Mini-Split in a LD MB February 28, 2021, 06:53:27 pm Thomas & Stacy, members here and YouTube creators (I'm Not Lost I'm RVing) have added a new upgrade to their LD MB. A mini-split air conditioner.Check it out!https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=arj2ioF8z9o 2 Likes
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #1 – February 28, 2021, 10:00:27 pm We absolutely love love love the mini split system in our house. Going forward I would do it again with no hesitation.I’ve thought about it in our TK but storage space is a premium and would not want to give that up just yet. 1 Likes
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #2 – March 01, 2021, 02:04:33 am Quote from: debinvenice - February 28, 2021, 06:53:27 pmThomas & Stacy, members here and YouTube creators (I'm Not Lost I'm RVing) have added a new upgrade to their LD MB. A mini-split air conditioner.Check it out!https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=arj2ioF8z9oThe link doesn't open. Couldn't find it on a quick Google search.Larry
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #3 – March 01, 2021, 03:19:37 am Along with Larry, it doesn't open for me. RonB
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #4 – March 01, 2021, 07:43:31 am This looks like the link.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arj2ioF8z9oThanks Deb for the finding this video. It's certainly among the most bold modifications I've seen on a LD. Honestly, I'd never have the courage to do something like this project. 2 Likes
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #5 – March 01, 2021, 09:37:02 am I think these folks are based in Florida so perhaps it would be worth doing if you lived in a very high humidity area.
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #6 – March 01, 2021, 09:49:59 am Quote from: HiLola - March 01, 2021, 09:37:02 amI think these folks are based in Florida so perhaps it would be worth doing if you lived in a very high humidity area.They are full-timers based out of Florida. Thomas now installs RV solar as they travel the country.
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #7 – March 01, 2021, 02:06:12 pm I would like to know what the SEER efficiency numbers are for the existing RV rooftop A/Cs presently in use, compared to a mini-split. I have found no reliable comparison. Brand name mini-splits are not cheap either.Amazon.com: Mitsubishi 15,000 Btu 21.6 Seer Single Zone Ductless Mini Split...No matter how efficient a mini-split is, an LD does not have enough roof room for enough panels to run the unit day and night, considering the mini-split shown in the video uses around 600-watts, which's over 50-amps of 12-volt power. Our 24' LD's 500-watt of solar never produces over 360-watts on a summer day at noon. Completely covering an MB's roof in panels may reach the needed 600-watts but it would not have any excess for recharging the coach battery for night use. A large bank of lithium batteries does not make up for the lack of solar charging. My experience with Florida's heat and humidity, during the warm season, is that A/C can be needed day and night.The dream for solar-powered A/C for our LDs still remains a dream.Larry As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #8 – March 01, 2021, 03:57:39 pm Has anyone utilized or have any experiences with the Zero Breeze Mark 2 ? It is portable.Jumped down a rabbit whole doing ac research. Ac is "ok" for now, cleaned coils and replaced filters.I know that I will need a replacement at some point. Most likely on a very hot day.Kimberley
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #9 – March 02, 2021, 12:03:19 am We like split Heat/AC systems because they are Very Quiet! Installing one in a LD would be a task, although I like the way this couple did it. I would figure out a way to extend out the Fake tire compartment to accommodate the exterior unit yet remain on the coach and for operation of the unit, you would just open the cover. There may be enough space in the spare tire compartment in our 98 ~ MB I have not measured but I just may. We would like an alternate AC like this to replace our noise roof model when it dies, this could be a good possibility. Karen~Liam 98 ~ MB NinA 1 Likes
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #10 – March 02, 2021, 04:17:43 am Quote from: kvc - March 01, 2021, 03:57:39 pmHas anyone utilized or have any experiences with the Zero Breeze Mark 2 ? It is portable.The following review of the Zero Breeze (which seems objective) suggests to me that it's not the best application for a RV. It might turn out to be an expensive experiment. Zero Breeze Mark II Portable Air Conditioner Review: A Noisy But Effective...Just my .02.
