Cracking the AC Code: 1.5-YEAR UPDATE Backpack MINI SPLIT AC System - The Holy Grail of VAN COOLING!

[@Woodyaktx]

You can use silver (a/c) tape to wrap the black hoses to keep the sun off.

[@Datzneat]

Yea I was thinking of the hose sheathing people use in the engine bay.

[@russellrlf]

Its not the hoses that need to be shaded. It is the entire condensing unit (the outside portion) that needs to be shadded.

[@racebanning6390]

Awesome Unit. thanks for the update. I am on my property, and have 48 Sq. Ft. minimum insulation camper shell i live in. I bought a 5000 BTU Home AC , Walmart $150. I run it on Low even on a 95 degree day. Its on shore power, A 110volt Soft Start would make it run off Solar quite easy. So there are other Low cost options. My elec costs in summer add maybe $6 dollars a month to my power bill. Almost Free!!😁😁👍👍

[@Apache-o9o]

That's exactly what I am going to do

[@Jrod_FPV]

Cheap 5k btu window unit is my plan for my trailer. It pulls around 430W. The fun part will be ducting and venting the heat to the outside. I plan to go through the floor as to not modify the screwless wall panels.

[@Nixfromnowhere]

Great to see Keri again! Thanks for the update, super helpful!! 🥰

[@Fab50VanLife]

Would Love To Add an AC in My Transit Connect… Too Hot 🥵 In SC… Fantastic AC Video.. excellent information

[@fromcitytowild]

Been wanting to buy one since I watched the first video! Now that we have a full size RV for living and a bus conversion for traveling, we'll be buying at least two of them! Still debating on installing two of them in the short bus! Two big dogs so we need to keep in cool, especially in the high desert!

[@christiejardine3072]

Awesome for the update, very interested in a mini split for a Scamp RV Anyone know of a backpack style model that does cooling AND heating? Keri mentioned that some units have this option but I've not been able to find one so far, would be the ideal unit for our needs if they exist!

[@krehlcook406]

Thanks for great video!

[@Ulbre]

Replace the schumiey valve at least every other year, they are cheap to replace and can save you at heap if they were to fail prematurely.

[@TricksterDaemon-jw9hi]

Love her beanie

[@sylviajones4907]

Keri is an excellent salesperson. That company needs to show appreciation!

[@Mtrcty222]

Get a cover for it while traveling. It will save you a lot of grief with the dirt and elements.

[@PulpParadise]

Thank you so much Brian & Keri! It's great to have a real world update on this unit and to know that Keri has no regrets on the installation.

[@pamartin]

Really appreciate updates like this. Thanks.

[@kennethgardner3090]

Updates like this are awesome. I hope to see more.

[@Gcanno]

Those don't have belts , the noise is most likey comming from the condenser fan motor bearings. Bearings that are not level go bad sooner .

[@clarasmith1873]

I have been watching for an update. Looked like a real solution.

[@regbougger]

I would recommend restoring the cover on the rear external unit. Us #40 straightener (cosmetic) to bring back the white. Then use automotive clearcoat to finish it once cleaned, to protect the plastic from UV degrading.

[@chipper7711]

Straightener?????

[@mongo1243]

I would like to learn more about how to protect plastics from UV.

[@MsTimberwolf1967]

Perfect timing. I saw the first video yesterday and have been speaking w my mechanic. I was in TX this week. Never again without cabin ac. Thanks for the update.

[@gibbygib764]

Grest timing. Ive been doing so much research on ac for my van and cargo trailer. Thanks for sharing

[@muskyful]

I would recommend you perform routine preventive maintenance & servicing at least every 6 mos. Any AC unit requires deep cleaning, filter changing, checking for loose fittings & leaks, lubrication, corrosion, etc., if you want it to last years... especially in harsh environments of dust, heat & rough roads.

[@omavicmcmurray2893]

Do you recommend how to find professional help with this?Thank for your comment.

