Piccolo Splitter

Why Rietveld Partners with Piccolo Splitter

A truck air conditioner shouldn’t just provide good cooling. The solution must also be suited to the vehicle, its body, and daily operations.

For many trucks, roof mounting is undesirable or even impossible. Think of heavy-haul trucks, car transporters, or vehicles where the roof hatch must remain available as an emergency exit. Space may also be needed behind the cab for couplings, hoses, loading structures, or other vehicle components.

That is why Rietveld has partnered with Piccolo Splitter, the manufacturer of a compact split-type air conditioner for truck cabs. The indoor unit is installed inside the cab, and the outdoor unit is mounted beneath the cab. This keeps both the roof and the rear of the cab accessible. Rietveld is the exclusive dealer for Piccolo Splitter in the Benelux.

Through this partnership, we combine:

• Piccolo Splitter’s compact split technology;
• Rietveld’s practical expertise;
• a solution for vehicles with limited installation space;
• expert advice tailored to each truck brand and cab type;
• professional installation, service, and support.

This way, we offer a truck air conditioner that adapts to the vehicle, rather than the other way around.

Moving forward together with expertise.

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The strength of this partnership

Piccolo Splitter: specialist in compact stationary cooling

Piccolo Splitter was developed as a standalone, battery-powered parking air conditioner for use while the vehicle is stationary. The system consists of three main components:

• a compact outdoor unit with a compressor and condenser;
• an indoor unit with an evaporator;
• an inverter for the electrical power supply.

The system is designed for low energy consumption and compact integration into truck cabs. It cools and dehumidifies the cab while the vehicle’s engine is turned off.

Rietveld: specialist in consulting, installation, and custom solutions

Not every cab is the same. The available space varies by make, model, cab height, body style, and application.

Rietveld therefore assesses in advance:

• where the indoor unit can best be placed;
• where the outdoor unit can be mounted safely and securely;
• whether the roof hatch must remain completely unobstructed;
• which pipes and wiring are already in place;
• whether the battery system is suitable;
• how the system can best be integrated into the vehicle.

Our technicians then handle the entire installation and ensure that the system is installed in a practical, safe, and neat manner.

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Why do organizations choose Piccolo Splitter?

The Piccolo Splitter’s greatest strength is its flexible installation.

With traditional roof-mounted air conditioners, the cooling unit is often mounted on the roof or in the roof hatch. This can result in increased vehicle height, the loss of a roof hatch, or limitations in specific transport applications.

With the Piccolo Splitter, the indoor and outdoor units are separate. As a result, you benefit from:

• a clear roof;
• retention of the roof hatch;
• no large unit behind the cab;
• minimal impact on vehicle height;
• flexible placement of the indoor unit;
• a compact outdoor unit under the cab;
• seamless integration into the vehicle.

This makes the solution particularly suitable for trucks where a standard roof-mounted air conditioner would not fit.

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The roof hatch remains fully accessible

In trucks, the roof hatch can serve various functions. It provides ventilation and natural light, but can also serve as an emergency or escape hatch.

The Piccolo Splitter is not mounted in the roof hatch. As a result, the hatch remains intact and fully functional.

This is especially important for:

• heavy haulage;
• car transport;
• vehicles with a safety feature for the roof hatch;
• vehicles with limited overall height;
• trucks with equipment or structures on the roof;
• cabins where a roof opening is not desired.

Rietveld specifically cites keeping the roof and roof hatch unobstructed as one of the most important advantages of this solution.

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No loss of space behind the cab

The space behind the cab is often valuable as well.

For example, this area houses:

• hydraulic systems;
• fuel tanks;
• couplings;
• pipes;
• crane structures;
• spare tires;
• parts of a car transporter;
• loading or lifting structures.

The Piccolo Splitter’s outdoor unit can be mounted under the cab or near the fender. As a result, the system does not take up much space behind the cab, and the truck body remains easily accessible.

This makes the parking air conditioner particularly suitable for vehicles with complex or compact superstructures.

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Comfortable rest with the engine off

The Piccolo Splitter is designed to keep the cab cool and dehumidified while the vehicle is stationary.

As a result, the driver does not need to let the vehicle’s engine idle to maintain a comfortable temperature during a break or overnight stay.

This means:

• greater comfort during rest periods;
• a cooler sleeping cab;
• less noise and vibration;
• no exhaust fumes around the vehicle;
• lower fuel consumption;
• fewer unnecessary engine idling hours.

The system was specifically developed for use while the vehicle is stationary and, according to the manual, should not be used as the primary air conditioning system while driving.

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Up to six hours of stationary cooling

Under suitable conditions, the Piccolo Splitter can cool the cab for several hours while the engine remains turned off.

According to the manufacturer, a runtime of up to approximately six hours is possible, depending on factors such as:

• the condition and capacity of the vehicle’s batteries;
• the outside temperature;
• the set cabin temperature;
• the insulation and size of the cabin;
• solar radiation;
• the use of other electrical equipment.

For the 24V version, the manufacturer recommends a minimum battery capacity of 240 Ah. A low-voltage protection system shuts down the system when the battery voltage drops too low, thereby protecting the vehicle battery.

Rietveld assesses in advance whether the existing battery system is suitable for the selected application.

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Compact and Quiet Indoor Unit

The indoor unit has a compact design and can be mounted in various locations within the cab.

