Installing the Piccolo Splitter Stand-Alone Air Conditioner: Compact Cab Cooling for Trucks

A truck cab can heat up quickly on hot days. While driving, the vehicle’s air conditioning keeps the cab cool, but as soon as the engine is turned off, the cooling usually stops as well. This is especially uncomfortable when the driver is taking a break in the cab, spending the night, or doing paperwork.

With the Piccolo Splitter, the cab stays pleasantly cool even when the engine is off. This compact split-type air conditioner takes up no space on the cab roof or directly behind the cab. This makes the system particularly suitable for, among other things, heavy-haul transport, car transport, and trucks where the roof hatch must remain clear.

Rietveld is the exclusive dealer for the Piccolo Splitter in the Benelux and handles the entire process: from vehicle-specific advice and professional installation to maintenance and repair.

Why install a parking air conditioner in a truck?

For a driver, the cab is more than just a place to drive. On long trips lasting several days, it also serves as a workspace, a rest area, and a sleeping quarters. High interior temperatures make it harder to take comfortable breaks and get proper rest.

A parking air conditioner operates independently of the vehicle’s engine. This means the driver doesn’t have to keep the engine idling to cool the cab. This offers several advantages:

• Greater comfort during breaks and overnight stays.
• Less engine noise at parking lots and rest areas.
• No fuel consumption from idling to cool the cab.
• Lower local emissions while the vehicle is stationary.
• A more pleasant working and resting environment for the driver.
• Cooling without using the vehicle’s standard air conditioning.

An auxiliary air conditioner thus not only enhances comfort but also promotes good employment practices and more efficient vehicle utilization.

What is the Piccolo Splitter?

The Piccolo Splitter is a compact stationary air conditioner consisting of two separate units. The evaporator unit is installed inside the cab. The compressor unit is mounted outside the cab, typically on the underside of the vehicle.

With a traditional roof-mounted air conditioner, the main components are all located on the cab roof. The Piccolo Splitter’s split design gives the technician more freedom in determining the installation locations.

The Piccolo Splitter PS3000 was developed for use in trucks and is available in a 24V version, among others. Depending on the vehicle and the application, Rietveld can assess which version and installation method are appropriate.

The roof hatch remains accessible

A key advantage of the Piccolo Splitter is that the system does not need to be mounted on or inside the roof hatch. As a result, the roof hatch remains intact and accessible.

This can be important for several reasons:

• The roof hatch must remain accessible as an emergency exit.
• Other equipment is already mounted on the roof.
• Additional vehicle height is undesirable.
• The vehicle owner does not want major roof modifications.
• The driver wants to continue using the roof hatch for ventilation or natural light.

Especially for vehicles with specific safety or installation requirements, retaining the roof hatch can be a decisive factor in choosing a split system.

The rear of the cab also remains accessible

With some stationary air conditioning units, the outdoor unit is mounted against the rear wall of the cab. That is not always possible. For heavy-haul transport, car transport, and vehicles with a specific body or superstructure, the space behind the cab may be needed for cargo, piping, or other equipment.

With the Piccolo Splitter, the compressor unit is mounted under the cab. This keeps the rear of the cab clear as well. The system therefore does not take up any usable space above or directly behind the cab.

This mounting method makes the Piccolo Splitter suitable for trucks on which a standard roof- or rear-wall-mounted solution is practically impossible to install.

Suitable for DAF XF and XG

The new generations of DAF XF and XG offer drivers a spacious and comfortable cab. At the same time, the design of these cabs requires careful selection and placement of additional equipment.

Thanks to the compact size of the indoor unit, a suitable position for the Piccolo Splitter can be found inside the cab without having to remove the roof hatch. The outdoor unit is mounted beneath the cab, leaving the rear wall unobstructed as well.

That is why, according to Rietveld, the Piccolo Splitter is suitable for DAF XF and XG models. The exact installation options depend on the specific vehicle, the cab configuration, and any existing accessories.

Rietveld assesses the following in advance, among other things:

• The exact DAF model and cab variant.
• The available location for the indoor unit.
• The installation space under the cab.
• The routing of cables and cooling lines.
• The condition and capacity of the battery system.
• The preferences of the driver and fleet manager.

Also available for Volvo, MAN, Scania, and other trucks

In addition to DAF, the Piccolo Splitter can also be used with various models from Volvo, MAN, and Scania, among others. The system is not limited to a single truck brand.

However, each installation is vehicle-specific. Cab layouts, moving parts, storage options, and installation space vary by make and model. A solution that works well in one vehicle cannot automatically be installed in the same way in another cab.

That is why Rietveld always begins with a technical assessment. This ensures that a standard solution does not compromise accessibility, ease of use, or maintenance options.

Up to approximately six hours of cooling

The Piccolo Splitter is designed for low energy consumption. Under suitable conditions, according to the product information, the system can provide approximately six hours of cooling without draining the vehicle’s battery.

The actual operating time depends on several factors:

• The capacity and condition of the batteries.
• The outside temperature.
• The desired interior temperature.
• The insulation and dimensions of the cabin.
• The selected fan and cooling settings.
• The number of times doors and windows are opened.
• The amount of sunlight on the cab.

The stated operating time is therefore not a fixed guarantee for every truck or situation. For reliable operation, it is important that the electrical system be tailored to the stationary air conditioner and the expected usage.

