Universal Electric 12V Air Conditioning Kit – Cooling Only

12V / 24V Universal Electric Air-Conditioning System (Cooling Only)

COOLING ONLY – no heater function.

This universal electric air-conditioning kit is designed for vehicles that need reliable cabin cooling without relying on the engine. Perfect for classic cars, hot rods, 4x4s, machinery, trucks, caravans, campers, off-grid builds and custom projects where a belt-driven compressor just isn’t practical.

Available in both 12V and 24V versions. You must select the correct voltage when ordering.

12V Air Conditioning Kit: The Ultimate Cooling Solution

This 12V / 24V universal A/C system is ideal for:

• Classic cars and hot rods
• 4x4 conversions and engine-swap builds
• Caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes
• Machinery, tractors and heavy equipment
• Work trucks and vehicles that idle for long periods
• Off-grid setups and custom projects where space is tight
• Vehicles that can’t run a traditional belt-driven compressor

How the System Works

The kit uses a high-tech 20cc brushless inverter compressor driven completely by 12V or 24V power. There are no belts, no pulleys and no reliance on engine RPM.

As the cabin cools down, the compressor automatically slows down to reduce power draw, giving you efficient and stable cooling.

Compressor Speed Modes

• High load: approx. 4500 RPM
• Medium load: approx. 3000 RPM
• Low load: approx. 1500 RPM (maintaining temperature)

The system will usually start at higher speed to pull the temperature down, then step back as the cabin reaches your set point.

Power Usage (Real-World Guide)

Every vehicle and install is different. Cabin size, insulation, glass area and outside temperature all affect current draw. As a realistic ballpark:

• 12V system: up to around 45A peak under full load
• 24V system: up to around 22.5A peak under full load

Once the cabin has cooled down and the compressor drops into the lower speed ranges, actual current draw is noticeably lower.

Alternator & Electrical Requirements

Older vehicles with small factory alternators will usually need an upgrade. As a general guide:

• For 12V systems, aim for a 100A alternator or larger
• If you’re also running big fans, pumps, ECUs etc, allow extra capacity
• On 24V systems, current draw is roughly half, so electrical load is easier to manage

If you’re unsure about your charging system, reach out and we can point you in the right direction.

Compressor Details

• Brushless inverter compressor – approx. 20cc / 600W
• Runs on either 12V or 24V (model selected at order)
• Soft-start to prevent voltage spikes on start-up
• Low-voltage shutdown to protect your batteries
• Supplied pre-oiled from the factory – no extra oil needed
• Includes a universal mounting kit

The compressor can be mounted under the bonnet, under the vehicle, inside a guard or inside the cabin. For best performance, mount it reasonably close to the condenser.

Condenser Setup

The condenser can be mounted in almost any position as long as it has good airflow and the hot air can escape.

The fan pushes air through the condenser, and the air coming out the back will be hot. If the condenser is mounted in an enclosed area (for example in a boot or rear quarter), that hot air must be ducted out of the vehicle or compartment.

The condenser includes a built-in filter, which is why this system does not require a separate dryer.

Evaporator Options

The evaporator is the part that mounts inside the vehicle and blows cold air into the cabin. Two main styles are available:

1. Under-Dash Evaporator

• Mounts under the dash
• Has its own vents on the front panel
• Blows cold air directly into the cabin
• Great for simple retrofits and older vehicles

2. Hide-Away / In-Dash Evaporator

• Replaces an old heater box or under-dash unit
• Has ports for ducting to your existing vents
• Perfect for clean builds where you want a factory-style look

Pre-Wired From the Factory

To make fitting easier, the system comes fully pre-wired from the factory. You can set it up on the bench first, plug everything together and see exactly how it works before installing it in the vehicle.

Basic Connections

• 1 x positive wire to battery
• 1 x negative wire to battery
• 1 x purple trigger ignition 
• 3 x fan control wires
  

From there, you simply extend the wiring to suit your vehicle and tidy it into your loom.

Hoses & Fittings

• Kit includes three hoses – each 3 metres long
• Hoses are different sizes so you can’t mix up which one goes where
• All A/C fittings are supplied with the kit

Once you’ve cut the hoses to length, they must be professionally crimped. Most customers use a local hydraulic or power-steering shop to do this.

Warranty

• 1-Year warranty on the complete A/C unit
• 3-Year warranty on the compressor

We stand behind these systems – they’re proven, reliable and designed for real-world Australian conditions.

Shipping & Pickup

• $79 flat-rate shipping Australia-wide via TNT Express
• Pickup available from our Gold Coast (Pimpama) home office by appointment

In Summary

If you need a 12V or 24V universal air-conditioning kit that runs independently of the engine and is designed for real-world use in classic cars, campers, 4x4s, machinery and custom builds, this cooling-only system is a smart, compact solution.

Choose your voltage, plan your mounting positions, and you’ve got modern electric A/C in vehicles that were never meant to have it.