mini split ac

[Doc Weaver]

I finally got the pics of my AC that have been asked for. It works for me.

[andyg]

awesome. Thanks for posting these.

[andyg]

You mounted the outside unit in a lower compartment just like Dad did with his Prevost. It looks like the air handler is near the front on a side wall. Does it circulate air throughout the coach like that? If I go minisplit I will have a similar situation and I'm worried about it being able to move air throughout the unit.

[Doc Weaver]

Originally Posted by andyg

You mounted the outside unit in a lower compartment just like Dad did with his Prevost. It looks like the air handler is near the front on a side wall. Does it circulate air throughout the coach like that? If I go minisplit I will have a similar situation and I'm worried about it being able to move air throughout the unit.

It move the air fairly well. My bunk is behind the bathroom and it cools my bed well. It is probably a bit cooler in the front room, but not too bad.

[andyg]

Thanks Doc. If I install a minisplit it will be located on a side wall near the rear of the unit. I am worried about air circulation to tbe bed above the cab.

[Doc Weaver]

Originally Posted by andyg

Thanks Doc. If I install a minisplit it will be located on a side wall near the rear of the unit. I am worried about air circulation to tbe bed above the cab.

From too many years driving a tour bus I learned that all smells move to the front of the bus. I would surmise that air moves the same way.

[jbeech]

How many BTU is that minisplit Doc, and how long has it been installed? Also, would you do anything differently? Finally, what capacity is your generator?

[Doc Weaver]

if memory serves, 3/4 ton air and 30 amp gen set. and I've had it for about three years (give or take)

[jbeech]

Hmmm, 3/4 ton is about 9000 BTU, which seems about right. Does it do a good job? Is yours a heat pump as well, or straight AC? Also, would you do it again, and what would you do differently?

I'm thinking of going light on the insulation to mazimize space thinking a larger AC unit, maybe a 1-ton would cool quickly and stay cool (I seriously doubt I use the truck when it's cold anyway because it's why we live in FL in the first place).

I define light insulation as 1" blue rigid foam board - maybe not even that - and some paneling, or some such. Frankly, I dunno yet.

[Doc Weaver]

I would do it again and this time I would get the heat pump.

I have one inch expanded foam in my walls and ceiling and decoupled padding under the carpet.

*note* don't use Styrofoam. it will squeak to no end and drive you nuts.

[jbeech]

I know styrofoam squeeks like crazy. I was thinking of the light blue stuff instead. It has foil on one side. Thanks for the tip about the heat pump, makes sense to have the capability even if I never think I'll need it.

What brand split did you get? I'm thinking of getting an LG brnad.

[#90-GTSC]

Originally Posted by Doc Weaver

I would do it again and this time I would get the heat pump.

What is the difference between a heat pump and "the other thing"?

[Doc Weaver]

mine is a friedrich. it happened to be the brand that my friend (hvac company owner) sells and installs.

The heat pump is basically an internal switch that makes the AC unit run backwards. it puts out warm, not hot, air. SO I thought it would be cheaper and more effective to use a separate space heater. Cheaper maybe, but it would have been a lot easier to just use the same unit on the wall for the majority of my cool weather trips. Maybe have the space heater for the Chicago in February trips.... man that was cold.