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.
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:
An auxiliary air conditioner thus not only enhances comfort but also promotes good employment practices and more efficient vehicle utilization.
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.
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:
Especially for vehicles with specific safety or installation requirements, retaining the roof hatch can be a decisive factor in choosing a split system.
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.
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:
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.
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 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.
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.
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:
Available features may vary by model. Rietveld will discuss which controls are included with the selected system upon delivery and installation.
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:
Improper installation can lead to insufficient cooling, malfunctions, noise pollution, moisture problems, or unnecessary strain on the batteries. Professional installation is therefore essential.
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:
This way, you have a single point of contact for both the product and the related technical services.
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:
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.
Don’t always wait until the auxiliary air conditioning fails completely. Reduced performance may be noticeable earlier. Have the system checked when:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.