009 - [Redo] Solar Mini Split Air Conditioner Runs 24/7/365 Day & Night

[@trakyboy5128]

Dude this extenze the range of camping time especially here in the Southwest !!!! Typically I only need enough cooling to cool off the inside after cooking inside or before bedtime.... otherwise the area is really not worst camping in if I've got a hideout in my RV 🤔. but this guy hit it right on the nail head when he talked about how these cheap RV coolers are designed to fail and be replaced. Not to mention the high amounts of energy used to operate them. Sir, I take my hat off to your genius 😃😋 May mother necessity live on !!! LoL 😅

[@ybirch9735]

Thanks very much for the "redu". The additional info and detail was very helpful. I just discovered your channel a couple days ago, have subscribed, as your content is some of the best I've viewed on KZbin, relative to the topics you are presenting. Your practical approach, low key delivery style, level of detail, and willingness to share your knowledge for the betterment of the RV community (and off gridders like myself), really make your channel all the more appealing. Keep up the great work! Watching from Canada!

[@GoneBoondocking]

Thank you Canada for watching,and you are welcome. Happy camping to you. 🏕

[@davidc1961utube]

Me too, from Kelowna!

[@kcdaniels58]

I second that !.... Some great content.....thanks

[@VagabondMango]

Our van build has Rockwool insulation with a R15 value and is a sound deadener and it’s water repellent because it’s made of spun Volcanic rocks, hence the name. It’s amazing stuff, much better than anything on the prefab rigs and it’s fire proof, even a blow torch can’t burn it (cuz it’s rocks) but it cuts like butter and can be pulled apart to stuff inside all of the gaps. I know it wouldn’t take much to cool it down but with the limited roof space even tho it’s the longest and tallest ProMaster, it’s still not gonna hold much, although Campervan Keven had one shorter than ours and he packed 960 on his van with 3 solar panels. I love the idea of going all electric. Wish I had the second alternator/generator under the hood like the new class Bs. The van senses low battery and turns it’s self on and off, as needed to keep the batteries charged, much like the Prius. They make one for our new ProMaster but It’s thousands. And it sips gas and is super quiet. Very cool design and is all electric, even the water heater. Being all electric would be awesome

[@rogerdayton]

Rockwool only has a value around R3 per inch.

[@FloridaLife]

@@rogerdayton , Press or formed rolls and sheets will have a different thermal resistance than loose fill type insulation. Blown rockwool insulation r value is approximately R-3.1 to R-4.0. Fiberglass offers an R-value of 2.2 to 2.7 per inch, while rock wool has an R-value of 3.0 to 3.3 per inch, making it a slightly better insulator than fiberglass, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

[@gregoryprice2593]

Outstanding! Thank you so much, your videos are a goldmine for people who want to seriously upgrade their standard of RV living.

[@GoneBoondocking]

Thank you for watching and for your kind comments. Happy camping

[@toddvolpe6396]

You are an RV Renaissance man. You think out-of-the-box. (For the box) Your revolutionary ideas will change the way people approach a problem and fundamentally change the RV industry for the better at the speed of the internet. You should design your own model RV from the ground up. You seem to tackle every problem with a unique perspective. All electric highest efficiency reliability with resource duration in mind.

[@greengrass89]

This is AWESOME! I've been looking into doing a mini split system for a while now. Nice to see someone with some experience in an install like this.

[@leoblumhagen644]

Once again very thorough, informative, enlightening and enjoyable to view.

[@bettystevens5397]

Thanks for sharing yet another great in depth video!! We'll keep watching!!

[@davidlundy5007]

Agree with you about the high efficiency mini splits being very nice, however I don’t believe they were designed to be subjected to a constant vibration of driving on rough roads. The copper tubes are very thin and leaks will occur. Where you drive to boondock will determine how long your unit will last. A year so far is excellent . Hope it lasts for you.

[@JohninTucson]

Thank you so much for this information! HVAC energy requirements have been my main research for my own RV, and using a Mini-split along with Solar and decent energy storage (I'm going with 600 ah's of Battleborn myself) is just a no-brainer. Excellent videos you are giving us along with your real world experience with these RV upgrades. Brilliant!

[@GoneBoondocking]

Thank you for watching my video, Happy camping

[@johnsparkman1126]

Thanks so much fo the great description and video. I've often wondered about mini-split systems.

