Red Dot Corp., a provider of climate control systems for heavy-duty vehicles and off-highway equipment, said it now offers Sleeping Well battery-powered auxiliary air-conditioning systems through its network of warehouse distributors in Canada and the United States. The systems are sold as complete aftermarket installation kits that fit almost any commercial vehicle. The all-electric A/C systems can maintain a cool, comfortable cab and sleeper environment while the truck engine is turned off, burning no fuel and producing no emissions and little noise. In addition, they require no regular maintenance, according to Red Dot.
The company offers two Sleeping Well models: the wall-mounted, high-capacity Arctic 2000 (Red Dot model No. R-1200-0p) for sleeper-equipped tractors and the roof-mounted OBLO (R-1205-0p) for straight trucks, vans, and other vehicles with enclosed cabs. Indel B of Italy, a global provider of 12/24-volt cooling and refrigeration products for commercial vehicles and other applications, makes both units.
They are CARB-compliant and U.S. EPA SmartWay-approved and meet the need for reliable, effective battery-powered air conditioners. The systems are an ideal complement to an air heater to provide a complete engine-off aftermarket auxiliary HVAC system for the cab and sleeper, according to the company.
Key features: Arctic 2000
The Arctic 2000 provides up to 6,150 Btu/hr of cooling and can maintain a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle for 10 to 12 hours in typical use, the maker said. It’s a three-piece system: an evaporator (mounts on the inside of the sleeper); condenser (mounts on the exterior of the sleeper); and compact under-bunk compressor unit. Total weight is approximately 81 lbs., not including batteries.
For energy-efficiency, the Arctic 2000 uses twin low-voltage Danfoss compressors with dedicated thermostats: one for maintaining a set temperature, the other for temperature pull-down in demanding situations. Maximum power consumption is 75 amp/hr. The Arctic 2000 is powered by four dedicated auxiliary Group 31 AGM batteries with a standard low-voltage cutout.
Key features: OBLO
The OBLO provides up to 3,250 Btu/hr of cooling and involves a simple through-the-roof installation on most trucks, according to Red Dot. It is self-contained and pre-charged with R134a—just connect power. The OBLO consumes a maximum of 29 amps/hour and a minimum of 15 amps/hour. The low-profile design can be installed on truck roofs with inclinations up to 25 degrees. Total weight is approximately 55 lbs.