[@randallgd]

Curious does it need to be covered or sealed up in some waywhen driving on long dirt roads ? (of course not in use when driving) Thanks

[@clarekelsey496]

SORRY...but why can't A/C for the 'house' be used while driving? The cab A,/C does not help with the rest van very much.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

​@@clarekelsey496 if you can avoid it, you don't want a 110v AC running on AC(alternating current). You waste significant energy using an inverter.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

​@@randallgd its going to get very dirty, even on clean roads simply due to the airflow of a van on the road. Just clean when it needs it.

[@lewiskinser8320]

Wow! Carrie is very detail oriented and makes the interviewer’s job so easy. Dream guest for Cheap RV channel

[@12345678989814]

Okay yeah it's nice to have that style air conditioner but my God the amount of money she has in batteries alone solar panels and everything else sure must be nice to have access to that kind of funds and that much money cuz I'm going to tell you that ain't a bit of her set up that was anywhere remotely cheap whatsoever I mean it's great information for people that have tons of money to be able to afford to set up and to afford the things that she has in her set up but for the common person the person that is you know really struggling and can't afford a whole lot her set up is nothing but a pipe dream

[@pianogal853]

What brand is it? I couldn't find your Amazon link below.

[@sued1116]

The link is in the description.12 v Backpack mini split unit. God Bless😊

[@sued1116]

@@tracyk3567 Oh I'm sorry. Trying to help. Well good luck and God bless 💕🙏

[@omavicmcmurray2893]

I followed your lead and have one too now, I love it! thanks Kari and Brian!. Like you, I got help with the installation. I would really stress how important it is for people to understand their system. I’m still learning and thought my solar system would keep it going all day in the sun, NOT! I need more batteries. I wish I had ‘practiced using it’ more before I really needed it. I work with a person with dementia at her house and on my transition day to leave she got upset while I was packing. S I had my dogs go in the van with the AC on. Unfortunately I had unplugged my AC-DC unit too soon so when it was time to go I had used up most of the battery power. I do need more batteries and I will install a DC to DC unit so I can run the van to charge my batteries in a pinch. Before leaving an animal in the car it’s important to understand your system❤Thanks so so much!

[@sharkcookie.YouTube]

Just to be fair, the cost breakdown should include the battery system and solar system. 900 Ah of LFP batteries , 1200 Watt of solar plus wiring and controllers is easily another $3300 on top of the AC unit itself.

[@sasquatchhq5757]

Kind of a given, unless you are always plugged in.

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

This is a really excellent and well presented video! Technically i am impressed with Karens data ponts and outstanding skillet in relating them . (I'm a retired auto tech and AC certified) Outstanding job Karen! Both of you did a great job!

[@annieontheroad]

Keri*

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

@@annieontheroad thanks. Hearing impaired and copied what YT captions gave me.

[@jdtravelers1361]

It is very nice to see a long term update. In the past I have used a foaming bath cleaner with bleach to clean and "brighten up" uv exposed RV AC covers. I then used a quart of Henry's silicone coating (several coats) and replaced hardware with stainless bolts from Home Depot. I purchased a rechargeable hand held blower to blowout my outside unit, vacuum, computer keyboard etc. (canned air is stupid expensive.) Once a year I use a non rinse evap coil cleaner to keep the outside unit of my mini split running at peak operating shape. I was looking at the 24V version for a TC build and had questions in my head about durability, this helps a lot. Thanks

[@vandweleer8004]

@jdtravelers1361 this is VERY useful info you suggested. I am curious about this "Once a year I use a non rinse evap coil cleaner to keep the outside unit of my mini split running at peak operating shape" Can you explain more, like which cleaner do you recommend, also is it a home depot item ? thank you

[@bigkahuna5705]

This girl is Bomb!!! A great video based on a product review over time. More videos like this would definitely be awesome

[@jaedenton]

For those less handy, are there folks out there who can install these mini splits?

