Skip to main content
Topic: Mini split AC on board?  (Read 1740 times) previous topic - next topic

Mini split AC on board?

 There have been talks of using the new technology of Inverter tech and sear 23..  The OE AC units are maybe sear 9 .
 Has anyone installed a Mini split yet?l

 I am looking at mounting the inside unit in the safe box and the outside in the grille , inplace of the dash AC bits.

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #1
Go for it!  I'm looking for you to blaze the trail.  Our dash air hasn't worked for years, and we don't have anything in the safe,so your plan sounds interesting.
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: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #2
Lots of room up there for sure. 
 Before the solar and lithium add I thought about mounting the Honda 2000 up there.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #3
Thats not a lot of help.

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #4
This guy did.  Not a watch for the faint hearted or originality purist.  Woody.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=2napX5XnOTk&feature=share
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #5
He has follow on videos. Where he installs solar and batteries. His placement of mini split was driven by the deal he received on mini split. He had not even figured generator was unable to run mini split. Now with solar and batteries installed. He can run system. Mini split is 220 vac.
I think most of us would use 120 unit. There are a lot of models and brands. There is a unit from Mexico that is being sold in San Antonio that may have higher btu yet still 120. I have paused my study. Dealing with issues
1999 U270 40 #5518
USN. USPS.

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #6
I plan to install a mini split in the large open space under the front bumper of my U300 with the evap/air handler above the couch. I want to do it in a way which normal draft of driving indirectly moves air thru the condenser but doesn't overspeed the fan. Will be a million times quieter than the dometic rooftop I have, and probably still much quieter than the brand new atwoods I have still sitting in the box. I use the rv for a lot of music festivals and not fulltime anymore, so the more AC the better, especially when its loaded down with people.

The upgrades have all been put on the back burner because all my time is taken with my new Hatteras yacht. But I need to show the old rv some love soon.
95 U300SE

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #7
 I like that spot for the cooler also with running the cords down behind the Driver seat.  The 9000BTU should do the GV just fine. IMHO  My home unit just cruises  and cut the running cost in half .
 The 32in long  interior units are designed to drain from the right side , making mounting on the left cupboards  appealing . It will need room above the unit to draw warm air.
 The safe box would need  some air control in and out    and a new box  extension to 32in.  Lots of unused space there. 

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #8
I'm looking at the possibility of tipping the interior unit up on end and placing it in the bedroom corner cabinet.

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #9
I'm looking at the possibility of tipping the interior unit up on end and placing it in the bedroom corner cabinet.
I use a couple mini splits in my stick and bricks home.  Often there are printed circuit boards, motors, etc on either end, and the moisture by design drains out the bottom when mounted correctly. There is alot of moisture removed by these units, mounting vertical may create more problems than just a minor issue.

I would sure check with the mfg, or at least the install pdf of various mfgs. like Samsung, LG, Mitsubishi, Gree, and the mfg you're planning to use to see if your mounting choice is allowed.

97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #10
I'm looking at the possibility of tipping the interior unit up on end and placing it in the bedroom corner cabinet.
I think you will have a problem with the condensate drainage with the unit in other than horizontal, right side up position.
1993 U225 36'
Build #4295
1979 Int'l Scout II
2005 BMW R1200RT

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #11
Yes. You would have to build a drain pan .
 Looked at it and that spot is NG anyway ..

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #12
I've been thinking of a mini-split for some time.  It sure looks like enough room for an outside unit under the nose, but where to put the inside unit?  I found a possible answer, the Pioneer WYS009AMFI19RL-16 has an inside unit that it only 28.43 inches wide.  That would fit between the overhead cabinets over the door.  I am sure they want you to have more clearance than that, but they also don't  want them installed in RVs.  In for a penny...  So, with it mounted over the door, where to route the hoses?  How about out the left side of the unit, into the cabinet, then turn an run down the inside wall through the floor which with my floorplan puts it in the fuel tank bay.  Then forward to the outside unit suspended off the front frame.  And to hide the plumbing inside the coach, either the standard plastic enclosure, custom wood work, or maybe a few feet of 2.5 inch chrome exhaust tubing?
Mike & Lilli
1991 GV U280 36' SBI, 3208 Cat, Build #3825
4320 Watts Solar
Kansas City, MO

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #13
All of the ones I have looked at, drain from the right end.  My Home unit is a Mr Cool and it showed that either end could drain.
 They dont tell you that in order to left drain, you have to tip the unit to the left at least 1/4 in for gravity feed  of the drain tray.
  That is why I am looking for the left side wall, to drain ride end.  But as you say , running the fat cord with drain  looks like poo.
 Has anyone shortened th cabinets??  Wood is not my strong point. That would be easy if the cabinet could be shortened. 
  I think that the rear cap to rear interior , has a large enough gap  that you could mount the unit over head and run the lines down to the compressor back there some place.
    The over head  cabinets over the driver seat has some room . But no  easy drain line  passage.

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #14
Depending on the ... height of that 29" unit. It would fit under the tv cabinet. It would just have to push the cold air up, if that's viable.      I guess if your pushing enough air ??

 Running power and drain would be easy pezy.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #15
"All of the ones I have looked at, drain from the right end. 

The Pioneer WYS009AMFI19RL-16 installation manual shows a left side outlet option.  It says "Left rear most recommended, left side recommended, right rear less recommended, and right side not recommended unless absolutely necessary."
Mike & Lilli
1991 GV U280 36' SBI, 3208 Cat, Build #3825
4320 Watts Solar
Kansas City, MO

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #16
Local owner just completed install of a Split Mini.
Fabricated a rear mount attached to coach frame.
Replaced old A/C's with Mini Split Ceiling units.
Do not have any operational information at this time.
Charles
W5CRY
1997 Dynasty - Sold

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #17
Not sure that would work with the full lift up engine hatch.
I still think the area where the muffler is might be big enough for 2 units.  Another reason to go to a resonator.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #18
Go through one wet, dirty or salty road, and that condenser would be finished.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #19
That Endeaver install looks crummy to me and those pipes etc really do no justice to the install.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #20
That Endeaver install looks crummy to me and those pipes etc really do no justice to the install.
JohnH
It looks to me like it was a proof of concept prototype. 
Jan & Richard Witt
1999 U-320  36ft WTFE
Build Number: 5478 Motorcade: 16599
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/Air Force One
Jan: NO5U, Richard:KA5RIW
The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #21
It looks to me like it was a proof of concept prototype. 

Or fine craftsmanship by BUBBA.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #22
Mike Leary had a setup in his GV...not permanent but it worked great he said.
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #23
Well, we shall see if my idea might work.  I just ordered the Pioneer unit, it should be shipped about the 15th and then I will see if I can shoehorn it in.
Mike & Lilli
1991 GV U280 36' SBI, 3208 Cat, Build #3825
4320 Watts Solar
Kansas City, MO

Re: Mini split AC on board?

Reply #24
That would cover my water tank access.  I have room right in the dash.. Remove the , HWH  panel ,CB, fancy  horn panel, and glove box. None of which I use. Glove box a little  , but the overheads are under utilized.