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.

[@sylviajones4907]

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

[@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.

[@kennethgardner3090]

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

[@pamartin]

Really appreciate updates like this. Thanks.

[@lewiskinser8320]

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

[@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.

[@user-je4xp5hq2e]

One of the best update reviews on KZbin - thanks for this!

[@clarasmith1873]

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

[@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.

[@juliava605]

This is what I was wondering as I listened to the video. She really needed to be plugged in to get a day's worth of decent cooling in her rig unless I misunderstood.

[@KeriKalmbach]

@@juliava605 We needed to be plugged in when it was 106 out. I was in Arizona good portion of August and September this year, hottest summer on record. It's important to recognize that the outside temp, number of windows, insulation, etc. will all impact the output.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@gibbygib764]

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

[@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.

[@foff-666]

I came to say the same thing - she's wrong on the buttons lol but yeah, otherwise great review. i love my unit too.

[@bigkahuna5705]

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

[@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

[@rickmcentee9204]

Glad this has worked out for you. That outside squeel is likely the bearing in the fan. These typically don't have belts like your engine. You might want to have a condenser fan on hand. It's the first thing to go on any AC system. Cheers!

[@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.

[@Mtrcty222]

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

[@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!

[@renee7roy]

Excellent follow-up video and in the right amount of time gone by. Very helpful while I’m trying to figure out my plan.

[@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.

[@juliava605]

No. A Soft Start might make it START on solar quite easily but it still wouldn't RUN (and COOL) for long...not on battery power. You really need to be plugged in.

[@Jrod_FPV]

@@juliava605 depending on the use case there's no reason you can't run air conditioning from battery power. Of course like everything, the components need to be properly sized for the use case and application. My setup was very cheap and that's exactly what I need it to do. I get roughly two nights of use from my 12 volt 300 amp hour lithium battery setup using a 1200 watt inverter. Paid about $400 for the DIY battery setup, $300 for the inverter and $20 for the cheap window ac. My setup does not have solar but if it did I could get several more nights of cooling out of it before the battery is drained. Will my system work in the hot desert all day long? No, definitely not. But that's why the components need to be sized for the application. There are several online calculators to help someone do this.

[@DBbyDesign]

Newer inverter style ac units are so efficient. Most 5k units peak at 700 watts and will idle down as low as 150-200w. They are becoming more efficient then minisplits.

[@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!

[@annietriesthings]

Keri*

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@GK49245]

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

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@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!

[@Jrod_FPV]

Thank you Keri! I think Once DC heat pumps are available in multiple stages they will perform great in colder temps and hotter temps and also be even more efficient. These are gaining popularity in industrial applications but i get it will take a long time before we see them in small form factors like in this video.

[@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.😉😉

[@FlaGordon2]

Almost 2 years ago I purchased the identical unit planning on building my wife's and our dream van. She found a Thor scope for an amazing price and we purchased that. It is time to rebuild, upgrade, and modify some to accommodate that AC and personalize our home away from home to our comfort! Thank you for the update because honestly, I was so very skeptical ! If mine is a dud, there are so many others now that change out should be very simple, at a fraction of the cost of others.

[@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 😅🎉

[@emilyrose7016]

Thank you so much for the update!!

[@MrMrs-g2w]

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

[@stephki5812]

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

[@OldManPaul]

Another great interview Brian. Thank you for sharing Keris update with us. Keep up the good work. Tucson is hot! Mount Lemmon is only 45 minutes away though. I didn't find the link to Keri channel???

[@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

[@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!

[@cotter9751]

Timely! I've wondered how it was working. Glad for this update.

[@jacklowe3788]

Great Interview! Well spoken young Lady-

[@hg2.]

Fantastic ! ! ! Thanks for making.

[@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.

[@richiacovelli5134]

Great to hear from you both again. Your first video helped persuade me to buy one of these. So glad to hear you're still approving of the unit Keri. Yes I get nervous I'm going to step on the remote someday. But the unit's been great. Happy travels!

[@gailjohnson6670]

Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.

[@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 😮

[@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!

[@markmitchell457]

Excellent video, thanks.

[@leedanielson7452]

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

[@utahredrock1]

Great job you two!

[@kellierebkowec625]

Great informative follow-up. Thank you

[@melissateebarnes8826]

We have the same exact unit and love it!

