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Topic: Complete renovation  (Read 1471 times) previous topic - next topic

Complete renovation

First time poster and sure that I am getting in over my head.  We purchased our new to us 98 u270 and I have this dream (although I know it will come with a cost) to remove all of the propane and run a fully electric coach.

He roof hvac units need to be replaced (or repaired) and rather than fix them I have spoken with a hvac tech friend and they are putting together a mini split system that will have 2 zones and one condenser unit to be retrofitted in the propane bay. 

My plan is to remove everything from the roof with the exception of the plumbing vent, skylight, bathroom fan, and air horns.  Refinish and repost the roof and cover it with residential solar panels .

I would also need to upgrade batteries, switch to lithium, and increase size if bank / inverters etc,

I'm young and am able to do the work but my question is ... is this even feasible?  How many batteries do you presume it would take to run the coach with ac?  I have been told that the reason people don't do this all electric solar conversion is that there is just not enough room on the roof for the panels you would need.  Any idea how many watts I would be looking at?

I don't expect to eliminate generator but would like to heavily reduce it.  Thanks in advance and if I have posted in the wrong place.  I apologize. 

Thanks again

Gerry
1998 u270

Re: Complete renovation

Reply #1 –
Gerry,

It definitely can be done.  I took out all the propane and have an electric diesel coach.  I have a 38' U320 and have 3320w of solar on the roof and have over 30kwh of lithium batteries that can run both AC units without shore power or genset.  I am not as handy as you or others on this forum so I had AMSolar do the install.  Your AC setup sounds very interesting and I am sure others on the forum will be anxious to hear how that install goes and your critique of it operation.

Have fun!  This is a great forum for sharing info.
Oscar
Oscar & Janet Valent
2023 Coach House 261XLQD
Former 2004 U320 3820 PBBS
Former 2007 Newell Coach #815
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

Re: Complete renovation

Reply #2 –
I assume you don't have an aqua hot.  What is your plan for heat?

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Complete renovation

Reply #3 –
Gerry,

Welcome to the Forum!  You have come to the right place to learn about Foretravel coaches.  We have some very talented engineers, craftsmen, wood workers, electricians, and interior renovation specialists in our group.  Although your project sounds extremely ambitious, I am sure the members here can provide some assistance.  We love hearing about and seeing (LOTS of photos) unique renovations of these classic coaches.

The Forum search engine is a powerful tool (located top right corner of every page).  I think once you get used to using it, you will be surprised at the amount of info available.  For instance, if you search for the term "solar system" or "PV system" you will find many threads dealing with that subject in great detail.  Same goes for "removing propane tank" or "lithium battery upgrade".  You get the idea.

You will be blazing a fairly new trail with the mini-split A/C system.  I am sure there will be great interest in that subject.

When you start a thread, it helps to stick to one subject, rather than asking questions about 6 different things all in one post.  Helps to keep the answers more on topic, and makes it easier for other members to follow the discussion.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Complete renovation

Reply #4 –
As for heat the high Seer hvac mini split works down to zero.  If it is colder than that I won't be out in it lol.  However i have not thought too much about the aqua hot
1998 u270

Re: Complete renovation

Reply #5 –
Gerry,

There is another member with a U-270 that has done something close to what you are talking about and it can be done. I don't think he installed a mini split though. Here is a link to his coach that is now for sale. 1997 U270 For Sale, ,500. Pottstown, PA Check with him for what works and what don't.

Mike

Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Complete renovation

Reply #6 –
Tim still has propane heaters. The problem with a mini split for heating is there is no sun at night and it would take a huge battery bank to work.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Complete renovation

Reply #7 –
Quote from: craneman –
Tim still has propane heaters. The problem with a mini split for heating is there is no sun at night and it would take a huge battery bank to work.
As Chuck says, it would take a huge battery. Are you planning on dry camping? Too many eggs in one basket. Propane and electricity are great partners.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Complete renovation

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Gerry Caywood –
As for heat the high Seer hvac mini split works down to zero.
I would be interested in seeing the spec sheet on that system.  If it can operate as a cooling unit and produce useful heat at zero degrees, then the engineering must be impressive.  I know the electric heat pump in our house is pretty useless (as a heater) below about 40 degrees (F) OAT.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Complete renovation

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Gerry Caywood –
As for heat the high Seer hvac mini split works down to zero.  If it is colder than that I won't be out in it lol.  However i have not thought too much about the aqua hot

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
I would be interested in seeing the spec sheet on that system.  If it can operate as a cooling unit and produce useful heat at zero degrees, then the engineering must be impressive.  I know the electric heat pump in our house is pretty useless (as a heater) below about 40 degrees (F) OAT.

I'll second that.  I have HighSeer (Pioneer} mini splits in my house in S. Tx, and even here heating performance is marginal.  Cooling is great, however. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Complete renovation

Reply #10 –
I was going to go all electric but Roger posted that I could put in a 5 lb propane bottle and keep the propane cooktop. I am going to
keep the propane cooktop but if I ever decide to go induction I have pulled in a #10 gauge wire so I will have 30 amps for a induction
cooktop.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Complete renovation

Reply #11 –
Is the heating even worth buying at the buy?  South Texas location below I10.
1999 U270 40 #5518
USN. USPS.

Re: Complete renovation

Reply #12 –
In reply #1, Oscar that is a huge amount of solar & lithium. Do you have pictures &/or write up in a different topic? Sounds impressive. My coach is already diesel electric w/aqua hot. I'm unfamiliar with the mini split. I've heard of it but know nothing. It would be interesting for details for those that follow.

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: Complete renovation

Reply #13 –
It has been discussed before.

Semi radical AC idea-ductless mini split
Future Foretravel Owners
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Retired USAF, Retired DOD Civ's
FAA A&P, Indust. Eng., Acft Depot Lvl. Maint.
Larry and Becky Rountree

Re: Complete renovation

Reply #15 –
Quote from: ohsonew –
In reply #1, Oscar that is a huge amount of solar & lithium. Do you have pictures &/or write up in a different topic? Sounds impressive. My coach is already diesel electric w/aqua hot. I'm unfamiliar with the mini split. I've heard of it but know nothing. It would be interesting for details for those that follow.

Larry
Larry - the topic is titled "Another PV Install at AM Solar".
Oscar & Janet Valent
2023 Coach House 261XLQD
Former 2004 U320 3820 PBBS
Former 2007 Newell Coach #815
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

Re: Complete renovation

Reply #18 –
Thanks for the link guys. Don't know if I'll ever do it, but still interesting to think about.

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318
 

Re: Complete renovation

Reply #19 –
First time poster!
New owner of '93 36ft Unihome and so excited to have found this resource.
Just from what I've read so far the level of expertise on this forum is immeasurable.
Thanks one an all for sharing your experience with us newbies!

Gerry Caywood:
Your plans for going solar are inspirational and the fact that others such as valento have already made the leap is very encouraging. I look forward to learning more as you keep the forum informed of your progress. Please share your 'baby pictures' along the way. Personally, I'm especially interested in where you find to mount the two inside components of your split unit as this has been the major hurdle I've been faced with in making the jump myself.
Thanks!
River D