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Topic: Mini Split. Finally! U320 (Read 764 times) previous topic - next topic

Mini Split. Finally! U320

Finally got around to installing a senville 12000 btu mini split. I opted for the 120v version with a 16 ft line set. The install wasn't too difficult and doing it again would likely take half the time. I ended up cutting about 6 ft off the line set and made new flares.

The indoor unit
I removed the cabinet door from the third passenger cabinet. I put a plywood board about four inches back from where the door was to set the unit into the cabinet but not all the way in. I ran the lines next to the valence in the dining area and down into the first bay with the aqua hot.

The outdoor unit
It fits great into the first bay with the aqua hot. I still have work to do down there including some vents in the bay door (not all that happy about it but.. it is what it is, moving my inverter, and building a wall behind the outdoor unit. I used the inverter 20 amp wire and ran new 6/3 wire from the main panel through the wire channel in the bays.

Results
Silence. Cold. Low power. The new unit is so much more efficient and will freeze you out even at 95 degrees outside. I'm not sure if my 25 year old roof airs are just in that poor of shape, but it just struggles to send any air up front. You cannot hear that it is on but you can feel it. It's typically using 200-500 watts depending on how hot it is.

I'll include some pictures showing the difference in power use on similar weather days. Also, the indoor temperature is lower with the minisplit.

1999 U320 WTFE #5586
2014 Subaru Forester 6sp
4000 watts of solar
650 aH @ 24v

Re: Mini Split. Finally! U320

Reply #1 –
That is awesome !!  ^.^d 

Please post a picture of the outdoor unit install (even though its a work in progress)
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: Mini Split. Finally! U320

Reply #2 –
Please post pictures of how you ran the line set also.  Nice clean look.

Wonder why the Rv industry has not changed to this AC system?

2000 GV320 4010 build #5712  2019-?
1999 Bounder 2000-2008
Bardstown, KY
🥃The Bourbon Capital of the World🥃

Re: Mini Split. Finally! U320

Reply #3 –
I use a mini split in our server room. Since 1997 when we built. We have gone through about 5 different units, and untold service calls. Compared to just now changing out 3 of our standard units that have had No service calls since new. Reason we changed was wanting more efficient units.

I can't get mini splits to live in a non moving environment.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Mini Split. Finally! U320

Reply #4 –
My bus pioneer is about 5-6 yrs old.  Only issue is that when a tip the bus nose up for parking the mini drips inside.
My 2 house units work swell but I did change the larger unit to a pioneer. 23 seer. 
Imho the lower tech mini seem to have fewer problems.
 I use pioneer due to there base in Florida and they answer the phone.

Re: Mini Split. Finally! U320

Reply #5 –
Here are additional pictures. Right now, the outdoor unit is screwed in to the floor. I will likely change this to bolt it through the bottom of the bay. I also still need to put a board and make a room that separates the minisplit from the rest of the bay. The vents are okay... they do not remove a lot of the heat and I may need to look at a different solution. Ideally, a round vent that is the size of the fan on the unit but the door latch is right in the middle of it. Even finding a vent similar to that for the engine radiator would be nice and cleaner looking.

Also need to get a cover for the inside lines to make that a little cleaner.
1999 U320 WTFE #5586
2014 Subaru Forester 6sp
4000 watts of solar
650 aH @ 24v

Re: Mini Split. Finally! U320

Reply #6 –
Is there an air inlet behind  the outside unit ?

Re: Mini Split. Finally! U320

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Protech Racing –
Is there an air inlet behind  the outside unit ?

There is.. what I may have to do is add some fans to increase air flow into the bay and out of the bay. A couple of 12 inch radiator fans may do the trick. It's a bit experimental.
1999 U320 WTFE #5586
2014 Subaru Forester 6sp
4000 watts of solar
650 aH @ 24v

Re: Mini Split. Finally! U320

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Zach –
Even finding a vent similar to that for the engine radiator would be nice and cleaner looking
I like that idea, it would go with the rest of the coach, but it could allow to much rain / etc. to get into that bay.  You may want to consider changing that section of the bay to all FRP so its waterproofed-ish. 

There may be some ideas to be gained looking at bus conversions since some of those have basement A/C's
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"
 

Re: Mini Split. Finally! U320

Reply #9 –
On my mini split install, I ordered louvre pieces from FOT, and built my own, have found with the monsoon micro Bursts I have to go out and mop up water on the mats, but if it is just a rain doesn't seem to be an issue, with the air handler on the front where the tv used to be it keeps the coach at a constant temperature and no need for the dash ac, with a small fan under the dinette table
1999 36 ft U270
Build 5465