Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Topic: Staying 'Cool' this summer. (Read 11729 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #100 – March 31, 2020, 11:15:04 pm

Quote from: Chuck Pearson – March 31, 2020, 10:09:24 pm

Y'know, I question the need for a high dollar lithium battery bank. Just not seeing the need when far more efficient systems already are installed in your Foretravel. Propane refrigeration, 12 volt lights, pump etc. Any decent battery bank will carry you with an occasional bump from the genset, or a modest solar panel installation.

I hear people say they are running their microwaves off battery bank to make breakfast.....or run Mr. Coffee. Whaaat? You don't have a propane stove? French press?

A solution looking for a problem.

A lot of people with Thor's and Winnebago's say why buy a Foretravel, my coach can do everything a Foretravel does at 1/5 the cost. Human nature, some people are happy with a Corolla, some need a Lexus. Some people like to run their generators, some would like to use solar and big batteries instead.
I used to be happy with my MGB, till I bought a Porsche.

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #101 – March 31, 2020, 11:17:20 pm

Quote from: Chuck Pearson – March 31, 2020, 10:43:46 pm

Sure...crank em down to max cold overnight and get back to us.

No more testing for me for the most part. when you get to 7800 hrs on the generator you kinda look for avenues to not use it as much Or at least I do. every little bit helps... Some understand it and others dont.. It doesnt make it wrong or right it just makes it what it is.

How longs did your Ac last, just on battery?

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #102 – March 31, 2020, 11:20:56 pm

Quote from: Chuck Pearson – March 31, 2020, 10:09:24 pm

Y'know, I question the need for a high dollar lithium battery bank. Just not seeing the need when far more efficient systems already are installed in your Foretravel. Propane refrigeration, 12 volt lights, pump etc. Any decent battery bank will carry you with an occasional bump from the genset, or a modest solar panel installation.

I hear people say they are running their microwaves off battery bank to make breakfast.....or run Mr. Coffee. Whaaat? You don't have a propane stove? French press?

A solution looking for a problem.

Yes Chuck, exactly. While I do turn off the inverter when we go to sleep, the 400 plus amp hour batteries still run the Mr. Coffee latte maker and the microwave without starting the generator first thing in the morning. I do watch the voltage drop down when the micro is on but I'm hoping the new sine wave inverter will be more efficient and run longer and have less of a voltage drop when used. Propane and solar with an occasional use of the generator for AC make great partners.

Pierce

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #103 – March 31, 2020, 11:29:41 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – March 31, 2020, 11:20:56 pm

Yes Chuck, exactly. While I do turn off the inverter when we go to sleep, the 400 plus amp hour batteries still run the Mr. Coffee latte maker and the microwave without starting the generator first thing in the morning. I do watch the voltage drop down when the micro is on but I'm hoping the new sine wave inverter will be more efficient and run longer and have less of a voltage drop when used. Propane and solar with an occasional use of the generator for AC make great partners.

Pierce

I guess the universe can be balanced.. hmm who would have thought

More than one way of making coffee or skinning a bird.. cant remember

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #104 – April 01, 2020, 09:17:26 am

To each his own. Don't want any flammable gas on my coach or boat. It's great until it's not. Energy storage has evolved. Where weight and space is a issue, it's a no brainier to go with lithium. It's just the matter of pay now or pay later.
For home systems not as important.
There are many ways to cut the mustard.
As far as the mini split systems, don't really see the need at this time unless your going to be staying full time in a high heat environment and have limited access to good electricity. They don't scale well to a coach. But I will continue to follow the work other's are doing. Never know.

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #105 – April 01, 2020, 10:01:14 am

For me the true value of some day going to a mini split vs. roof top is more the quietness rather than the lower power usage.

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #106 – April 01, 2020, 10:03:16 am

Quote from: jcus – March 31, 2020, 11:15:04 pm

A lot of people with Thor's and Winnebago's say why buy a Foretravel, my coach can do everything a Foretravel does at 1/5 the cost. Human nature, some people are happy with a Corolla, some need a Lexus. Some people like to run their generators, some would like to use solar and big batteries instead.
I used to be happy with my MGB, till I bought a Porsche.

Not trying to get anyone riled up here, just offering a different perspective. My statement was "I question the need". Your MGB/Porsche analogy is not about need, but want. Two different things. Injecting an element of snootiness into the discussion with the Corolla/Lexus statement is unhelpful. It's a mistake to try to count the money in another man's pocket.

I keep in mind the people who visit this forum who are in the beginning or prospective stages of Foretravel ownership. I am making the point that it's not necessary to dump thousands into redoing the existing highly efficient power systems. They may want to, and in that case, great. Do what makes you happy.

I would encourage anyone doing it to proceed in an analytical fashion. The first rule of efficient design is to eliminate the parasitic losses and inefficiencies. Some of this is happening, folks are talking about modern alternatives to the ancient power hogs of air conditioners currently sold and installed on motorhomes. To me, its absurd to consider packing enough battery power to run those old dinosaurs. But that's my opinion, and everyone is free to do as they see fit.