[@Nixfromnowhere]

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

[@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.🙏👍

[@billjacobs8035]

Good for you !

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Good to see it works in Tucson - THANK YOU!

[@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!

[@NWforager]

this is a good way to solve cooling when the grid is down like in TX . Just to cool 1 small non-sun room in emergencies .

[@staciebamsch2810]

Thanks for the update!!

[@bridgetmuehlberger5141]

Great update. LOTS of helpful information!

[@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?

[@tru3sk1ll]

I'm highly intrigued by this video series, I did a ford excursion build and I had a fantastic fan, ice buckets, portable AC nothing worked, I finally ended up with gas generators and dometic roof unit for a tiny ford excursion, sold it since then in 2018, would have loved to know about these back then

[@BWT599]

I'm pretty impressed with the Coleman DC 48volt AC that came with my 2023 Jayco Terrain Van. Ran the AC on low for 10 hours off of a 48V Renogy battery with 10kwh. Drawdown was abour 16 amps. I only have 200 watts or solar and that barely covers the needs of the refrigerator. 2nd alternator charges the battery back up fast at ovee 60 amps while driving on a highway. I'm probably not gonna install a high idle kit, opting for a Honda generator at my kids' motocross race weekends to keep the battery topped up.

[@MarshaMarshaMarsh4]

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 🙂!

[@BarakTheWonderer]

Thank you for this video.

[@4WingView]

This is fantastic news. I'm going to install one on Class C to assist my primary AC.

[@Sandra.Sandy.Robinson]

Great share. Thank you very much.

[@ramonapuckett3059]

Great information and interview ❤

[@Grevlain]

Excellent vid and info. Thanks!!

[@stig]

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

[@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.

[@rickhiggins6521]

excellent review

[@Fab50VanLife]

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

[@frankenstein3163]

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

[@krehlcook406]

Thanks for great video!

[@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.

[@Bluegastank]

This is great thank you for the information on your system. I live in Arizona so it's nice to know! Have you thought of getting your paint code off the inside of the driver door and getting some duplicolor spray paint and painting the unit the same color as the van instead of plasty dip? You might've heard of duplicolor, I use it on all of my older vehicles for a little scratches and things and then replace the little screws from the hardware store.

[@tedbecker7484]

Thank you for the info.

[@cesalt2408]

She's so awesome again in this 2nd video, and Brian is a great interviewer. Love these 2 and hope to have my own unit one day. Any Promaster installs out there?

[@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]

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

[@mistysmeanderings6428]

Thank you so much!

[@mikedmann7487]

Great Interview! To kool yah got to do a update.. Thanks

[@redcloudband]

Could this be roof mounted?

[@LDR1100RS]

Game changer.

[@nomoduc910]

I've seen some answers for your remote comment. For the rusty hardware on the shroud take one off and bring to hardware store a buy some stainless hardware. It's most likely metric.

[@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 .

[@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.

[@fabriciooliveira3720]

i had an idea to use the existing AC from the car, but adding an extra compressor to it intended to use when the car is off, so when the car is on the belt-driven compressor is working, but when the car is off a 12V compressor is on. wondering if the energy requirement would be similar, because it would be much less equipment needed

[@dagnolia6004]

thank you!

[@CDVEDROD]

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

[@stacyhackney6100]

Thank you

[@surfingcuriositywaves4046]

Shielding those black rubber refrigerant lines with heavy duty aluminum foil removes the need to think about sun angles for that particular problem, and also provides full time uv protection.

[@EnufIsTooMuch]

Suggestion on the rusted screws. Remove one rusted screw and take to a hardware store. Ask for a stainless steel replacement, buy as many as you need. ACE Hardware usually has a good collection. Especially if it is one of their larger stores. I've also had some luck at Home Depot or Lowes.

[@dawndowling9916]

Hi, thanks for the video. Maybe spray the rusty screws with rustoleum spray paint, clear to prevent more rusting, or replace the carbon screws with stainless screws to last a lifetime

[@Brian-os9qj]

Hmmm, very interesting. I want this type of useful cooling

[@carenjobe1228]

Great video..great information

[@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.

[@believingtoday]

Happy to hear there is a great solution!

[@pianogal853]

I'd love to make a comment, but it seems like they're off? Anyway, I appreciate the tip about shade - mine is on the roof, so I will definitely try that!

[@pianogal853]

You can replace those screws with zinc screws easily