[@GoneBoondocking]

You're welcome thanks for watching. Happy camping

[@Nostrildomus]

You have been successful answering my remaining questions on why this can be possible today using high efficiency inverter equipment . I can proceed confidently using your guidelines . Thank you David

[@GoneBoondocking]

Welcome, thank you. 🏕

[@dansouthcomb5439]

Great setup. I understand you installed this out west, but I would have pulled a deep vaccum on the line set before charging the system.

[@camposvazquez]

Thank you... My concern with mini splits is the durability... Many rv'ers in the past had problems with these units enduring the vibration and impact of road travel... Life expectancy of the mini splits for these rv'ers ended in average from 2-3 years....

[@yayaglass]

Found you today, my BD, what a great present!! This vid answers my question about A/C on the road. In 9 months of research, I hadn't found a good answer for this one. My only Boondocking concern was keeping cool, as I'm very hot natured. Thank you for sharing this!!! I've subbed and watched all your vids, they are all extremely useful! Loved the Hour Shower vid, so smart! One could also use that final, filtered water to give the dog a bath!! LOL I look forward to hearing how you manage to go all electric and how that might change your current Solar System. I'll be in a small Skoolie soon, and I really have a concern about carrying enough Propane for water heating, frig and stove. Thanks for making these great vids!!

[@GoneBoondocking]

Thanks for watching, hope to see you out here.

[@JMichellesSpot]

I totally love you & thank you because this is a gift you're giving from the heart instead of pattern and making💰💵.

[@nazcaplain]

I've been waiting years for someone to explore off grid mini splits and solar power. Looks like this is going to be the new-normal, thanks for the deets!

[@GoneBoondocking]

Welcome and thank you for watching. Happy camping. 😊🏕

[@davidc1961utube]

David Sanborn the new normal for consumer retrofit and custom builds. Manufacturers still have deals with the companies that sell the rooftop junk. There is also a limited segment of the market that use trailers enough to care. 3 or 4 weekends a year, people just want a generator that starts when they push a button. Full timers and boondockers are a minority of sales.

[@joehandfl1]

Stellar video . I installed a pioneer 12000 btu 120volt in my living room a few months ago. Works great. Installation was easy, except for copper pipe bending which was nerve racking since it may get kinked. Thanks for your thoughtful video. Running ac on solar is an amazing idea.

[@GoneBoondocking]

Thank you for watching. Yes you have to be watchful coiling the copper lines up.

[@sweetravin9279]

Wonderful Videos! Wow your subscribers have grown! I knew they would! Congrats! So glad that you are able to share your knowledge! Hope you and Terry are enjoying your travels! Hope we see you guys again soon! This is Jen of Jen and Jay in the Rexhall!

[@GoneBoondocking]

Hi u 2. Happy trails to yous. Thank you for your kind comments.

[@ryutenchi]

Your videos are getting better and better! Please keep making them!

[@GoneBoondocking]

Thank you for your kind comments.

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

You can rent a vacuum pump for car AC systems at Auto Zone.... I wonder if you could adapt that to this system to vacuum it down?

[@Nic7320]

I want to do this. The AC on my FR Solera 24S is so loud, I rarely use it. Plus, I like the idea of getting the AC off the roof, since it hits so many tree branches going down the road. At only 369 watts, I could run it for 14 hours on my Tesla battery. More when my solar is on.

[@davidc1961utube]

Nic and without an AC on the roof, you have room for bigger panels with fewer connections and mounting points.

[@GoneBoondocking]

Yes this has been great. The factory AC was very loud...

[@Nic7320]

@@GoneBoondocking -- what was the reason for mounting it up high rather than on the bumper? Was there an issue with the length or routing of the compressor lines or it would cover up the tail-lights?

[@alanmcrae8594]

Hi David! Much improved presentation from your original, and full of the really important appliance information & your installation tips. You are a blessing to boondockers, and, probably, to tiny housers as well. That's because tiny houses can perform like better insulated but much larger RV's, and some of your boondocking systems may well work just fine in some tiny houses. I have subscribed to benefit from your expertise & technical wizardry, and I'll be doing some energy calculations to see what size tiny house could be operated comfortably with a Midea mini-split. If there is any interest, I would be happy to report back with what I find out. Thanks for sharing & helping others!

