causing the water to evaporate as the air comes into the living space. This cooler air is then directed inside, pushing warmer air out through open windows or doors.
Swamp coolers are a more cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning. They can save you money on electricity bills and are also more environmentally friendly. Additionally, they increase humidity levels, which can be more comfortable and help prevent wood from shrinking and warping.
To make a swamp cooler, you'll need a few basic components such as a bucket, a cooler pad, a submersible water pump, a fan, vinyl tubing, and some wire. Cut holes in the side and lid of the bucket, attach the fan to the lid, insert the cooler pad, and connect the tubing to the pump. Wire the electrical connections, fill the bucket with water, and you're ready to go!
The cost of making a swamp cooler can vary depending on the materials used and your location, but it is generally an affordable option. Most people report spending around $50 on parts, with some basic models costing even less.