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #107 – April 01, 2020, 10:46:33 am

Quote from: folivier – April 01, 2020, 10:01:14 am

For me the true value of some day going to a mini split vs. roof top is more the quietness rather than the lower power usage.

When I was researching 'splits', sound (or lack of) was paramount, and after hearing a Mrcool at my neighbor's coach. I was sold. The savings in power usage is just gravy. Our roof air Carriers are very efficient and we've (because of the great insulation we have in the coach) yet to fire-up the front air also to keep comfy. The rear and a small fan work great. BUT, come nightfall and bed time, there is NO WAY we can keep sane trying to sleep with the noise of the RA. We're looking forward to making a summer here in SW Arizona, but without the help of our Mrcool, we'd be "screwed, blued and tattooed' !

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #108 – April 01, 2020, 11:01:39 am

Morning Chuck.. As you said. You hope one takes an analytical approach to there upgrades.. Problem is we all have different approaches and it doesnt make it right or wrong either direction.. You are correct Do What Makes You Happy.. No need to say its not needed or its Overkill.. I am sure the Adult will decide what they want to do according to their budget.. I really never have a budget I have a Need/Want and it does make me happy.. Sometimes it cost more money and a redo of sorts but I like the learning aspect and I live by the Moto.. Its only money.. I am relatively young and still working so not worried about what I spend and defiantly do not need anyone else losing sleep over it either.

Back on topic

The Ac I had ordered is 120v so I can tie it in under the bed into the fuse panel.

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #109 – April 01, 2020, 11:02:11 am

For me, its all about sound / along with the modern efficiency improvements above the roof top units. I need a new rear AC or a mid mounted cold air source of some sort . I dont have endless dollars like many of you . I do have pretty good engineering skills and problem solving skills.
The minisplits are stupid quiet appear to be frugal electrically . If I can fit one inside of the couch footprint that would be a win . If I pay attention, maybe I can get another Pure Sine Wave invertor to drive it . The running amps are in range of a few. My cheap 2 Lead acid 8d batteries run my fridge 30hrs through a cheap PSW inverter.

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #110 – April 01, 2020, 11:33:44 am

Quote from: Chuck Pearson – April 01, 2020, 10:03:16 am

Not trying to get anyone riled up here, just offering a different perspective. My statement was "I question the need". Your MGB/Porsche analogy is not about need, but want. Two different things. Injecting an element of snootiness into the discussion with the Corolla/Lexus statement is unhelpful. It's a mistake to try to count the money in another man's pocket.

I keep in mind the people who visit this forum who are in the beginning or prospective stages of Foretravel ownership. I am making the point that it's not necessary to dump thousands into redoing the existing highly efficient power systems. They may want to, and in that case, great. Do what makes you happy.

I would encourage anyone doing it to proceed in an analytical fashion. The first rule of efficient design is to eliminate the parasitic losses and inefficiencies. Some of this is happening, folks are talking about modern alternatives to the ancient power hogs of air conditioners currently sold and installed on motorhomes. To me, its absurd to consider packing enough battery power to run those old dinosaurs. But that's my opinion, and everyone is free to do as they see fit.

No snootiness intended. My Corolla/Lexus statement was only to demonstrate where your comfort level was, not the amount of money you have. Your statement "I question the need" is from your perspective only. Years ago, I was quite happy with tent camping, and did not ever think I would ever need, and appreciate a motorhome. Times and attitudes change, now I want the fancy model with all the bells and whistles. For me, and many others on the this forum, there is no absurdities in upgrading these old coaches, and most do start with eliminating parasitic losses and inefficiencies, before going onto solar and battery improvements. I actually enjoy that part of it.
I have friends with expensive bass boats with expensive trucks to pull them. I do not believe that it is absurd that they "need" a $750 trolling motor on their boat, because they do enjoy them. Not my cup of tea, but I would never question their desire to have and enjoy them. To each their own. If you are happy with what you have, more power to you.

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #111 – April 01, 2020, 12:11:38 pm

Totally agree. Enough said on my part.

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #112 – April 02, 2020, 11:42:34 am

In regards to the quietness issue, I can't relate. Having worked the last 35 years mostly on night shift I rely on a loud large floor fan to provide the white noise needed to sleep during the daytime. After so long I cannot sleep in the quiet. Some sort of white noise is necessary for me. As well as good air flow.
However I do agree that one should reduce their power needs to the maximum possible before thinking about upgrading to solar or advanced battery systems.
The one thing I don't like about the roof air conditioners on the coach is the condensate issue. Having that exit under the coach would be really nice. That I'd pay money for.

