Why do the Aussies get better air conditioners?

[Nova Eona]

I was doing a little research lately when I learned about the Dometic Harrier and Ibis 4 units - rooftop air conditioners with inverter tech!  Seems like this is an Australia-only thing, I have yet to see any plans to bring similar models stateside.  First off, this has me wondering when we may see units like this on our shores, but it's also got me thinking on alternatives.

Now, let me preface this by saying this is not something I'm planning to do, but it has got me thinking that someone who wanted to avoid the engineering or space requirements of a mini-split system might feasibly import one of these inverter rooftops and then use a step-up transformer to feed it - not the most graceful or cost-effective solution, but if I'm not mistaken someone looking to optimize efficiency would likely find that setup more power-friendly than the traditional rooftop unit.

https://www.dometic.com/en-sg/sg/products/climate/air-conditioners/motorhome-and-caravan-air-conditioners/dometic-harrier-inverter-_-152020
https://www.dometic.com/en-au/au/products/climate/air-conditioners/air-conditioners-for-rvs/dometic-ibis-4-_-188905

[richard5933]

How hard will it be to get 240v/50hz output?

[luvrbus]

Coleman has the inverter type coming soon I was told,we had one inverter type before and I forgot the name but Dometic purchased the RV type and they left 

[chessie4905]

I just saw a post that Furion is making a rooftop unit now. Unless fuel prices kill the current rv boom, expect to start seeing some new innovations.

[luvrbus]

I just saw a post that Furion is making a rooftop unit now. Unless fuel prices kill the current rv boom, expect to start seeing some new innovations.

I have seen a few Furion roof tops lately made in Indiana nice looking units 

[chessie4905]

hopefully they have some new innovations and not just another copy.

[sledhead]

I installed a 14500 Furion roof top shaker just over a year ago to replace a dead roof top unit . It uses a little less power when running and I like the fact that there are separate motors but it is about the same as the other roof top units for rattle when the compressor comes on . it cools down fast though but it is still new . I installed a extra start up capacitor to help in power and with that I can use my small Westinghouse suit case 2500 inverter genny to run it but I have to make sure there is no other power drain on the coach when it is on . for off grid quiet camping as I can move the genny far away in the bush from the coach . I did this as we bought a 100 acre bush lot and plan to camp there for longer times and did not want to run the 12.5 k genny over night just to cool the coach .

so yes I like the new a/c but it is very close to the old units I have so although the co. thinks it is a much better unit it is not but it looks cool up on the roof .

can't wait until "they " make a GOOD inverter roof top rattler

https://furrion.com/collections/air-conditioning/products/14-5k-electric-kit-for-furrion-chill%E2%84%A2-single-zone-air-conditioner-system

https://www.amazon.com/SPP6-Capacitor-Increase-Starting-Torque/dp/B0002YTLFE

dave

[robertglines1]

Gree or something close. usa current 60 . was installed in some coaches in the Elkhart Area. They mysterious disapeared from market. A few years ago..  Maybe to competitive? I was hot on one to replace shaker on toter   home. Bob

[belfert]

I have seen a few Furion roof tops lately made in Indiana nice looking units

Furrion roof top A/C units are made in the USA?  I assumed they are just another Chinese unit.

[richard5933]

Rooftops and mini-splits are not the only options for a creative bus owner. Lots of off-the-shelf components available to assemble nearly any system you want to fit whatever space you have available.

[windtrader]

Agreed. If I were designing a conversion, a basement central system would be worth exploring. Although nicely hidden in a bay, the ducting takes space from available storage. Depending on your needs for space, it could be an issue. But, it sure is best at keeping all that stuff hidden from view.

[richard5933]

Agreed. If I were designing a conversion, a basement central system would be worth exploring. Although nicely hidden in a bay, the ducting takes space from available storage. Depending on your needs for space, it could be an issue. But, it sure is best at keeping all that stuff hidden from view.

I've seen some great installs done running the ducting down the upper wall behind the upper cabinetry. Especially on GM with more curved walls, those last few inches of the upper cabinets where the bottom of the cabinet meets the wall are really wasted anyway - put a vertical divider in there and the back few inches makes a wonderful duct.

Also lots of great options for building an entire a/c unit from scratch which can fit into smaller spaces.

[windtrader]

Also lots of great options for building an entire a/c unit from scratch which can fit into smaller spaces.

I've toyed with the idea of DIY refrigerator where the compressor is placed in the bay. Would allow for a custom refrigerator cabinet so maximum capacity inside. Seems very simple and not sure why it hasn't been done more.

[richard5933]

I've toyed with the idea of DIY refrigerator where the compressor is placed in the bay. Would allow for a custom refrigerator cabinet so maximum capacity inside. Seems very simple and not sure why it hasn't been done more.

It's done on boats every day, and companies like Vitrifrigo make models with a remote condensing unit for an install just like you've mentioned. Gives more room in the fridge with none of the ventilation issues. Wouldn't be difficult to make one from scratch either using off-the-shelf components.

[luvrbus]

I had Crusiair in our Eagle 2 in the spare tire compartment an 1 at the rear nice and quite loved those units the fans were adjustable from 0 to high