A/C performance

[absmith]

Hey guys. Lately I've been shopping for a PIU. As you know most them are equipped with front a/c only. How effective are the front air only trucks at cooling the entire cabin? In my area (Missouri) summer temps get up there but the humidity is the real killer. Any body willing to share their first hand experience? Thanks for the help.

 

[KayGee]

As with everything, it depends. With front ac only, you are likely going to have to run a lower temp and/or higher fan speed to ensure adequate cooling of the entire cabin. You may find it needs to be a little cooler in the front to maintain adequate temps in back.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a mid/large SUV without rear air/heat. I did have a minivan without rear air, but it had electric rear vent windows that could be opened slightly to help move air through the entire cabin.

YMMV. Some people may not have an issue with front air only. Only way to know for sure is to try it out. Extended test drive or rental would be the cheapest/easiest ways.

 

[absmith]

Thanks for the reply KayGee. I do have experience with larger vehicles with front a/c only which is what prompted the question. I was really hoping the PIU's a/c system would be higher capacity and more effective. As you know finding these cars with rear a/c isn't the easiest task. The Tahoe PPV could work for me but I really prefer the size of the PIU. Thanks again.

 

[wildct88]

I have a white PIU with just the front AC and have no issues with it here in AZ. Is it hot when i first get in and start to drive, yes. But not any hotter then it was in my gray 16 camaro. Now for people in the back, I'm not sure. Its not too often I have anyone in the back. But up front the AC motor is strong enough to cool you and a front passenger down in a minute or so from when you first start the vehicle. Front windows are tinted too so that may play a role. But not super dark, tint was added when it was a AZ Highway Patrol vehicle.

 

[KayGee]

I have a white PIU with just the front AC and have no issues with it here in AZ. Is it hot when i first get in and start to drive, yes. But not any hotter then it was in my gray 16 camaro. Now for people in the back, I'm not sure. Its not too often I have anyone in the back. But up front the AC motor is strong enough to cool you and a front passenger down in a minute or so from when you first start the vehicle. Front windows are tinted too so that may play a role. But not super dark, tint was added when it was a AZ Highway Patrol vehicle.

Just to clarify, I wasn't trying to say the front performance is not good. Both of mine are fine when it's just 2 people upfront. If you have 4 or 5 people though and it's 90+ outside, you may struggle keeping everyone comfortable with just front ac. YMMV as it's somewhat personal preference. I don't like running my front ac full blast the whole time just to keep it reasonable in the back or to keep the dog cool all the way in back. Much easier with front and rear systems both running at low speeds.

 

[Eric Z]

Does a K9 unit have special set up for the back? Extra vents or something, that could retrofit into other PIU's ?

 

[KayGee]

Does a K9 unit have special set up for the back? Extra vents or something, that could retrofit into other PIU's ?

There are k9 cages/inserts that are designed to work with rear ac. Some also have screens for the rear door windows with fans. Not sure how well they work with only front ac.