basement A/C

[niles500]

Nick - I never realized those were HiV units - what's your model #'s? - maybe we should quote some costs cause that's the bottom line - Mine was $1995 plus $118 for drop shipping including T-stat and wire (I didn't need wire or T-stat - so I think - so mine was less) - does not come with/ or have available collars - so those will have to be fabricated - Coleman has cheeper package systems (these below are special order - bummer) but tech dept. said they are not rated for RV or Marine use (think of the abuse on Marine apps)


http://www.flagshipmarine.com/offroof.html

http://www.flagshipmarine.com/offroof.html

P.S. - I'd have gone HiV but this is a retrofit

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Niles,

Yea, your coleman is 27,000 on the BTU's and 600 on the CFM. When I first installed the two Dometic/Cruisair units, I did a static preasure test and came

up with 900+ cfm's while both units are running. Thats only under 100 cfm's short compared to a comparable 2 1/2 ton HiV home system.

BTW, the Dometic basement units are made in Cruisair's Richmond VA. plant. They are the same exact design, Cruisair is mfg with aluminum and the

Dometic is mfg with galvinized steel. When I became a Cruisair Dealer 4 years ago, they trained me in the Richmond plant and the secret was revieled..LOL..

Too bad they are moving most of the Cruisair assembly to Mexico next year..

Anyway, call me tomorrow, 609-263-2296
Nick-

[niles500]

Nick - I may not have time tomorrow - but probably the next day - I still have to compare some insurance info with you too - thanks - niles

[TomC]

Go to www.kingersons.com they have a Amocraire 12,000btu residential mini split with heat pump SEER 13 for $800.00.  With properly supported freon lines, should work.  Good Luck, TomC

[Jerry Liebler]

Tomc has pointed to one of literally hundreds of ductless split heat pumps now on the market.  All of these units are subject to federal regulation and pretty well do meet their specifications at the mandatory test temperature of 95 outside.  This is in sharp contrast to RV units which are not subject to any regulation or testing!  The RVIAA has issued test conditions that include testing cooling performance at 80 degrees outside temperature.  The result is the entire RV air conditioner market is based on inflated claims.  All air conditioners loose capacity AND draw more power when the outside temperature goes up.  The capacity loss alone means a unit tested at 80 degrees will only have about 81 % of the cooling capacity at 95 degrees  Similarly the power used at 80 degrees will increase by 18-20 % in going to 95 degrees. Simply put 2 of these 12,000 BTU units will outperform ANY 2 rooftops and any 27,000 BTU basement RV units.  And they will do it on just over 1/2 the power.  It is time the RV world voted for honesty in AC specs by not buying the inflated numbers and poor performance any longer.  All bus conversions should use ductless minisplits.
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120   

[DavidInWilmNC]

Jerry,

The main problem I see with min-splits is that the compressor / condenser sections are so bulky.  Where did you mount yours?  Did you remove the outer 'shell' to reduce the size a bit?  I still think 2 12K BTU splits would be great.  18K is a bit much on coolish days; I'd rather have one 12K unit running almost continuously than to have one larger unit cycling regularly.  Do you have pics of your installation?  I don't have a lot of space for ceiling ducts, although I could get by with running duct along the sides above the windows.  I still like the look of a bus... without A/C units on the roof.

David

[Jerry Liebler]

David,
    I mounted my outdoor portion in what used to house the bus HVAC's condensor.  I had to trim 2" off of the width of the unit to ft this spot.  I  narrowed the unit by cutting a bit off of the bottom, top, front and back and not using what was the right side as this is where an access panel is in my bus.  This is because I chose the 18,000 BTU unit, any of the 12,000 would have fit easily.  I also have a 10,000 BTU/h standard window unit mounted through my rear cap.  If the outside temp is below 85 the rear unit keeps the whole bus cool. Above 105 outside or for faster cool down I run both.  I certainly have no regrets about choosing the 18,000 BTU/h unit.  Send me an email and I'll send a couple of pictures.
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120

[Tom Y]

Jerry, How about posting the pictures so I can see also?  Thanks Tom Y

[chazwood]

me too.....I want to see.

[Stormcloud]

Ditto:

Photos would be great.

BTW Jerry, following our conversation, I ended up buying the new inverter-technology based 18000btu heat pump.
The physical size is such that it should not require any trimming at all to fit into the compressor bay on my mc-7.
The DC variable speed motor/compressor should prevent high start-up currents that may trip the breaker on the inverter.

I also have a 3000w regulated 115/230volt stepup transformer here to power the unit when traveling.

Now, if I could only find the time to install all this equipment!

Come to think of it, with the diesel prices so high, Papabus and I may spend more time in the yard converting than travelling.

Regards.

Mark

[chazwood]

Ditto:

Photos would be great.

BTW Jerry, following our conversation, I ended up buying the new inverter-technology based 18000btu heat pump.

Oh.... the new inverter-technology based heat pump?......wonder what that is.