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Topic: Mini-split installation on Grand Villa? (Read 535 times) previous topic - next topic

Mini-split installation on Grand Villa?

While I was working to fix my transmission, I have to get in the front cone area of the 91 Grand Villa to access the Transmission ECU. I noticed there is a lot of space there, especially if all components related to my broken dash AC are removed. I think there is enough space for the mini-split external unit. The existing hole on the firewall can be used to route the pipes cables to the inside air handler.

The existing 12V cable might be used to power the mini split with an 2000W continuous inverter.

The roof mount AC is very loud and not very efficient at all. At summer night, when it start to run, it will wake everybody up.

So if this works, I could technically remove the roof AC and leave more space for solar panel. Mini-Split is so much more efficient than the roof top AC. It might be possible to run it completely on Solar.

I have watched few videos online. None of the RV in the video has the unique front nose cone like Grand Villa. So I think having the external unit mounted inside the GV front nose cone is a great way to hide it.

There are even mini-split kits ready for solar on amazon already


I know it is a crazy idea. Not going to happen any time soon for me. But I like to think about it and when the roof ac dies, I may just go with the mini-split option.

Is there big NO-NO you can think of?

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1991 Grand Villa U300

Re: Mini-split installation on Grand Villa?

Reply #1 –
This same idea was raised last week in another thread.  You must have missed the memo.

Mini split AC on board?
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 installation on Grand Villa?

Reply #2 –
R.O.
 You need to complete your info so that we know what coach your working with.
 
  BTW.  Great idea for the Grand Villa coaches. Lots of room in the nose for the outside part. I just haven't heard an idea for the inside part that I'm sold on yet.
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 installation on Grand Villa?

Reply #3 –
Correct. I'm still looking for an easy spot inside . My talents don't include shortening the upper cabinets . But the air handler drains to the right end of the unit, making the left side  advantageous.
  Choices include the safe box. Issues are air movement above/below and upskirt...
  The overhead cabinet has  room , but not much for the drain lines  to run cleanly down under.

Re: Mini-split installation on Grand Villa?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
This same idea was raised last week in another thread.  You must have missed the memo.

Mini split AC on board?

Great mind think alike!

But I think that post is more about the bus style foretravel with flat front.  For GV, we have the unique cone in front that is pretty big.

Here is my initial thought about the layout of the internal. Borrowed image from online.


Top cabinet on top of the driver seat is perfect to hide the tubes and wires. With some cover material, I think GV can have a pretty clean install.

The circuit breaker for the roof top is 20A. Enough to power the mini split.

For small space like GV, a 9000BTU should be enough.
So I think this is very doable.
I am going to take some measurement inside the front nose soon. I think there is enough space for not only one, but two external unit >:D .
1991 Grand Villa U300

Re: Mini-split installation on Grand Villa?

Reply #5 –
What about repurposing the cabinet on either side of the coach?  They may be big enough to remove the doors and hang the inside unit.
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 installation on Grand Villa?

Reply #6 –

If you are into a remodel.. Look into the register style returns. Now if I was tearing out the cieling it would be easy to run the registers where the old A/C holes are and I would do 2 or 3 of them in the living room and 1bath and 1 bed (maybe 2 bed) Mine seems to run warm back there.
Amazon.com: Dual 2 Zone 12000 12000 Ductless Mini Split Ceiling Cassette Air...

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Re: Mini-split installation on Grand Villa?

Reply #7 –
Condensing unit will probably shut down on high head pressure, due to recirculation of hot air underneath the front cap. Air conditioners or heat pumps rely on moving huge volumes of air with very little resistance except for the outdoor coil.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Mini-split installation on Grand Villa?

Reply #8 –
 I have my grills blancked off right now . But if you mount the compressor unit low enough I believe that there is enough exit area above it to function properly . If not, an old fan shroud from a car would move the air out.
 Under the couch maybe , for the inside unit. 
 FWIW I think that the 9000 BTU size will cool more than enough  for the front of the GV.  ( Taken form the small draw of my Home 2.5 ton unit. )
 
    Maybe both ends would need one . I'm still looking in the rear, where the muffler used to live is enough space , matched with the overhead head bangers .  I will look into  a heat shielded shelf  above the exhaust pipe.  You should' nt need the bedroom air while traveling..

Re: Mini-split installation on Grand Villa?

Reply #9 –
I like the under couch idea.  Since the overhead heat pump gets it done , what with heat rising and all that.  I guess the cooling unit under the couch could also.  Hadn't considered that.
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 installation on Grand Villa?

Reply #10 –
Or.... maybe where the tv cabinet up front is.  Could the do double duty as dash air and cabin air.  Even better ?
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