Split system Air Conditioners

blaze · Guru

Split system Air Conditioners

beiffe · Guru

I am looking for any information from people who have installed split system airconditioners in their Rv's

My old Dometic has locked on the cool function and I have replaced it with a 14 speed exhaust fan from America and my son wants me to instal a split system on the back of the bus and have the air blowing from the back to forward.

As I can run an aircon from batteries and my bus aircon has never worked I intend to use it while driving as well as when camped.

I am interested only from people who have information on the use of the units and not interested in discussion on the wiring and the use of 240v in a Rv as my bus is full 240v and therefore the inverter is running 24/7 anyway so may as well use the battery power and the alternator whilst driving.

Thinks I am interested in is what models they installed.

Did they use flexible hoses and where.

Did they find the split system better than the RV units they replaced.

Regards

Brian

Plendo · Guru

Hi Brian,

After doing a stack of research across a number of forums, plus asking air conditioning installers that I know and trust I settled on the smallest Fujitsu reverse Cycle Split system, it is inverter based, and appears to be very economical on amps at 2.7A running (cooling), and max 6A start. With the heater going the specs say it can suck 3.3A. By comparison the Ibis roof top unit draw 5.9A running, and up to 20A start.

According to my air conditioning specialists the newer split systems run heavier copper lines (new gases require higher pressure), thus there is no need to consider flexible lines, just install good sized loops near the compressor (outside bit). I am installing the compressor on the rear bumper, and the head unit at the front of the van, according to the manufacturer of my van they have done this a few times without issue.

Here is a link to the unit I purchased. I paid $698 when they were giving away $200 visa cards (already spent), so effectively $498.

http://www.fujitsugeneral.com.au/product/334/astg09kmca/

I hope this helps your decision process.

beiffe · Guru

Thanks guys
I have been doing research and have narrowed to two the Fujitsu and the Mitsibishi.
Friend is a fridgie and he will instal for free (some bourbons required for temp control though).
Will mount the outside unit on back of MH level with the rear window as I need to still get to the motor and radiator LOL and the inside unit will be in the rear pushing the air forward.
The power they are talking about is nothing compared to what the old one used and I could run that for four hours in the afternoon from the batteries if needed so this one will be no problems.
Regards
Brian

mr glassies · Guru

hi brian did you ever get the new air conditioner

dibs

SnowT · Guru

Mr G..

I can say with a definite Yes.. Brian did get the Mitsubishi, it work's well..

And Want something Similar for my Bus project..

Juergen

beiffe · Guru

Yes Graham I purchased a 2.5KW Mitsibishi and I am very happy with it.
I have regularly ran it for most of the afternoon and a couple of times forgot and found it still running at 9:30 when returning from happy hour.
Can run the air con and still charge the batteries with whats left so very happy.
Regards
Brian

Cruising Cruze · Guru

Hi Brian

" Can run the air con and still charge the batteries with whats left so very happy."
does that mean you running a generator to power the aircon

Thanks John

SnowT · Guru

Hey John..

I'm not Brian.. but I have seen his rig..

He run's the Air-Con with out having to run a Generator..

It all come down to How and what he has done to his set-up..

It is Not your typical system.. He does not carry a huge Quantity[weight] of batteries it's what he is using in the system that matter's.

-- What he uses is actually in his signature..

Bus is full 240v with all LiFePo4 batteries.

Me I would recommend that if you ever get the chance to meet up with him, ask him to show you his system..

It is an amazing system..

and all the ground work he and Terry have done, is what I'm aiming for in my new system..

Juergen

-- Edited by SnowT on Wednesday 18th of December 2013 10:29:32 AM

beiffe · Guru

Hi John
No generator, I do have a 1KVA but last ran over 12 months ago to warm the oil before I gave it an oil change when I did the bus.
My system runs on solar only and have not needed additional charging from external power for nearly 3 years.
My bus is unique in that it was the first RV running exclusively on Lithium Batteries and the setup and testing is all on the caravan forum. Sadly there is a lot of junk and miss beliefs and downright BS mixed up but we now have many people using the batteries, or in the final processes of setup with rigs from 100A @ 12v to 900AH @24v.
We only discuss what we do on private forum now (for our own sanity), which has exploded to handle many request but we are now slowing down admitting new members as we believe we are reaching the maximum we want and are able to handle.
Regards
Brian

hino motorhome · Veteran Member

Hi has anyone fitted the outside unit to the back of their mh or cv i'm installing one at the rear just under the window but I would like to hear how others have secured it to the rear with brackets etc and what space did they allow between the unit and mh or cv any thoughts please danny