Long term usage of Mini-Split A/C units

[rbryan]

Originally Posted by Wayne Collins

Go to a HVAC dealer,
All things considered, you are better off with a roof mounted A/C which is is made for the trailer. It is self contained with no need for charging at install.

"Better off" is relative. Escape owners with a mini split AC report it was cheaper than the roof mount, and the reduction of noise was remarkable. As for installation, it's not rocket science. Anyone with a reasonable ability with tools could probably handle it. The few items needed for the setup after install are cheap and readily available as well.

[redbarron55]

I went with the mini-split because the roof line was lower the weight was lower the cost (on sale) was lower I thought the noise would be lower and I was building my FrankenScamp the way I wanted it.
It has worked out well for us.
While there are compromises in all things.
It almost seems that the unit is oversized since it is more efficient.
In the heating phase we crack the vent open for better operation.
Last night it was 38*F and we had it open about an inch.
I looked as the coffee maker and heat pump were both running and my power meter showed 12 amps of 120 .
If you have to get someone else to do the physical mounting it is probably not for you.
Our old Scamp did not have the roof reinforcing so this fit the bill.

[redbarron55]

As a quick note many or most of these mini-split units are inverter variable speed and do not have a generator killing surge when the compressor starts.
Since they are VFD no big clunk either.
Quieter, lighter or as light.
Lower CG Lower power usage too.
Heat and cool in one package.
Gotta figure out how you are going to mount it though.

[BarbinBC]

Thanks for all your informative replies. Now it appears that my son-in-law and my trailer won't be able to connect to do this installation in time for the 50th Anniversary trip. Considering the costs and modifications, etc. I've decided that I probably won't do it at all this year. I did purchase a 15 ft. x 6 ft. piece of that Australian shade cloth and I'm in the process of creating a two sided curtain to attach to the awning on my trailer. And making friction fit Reflectix window coverings. Those should help somewhat.

When I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, building two houses here in the heat of the summer, I found that a moisture-holding neck cooler and a small spray bottle of water worked reasonably well. But not for sleeping! I have two fans - the Fantastic in the ceiling and a portable 12V clip-on I can move around which should help. If it gets really bad I'll just get in my A/C truck and head straight back West until I reach the cool Pacific ocean where I live.

Hoping to see other solutions, besides a roof-mounted A/C, at the gathering in Winnipeg. One day I want to travel to the S. US States, but not without some A/C!

[rbreding]

Any update to this and how the Minisplits are working ?

[redbarron55]

at least five years running most of the time (humidity control in Florida) and well over 20,000 miles traveling and it works like new.

[k0wtz]

I put one in my family room. that 12 15years ago it cools a 28x26 room 15but.

what more can you want?

bob

[rbreding]

Originally Posted by redbarron55

at least five years running most of the time (humidity control in Florida) and well over 20,000 miles traveling and it works like new.

Thanks. Did you stick with the standard lengths of the lineset and wind up the rest or did you cut to exact length and re-flare it ?

[k0wtz]

This was the first time I had encountered flared fittings on an a/c unit I always thought they had to be silver soldered yes I cut my lines to fit my application.

This has been this way for 15 years no problems.

bob

Originally Posted by rbreding

Thanks. Did you stick with the standard lengths of the lineset and wind up the rest or did you cut to exact length and re-flare it ?

[rbreding]

Originally Posted by k0wtz

This was the first time I had encountered flared fittings on an a/c unit I always thought they had to be silver soldered yes I cut my lines to fit my application.

This has been this way for 15 years no problems.

bob

This makes sense for a fixed install like yours for sure. Im wondering about the re-flare on a moving object.

[Defenestrator]

Originally Posted by redbarron55

Buy a vacuum pump at Harbor Freight or borrow one.
Gauges and line set.
Evacuate the system. Make sure it holds a vacuum.
Ease the valves open and you are done.
I bought mine on my trailer several years ago on a Spring sale from Johnstone Supply.
There are numerous for sale on ebay.
I liked mine in the camper so much I bought one for my Florida room.

No need to buy the vacuum pump and gauge manifold. You can use Autozone's Loan-a-Tool program to borrow one. Just be sure to keep the receipt and do the return, because the deposit's a bit on the high side.

[courtney]

Originally Posted by redbarron55

at least five years running most of the time (humidity control in Florida) and well over 20,000 miles traveling and it works like new.

Where did you mount the inside unit?