Installing a Mitsubishi Mini Split in a Travel Trailer

[@paulhickey4485]

How ironic. Passed an RV on the freeway headed South from Dallas Texas last weekend with a minisplit on tbe back bumper. Then I see this! You're the second one. That should be much better than that ineffecient rooftop for sure. Nice looking job.

[@jeffhines2895]

Thank you for such a straight forward setup and install. It is super clean. I have to say as a new rv owner, your fit and finish is refreshing after looking at how they throw these things together.

[@rellik1010]

Nice work. I'll be looking forward to seeing an update in a few months to see how it works long term in hot weather. Good video.

[@ComfortPlusHeatingandCooling]

That's sweet Ralph. I really like that flaring tool. Wish I could get me a pie job like you have now lol. My old body is getting tired of crawling under houses and through attics. Smart move on the travel trailer. My uncle retired and bought a RV. They go to Florida all winter and when they come home they still take it to campgrounds all over the state during the summer. They love it!

[@natehicks8939]

ComfortPlus Heating and Cooling you didn’t just say old, did you? 🤫

[@GlenS123]

Inductive loads and GFI's don't go together. Good to see you making another great video!

[@TandNServices]

Glen Schmidt everyday is a school day

[@joeshearer1247]

T&N Services LLC. I have the same problem powering a ecm blower motor to gfi. I just cut the ground prong off the cord. I guess you could have done the same and then grounded it through the trailer because it's the same circuit anyway.

[@3beltwesty]

Hello Glen, Ralph and Joe. One my clone 27 seer 9000 BTUH 120 volt mini split I temporary just plugged the AC line into the near by porch 15A GCFI socket. The mini is on pads on the porch. The GCFI socket failed. I figured it must be because the socket was on from the mid 1990's and it went under salt water in Katrina! . Thus I replaced the socket with a brand new 20A GFCI socket and it too failed in a few days. ie nothing burned, no smell, just like it got zapped. Thus the supply line goes inside today on a non GFCI breaker. Before I did that I was measuring the power with the mini plugged into an inside Kill a Watt meter, and it too got zapped. Thus some mini splits have a raspy "Inductive load" that must "not be liked" by GFCI sockets, breakers and even the Kill a Watt power meter. Now I meter with a meter that has a current transformer and sense wires for the voltage. This has worked for 2 years now. With a short wave radio with a band scope when the mini split is plugged in and running one does get some trash that must be from the inductive switching that varies the compressors speed.

[@bretts3216]

Your rv install looks great. I have learned a lot from your channel thank you. Keep teaching people the right way

[@TandNServices]

Thanks

[@bparkinson1234]

Nice tools. Cannot believe that someone doesn’t make the roof top ac unit as efficient as the mini split. Also in a heat pump. Thanks

[@teemareedotcom]

Thank you for this great video. You did such a clean and beautiful job on the install. Love that you mounted on the bumper and yes it did look like an ice cream sandwich! Your tools look incredibly high tech and helpful. Those were impressive too.

[@TandNServices]

I am a instructor that teaches how to install and service this equipment. I have to have the best tools. Thank you for the comment

[@Level-333]

Damn! Those are some fancy tools.

[@baitcasterdisaster8981]

Nice clean looking install, Ralph! It’s good to see you back on KZbin making videos again buddy.

[@gregmiracle9560]

Very nice man! Glad to see another video from you! Plus love anything with mini-splits! Need me one of them Mitsubishi!! 👍👍

[@superiorcomfortheatingairl3373]

I remember when I did the 2 day Mitsubishi training class, they gave us a training book and in that book they had different pictures of application where Mitsubishi can be used, one picture they used them in a boat, I bet the next publication of that book it will have a picture of your RV in it

[@TandNServices]

Superior Comfort Heating & Air LLC they have pictures for sure

[@AskRemy]

I had a difficult time finding the U bolts. That is a nice clean install. I may need to stop by during my travels to relocate mine from under the desk

[@marjones69]

Thank you mr T&N for that water pipe swaging tip...i cant believe ive never thought of that. Im always looking for fire.

[@Eddy63]

Nice install Ralph ... Seems like old times ... Good to see a vid from you ...

[@gene-khvacr]

Nice job Ralph good to see again posting again and well, do think you going to do any service work ! Hope to see more of your post again 👍🏻

[@boomer9900]

Nice job. I think you should install a HCFC alarm inside the rig just in case you get a refrigerant leak on the indoor flare connections or the evaporator/condenser unit. I had a flare nut split 2 weeks after install and all the refrigerant dump into a 2600 sqft. house one time. Fortunately there was enough square footage and nobody was injured.

[@iair-conditiontheoutsideai3076]

Just curious how is it harmful to humans?

