Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Mini split A/C system  (Read 4447 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Mini split A/C system

Reply #50 –
Quote from: rvtinker –
I have been wondering if we are looking at this wrong.  Maybe one of the concealed ceiling units in place of one of the propane furnaces, or maybe under the refrigerator?  I kept looking at the ceiling cassette type, but they are 22.5" square and too thick for an RV ceiling, but I forgot the concealed units.

An adapter to manage the 22.5 inch opening and the ceiling dimension?

Tim
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel

Re: Mini split A/C system

Reply #51 –
Adapter / sawzall
 Engineering wise , the air handler has to drain the water.  The overhead placement of the unit still needs some thought to that end .
          The  inside ductless  air handler drains by gravity .  Make sure that the drain pan has enough slope when driving or parked to continue draining . It may require a slight tip to the drain end  to drain under all conditions.  IMHO.

Re: Mini split A/C system

Reply #52 –
Quote from: rvtinker –
There is a knockout on the both sides, the manual says: Left hand side recommended for side exit.  Left rear (though the wall) most recommended but less common.  Right rear less recommended but most common.  Right hand side not recommended unless absolutely needed.  I ran the lines out the left side right into the cabinet.  (Yes, there was some major pucker factor cutting holes in the woodwork.)

The install manual is available online as a download.

I didn't run the drain line with the refrigerant lines because it was slightly uphill into the inside of the cabinet.

 

I am really surprised some creative HVAC tech or manufacturer hasn't played mix and match with mini-split and RV AC parts to create a rooftop mount that matches the capabilities of a mini-split.  It could be all one unit, but you put in the inverter drive compressor and super quiet fans I am sure it would find a market.


Have you noticed any  condensation along the line bundle?  I dont see any on my home unit outside ,but these I hope to run into the cabinet and down behind the pas seat. 
 Hows it working out so far?  Thanks.
Mine comes in tomorrow  and I hope to have it running next week . I found all of my AC tools and sourced the adapter for vacuuming it down.

Re: Mini split A/C system

Reply #53 –
I have seen no condensation inside the coach, only outside at the fittings on the outside unit.  I don't think there will be a problem with the inside lines since the humidity inside the coach is lowered by the mini-split itself and the lines are fully insulated.

The mini-split just plain works.  I used it in heat mode the other day on a cool morning and that worked great as well.  It has worked so well I actually went ahead and removed the front rooftop A/C and capped off the hole.  I also removed the air horns  to open up more space for the solar panels.  The horns will be relocated behind the grill.  I haven't filled in the hole in the ceiling from the A/C on the inside yet, I am kind of still working that out.  That can wait for bad weather, right now I need to work on the outside.

My solar panels are kind of odd balls. They are used 250 watt 72 cell units, 31.4" x 61.3".  The plan is 3 across in 2 rows over the front of the coach, and one more over the bedroom.  That leaves the roof pretty clear behind the kitchen roof vent with access to the both vents, the skylight, and the rear A/C and enough room for more solar in the future if needed.  The refrigerator vent is going away, I have a residential refrigerator waiting to go in.
Mike & Lilli
1991 GV U280 36' SBI, 3208 Cat, Build #3825
4320 Watts Solar
Kansas City, MO

Re: Mini split A/C system

Reply #54 –
Started on my install today.
Notes; get the 25 ft line set.  Pioneer will credit my 16 ft set . Great customer service  so far.:)

The safe is glued in really well and the front edge of the seat covers the flange .  Remove the seat, and seat base front bolts. Pry the flange edges after removing the carpet strip surround.  I floor jacked  it up and shoehorned the carpet away.  Paint the exposed plywood edge, reinstall the carper strips and safe cover.  I will seal the cover and the edges under the floor.     
  The  outside compressor unit is larger than the spec sheet says . Overall length  on this 1200BTU unit is 35in to the end of the line junction cover . FWIW the box for the inside unit is almost the perfect model for the outside unit .
 This fits where the safe was  and fills that area pretty well.  I built a bracket that welds to the jack frame and the  front body support . The AC box will bolt to a  pair of slider mounts that bolt to the fixed brackets. If I get the measurements correct, the unit will come out  with the tire removed .
 The inside unit fits well over the door.  About 4 in below the corner of the ceiling is a metal tube to screw the mounting bracket to.
I tipped the inside unit about 1/4 in towards the drain end.  The bus is not always level .. 
 I drilled a 2-1/8 in  hole for the lines through the end of the cabinet. Just like Mike's path.  I have the curtains and ran the drop behind the curtains to the seat area.
 