With a width of approximately 54 centimeters, the unit takes up relatively little space. The air outlets are designed to distribute the cooled air evenly throughout the cab. The internal insulation helps minimize vibrations and noise.

The indoor unit features, among other things:

• three fan speeds and an automatic mode;
• temperature display;
• panel controls;
• remote control operation;
• timer function;
• self-diagnosis;
• cooling and dehumidification.

With a specified noise level of approximately 31 dB(A), the indoor unit is designed for quiet operation during breaks and while sleeping.

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Cooling and Dehumidification

A comfortable cabin isn’t just about temperature. High humidity can also make sleeping and resting unpleasant.

The Piccolo Splitter cools the air while simultaneously removing moisture from the cabin. The manufacturer specifies a dehumidification capacity of approximately 14 liters per 24 hours.

This contributes to:

• a more pleasant cabin climate;
• less muggy air;
• less condensation;
• greater sleeping comfort;
• a fresher feeling during rest periods.

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Low power consumption and battery protection

The Piccolo Splitter is powered by the vehicle’s onboard battery and operates via an inverter.

At 24 volts and an outside temperature of approximately 30 °C, the manufacturer specifies a current draw of about 15 to 16 amps. Actual consumption depends on the conditions and the selected settings.

The system is equipped with protection against low battery voltage. When the voltage drops below the set limit, the air conditioning automatically shuts off.

This prevents the vehicle battery from being discharged too much, which could prevent the truck from starting after the rest period.

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Durable copper refrigerant lines

The indoor and outdoor units are connected by pipes.

Piccolo Splitter uses copper pipes for the high- and low-pressure circuits. According to the manufacturer, this material helps minimize refrigerant leaks and maintain performance over the long term.

The pipes are routed along existing cable and pipe routes as much as possible. As a result, major modifications to the exterior of the cab are generally not necessary.

This ensures:

• a neat installation;
• fewer visible modifications;
• reliable refrigerant circulation;
• a durable connection between the indoor and outdoor units;
• preservation of the original cabin shape.

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Tested for Vibrations

A truck’s auxiliary air conditioner is exposed daily to vibrations, shocks, and varying road conditions.

The compressor, condenser, and evaporator units of the Piccolo Splitter have been tested by TÜV SÜD Italy on a vibration table up to 3 g.

This underscores that the system was developed for use in commercial vehicles and is not simply a modified residential air conditioner.

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Suitable for various truck brands

The Piccolo Splitter can be installed in a wide variety of truck cabs.

Installation examples are available for, among others:

• DAF;
• Volvo;
• Scania;
• MAN;
• Mercedes-Benz;
• Iveco;
• Renault.

The exact placement depends on the truck model, the cab type, and the available space. The manufacturer demonstrates installations on vehicles such as a Volvo XL Globetrotter, Scania, Iveco Stralis, Mercedes-Benz Actros, DAF XF, and Renault Premium.

Rietveld assesses which mounting position yields the best results for each vehicle.

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Ideal for heavy haulage and car transport

In heavy haulage and car transport, the vehicle’s body configuration often determines the available space.

For example, a roof-mounted unit can:

• increase the total vehicle height;
• restrict clearance under obstacles;
• collide with a loading structure;
• block the roof hatch;
• adversely affect aerodynamics;
• be vulnerable to low-hanging objects.

Because the Piccolo Splitter does not require a large unit mounted on or behind the cab, the truck remains compact and functional.

That is why this solution is ideally suited for:

• heavy haulage;
• car transport;
• specialized transport;
• low-profile cabs;
• trucks with complex superstructures;
• vehicles where the roof must remain completely clear.

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What does this mean for our customers?

For drivers

• A cooler cab during breaks and overnight stays
• Less noise and vibration than with an idling engine
• Operated via remote control
• The roof hatch remains in place

For fleet managers

• No large installation on the cab roof
• Fewer hours of idling
• Reduced unnecessary fuel consumption
• A solution for vehicles with limited installation space

For body builders and vehicle manufacturers

• More space above and behind the cab
• Compact installation under the cab
• Fewer conflicts with vehicle structures
• Flexible placement of the indoor unit

For business owners

• More comfort for drivers
• Less engine wear from idling
• A distinctive solution for special-purpose vehicles
• Professional installation and service through Rietveld

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The power of collaboration

Piccolo Splitter provides compact and specialized cooling technology. Rietveld ensures that this technology is applied safely and practically in day-to-day transportation operations.

Together, we offer:

• advice tailored to the vehicle and application;
• a suitable installation position;
• inspection of the electrical system;
• professional installation;
• instructions on optimal use;
• service and support after installation.

The result is not a standard installation, but a solution tailored to the vehicle, the bodywork, and the driver.

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Why choose Rietveld?

Rietveld is the exclusive dealer for Piccolo Splitter in the Benelux and has extensive experience with climate control in truck cabs.

We don’t just look at the product, but at the entire application:

• Is there sufficient battery capacity?
• Where can the outdoor unit be safely installed?
• Which installation location provides the best air distribution?
• Does the roof hatch need to remain accessible?
• Is space needed behind the cab?
• How is the vehicle used on a daily basis?

Based on these factors, we recommend and install a customized solution.

In this way, we work together to strengthen organizations, employees, and fleets with smart, sustainable, and comfortable solutions.

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