[@bradfordsmithii2798]

Just as a Suggestion for Kira's AC Mounting or Cover Fasteners from Someone Who Worked as A Electrician Assistant and Construction, for Exterior Installations It is Highly Recommended to Use Stainless Steel Sheet Metal or Machine Screws. These can be Purchased at Any Hardware or Home Improvement Stores. She just needs to Take One of the Rusted Screws with Her so They Can Get the Correct Size Screw She Needs. Also, Adding Additional Foam Pipe Wrap Insulation found in The AC or Plumbing Department. Double Wrapping the AC Lines will help Improve Efficiency in Cooling & BTU's Required to Cool her Van Down.😉😉

[@davidlane1248]

I can't wait to get a van with a 12v AC system Once I'm back to working the tugboats, I mostly want to stay in the southeast for traveling, but these summers have been so brutal lately. 12v system with a big enough battery bank seems like the answer. A bit pricey, but worth it for comfort. As Bob Wells says, we don't want to just survive, we want to thrive

[@kday9438]

@davidlane1248, where will you purchase the 12v system ? Will this unit have the capacity to cool to low temperatures and cool the whole day ( at times of course ) ? Who can put them in the vehicle ? Thanks in advance ❤

[@muggleborn0]

Does Keri have a YT channel or Social media that we can follow? She is very knowledgeable and knows her stuff. We need more of this on YT! I was not able to find her from the 1st video?

[@stig]

This is the info I'm looking for She knows the numbers

[@kathleenschaefer7012]

Stainless steel doesn't rust, try stainless steel screws on the exterior cover.

[@morphergaming0531]

Thank you Carrie for the follow up. I have thought about your previous vid and this unit so many times since it originally posted, it's nice to get feedback from long term trial.

[@Pnanasnoic]

She's very well spoken, does she have a youtube channel?

[@rdoody2067]

What size unit do you use? 12000 BTU?

[@sylviatorres8965]

Great information in keeping cool in your Van Especially for you and your pets keep cool. Thank You for the detailed information on your unit was really worth the money you paid for. When you come to think of it 1,000 is nothing compared to staying cool healthy and living your best comfort life 😅🎉

[@annag467]

So glad this is working for you and your pet! I appreciate hearing the numbers and timing for load on battery capacity and solar panel wattage in a couple different setups, with a backpack mini split AC. Thank you!

[@garychristison763]

Running a split AC as a heat pump seems silly for a van application. I don't see the sense putting wear and tear on the system to generate heat inside when there are more simple solutions. If I were doing a build, this is definitely the route I would take. Thanks for the update.

[@Buck_Jones1909]

Echoing other’s comments it is very much appreciated that you were able to do this follow up. Thank you both very much!

[@Liimpy]

I doubt it has any belts, the motor probably needs oiled

[@williammullensarge]

Very informative. I have a diesel heater that I don't even use, I built out a box truck and used spray foam so the temperature is pretty nice. But if I get a mini split for both AC and heat I won't be spending as much money traveling. I could just sit and relax. Thank you so much for the video!

[@eugeneenslow8563]

Before seeing the original video, i wasn't aware that 12v mini splits existed. And now, after this update, I'm sold! I'm convinced this will be much better-suited for my planned cargo trailer build than a conventional, bulky, heavy mini-split.

[@Go-Fly-A-Kite]

Replace those rusty screws with stainless steel.

[@Harleyglide03]

Great topic. Thanks

[@pianogal853]

I'd love to know the brand. I got an AC/DC and the first summer it died. The company replaced it, but that was after a hellish summer in Phoenix 😮

[@emilyrose7016]

Thank you so much for the update!!

[@heidisawyer5600]

Instead of plywood starboard might be a good option.