Re: Mini split A/C system

Reply #55 –
Update;  Fired it up today . Icey cool.  I have to look at it to verify that it is running m cuz the little temp light is on. Silent .
  The outside unit fits under the pas wheel house/ pas seat with the safe removed .  I welded a fixed bracket to the frame to support the front /line /cord , end . The rear tire side  support bracket bolts to a weldment  that  is welded to the HWH  frame drop.
 The mounting brackets are all angle iron . 2 rails  bolt to the unit.  These rails bolt to the  frame brackets.  Easy to move , mounted on it own rails along the brackets .
  Get the bus up on 3 sets of  2/12 blocks and turn the wheel to the right . Bench press the unit up and over the front frame, support the rear while you bolt up the support .  Slide it back and wire the lines and plumb the coolant lines. 
 Turn the unit so that the air  flow has the easiest exit out of the fender opening .
  I have not measured the watts draw yet as I sent my killa watt to somebody. Ordered a new one along with a 2500watt Pure sign wave inverter . Same brand as my 3 yr old 1000 watt unit .
  I still have to prettify it yet and clean up the inside line look. 
 Notes,  36 ft with no slides , the 9000BTU unit should be fine and use less power.
 Also make sure to get a unit with the ECO mode***. Mine was supposed to have this but seems to not . So the watts will stay around 800 - 1000? maybe  . Pics on request .

Re: Mini split A/C system

Reply #56 –
The ECO mode button is under the sliding cover on the remote.  The bottom part of the remote slides down.
Mike & Lilli
1991 GV U280 36' SBI, 3208 Cat, Build #3825
4320 Watts Solar
Kansas City, MO

Re: Mini split A/C system

Reply #57 –
Just found the other instruction book and right on ..  When in doubt .  I blame it on the Stupid phone .

 Has anyone made close outs for the roof AC units?    I plan on making some foam and fiblreglass plugs. 
 

Edit ;;  The amps are low enough that it will run fine with  my 100ft 12 wire cord that is my normal storage plug.  I  wont need the 50 amp extension cord .  Just the 50 to 15 pigtail adapter .
 Also,,, I was  adding a couple pieces of plastic sheet for air control.  I turned the unit off and went to work under the bus.  The condenser fan came on  high speed . But I noticed that the airflow was reversed .  The fan run backwards  to blow crap out of the coils at certain times.    High tech  .
 

   

Re: Mini split A/C system

Reply #58 –
Pic
  I used the OE valence tipped on end to cover the line set.   
 Cut to size, and  stuff  the ends against the floor and the cabinet .  A single screw retains the upper square wood strip . Staples
 retain the valence with 1/4 in air line keeping the edge taught.    I dont hate it . 
 The drain line will go straightish down to the floor . FWIW the steel frame runs inside of the walls by about 1.5 in +_.  That wont allow the drain line to run straight down the door jam and exit  through the floor .  It has to run about 1.5 in inside of the wall .  So I will use the bendy drain line and clamp the hose as neat as I can .
    Harbor Freight now carries the Kill O Watt . BTW.  26$
Edit update
Eco amps average about 7
Run amps about 7.9
840 to 1000!watts

Re: Mini split A/C system

Reply #59 –
Latest ; Change the door knob..
  I ran the line set through the cabinets and down behind the Pas seat .  Good chance to get rid of the OE drapes and valence. Ordered  cordless shades.  Nice. makes the room bigger . First set was faulty. New set OTW. . In progress.
 Also now the fluorescent tubes are exposed .. 
  Removed the roof top AC units .  Made up a filler and will insulate with foam and some sort of interior finish .  In progress.

  Drilled the drain hole in the floor at the door.  Good time to remove the OE carpet  and finish with  some extra bathroom vinyl tile . In progress.
 Also a good time to stiffen up the lower door hinge area.  In progress.

  The  low amp draw of the Mini split  lets me think that I can run it off of the extra 100 amp Alternator , with a new BA inverter .  Installed  new 2500watt  inverter . Ran today at 11 amp total . That means that I need at least 150 extra amp alternator  as well as some large cable .  In progress. 
 Simple things  in pieces .  One piece at a time .
 

Re: Mini split A/C system

Reply #60 –
Pic
The wheel well has a fixed rock guard and a flexi guard. The flexi guard is what you see in the pic .
 The into is turned so that air enters and exits as easy as space permits.

 Edit. I found the missing cover screw.  Now I can relax .
 Todays note ; 8 amps - 850 watts  or so .  silent  AC. 
 

Re: Mini split A/C system

Reply #61 –
Changing to a to a mini-split or mini-splits is on my list, it is at least one year down, lots other things to do, like solar.
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel
 

Re: Mini split A/C system

Reply #62 –
Mine still works well.
Ordered 2 more for my house.