Which Mini Split?

Glennman · January 30, 2022, 11:43:46 PM

I'm ready to order at least one of my mini splits (12,000 btu for the front). I was originally looking at the Mr. Cool brand, but they are nearly double now from the Pioneer model I am now exploring. I know you get what you pay for, but double? What brands come recommended?

mqbus767 · January 31, 2022, 02:46:39 AM

I've no data on longevity yet, but my LG dual zone unit seems to be working well. I ordered mine from e-comfort.

buswarrior · January 31, 2022, 05:51:46 AM

Not double if you compare spec sheets.

Mitibushi outperforms the rest in cold weather operation. Real world experiences match the spec sheet.

Premium product in great demand.

Most campers have no need for that kind of heating capability, so watch your efficiency numbers on the others and save some $$$$?

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

rancher · January 31, 2022, 06:38:39 AM

I would give LG Daikin Mitibushi a look I have installed all three brands in houses and have had zero call backs. I been called out on several of these way off brands that house flipper's had put in and they are just junk and no parts to be had for them.

thomasinnv · January 31, 2022, 06:40:17 AM

I purchased an OLMO 9k unit for the bedroom off of the fleabay about 3 months ago. Very happy with its performance. Has a Toshiba compressor in it. They have several sizes available.

windtrader · January 31, 2022, 09:50:11 AM

There are a couple lines of Mr Cool. The full DIY line is more expensive as the entire system is charged. The same thing with the line not charged is much less and stated as pro install.

Pioneer is a common lower end product. The LG and Mitsubishi etc brands are great but quite expensive.

There are many Mr Cool installations in conversions and they seem to hold up. The Japanese brands are very solid in permanent installations, not sure there is much field reports on them being used in moving vehicles.

Glennman · January 31, 2022, 12:53:32 PM

Quote from: windtrader on January 31, 2022, 09:50:11 AM
There are a couple lines of Mr Cool. The full DIY line is more expensive as the entire system is charged. The same thing with the line not charged is much less and stated as pro install.

Pioneer is a common lower end product. The LG and Mitsubishi etc brands are great but quite expensive.

There are many Mr Cool installations in conversions and they seem to hold up. The Japanese brands are very solid in permanent installations, not sure there is much field reports on them being used in moving vehicles.

I'll check out the pro install unit especially since the pre-charged linesets are probably not going to be long enough. If I may ask another question (I really don't want to start another thread), do the interior heads need a circuit installed from the main electrical panel, or do they receive their power from the main unit?

sledhead · January 31, 2022, 01:35:10 PM

they get the power from the outside unit ( low voltage )

peterbylt · January 31, 2022, 01:47:30 PM

I have the Pioneer 12K in my conversion, it has been in there for over three years, no issues.

We liked it so much we installed a 24K Pioneer unit in the house, no issues with that one either.

After installing the 24K unit in the house, our electric bill is 50% of what we were paying before we installed it.

I installed both units myself, comes pre-charged with pretty much everything to do the install, not that difficult an install.

Peter

epretot · January 31, 2022, 06:01:37 PM

I just received a daikan. The warranty is 12 years. That was a major factor for me. Price was right too.

https://hvacdirect.com/daikin-mxs-36-000-btu-dual-zone-mini-split-system-18-18-id1512.html

I didn't purchase from this site. A friend of mine (HVAC contractor) ordered it.

sledhead · January 31, 2022, 06:57:07 PM

what size btu did you get and what voltage ?

Iceni John · February 01, 2022, 12:29:02 AM

The Pioneers are well regarded by the skoolie folk, not least because they survive the harder ride of skoolies compared to "real" buses... That they are inexpensive and easy to install is a bonus, and if they do go tits up then they're cheaper to replace.

I installed a Pioneer 12K with heat pump, but it's not evacuated yet, so fingers crossed that it works! I put the outdoor unit directly above the front axle between the frame rails, but it will get lots of air there even when driving.

John

Lee Bradley · February 01, 2022, 04:53:50 AM

Probably not the person to ask. I bought a Sanyo which goes with my Honda RV generator and Trace inverter. All out of the market.

luvrbus · February 01, 2022, 07:02:57 AM

Do any of the brands have a warranty if used for mobile use in a RV ?., Patty Thompson a friend that owns a entertainment leasing co with Prevost buses removed all of her mini splits because of warranty issues in the buses she is bacK to roof tops and the 21k generators.I bought 2 of her LG units for use in the restaurant

Glennman · February 01, 2022, 12:09:04 PM

Quote from: peterbylt on January 31, 2022, 01:47:30 PM
I have the Pioneer 12K in my conversion, it has been in there for over three years, no issues.

We liked it so much we installed a 24K Pioneer unit in the house, no issues with that one either.

After installing the 24K unit in the house, our electric bill is 50% of what we were paying before we installed it.

I installed both units myself, comes pre-charged with pretty much everything to do the install, not that difficult an install.

Peter

I'll be going with the Pioneer then. I don't usually look for warrantees and such. They're nice, but most come with a lot of red tape. I figure that if I'm going to install it in an environment that is not conducive to the unit, then that's my problem. Thanks everyone for these great responses.