[@ronethridge9875]

is the unit a inverter compressor /do the instructions say it is/how many watts does it pull/thanks much

[@asme-k6b]

I can't live in a motor vehicle due to disability but I know something about living rough. I am waiting for this community's response to the S.C.O.T.U.S. ruling about arresting homeless people as I fear it's not just those of us out in the open who will find ourselves targeted by the exploitative laws. Persons sleeping rough are presently on the pathway to being pushed into so called internment camps in some states including mine, that and/or institutions, and jails, thanks to lobbyists activities of groups like the Cicero Institute, which criminalize falling asleep down to the ownership of a pillow as evidence. I really hope you guys pick up this topic because the more people forget the more it grows.

[@extrasmokedragon3915]

Arizona has a plan to funnel homeless into services via police contact. Yes, the same untrained people that kill people with mental illness with no repercussions. A horrible plan from horrible people.

[@grant7387]

I have also purchased this unit (with inspiration from your first video) and I can also say it is a major game changer! Couple things: 1. You can change the fan speed and the temperature both down and up by the front panel, you just need to click the fan speed or temp button once, then hit the opposite button while it’s temporarily modifying that option. Yes, it’s bad UX still! 2. Mine will sometimes start warm, with no cooling (warm air). I have to turn off and turn on and then it works. It’s weird. It will then work perfectly for hours. I don’t think it’s the coolant level, but seems like part of the AC didn’t kick on properly. 3. I have 600AH and 950 watt. Low usage while van is in the sun can result in equal power in/out. But running moderate or heavy, it’s always a net negative drain. I think expectations should be set. In 100 degree weather, you’re not going to keep it at 70 and expect solar to keep up. Maybe 85 though! If I know I’m driving a couple hours later, then I will use the AC more because I will get charge while driving. Sustaining multiple hot days in a row will drain my battery. Overall, I’m SUPER happy about the AC. It has serious saved me in some miserable hot weather.

[@KatyInNH]

Hi Keri, This is great! FYI, you can go to an Ace Hardware and get exactly the number of Stainless Steel screws to replace the rusting ones. Thanks for all the great information!

[@quartamile]

I wish people would stop speaking in terms of amp-hours, it means nothing. Please speak in terms of watt-hours. Cheers

[@sassventurers5970]

Amp-hours is the capacity of a battery to produce an amount of current (amps) for an amount of time (hours). For example, a 100 ah battery has capacity to provide 100 amps for 1 hour or 1 amp for 100 hours. To get Watt-hours you just need to multiply amp-hours by the amount of volts an electrical device requires. For example, a 100 ah battery can provide 1200 Wh for 12V uses, or 2400 Wh for 24V uses.

[@Snerdles]

12V system, 900Ah is about 10.8kWh. The charged voltage will be slightly higher so the total capacity is technically higher but that will be close enough.

[@FloridaVanMan]

Turning the van around did NOT cause a 10 degree change inside the van. You contribute that change to shade on 4 inches of hoses, which is utterly ridiculous. Putting the entire condenser unit in the shade can make that temperature change but when turning the van around to shade the backpack unit you exposed the windshield to face the sun, negating all gains by shading the backpack. The compressor in that unit only has the ability to compress freon a little, providing a small temperature differential and slow cooling. It is NOT possible to maintain 75 degrees inside a van with that unit in 106 degree shaded ambient temperature. 80 MAYBE but likely not better than 85, which is not comfortable for most humans. Also, an Alaskan Malamute is NOT comfortable in an 80 degree van. Great sales-pitch video. Shame it is misleading so many ways.

[@SuperMjennings]

Such a very thorough “review” Carry (sp 😬😅) ! I’ve never commented one one of these til now and I’ll be sharing it w everyone I know (being from Tucson)!’thank you 🙂!

[@LDR1100RS]

Game changer.

[@GK49245]

Thanks, Keri for updating us. Everyone benefits from your experience.

[@markmitchell457]

Excellent video, thanks.

[@Deebo277]

Super frustrating when any device HAS to use the remote for full functionality. It's ridiculous to think a remote won't get lost, damaged or something spilled on it.

[@jw3843]

Thank you for the update. Very good information. Definitely something to consider for my trailer for when my window unit fails. Will probably just go back with a window unit for the price and ease of replacement, but depending on my power usage it may be worth the extra money for one of these. Not something I have room for in the budget right now.