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

Be careful with that bumper. Have heard horror stories with bike racks loaded with 3 or 4 bicycles taking the whole bumper off and leaving it all out there on the highway. It's pretty weak stuff back there overall.

[@greenacresfarms]

Now that this has been installed for a few years. How is it handling the wear and tear of RV travel life? (I.e. the shakes and vibrations of road travel)

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Great install My only concern would be the pounding it will take on the road. Others use the window models and they seem to hold up. Cheers

[@badactor3440]

He should have used rubber bushings but these mini split units can handle vibration pretty well.

[@bts1111]

Nice job! Very Clean and aesthetically pleasing.

[@harrydickson4575]

Great job Ralph 👍👍👍 looks great

[@223shellback]

Thanks for the video. This helps. I'll be installing mine in a couple of weeks.

[@Grandpa_RLP]

Thanks for the video. What size Roof AC did you replace and what size RV do you have? Is it still working in the heat of the summer for you?

[@FreeRangeNomad]

I mounted my condenser unit on/in my shuttle bus underneath. Look up Mini Split AC Howie Roll. 100% Concealed. Then I have it completely protected with aluminum diamond plate on the 2 ends and bottom, Then I have expanded metal grating on the front and back.

[@gtownhvac1640]

Wow I can't believe. That's awesome job 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@nethoncho]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing 😎

[@TandNServices]

You're welcome Sir

[@robertl.fallin7062]

You just put the mfg'rs of those crappy recreational vehicle ac units on notice! lol.

[@TandNServices]

@@robertl.fallin7062 if it was so damn loud I would not have cared, But damn it was loud

[@bigbandguru]

A welder can put some angle iron on the bumper welded to the frame. You will be happy with the safety factor..

[@cob705]

I welded a frame made from old bed frame angle iron 4 hrs to fabricate

[@c50ge]

One of the KZbin videos said that the vibration of the bumper caused the line set to crack. He had to add a section of flexible tube so it would not crack again. He also claimed with his solar system that it would run 24/7 heat or cool, mini split units come from somewhat inefficient to very efficient.

[@isaiahbangura4421]

@@c50ge I wonder which one he got.

[@kendallfitzgerald8599]

Nice to see the video turned out nice Ralph, since I started using nylog on my flares not a call back take care b safe .

[@More350Power]

Hey Ralph, have always enjoyed your videos, thank you for sharing. Our of curiosity, how many amps on average does a little unit like that use when running?

[@Yukonjackman1]

Nicely done

[@SamBeyers]

Ralph, great work and it looks awesome. I installed a DIY Mr Cool last fall. Any chance you can do an update video on how well your unit holds up at 6 months, 12 months, etc.? I've read comments where certain folks don't think our mini split units will hold up to the road vibrations, etc. Thanks!

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Rubber mounting the outside unit seems to help. So would a solid framework to reduce flopping (oscillation?).

[@lowbudgetballer]

Very clean job.... do u think u were better off with a higher sear rating one that doesnt turn off as often just slows down the pump? I installed one in a rental studio and it is nice in there

[@ApartmentMaintenance]

Nice job Ralph👍, like to see some more videos from you

[@hvacjohnnie]

Nice job. Those Mitsubishi mini splits are the truth!

[@robertl.fallin7062]

I saw a 50% reduction in my heating cost whem heating oil was $3.50 a gallon and 35% in cooling cost. The summer humidity managment is pricless!

[@NorCal-refrigeration]

Hot new channel not bad 🤘⚡️🤘you can run that on 600 amp hour of batteries and about 800 watts of solar. Is that flare a R410 flare? Or old school

[@TandNServices]

Nor-Cal Refrigeration & H.V.A.C definitely 410

[@TandNServices]

By the way Dave I was teaching class the other day and one of the guys said he loved your channel

[@NorCal-refrigeration]

T&N Services LLC. That’s very nice thanks Ralph

[@TedCookHVAC]

Looks as good as factory !!

[@bryanrobinson2119]

Great install, I am looking for a little more info on the wiring. Are you running off a generator? I understand the inside and outside unit are wired together, but how are you powering the outside unit? Did you just wire a plug to either attach to shore power or a generator?? Thanks,

[@rogergregory6512]

Nice job Ralph

[@martinwoods6716]

I’m tryin to get better at SHEETMETAL work and repairs. I like the way you approach Installing and Retrofitting Equipment. Have you considered doing live classes, or teaching whoever wants to Learn from You...?

[@josejulian5116]

Man about time, been waiting, nice job....

[@HVACingMyWay]

Prettt nice man. Do you have something to cover it with when your traveling

[@jwsnotruth7106]

you are right on the gfi same thing ive found out . Awesome video !

[@patrickballentine573]

blew my mind swaging pvc. didnt know it was possible. obviously probably not gonna be super applicable but works great for that.