Quiet and comfortable during rest periods

A parking air conditioner is often used when the driver is resting or sleeping. Therefore, in addition to cooling capacity, the noise level is also important.

The Piccolo Splitter is designed to minimize vibrations and noise. Because the compressor unit is mounted outside and below the cab, a major source of noise is not located directly in the living area.

Quiet operation contributes to a more comfortable stay in the cab. The driver can adjust the temperature without an idling engine next to the bed.

Operable from the cab

The Piccolo Splitter can be operated from inside the cab. Depending on the model, the system features a control panel and a remote control.

This allows the driver to, among other things:

• Turn the air conditioning on and off.
• Set the desired temperature.
• Adjust the fan speed.
• Operate the system without leaving the rest area.
• Check the interior and exterior temperatures.

Available features may vary by model. Rietveld will discuss which controls are included with the selected system upon delivery and installation.

Installing a fixed-position air conditioner requires specialized work

A stationary air conditioner is not a standalone accessory that can be mounted just anywhere. The positioning of both units affects performance, noise level, air distribution, and maintenance options.

During installation, the following components, among others, must be carefully assessed:

• The position and mounting of the indoor unit.
• The placement of the compressor unit under the cab.
• The routing and protection of cooling lines.
• The electrical connection and cable sizing.
• The condensate drain.
• Air circulation in the cab.
• Accessibility for service and maintenance.
• The movement of the cab relative to the chassis.
• The presence of other vehicle systems.

Improper installation can lead to insufficient cooling, malfunctions, noise pollution, moisture problems, or unnecessary strain on the batteries. Professional installation is therefore essential.

Professional Installation by Rietveld

Rietveld has over 25 years of experience installing parking air conditioners and parking heaters. Our technicians ensure a neat and precise installation, tailored to the vehicle and the user’s preferences.

The process typically consists of:

1. Assessment of the vehicle and its intended use.
2. Checking the available installation space.
3. Recommendations on the appropriate system and placement.
4. Scheduling the installation.
5. Professional installation and connection.
6. Check of operation and air distribution.
7. Explanation of operation and daily use.
8. Maintenance and repairs as needed in the future.

This way, you have a single point of contact for both the product and the related technical services.

Why Maintenance Is Necessary for a Stand-Alone Air Conditioner

Just like a truck’s regular air conditioning system, a parking air conditioner also requires maintenance. Dirt, dust, vibrations, moisture, and heavy use can affect performance over time.

Regular maintenance helps to:

• Maintain cooling performance.
• Clean dirty filters and air ducts in a timely manner.
• Check electrical connections.
• Detect wear or damage early.
• Prevent unwanted noise or vibrations.
• Keep the condensate drain clear.
• Minimize malfunctions during hot weather.
• Extend the system’s service life.

It’s best to schedule maintenance before the hottest months. This reduces the chance of a malfunction occurring precisely when the driver needs the cooling the most.

Signs That Your Parking Air Conditioning Needs Maintenance

Don’t always wait until the auxiliary air conditioning fails completely. Reduced performance may be noticeable earlier. Have the system checked when:

• The cab cools more slowly or not sufficiently.
• The airflow becomes weaker.
• The unit is making more noise than before.
• Unusual vibrations occur.
• The parking air conditioner regularly shuts itself off.
• Energy consumption appears to be increasing.
• Moisture or condensation appears in an undesirable location.
• An error message appears.

Rietveld provides both scheduled maintenance and diagnostics and repairs for existing systems. We examine not only the individual unit but also the installation in and around the vehicle.

When should you choose the Piccolo Splitter?

The Piccolo Splitter is an especially good choice if you’re looking for a compact portable air conditioner and want to make the most of the available space.

Consider this solution when:

• The roof hatch needs to remain unobstructed.
• You do not want any additional structure on the cab roof.
• The rear of the cab needs to remain accessible.
• The vehicle is used for heavy-duty or car transport.
• Drivers regularly rest or spend the night in the cab.
• You want to cool the cab without running the engine.
• A quiet and compact integrated solution is important.
• You are using a DAF XF, DAF XG, or other suitable truck model.

A Piccolo Splitter isn’t automatically the best choice for every vehicle. If there’s enough roof space, a roof-mounted air conditioner might be more practical, for example. The right solution depends on a combination of vehicle type, usage, desired cooling duration, available space, and budget.

Advice, installation, and service from a single partner

Rietveld doesn’t just supply the Piccolo Splitter. Our specialists consider the entire application: the vehicle, its use, the driver, and the desired performance.

This means you get:

• Advice based on make, model, and cab.
• A suitable and carefully selected installation location.
• Professional installation by experienced technicians.
• Explanation of operation and energy consumption.
• Maintenance and repairs after installation.
• A single point of contact for questions and support.

This way, you’re not just investing in a standard air conditioner, but in a sustainable climate solution for your driver’s work and rest areas.

Want to have the Piccolo Splitter installed?

Would you like to have a parking air conditioner installed without sacrificing the roof hatch or the rear of the cab? Let Rietveld assess whether the Piccolo Splitter is suitable for your truck, application, and requirements.

From DAF XF and XG to Volvo, MAN, Scania, and vehicles for special transport applications: our specialists advise on the right configuration and handle installation, maintenance, and support.

Cool the cab without running the engine
Rietveld handles the entire process, from consultation and professional installation to maintenance and repair.

Together. Expert. Moving forward.