[@Dylanear]

Keri, do you have a link to any 12V DC heat pumps that cool and heat? I didn't find any when I looked. Closest I found was units that ran off DC, BUT NOT 12V, they need 90+ volts and are designed to take DC current direct from a large solar array, not off a 12V battery based system with solar feeding into it. Those were made by or at least sold by EG4. I'll probably add a diesel fueled heater for my Sprinter before this winter. I'm on my SECOND 12V DC Chinese mini split seemingly pretty much identical to yours in 6 weeks!! :( But I did the installs, including vacuuming and filling the system myself and I'm learning as I go along so I may have messed up my first install. But I seem to have a leak on the second system. I am reusing the hoses from the first unit, but I have yet to find the leak despite putting UV dye in the system so I could find where the leak is??

[@amberpuckett65]

Have you been in a high humidity climate with the setup? I travel home (Arkansas) and I've heard split levels in homes struggle with high humidity.

[@michellecastaneda4104]

I would love one. But no one to put it in, and I'm sure this is big money with buying solar.

[@luvdirt]

I’ve been researching several AC units on the market today. The new Bergstrom ecoolpark and night SSI systems are looking very appealing. Systems are designed for professional semi truck, ambulance, fire service vehicles.

[@MARKCANEER]

Great review, Thank You for sharing.🙏👍

[@captainkangaroo4301]

What exactly do you mean by “complete the installation” with an automotive AC specialist?

[@Husky501]

They would use a vacuum pump and vacuum down the system. Then they would put the refrigerant in. It’s not ready to go like a window unit.

[@KeriK-tg6of]

Vacuum seal the lines, basically. Maybe top off the refrigerant, if needed.

[@andysgarage1]

Also Keri, if someone hasn't already commented on this, the buttons on the unit can control fan and temp both up and down. Once you have pressed the respective button and while the fan or temp is displayed both the up and down arrows will work if that makes sense.

[@frankenstein3163]

4:30 sounds like having an owning for the ac will help.

[@EstrogenSingularity]

I have the same mini split but 24v I have 840 Watts of solar and 100ah lithium iron phosphate I was able to use the AC in salt lake City in June and early July before I headed to Alaska the one issue was I could not set it super cold at night but temperatures where very high in commercial parking lots, as for how loud it is it's hard for me to comment since I have a SPD ( sensory processing disorder ) my biggest concern with noise is that it cycles on and off with the compressor which is very annoying when it runs continuously it's nice white noise I can definitely hear the compressor in the van but again SPD so you probably will not notice if you want to have almost no noise the best option is probably a Inverter mini split that can control the voltage to the compressor so it doesn't have to cycle through a duty cycle however I don't think those units are designed to handle the vibration of a van so I would probably buy the same unit again

[@kellierebkowec625]

Great informative follow-up. Thank you

[@totallypluggedin]

Great video and very cool product, Important consideration: it’s extremely hard to say what’s the optimum “minimum system requirements” as like you mention, vehicle size, insulation value, occupant habits, local climate etc etc all play a big role. From my experience with solar in the past, getting the most out of a solar / cooling system can often be helped significantly by also paying attention to other energy draws. (For example, every $1 you save in lighting energy will save you 10c in AC load). How efficient your lights, refrigerator, TV etc etc all contribute to how hard your AC will have to work to keep it all cool.

[@conjin1]

I have the same unit and I just want to point out that you actually don't need the remote. If you press the temp button on the unit, you can then use the up down arrows to adjust it both ways. Same for the fan speed. Also, I painted my outside unit with automotive paint to match the camo paint on my truck, which also protects it from UV. Even a rattle can will make it look new again.

[@rons9197]

Great information by a well informed woman. I have been researching a solar system for my van and 600 watt seems to be the size. Thank You

[@minnc7039]

Curious, as I'm considering this, but can you still open that door, like when the AC is not in use?