[@GoneBoondocking]

You're very welcome

[@mangravy2000]

1. Does the unit move away from the wall? Every unit installation I've seen and read is much more than you have installed. 2. What temperature do you set it and forget it? Is it (x) degrees below ambient? 3. Are you piping the condensate into your shower water or drinking? If drinking are you adding minerals? If so what kinds of minerals? 4. What is the coldest temperature this has worked in? Thanks for the video and if you can answer the questions.

[@Captaincasey31]

You did a good Job on your first video, Second video is even better, I am in the process of a Cargo conversion build, info does come in handy. keep up the great work.

[@toddramsay977]

You sir are a boondocker god! Your ideas and ability to modify and make it come to fruition is amazing. I am so glad CVK mentioned you on his channel. Wow! What is your background? Are you an ex- mechanical eng or something? You are a thinker, and I admire what you can do. Thanks for sharing!

[@GoneBoondocking]

You are welcome, thank you for watching my videos. Happy camping

[@traildadd]

Since your model is no longer available I would like to know how much energy would be needed to run a unit that is available. Is it a reasonable idea using a 21.5 SEER unit? At what point does it become too high of an energy loss to be done on an average RV solar system?

[@CraterBeSilly]

Great information presented. BTW - I noticed a voice in the background during your opening remarks on this video. Maybe you can use a shot-gun directional mic or a lavalier mic to reduce background sounds. Keep up the good work.

[@jmrichsonsr]

When you converted to Li-on batteries how many batteries did you purchase for a total of how many AH? Thanks for this great video.

[@Toaster-v1z]

LiFe not LiOn.

[@solaroc501]

Thank you for the very useful information. I am wondering how cool this unit could keep your rv with outside temps. of 110 to 115 degrees and above such as those in the summer in Phoenix?

[@mark1981]

An important question especially with rooftop solar since you need to stay parked in the sun.

[@fcmd3353]

Thank you so much for this video! Very informative and inspiring to know that this can be done and works.

[@GoneBoondocking]

You are welcome and thank you for watching my video.😊🏕

[@edsmith4414]

How many watts hours do you use per day to run your mini-split ? Trying to figure the amount of solar panel and batteries I'd need.

[@avpr1c]

Can you share info on the battery setup?

[@lynngatlin4469]

I just watched a video of this idea of a split unit. An they do work but. There is always a but. There has been some research on this. An this is what it stated. These units are designed to sit at a home or apartment in a stationary place. Being on the road depending on where it is mounted it gets filled up with dust an other debris from traveling that it stops the condenser up an it want last the lifetime it could work sitting still. But I thought well you could cover it up or put it on the top like the roof top air conditioner that's why they are there. Less dustan debris on roof. What is your take on this.

[@robertl.fallin7062]

This unit is a slug compared to units announced recently . Since most RV'N is in the summer time, the eer (above 95 degree performance ) may be more usfull . In any case the mini's seem to be a alternative to ac units made for RV's. My think is mini splits are built for installation on a solid base. Vibrations comming up from the bumper mount concerns me but lateral forces from rough roads may weaken joints where stresses were not anticipated when engineering was done for these units. My own mini installed in my home has been a godsend saving me a thousand dollars a year in HVAC cost. The technology and reliability is sound and being able to install a small hE unit in one room and power it off a solar powered energy source may make expensive emergency generators obsolete . Food for thought .

[@ThatTmoGuy]

Thanks for the update, but there's some odd audio overlap in the start, can't make out a thing you say

[@GoneBoondocking]

Forgive the interruption in that video

[@dianashelton1371]

Do you know of a system that runs on DC? My understanding is the AC is a North American add on. Since the compressor is DC, wouldn’t that be more efficient? Or does the fan depend on AC?

[@redman2751]

Diana Shelton there is a dc mini split. Here’s a link to it. www.hotspotenergy.com/solar-air-conditioner/

[@sunnybrown987]

Thank you so much for the detailed information. Your ideas are going to help me with my needs.

[@GoneBoondocking]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@GimpyCamper]

Hello new friend. I find the mini splits very interesting!

[@GoneBoondocking]

Hello to you my friend.

[@retiredairman8452]

Question, how flexible are those lines? I have a Skoolie and want to go this route. Do you think this unit could be mounted on the rear door with the lines hugging the hinged part of the door to minimize line movement. I’m sure the door can handle the weight of the unit, my concern would be how much effect would opening and closing the rear door have on the copper lines. Thanks

[@GoneBoondocking]

You would need to use flexible refrigerant lines. Copper would fail.

