HVAC ventilation thoughts

[FlyHappy]

A/C would never be an owner DIY accessory, never. This discussion is getting ridiculous.

of course. Surely you did not think I was implying that?

 

[Trace26]

A/C would never be an owner DIY accessory, never. This discussion is getting ridiculous.

The way this would be done is to sell it without the AC controls. You have to by the "AC Kit" which is just a mount and controls that allows you to activate the AC. This exact concept was used for cruise control for years.
It's silly, but BMW had a subscription for heated seats, so..
I've actually added many features to cars just by adding missing modules.

 

[FlyHappy]

The way this would be done is to sell it without the AC controls. You have to by the "AC Kit" which is just a mount and controls that allows you to activate the AC. This exact concept was used for cruise control for years.
It's silly, but BMW had a subscription for heated seats, so..
I've actually added many features to cars just by adding missing modules.

for sure, they could have done it (along with cruise, etc). But it would have seriously trashed their "mission statement" (real or percieved).

Here's to hoping they continue a fair "value based" apprach and stay away from temptations, such as with the telematics module (and whatever associated services).

 

[E90400K]

of course. Surely you did not think I was implying that?

I did. "...then monetizing A/C as a factory accesory." i.e. from Slate as a kit rather than a 3rd-party kit.

 

[FlyHappy]

I did. "...then monetizing A/C as a factory accesory."

nowhere in the phrase was DIY.
it simply meant, order it with ("factory accessory") or order without. Thus - two different factory builds. This is how things used to work not so long ago.

 

[E90400K]

nowhere in the phrase was DIY.
it simply meant, order it with ("factory accessory") or order without. Thus - two different factory builds. This is how things used to work not so long ago.

So, in Slate lingo, "accessory" means DIY kit installation. You mean in normal automotive parlance, A/C would be a factory "option". Hence my confusion.

With Slate, any discussion of other stuff above the content of the "single SKU" implies DIY.

 

[FlyHappy]

So, in Slate lingo, "accessory" means DIY kit installation. You mean in normal automotive parlance, A/C would be a factory "option". Hence my confusion.

With Slate, any discussion of other stuff above the content of the "single SKU" implies DIY.

we really don't need to get too pedantic, I think we're both on the same team.
But I disagree that "accessory" means DIY (only).

Slate has repeatedly and consistently referred to, and included everything they sell as "accessories" and that includes the "SUV kits". Directly from the CEO at 3:30, she answers a question about "accessories" and refers to wraps and SUV kits. We all know these are two items which will be widely not DYI installed.



oh, and haha at her "shoutout" to slateforums.com at 4:05

 

[KevinRS]

for sure, they could have done it (along with cruise, etc). But it would have seriously trashed their "mission statement" (real or percieved).

Here's to hoping they continue a fair "value based" apprach and stay away from temptations, such as with the telematics module (and whatever associated services).

Telematics seems to be at least initially intended for fleet use. "Features like remote access and battery pre-conditioning" is all that is mentioned. Without a lot more details, I doubt many consumers would buy it. The subscription is likely going to be limited to the cost of the cell connection, but the charge for that after the first year is still unknown.

 

[FlyHappy]

Telematics seems to be at least initially intended for fleet use. "Features like remote access and battery pre-conditioning" is all that is mentioned. Without a lot more details, I doubt many consumers would buy it. The subscription is likely going to be limited to the cost of the cell connection, but the charge for that after the first year is still unknown.

I have a fleet of children

 

[tubes]

I was poking around the maker this morning and the one thing I'm really considering is the console. This is what it says:

So for the regular 2 person cab style, if you install this, you get a blast of air against the back bulkhead. That might actually be nice. You'll also get two hard to reach USB ports. I suppose you can also shut those vents, or they may have instructions or a plug to do so. Who knows.

It looks to me that the provided tray covers an HVAC outlet and connector for the USBs. You probably have to take some or part of it off to expose those, then install the console over it.

And I have no idea if this comes with the SUV kit as part of the kit price.

 

[Luxrage]

I was poking around the maker this morning and the one thing I'm really considering is the console. This is what it says:

So for the regular 2 person cab style, if you install this, you get a blast of air against the back bulkhead. That might actually be nice. You'll also get two hard to reach USB ports. I suppose you can also shut those vents, or they may have instructions or a plug to do so. Who knows.

It looks to me that the provided tray covers an HVAC outlet and connector for the USBs. You probably have to take some or part of it off to expose those, then install the console over it.

And I have no idea if this comes with the SUV kit as part of the kit price.

Rear USB runs might actually come in handy for some people's accessories. At least, depending on how those USBs are wired, that gives me a good way to run a rear dashcam to the front via that cabling tunnel. Alternately I guess you could power random USB stuff behind the seat (flashlight chargers, ect).

 

[tubes]

Might be able to loop them into the console for something too.

 

[FlyHappy]

I was poking around the maker this morning and the one thing I'm really considering is the console. This is what it says:

So for the regular 2 person cab style, if you install this, you get a blast of air against the back bulkhead. That might actually be nice. You'll also get two hard to reach USB ports. I suppose you can also shut those vents, or they may have instructions or a plug to do so. Who knows.

It looks to me that the provided tray covers an HVAC outlet and connector for the USBs. You probably have to take some or part of it off to expose those, then install the console over it.

And I have no idea if this comes with the SUV kit as part of the kit price.

I have some trouble believing the center console, when sold "ala carte" for use in pickup config is gonna blow air against the back wall.
I suppose there could be an actuator somewhere that does not get triggered unless the vehicle detects its in "SUV mode" (we factually know that signaling is in place). Still it seems odd. Unfortunately, that same signaling could also be responsible for enabling the USB-C ports.

I know the factory is making the effort, in the extreme, of maximizing commonality, but I am a bit surprised that wouldn't go with 2 consoles, an inert one for pickup, and this more featured one for SUV's. I guess it would also illustrate to me why $249 seems high for "just an armrest" (don't get me wrong, I'm buying it for my pickup).

 

[Luxrage]

I have some trouble believing the center console, when sold "ala carte" for use in pickup config is gonna blow air against the back wall.
I suppose there could be an actuator somewhere that does not get triggered unless the vehicle detects its in "SUV mode" (we factually know that signaling is in place). Still it seems odd. Unfortunately, that same signaling could also be responsible for enabling the USB-C ports.

Wouldn't be surprised if the HVAC in the console has big plastic plugs in it. A "remove for four seater option" type deal. And then a year from now we'll get threads about "why don't I have air in the back of my SUV" when people don't remove them!

 

[Johnologue]

I have some trouble believing the center console, when sold "ala carte" for use in pickup config is gonna blow air against the back wall.
I suppose there could be an actuator somewhere that does not get triggered unless the vehicle detects its in "SUV mode" (we factually know that signaling is in place).

I'd have assumed it's just a physical door or valve you can open/close manually. No need for actuators and extra firmware/wiring.

Unfortunately, that same signaling could also be responsible for enabling the USB-C ports.

I'd also assume you just plug the USB ports into one of those typical USB hubs "upstream" when installing the console.