[@StressLessCamping]

Wow this was great - she really knows what she’s talking about. Heeeeere I go down the rabbit hole of looking into these. Thank you!

[@FreedomNetwork99]

What brand unit is she using? There are multiple on amazon. Thank you for the great video.

[@stephenworsfold8678]

I love when there are follow ups, great job. I know its probably not possible with this set up but people need to keep in mind the basics, hot air rises and cold air falls. What this means is of course is that for the most efficiency hot air needs to come in at the floor level and ac needs to come in as high up as possible so ducting would increase efficiency. Not always easy in a retrofit but worth looking at with a new build. With this unit being mounted where it is it would be very inefficient with the heat option as it would just blow out at mid height and go up to the ceiling leaving the floor cold. Ducted heat from a diesel heater would be much better which is probably what you have. You can change out the screws to stainless steel. The plastic shroud is probably ABS which is paintable and the weather has already prepared it well for you. There are rattle can paints for plastics. Again, thanks for the great review.

[@MrMrs-g2w]

Thank you for the update, this was very very helpful for our research! God bless you both and your vans!

[@patrickday4206]

I couldn't find one with heatpump technology the ones they sell tie into the engine heater. I wanted to make my own using a 4 way valve but they are only ac powered and would be very expensive adapting their lines

[@maryhight6030]

What brand is your mini split? There are so many choices.

[@GeorgeOu]

Seems like you could just add a small makeshift reflective awning over the entire outside unit if you don't have shade.

[@davidg.johnson7208]

How about putting a refectant on the refrugerant lines that stick out on the va'n's door?

[@rustyboy46]

Squeal could be the condenser fan bearing on its way out?

[@Jrod_FPV]

If the remote is infrared, it may be possible to replicate the signals with a universal remote that allows signal recording. However this would need to be done using the remote before it's lost.

[@CDVEDROD]

Splendid job! Any chance of some step by step instructions on the install?

[@Ryan-or7xm]

Has Kerri thought about running hoses from the vents from the back to the front to help distribute the air better?

[@davidleecountry6920]

None of the units from Amazon ship to Australia it seems

[@utahredrock1]

Great job you two!

[@leedanielson7452]

Great interview!!! Well done guys!!! 😊👍👏🏻👏🏻

[@jacklowe3788]

Great Interview! Well spoken young Lady-

[@CaptBill69]

I wonder if anyone has tried installing a Pioneer 9000 BTU 120vac MiniSplit (@ about $900 plus install) in a camper van; maybe run by a MPP LV2424 24v to 120vac All In One Solar unit with PV input (plus 120vac backup when available) ??? Nice set up. Yes to LiFePO4 batteries. Just heard you spent $1000 on your MiniSplit cooler. The Pioneer I mention also works as a Heater.

[@JonHiggins2112]

After watching this video I’m considering a 120v 9000btu mini split on a 20amp circuit breaker, depending on if I can get one with the proper dimensions it would definitely heat and cool within the parameters of a 3kw inverter. And clear up some roof space.

[@landy531]

Does Keri have a UT channel she should 👍

[@gradyrm237]

Camping Stephen Colbert makes good points.

[@vandweleer8004]

can you show how you shaded the pressure hoses outside ? or did you mean that you moved your van in shady spot ? thank you

[@TFader61]

1000 dollars plus the lithium and solar = ?

[@CloudsOnTheSun]

Thanks for the info. #John3:16 #Matthew7:7 #Jeremiah29:11

[@meikgeik]

A small minisplit would be better. They're much more efficient than those units. Those 12v models are designed for use in Semi's/Tractors that have massive alternators and are running whenever the AC is running, so efficiency isn't as important as space/12v compatibility.

[@alexandriadileonardo3081]

Where can you go to get on instslked

[@stephki5812]

This video is so important! Thanks for the update!! ❤

[@logophile]

The real question is why you would want to go to Tucson or Flagstaff.

[@gailjohnson6670]

Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.