[@andresgoyzueta74]

Good video I wonder if this will be a good installation in a big rig with a high 72 inch bunk set up in other words a freightliner cascadia

[@Walt1119]

What was the btu of the RV ac unit that was on the MH originally? How does the 9k split perform compared to that? Keeps rig cooler????

[@ChrisOh]

This is awesome. You’re awesome! 👏

[@GoneBoondocking]

Thank you

[@tjenkens]

Did you look at 12VDC mini splits? Are they as efficient so they are better than going through the inverter? Thanks for all the great info!

[@nathan_livingourjourney365]

The VDC versions are very efficient. The only issue is the price point. Right now most VDC units are twice to three times more expensive for some reasons.

[@steveky7829]

Because they can, all the market will bear. Normal household units are targeting frugal home owners, or land lords...

[@Toaster-v1z]

Trying to figure out how to install a mini split on a promaster but they cant be laid down so no roof mount and the back door doesnt seem reasonable.

[@larrynmarks]

I like the idea and I’m wondering to myself if I could take off the 2 air conditioners On the roof of my motorhome, and install 2 split air mini air conditioners over each hole and make it work. That’s my thought? Now that I’ve shared my thoughts with you I will watch the video and see and do some research and see if I can do that

[@davidc1961utube]

larrynmarks get the compressors off the roof and mount the interior units on the wall. More room for panels then.

[@David-rx2to]

Four dozen more upgrades? I can't wait to see what you will do. Great redux of the earlier video. Have you contacted Bob?

[@tanyaholmes3213]

Bravo bravo tough act to follow .... Top of morning to you sir.

[@GoneBoondocking]

Good morning to you. Thanks for watching

[@osomxl]

Has anyone been able to purchase shorter refrigerant lines from the manufacturer? All the literature says that different lengths are available, from 10ft-50ft. The unit itself says the refrigerant that is precharged is for 10ft-25ft.

[@everintransit4240]

As an electrician I've wired many of these units back to back. The inside unit, the evaporator, is usually bench wired previous to the install because of access issues. The HVAC tech has the copper tubing bench installed as well. It is then ready to hang, feeding the electrical and tubing outside at the same time.Then an hvac tech will cut and braze the copper lines outside. The best practice is to charge the lines with nitrogen before brazing, which helps eliminate unnecessary carbon deposits. Now gauges are required to insure that the unit is charged within specifications.

[@rogerdayton]

You say that you run it 24 hours per day. How many amps does it us and at what temp setting / ambient temp?

[@Nic7320]

WIth the efficiency calculated in, it probably takes about 500 watts total (non-Turbo mode), so divide by your battery voltage to get Amps. A 12 volt system would be about 42 Amps. But you have to keep track of your Amp-Hours too, so you have enough battery capacity.

[@The1980toyota]

Thanks for the update, and the idea in general. How much does the unit on the bumper weigh approximately? Why didn’t you mount the outside unit lower and extent copper longer? Keep the good ideas coming.

[@ebuckleyrn]

Excellent video and very informative. Thank you!

[@GoneBoondocking]

Welcome and thank you for watching.

[@tigeroll]

I really wonder why the R.V. Manufacturers will not do this set up? It would be worth thousands in profits for them?

[@GoneBoondocking]

I know i like it better than the factory install.

[@sdfd9119]

Good stuff .... can the inside unit be mounted standing up ( vertical ) Thanks

[@GoneBoondocking]

No it can not be. Thanks for watching. 🏕

[@michaelt6173]

Hi David nice redo I noticed that you covered up your tag this time :-) I've been thinking about installing a mini split on my Winnebago Class A I always keep the bedroom door shut and spend all my time up in the front anyway. I have 2300 watts of solar on the roof and was thinking about mounting the outside unit of the mini split behind the front grill as there's a lot of room between it and the radiator. The run would be shorter putting the interior unit on the front where the overhead TV used to be pointing toward the rear. I was just wondering if you thought that the air coming through the grill would be too much air when driving for the outside unit.