[@mondavou9408]

This video is just over two years old. I'm curious how the unistrut and bumper has held up. Nice looking install but did it last?

[@c50ge]

I think it would have looked a little better if you ran the line set inside the trailer . Thank you for sharing how you made everything work. I am going to do the same. Did you add solar?

[@TandNServices]

No solar…although I did buy a new F150 powerboost to power it if the power goes out. I’m stationary with power supplied so no need for solar.

[@dlloyd6300]

That line hide makes all the difference in the world as far as cosmetics. Were you not worried about kinking the line when making the bends? Can we get an update on how it works, and any issues that you have had?

[@user-ln7of9gs4s]

Update?

[@danielzamora3625]

Damn Ralph now I want an ice cream sandwich!!!!!! 👍🏼

[@Lore-wv5mt]

I love your set up!!!

[@the-papaw]

Hope you still reply. Did you ever have lines loosening from vibrations being mounted to the bumper?

[@whatsmynameagain4778]

Nicely done !

[@khaosone1]

How long are your strut brackets? Did you have to hand cut them or did you buy them precut?

[@patrickmelson4745]

Really nice install. Maybe rubber shock bushings on the condenser mount?

[@hackfreehvac]

Wow, a 115v version. So I guess it is not an inverter drive but just an all or nothing compressor?

[@HVACShopTalk]

hackfreehvac it is inverter

[@hackfreehvac]

@@HVACShopTalk Wow, a 115v inverter model. Nice.

[@hannahmoore940]

Is it still working good? Any issues with vibration going down the road with cooling once you get to your location?

[@clintstinytrailerconversio5560]

Thanks for the presentation. I wonder if you should have a little p-trap on the drain line?

[@TandNServices]

No p-traps on mini splits

[@vs-1993]

Take a video of how you connected it to main box , lots of videos on KZbin how to install this type of units but not much on how to connect it to main box , add breakrs and all this electrical stuff

[@coeniejvr]

how it the unit at the back doing? i'm afraid it will come loose while driving and go over bumps and stuff.

[@outtakontrolcustoms7654]

How's the AC running? Also, what would you do differently if you had to do it over. Last question, would you recommend a 110 or 220v AC?

[@darrylm3627]

😀👍Good Stuff, Great Tips

[@scooter80stv]

I am thinking of doing something similar but worried about delamination on the back wall. How is it holding up? Do you regret not going through the floor?

[@flyingjeff1984]

Nice work.

[@AdmiralPreparedness]

Did you remember to put a screen into the condensate pipe to keep the insects out?

[@eltigere8585]

How big was the hole that you drilled to run all the lines through

[@airecraft1]

Look at you go pretty cool

[@ramonbautista1250]

Good day sir so I can take power from the 20amp on the camp ground I'm a full time rv living

[@BEASTmodeontheRoad]

Can you drive with it running ?

[@natehicks8939]

Is that your new service rig when you head out helping Ted Cook?

[@phillipdonohue5]

Did you read the manufacturers installation spec

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

When pulling vacuum do you not run the pump for 30 minutes or more to capture all the moisture? Some of us run it an hour.

[@dmac2890]

Love your videos you do a great job. What do you think of the cool only Mitsubishi 15,000btu? would it work in a 1000 sq ft open concept ranch?

[@TandNServices]

Without running a load it’s hard to say.

[@nimster64]

Where do you get the flaring tool and the torque wrench

[@dougweaver2716]

Did you have to weld any metal to the frame or bumper for reinforcement?

[@mikemettetal9441]

Hey Ralph, After using for the last 6 months, how has the rear bumper/brackets held up. I am about to mount a mini split to my travel trailer and thinking about mounting on the tongue up front. There will be issues relocating the propane tanks and battery box so would be better to mount in the rear. I've had issues in the back before caused by bouncing over irregular roads. Bike racks/hitch racks have caused some damage in the back. thanks, Mike

[@eiknarfzepol]

Did you do it how did it work I have a travel trailer and I'm thinking about installing one myself. Thanks

[@oldporkchops]

How much power does it draw on full load?

[@markteel8346]

do you know how much the electricity bill went down

[@nathanrucker4987]

How do these air conditioners handle the vibrations of being on a travel trailer. They seem to be designing more for stationary installations.

[@SamBeyers]

Nathan Rucker I also have this question. I do feel better about my install after seeing a former pro doing this to his rig. Nice work!

[@robertl.fallin7062]

@@SamBeyers Former pro huh, this guy forgot more than most ten man hvac mobs ever knew!

[@anthonyvirgadamo898]

What is that trim u used called and where can I get it from

[@danpease8395]

Maybe you cover this somewhere, but if you ever tow this trailer, you need an airtight cover over this outside unit or it will be filled with road dirt.

