Basement or roof air now in light of things?

[Paladin]

After reading of the demise of the basement air industry I'm left wondering. I have one basement air unit new in the box and was planning on at least one more but now I wonder what price if any would get me a unit? What about future repairs and parts?
This means I have to decide and have some options, should I leave the basement unit that I have in and plumb it so it cools only the bedroom and bath- the rear half of the bus so I avoid water dripping on my head and noises in the night? Should I plumb it into the ceiling ducting system I've been making and planning on using and then add a couple more roof airs and plumb them into the same? Or should I sell the basement unit and just go with all ducted roof airs? I don't like roof air for several reasons but it seems that our choices are getting limited. This isn't a war of which is better of the two since I already know my preferences, it's which is most attainable and affordable now?  

I hate being hot nearly as much as being freezing cold and we don't generally go where it's cold. In fact I plan on almost exclusively going where air conditioning would definitely be used.  

Any thoughts?

[JohnEd]

Yes! Mini Split.  High seer ratings available for lower power consumption.  It would be a second stand alone AC power AC system. You don/tneed the ducts but a small fan to de stratify the air is a must regardless of system or air conditioning or heat.  Go with a heat pump.  The mini can be a silent running affair.  Deals on EBay.  If I had my dreams I would go with two mini splits that were over sized.  I think you will be happy with the prices.

John

[Jerry32]

yes the mini splits work great I have had one in the bus for three years now and still does the job. Jerry

[oldmansax]

I am looking into the 48 volt version of the mini splits mentioned in the inverter/ batteries thread both for my own use & for possibly becoming a servicing dealer. I don't have enough info yet but I have found out the 18,000 BTU version is a heat pump that produces 23,000 BTU cooling & 22,000 BTU heat. They are also variable output from 5 to max. 

I think the 48 volt feature is promising although it would require me to go to a 24V house battery setup (I have 12V now) & go back to a large alternator like the 50DN. I have not figured out how to get the 48V required yet but was looking at using the the old parallel switch system found on older trucks that used 24v start & 12V run. Problem there would be the parallel switches are not continuous duty. Another solution would be to use a 48V house bank & set it down to 24 for the inverter & 12 for other things. I'd have to hire Sean to do the math! LOL

Another nice feature for these systems is the company claims to have a solar setup that will run the system as long as you have good sun. Again, I am waiting for the specs.

I will post on the board once I get more info.

On a side note, I already wrote this post once one the inverter/batteries thread, spell checked it, previewed it, & then closed the window without clicking "Post". I looked my post several time yesterday ...... couldn't figure out why it didn't show up! LOL. As my Aunt used to say, " I must be getting Anheuser's disease"   

TOM

[robertglines1]

I try to avoid roof air to noisy for me we use basement air home made version from window airs...have 40 ft coach with slides.14700 120 volt ea....also in bedroom closet we use a portable room ac 10000BTU with a 6 inch discharge vent to outside..we keep it 62 in bedroom at night..(hot wife) [temp] spend several months in Fla in winter spring....we pay for elect and or friends with sticks and staples use LP heat :we use elect and their bills run 142 to 240 a month plus LP and ours run from 71 to highest 93..got to think it is the air/heat pump and appliances...They keep their coaches cooler when its cold and warmer when it is hot...We stay comfortable and don't have to power manage.  Bob   FWI under 1000 dollars in air system

[Kenny]

Bob, How about posting more information and pictures on how you converted houshold window AC units into basement units? I'm sure many would like to know.
Kenny

[robertglines1]

now you have did it my handicap is posting pictures...I'm recovering from back surgery for a few days so will try to muddle threw it and teach myself something new...that's a tough job....just ask my wife. Bob

[philiptompkjns]

^If you email them to me I'll post them for you: philiptompkins@usa.com

I like what you did though. I have 2 portable airs that I'm going to duct from the basement.  Window units are cheaper so I have been thinking about adding one of those to the front (drivers area) for both OTR and house use.  You not only save the noise, you also save some cost, and the RV look of having them all up on the roof.

-Philip

[dougyes]

 The new high seer so called "Inverter" Mini Split heat pumps are actually using 48v. DC compressors powered by a 120v transformer. If you could figure how to get the fan motors and controls to run on DC you could transform them yourself. But why bother if they'll run off a generator or inverter out of the box.
The new Carrier roof mount low profile heat pump is very quiet for a roofer, and is super compact at 7 1/2 " tall. They actually don't look bad at all. The roofers are the easiest to install being one unit and they don't take up any bay space. (If you are in Florida I have an extra one.)
The mini splits are the quietest things around, but you have to deal with where to run the bundle of tubing and wires.

[TomC]

As some have already read, I'm using the ducted version of the Duotherm Penguin for my basement air.  It is the only roof top air that has a squirrel cage blower for the condenser that can be ducted down through the floor to the outside.  Mount the A/C on a shelf leaving enough room underneath to run the return duct and the feed duct with leaving a vent into the basement area, and there you have it.  Then is something goes wrong with it, most anyone knows how to work on a roof air, or just replace it since they are relatively cheap compared to the basement models. 

I believe that Duotherm is still making the commercial version of the basement airs for truckers. They can be had in all in one version, or in a split with the condenser remote mounted.  They are pricey-a 14,000btu is around $2,000.00 compared to around $700.00 for the 13,500btu Penguin.  Good Luck, TomC

[John Z]

Tom, your basement mount of the duo-therm is interesting to me. I looked at their site, but they do not show the vents. What size are they - the feed and the return? How much air do you feel it moves into the coach, do you have a single outlet or more? What did you do to supply and exhaust fresh air to the unit? Do you have any pictures? Thanks for idea of yet another option.

[James77MCI8]

Tom,

I am very interested in your set up. Pics documentation..pretty please?

[TomC]

I'm about ready to order the Penguins from Nick.  I'll take photos of the install since the A/C's will be the first thing to be installed so I can work during summer.  Good Luck, TomC