Bought a brand new outlander last year. Love it....but I live in Houston and my babies are melting in the backseat. Has anyone installed an additional rear ac unit, and if so how much would this run me? If this has been done, does anyone have any DIY advice, my Dad might be able to do this for me...Also, is there anyone in Houston who does this kind of work?? Thanks in advance!

-Hot In Houston Ness

 

RV conversion supply stores should have the parts, but it might be easier to install a remote start and more window tint instead.

Do you have it on recirculate??

 

Yeah, IO should have opted for remote start from the get go. I purchased during cooler months, I was somehow lulled into a false sense of safety!!! We do have it on recirculate...but these 110 heat index days laugh at that.

 

I think even if you do add a rear AC, the compressor and condensor might still be too small. You would just be adding a 2nd evaporator in the rear. But the coolant would be too warm to be effective.

Did anyone check the refridgerant level in your A/C? Overfilling can actually cause it to work worse than before. Underfilling is also bad. It has to have a specific amount to work properly.

Also, a common problem on outlanders is an issue with the Blend door. If it's not fully closed, it'll pull some hot air in with the cool air. Get a thermometer and put it into the air vent. On the worst and hottest days, the air coming out of the vents should be no more than 55 degrees F once driven for a while. Check all the vents.

 

So it could work....but id have to install a bigger condensor and compressor? So essentially, big bucks?

 

Yes, please read my revised posting above as well. I would check your current vent temperatures first. If it's simply not cold enough, adding a rear evaporator won't make it any colder, just better distribute the cooling effect to the rear. But you could probably achieve the same effect by closing the front vents to push more air through the rear vents.

 

About a month ago we checked the refrigerant levels, but Im sure it wont hurt to check again, especially now that its boiling outside. Ill try the thermometer as well. Thanks!

 

you guys know the outlander have air vents to the rear under the front seats right. Although this is not ideal for cooling. Maybe a add an extra fan or ducting can help you redirect the output.