[@GoneBoondocking]

:-) thanks for watching

[@larrynmarks]

Is the unit in the back of your motorhome allowed to be laid flat on the roof of my motorhome?? That would accomplish a lower profile. This is a 1993 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 36’ diesel pusher and it is easy for this man to operate on the city streets and highways of these here United States . I was trained many many years ago to operate a rapid transit district bus in Los Angeles and I was a star driving it so this is a natural for me yeah I know that Parking a smaller C class SUV would be a parks dream. But since I own the 36 footer and it’s comfortable and everything works I just want to put on new air conditioners and I’m wondering if I can leave that baby flat on my roof and chill the place out?

[@davidc1961utube]

larrynmarks the units I have researched all must be vertically oriented.

[@tjenkens]

Great update! What is the actual draw from the batteries? I know there is a significant lose at the inverter. Thx

[@davidc1961utube]

tjenkens Most inverters run in the mid to upper 90s in efficiency. Keep it close to the DC source, and spend a few extra bucks on heavy cables for that short run, and you should be fine.

[@loveu2222]

Lot of good info 👍

[@rickywright583]

Thanks for all your information ... You Rock !

[@GoneBoondocking]

Welcome and thank you for watching. 😊

[@3Timothy_4-7]

VERY informative video, but another one of your ingenious mods also caught my eye. Can you tell me how I can get one of the mounts you are using for your cellular antenna? Looks like you drilled through the back of your unit which I'd never considered doing, but I bet it's a lot more stable than how I secure mine, and much easier to set up the antenna.

[@GoneBoondocking]

I removed the ladder and used the horizontal struts.

[@russagarrett]

I have a 13,500 BTU AC in a 35 foot 5th wheel. Can I put a Split AC system in my 5th wheel and be just as cool? I live in Birmingham, Alabama where it is humid. Will the split system keep me just as cool. I am just playing round with Solar: 2 165 watt panels and good MPPT, etc.. I have a 135 AGM VMAX battery. It is time to add more batteries and switch to Lithium. However, it is far cheaper, Simpler , etc... to get a Harbor Freight 3500 watt generator quiet generator and a lot of gas. I wish Solar was as practical but it's not. Please tell me how I can use solar to keep me as comfortable as gas especially when it is hot and cloudy?? Solar is fun but it cost too much as in Lithium to be useful. Not being confrontational or rude. Help me prove myself as wrong?

[@ginavanbeck1]

What size mini split would you suggest for a 2500 ram promaster high top 159 wheel base

[@MrAndycm]

I love your ideas

[@GoneBoondocking]

Thanks for watching.

[@bertkelly7650]

No, you're awesome!

[@GoneBoondocking]

Thank you

[@campshannonigans4789]

Great videos! What ladder do you have?

[@elskroese8971]

Where do i find this music. I love it!!!

[@GoneBoondocking]

Thanks for watching. That was my neighbors radio.

[@AuntieAnn]

Wow very informative! Thank you

[@GoneBoondocking]

You're welcome, thank you. Happy camping

[@leandrogonza]

Cool Video! Did you record the installation procedure?

[@joaohernandes2680]

Awesome video my friend!! Question: can I install the outside unit on the roof of my cargo van?? Thank you!! 😃

[@GoneBoondocking]

I wouldn't suggest that, I would suggest a little window air conditioner and run it with a 1000 watt generator. Happy camping. 🏕

[@charlesaustin3613]

can your outside unit be put on the top of the trailer

[@GoneBoondocking]

I would not recommend it. thanks for watching

[@CJR-se4dg]

Can you explain the solar system part please

[@GoneBoondocking]

Check out video 003. Happy camping.

[@justicespeaks3270]

The batteries are $949!!!!

[@debragrumbach4192]

I can't find your solar video???

[@GoneBoondocking]

It's my 3rd video, 2 months ago

[@alanmcrae8594]

David, the Mini Split link in your text comments is a Pioneer model, and you have been using a Midea unit that you say is no longer available. How do you know that a Pioneer unit will perform & last as long as a Midea unit?

[@mikethemoneymaker]

Cool! Has this been reliable for you?

[@GoneBoondocking]

It's been running for over a year now. Still working great.

[@mikethemoneymaker]

@@GoneBoondocking Thanks for the reply and update.

[@sueg2658]

Impressive!

[@GoneBoondocking]

Thank you for watching

[@ranamurslen8679]

what price

[@john-ft8nt]

Thank you for sharing

[@GoneBoondocking]

welcome and thank you for watching