[@CdotForbes13]

do you know anyone in the Carolina's that would do this? since it's not a common modification, I am not skilled enough to tackle it.

[@livefreeordie1985]

Where did you find the bumper mount?

[@dmac2890]

How close to a Tv can you mount the inside unit? Mitsubishi says 3' Have you ever seen problems with this distance?

[@RollingCajunOutdoors]

Why weren't you able to hook the unit up to the breaker outside with the extension cord? The Mitsubishi mini splits only need a 15 amp breaker. There shouldn't be any reason why you can't wire it how you had it before. It's possible that the extension cord is just not big enough for that long of a stretch but the side of the outside unit and the inside unit reads 15 amp breaker on it. There is really no reason it wouldn't work the way you had it the first time unless the cord was just not big enough for the distance.

[@phillipdonohue5]

Hey what did you charge for that 900.00

[@KansasHVAC]

Just wondering, but isn’t there a minimum line-set length?

[@TandNServices]

Minimum lineset length is really only for noise. It doesn't have an effect on the way it works

[@averyalexander2303]

@@TandNServices I would think that a shorter lineset would be better for performance and efficiency if anything because shorter linesets are less restrictive and therefore have less pressure drop, but the differences are probably tiny.

[@thetman2301]

@@averyalexander2303 I have installed about 60 of these so far this year. I feel that the shorter the line set the quicker they cooled and didn't see an issue with noise. Running a full line set just means you don't have to mess with the charge. You would have to take out .6 oz per foot that you took off the rated length. These units are awesome the cool and heat like a dream. Some of the people have had to turn the temp up higher because it made the space too cool.

[@averyalexander2303]

@@thetman2301 I have nothing to compare to since the only split system I ever installed was in my living room. I used a 25 foot lineset because I needed to put the outdoor unit on the side of my attached garage. I wonder what the actual performance and efficiency differences are between long and short linesets. This probably wouldn't matter much to most people since the linesets are usually kept as short as possible anyways, but it's something I think would be good to know.

[@ronnieam33]

I wonder how well that condenser will do traveling down the road bumping up and down ??

[@StressLessCamping]

That was my question also.

[@HVACRNorth]

Nice vid bud ✌👍

[@cynthiacrumpcarnes6840]

WHAT KIND OF LINE AND HOW MUCH DID YOU USE?

[@TandNServices]

You mean the lineset or the copper from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit

[@CharlesButler]

Hi there, sorry to ask, what size is your overhead storage cabinet?

[@toddrushzmudybuildingprodu9070]

Does the one unit cool the separate bedroom?

[@BoomerSooner405]

Could i use a 50 amp reducer that has a 20 amp plug plus the 30 amp supply to the trailer? Plug the ac into the 20 amp plug

[@TandNServices]

Are you talking about using a electric pedestal at a RV park with a 50 amp, 30 amp and a 120 volt outlet? If so I would say you could but I wouldn’t recommend it. The reason I say no is because I’m not sure what you’re going to power. The total amps allowed at the pedestal is 50 amps.

[@xzibit8614]

Are you concerned about someone rear ending you? Versus mounting it higher so it’d be safe in a low speed rear ending

[@lee-johnson]

Nice Ralph. Are you on the north side of Greenville?

[@TandNServices]

Lee Johnson I’m on the Southside. Townville actually

[@lee-johnson]

T&N Services LLC. Cool. I’m in Hendersonville NC. Ive got to get down to Stax’s restaurant sometime.

[@TandNServices]

Hendersonville isn’t that far at all. I’m in Greenville all the time now.

[@refrigerationrepairgent1655]

Beading and wrenches what are they called?

[@kduane1]

Where'd you get the spring Nuts and 'Bolts' to match? I see the genuine unistrut nuts on Amazon but they don't mention the bolts.

[@TandNServices]

Any bolt will fit the spring nut

[@biehpham8323]

How's it working?

[@TandNServices]

Like a champ

[@otrookie]

Such an a1 install

[@ambiguous96]

What are the black brackets called that were u bolted to the bumper? I am trying to do the same thing but I can't find them. Any assistance would be appreciated i.e. link or name of product.

[@ambiguous96]

I think I found something similar, www.amazon.com/Genuine-Unistrut-Channel-Slotted-Pre-Galvanized/dp/B00IA84TWO/ref=sr_1_35?dchild=1&keywords=bracket+channel&qid=1592642914&sr=8-35

[@ambiguous96]

What size brackets/unistrut channel slotted brackets were those? Galvanized? What kind of metal?

[@ambiguous96]

www.homedepot.com/p/Superstrut-10-ft-12-Gauge-Half-Slotted-Metal-Framing-Strut-Channel-Gold-Galvanized-ZA1200HS-10/100125003

[@iranforever2546]

Thanks

[@rickyhertz7250]

I like ice cream sandwiches!