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #113 – April 02, 2020, 03:15:02 pm

Quote from: Bob and Julie – April 02, 2020, 11:42:34 am

The one thing I don't like about the roof air conditioners on the coach is the condensate issue. Having that exit under the coach would be really nice. That I'd pay money for.

I could not believe it when we bought this coach that the condensate just found anyplace to drain. On all four of our Airstreams, the AC units sat in a 'pan' with a sealed rubber drain hose running down the walls, through the floor and daylighted! I would put my air hose on it every season or after a storm and blow it out: easy peasey!!!! Sure not pleased with the lack of that !

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #114 – April 02, 2020, 06:31:03 pm

Quote from: mike leary – April 02, 2020, 03:15:02 pm

I could not believe it when we bought this coach that the condensate just found anyplace to drain. On all four of our Airstreams, the AC units sat in a 'pan' with a sealed rubber drain hose running down the walls, through the floor and daylighted! I would put my air hose on it every season or after a storm and blow it out: easy peasey!!!! Sure not pleased with the lack of that !

That was one of the things they did to get you to upgrade to a new unit. The 2014 IH45 I have has drain pipes that run to back on the roof, then through the roof and exit back behind the engine on the ground. When on the tour of the 2020's they now have the hoses going from the roof AC inside the ceiling and exiting down in the back

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #115 – April 02, 2020, 07:15:33 pm

$750 wont get you much of a trolling motor these days. My bay boat trolling motor setup with everything including the connected chart plotter was around $5,000 and I did the install myself. Granted it was the top of the line with all types of automation.

I also agree with the surprise of the random condensation dump. We had the water draining right onto the entry step at our last camping trip over spring break. It was so annoying I tipped the coach back to run the water away.

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #116 – April 02, 2020, 08:07:38 pm

[quote author=mike leary link=msg=384981 date=158567 Making a plywood piece today to fit the slider window with a hole for the return lines, power and drain tube to go down to the condenser, which (I hope) will mount on a pad underneath just in front of the wheels. It's gettin' "warmish" here; I better get movin' ![/quote]
Here's the piece for the umbicals going down to the condenser, got a 1" drop from the handler, so it will drain to the ground. I'll seal all the edge grain w/epoxy and give it a couple of coats of Minwax. Not sure I'll use the pvc 90. I let-in the plywood edges so it fits snug on the inside and have enought room on the ourside for foil backed insulation. The inside keeps should hold the plywood, but I'll put some Gorilla tape on the outside to prevent any rain intrusion. Comin' along, just in time!

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #117 – April 02, 2020, 08:29:56 pm

Watching to see how it works. Looks lgood ke we are stuck in Yuma for awhile. At least we are under cover.

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #118 – April 02, 2020, 09:10:25 pm

Quote from: bbeane – April 02, 2020, 08:29:56 pm

Watching to see how it works. Looks lgood ke we are stuck in Yuma for awhile. At least we are under cover.

I plan to fire it up soon, will let you know. If you decide to go my way of install, would be glad to come over & give a hand.

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #119 – April 02, 2020, 09:51:51 pm

Some coaches have the condensate drain into the holding tanks,

Silverstrand SB in Coronado will not allow water on the ground. Including condensate

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #120 – April 03, 2020, 12:21:29 am

Quote from: Caflashbob – April 02, 2020, 09:51:51 pm

Some coaches have the condensate drain into the holding tanks,

Silverstrand SB in Coronado will not allow water on the ground. Including condensate

Wow that seems a might bit extreme. Heaven forbid I where to spill a happy hour beverage. 😎🍺🍷

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #121 – April 03, 2020, 02:15:28 am

The state beach had numerous issues with people using hoses to rinse off things and pets and people which then ran into adjoining camp sites.

A rv was in the middle rows of the parking areas with dark paint and multiple slides pushed out and their roof airs on at 10 am with the windows open and the entry door open and people and dogs going in and out. A small stream of water was coming off their coach onto the ground and running into the adjoining spaces. No dirt. Asphalt only. 40' X 20' spaces.

Ranger came over to explain that they could not discharge water on the ground. Upset lady telling the ranger it's ac runoff.

He said makes no difference. No water on ground. Period.

Not sure of the outcome as I was walking through the campground.

Poorly insulated dark brown multi slide coach was hot inside I am sure.

Our white coach down the row has never needed the ac on at the beach

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #122 – April 07, 2020, 12:06:35 pm

Seems as tho. with some thought , you could run the condensate into the fresh water tank. A couple of filters and some bleach mixed in. It is fairly pure water.

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #123 – April 10, 2020, 05:44:26 pm

Geez ,122 replies for a thread I thought only a few would have interest in !

Here's a update: "MrCool is up and running, and , as advertised, (like quieter than a whisper). Some fine tuning to be done, but all in all, a good (and COOL) day!

Re: Staying 'Cool' this summer.

Reply #124 – April 13, 2020, 06:34:46 pm

Today......can't find a 22 or 45 pvc ell in town, but did find.......

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