Mini Split A/C

[Kwajdiver]

I'm interested in installing  a mini split to cool the driver area.
Believe I can mount the outside unit where the over the road A/C unit sat. (That has been removed)

Do mini split A/C come in 12 or 24 volt systems?

What are the problems and pluses board members have run into installing these units.

Thanks for the input.

Bill

[TomC]

Here's one that I considered-until I found out the cost-about three times the cost of a roof top air. http://www.arcticbreeze-truckac.com/  Good Luck, TomC

[Jerry32]

Yes the outdoor unit will fit the old compartment for air conditioning. I have a mini split heat pump that I have been using for 6 years now and works fine but to my knowledge no DC units anly 120 vac or 240 vac

[Kwajdiver]

Jerry,

What make is your unit?

Thanks,

Bill

[Jerry32]

It is a Klimair (chinese I  suspect) one ton and runs on 120 vac and I believe 410 refrigerant. I use heavily as puts out more heat for less energy than direct electric.

[robertglines1]

Hi Jerry; I use one of those in house also since it worked so good in bus.  Works down to single didgits.  Inverter type is important as well as 410 refrigerant.  Cut utilities in home 45% heat and cooling. I think 12,000 btu is largest avail in 120V maybe 18  The 12 should pull about 7.5 amps.     Good luck    Bob

[Kwajdiver]

Bob,

Are you running through an inverter?  If so, how large in your battery bank?

Bill

[uemjg]

Yes the outdoor unit will fit the old compartment for air conditioning. I have a mini split heat pump that I have been using for 6 years now and works fine but to my knowledge no DC units anly 120 vac or 240 vac

can you post detail pictures of the indoor unit and outdoor unit?

[Mex-Busnut]

We used our former OTR A/C compartment for the generator, and one lugage bay houses both of our mini-split external units. Check out our build for pictures here:

http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=22081.0

[belfert]

Here's one that I considered-until I found out the cost-about three times the cost of a roof top air. http://www.arcticbreeze-truckac.com/  Good Luck, TomC

Do you remember how much they told you the system would cost?

[robertglines1]

Bill;I do not run one off a inverter/off battery power. I do not have a house batt system. I am Either on Gen set or shore power. For my lifestyle the expense of batteries and inverters (thousands of $$$) would not equal fuel cost. When you  figure up-keep and replacement cost it adds up.  Most guys with 10 yr old gen sets have less than 1,000hrs on them. I did a poll about a year ago on the subject.  For me it's a math thing. My 2 cents.   Bob

[Jerry32]

I do have an inverter and it runs the mini just fine, I can have all the batteries tied together and charging from bus system and solar. the inverter is 4000 watts 24 volt and I have six house batteries and the two 8D's tied together.

[robertglines1]

My system: two 9,000 and 1ea 12,000 above driver seat. zoned and redundant. I have a 45 ft coach well insulated with 3 slides all home built. Advice ,fasten all lines securely, guard against sharp edges,use teflon paste on flare fitting,and keep a recharge kit on hand. The kit is about $55 online with gauge. A little hvac knowledge is helpful and a cheap vacuum pump. I did over-tighten and crack a flare. above is not necessary but was my experience and learning curve.  We have a 24,000 unit in home that replace  a 5 ton unit well pleased.    Mount slightly off level toward drain tube.  Bob

[Kwajdiver]

Guys,

I don't have an inventer yet. May look for a used one.
Currently have a small battery bank.  Not enough to handle a mini split.
Taking this one step at a time.  Having the bus taken to John at Central Florida to have a 12v alt added to charge the 12 volt battery bank.

While in the shop, going to look at installing sometype of compressor to cool the driver area.  Maybe not need a mini-split.  Have to way out the cost.

Bill