Does anyone have the coleman central unit? I talked with someone who sells them. Just wanted to do a little research of my own. If you have experience with them, would like your feedback. Thanks
Sorry for all the post for info, but there is a lot to consider when converting a bus, and nothing speaks louder than experience, so thanks to all.
I have the coleman central unit in my #2 bay on the driver's side. It was an easy install and works like a champ. I have also been happy with the customer support online and on the phone.
Good luck!
Grant
I have had 2 of the Coleman units for several years and they work great. I use 1 unit for the kitchen and living area and 1 unit for the bath and bedroom. Each unit has 2 compressors and I have put a micro switch on the thermostat of each so that I can only run 1 compressor at a time. My generator is not large enough to run all 4 compressors but will run 3. Driving down the interstate highway (my first mistake ;D) in 100 degree August heat I need all the cool I can get. Park in the campground they will keep it cold.
Tom Hamrick
I have two untis as well and they are able to keep the bus cool and comfortable in any weather we have encountered.
I do not like the PO's choice of ducting (inefficient as all get out) and I would have done the ducted ceiling vents if my bus wasn't finished when I bought it.
Get really good ducting, it is worth it in the end.
RB
Tom, how big is your generator? Thanks for the info.
Ruthi,
We have one RVP (formely Coleman) basement AC unit in our MC-8. When we installed it, all ducts were built to manufacturers specs. We have had no problems keeping the bus cool. We do have some pretty serious foam insulation in the bus and most of the exterior is painted ultra white for better heat rejection. Jack
Ruthi,
I have a 7K Onan gas genrator at the moment but I am hoping to upgrade to a larger (at least 10K) diesel soon.
Tom Hamrick
Tom, we have one for sale, ;D We are being told the way we use a gen., we would be better off using a commercial mobile gen. So, we will prob. trade in the one we have now.
Jack, we are going to have our new coach well insulated also. We are going to have the top, interior and floor, as well as engine compartment and gen compartment sprayed with ceramics. We also will have it foamed. So, I dont think it can get much better than that. We were just wondering about others exper. with the central air. We dont necessarily want to spend a lot of extra money for the insul, or air, but, we want it to do the best job possible. While building it, it is a one time shot to get it right. Using it as much as we do, it is really important too. We are on the road working more than we are home.
I built my own central unit using 2 14,700 btu window air conditioners. They will fit side by side in a bay and are easy to duct into the bus total cost about $600.00 We spend time in high 80's without any problems. Our coach has only the orignal insulation . We did insulate the bay doors and floors. The cost when we pay for electricity in central florida in March is about $80 the sticks and staples rigs run about $140. This is same park same time period..
Ruthi
We have two units, one on each side in the middle bay of the bus, ducted in from there. I have not run them so I can't tell you real world experience yet.
Tom
I would like very much to get information on the "microswitch" you are using. I have a 12.5 KW generator so I have plenty of gen but wife gets to whinning "I'm cold" anything below 75 degrees so I am thinking of ways to cut back on gen load and temp. Clearly the thermostat is good for temp but if I can lighten the load on gen, that would be good to.
Rob
91 LeMiarge XL
Missouri
Hi Rob,
I will look for my notes on the wiring needed to put in the switch. It was real easy to do.
Tom Hamrick