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #11 – March 02, 2021, 01:06:34 pm Quote from: Karen & Liam - March 02, 2021, 12:03:19 amWe like split Heat/AC systems because they are Very Quiet! Installing one in a LD would be a task, although I like the way this couple did it. I would figure out a way to extend out the Fake tire compartment to accommodate the exterior unit yet remain on the coach and for operation of the unit, you would just open the cover. Mini-splits are a remodeler's dream, what's not to like..I like keeping the tire cover too, with modifications.Our 23.5' FL's 13,500-BTU A/C is barely adequate during the summer's heat spells at home, a 15,000-BTU unit would be better. Our 2003's AC is not as effective as it once was, replacement is in its future.The mini-split idea caught my attention with their high SEER numbers. It looked to be an interesting idea for an MB or a 31' model. The downside is any mini-splits I found larger than a 12.000-BTU model required 230-VAC electrical power, we only have 120-VAC available. Downsizing the A/C to a lower BTU output is the opposite of what we needed. Game over.If this is what was installed in the video, they are going to be disappointed when the summer's heat arrives.It makes me ask wonder if the rooftop RV A/Cs are not already highly efficient, since they can produce 15,000-BTUs of cooling on a 120-VAC, 20-amp circuit, where the mini-splits are limited to 12,000-BTU. If they are, the advantages of a mini-split are eliminated. Why go through the effort of reinventing the wheel and then install a smaller, inadequate A/C?Larry 1 Likes
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #12 – March 02, 2021, 01:52:36 pm I think the high efficiency of these mini-splits is due in large part to the variable-speed compressor. I certainly noticed this with measurements of our new pool motor and plumbing. Our system flows 60 g/m at 2200 rpm, at a draw of 475 Watts. It flows 20 g/m at 800 rpm at a draw of 60 Watts. So, the same amount of pool water filtering at the higher speed in 1 hour uses 475 W-hrs as 3 hours at the slower speed, using only 180 W-hrs.The roof air runs full boat until the dialed in temp is reached, then cycles off. Over time, that uses more energy than running continuously at the slower speed once the set temp is reached. Of course, that does not help if the max output is too low. The ideal solution would be an all-in-one roof unit at 120 VAC, rated appropriately, with the same efficient compressor and controls...Steve
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #13 – March 02, 2021, 03:05:41 pm I agree with Larry, the Mini-Split would be best in a coach that you could close off part of the coach where the unit output is located, then the 12000Btu would cool that area. You will loose some space for the components but look at the roof space you will gain! You can add a storage compartment in that space which you can install and climb up to when you need those items that would have been in the cabinet you lost! We bought a roof locker soon after we got our 98 ~ MB for our inflatable kayak and other items But never installed it. WE decided i was not going on the roof for stored items. The bed above the cab is our storage now! We just spent 4 nights in our 98~MB Pluged-in, Skiing with our two sons, one 6'5" and the other 6'3" so they stayed in the overcab bed and everything up there went on the front seats. The Skiing involves 4+ Back Packs, 4 sets of ski boots, 4 sets of AT ski boots, ski clothing for 0 to 25 degrees, 4 helmits, and more stuff! It all fit and the electric boot dryer was in the shower. Oh and by the way we had the water problems on the second day. We had 45" of new snow so when we were not skiing we were in the LD. Everyone had a great time and Nina too! Karen~Liam 98 ~ MB NinA 7 Likes
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #14 – March 02, 2021, 05:11:22 pm "We just spent 4 nights in our 98~MB Pluged-in, Skiing with our two sons..."How did the 1# Butane bottles work out with that BBQ?I once had to shovel a snowy path into a Campground by the light of a butane lamp. Couldn't figure why the light was so dim and dimmer!
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #15 – March 02, 2021, 05:50:56 pm Steve those bottles are 5lb propane tanks hooked up to the little red campfire. In temperatures below the 20s we get about 75% of the fuel use, which is about 6 hours on medium flame. We carry two of those tanks and the Red Campfire which just fit in the compartment under the drawer which is under the refrigerator in our 98~MB. We carry extra gallon water bottles in that compartment too. I would prefer the 20 gal tanks but do not have a place to put them. When we left camp this time we had to dig about 3 1/2 ft deep of snow about 25 ft long to the road in daylight. The boys did a lot of the work under the watchfull eye of Nina who supervised them and got pets many times Karen~Liam 98 ~ MB NinA
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #16 – March 02, 2021, 05:59:16 pm Steve, I missedread your post, we do hook up our grill to that 5lb tank sometimes and it works great. This time we used the 1lb Coleman like tank for the grill which also does not draw out all of the fuel when it is cold. We save those unused tanks for when it is warmer to use all of the fuel in them. Karen~Liam 98 ~ MB NinA
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #17 – March 02, 2021, 09:14:30 pm "This time we used the 1lb Coleman like tank for the grill..."Your experience made my point exactly.The activity I mentioned was on a late fall deer hunting trip. I arrived at the juncture of the Hwy and the campground road only to find that the snow plows had formed a barrier. If I was to reach the campground it would be necessary to shovel my way in. I fired up my butane lantern and set to work. Some time later I realized that the lantern was barely illuminated. It turns out that Butane looses pressure at low temperatures. I actually got the lamp to increase it's output by cuddling it under my coat. Later on as I was settling into my sleeping bag I spotted a pair of headlights following my tracks into camp. Turned out to be a Deputy Sheriff coming to warn me that there might be heavy snow later that night. But no more snow and no deer either! But the lantern worked much better inside the camper than it had outside.
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #18 – March 03, 2021, 06:17:30 pm I did a very quick look. The mini split they installed ran off of 120v?Mini splits are much more popular in Europe (been around a long time there).I read about a year ago there was some 12V Mini splits around, but not yet in this country.Jane
Re: Mini-Split in a LD MB Reply #19 – March 03, 2021, 09:29:36 pm This gives me whiplash....mini-split AC units, to winter use and skiing, back to mini-splits. Let’s go to Instapots, or bidets next 🤣🤣
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