Mini Split Air Conditioner in Van Conversion. Unique layout for single camper.

Mini split air conditioner and heat pump in Ford Transit van conversion. DIY campervan install.
Senville SENL-09CD 9000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heat Pump
Maxxair 4500K Vent
4" Intake Vents from Home Depot

[@herkko61]

Wow! What an excellent job you've done! Mini split hiding there so nicely. All the other details inside are just amazing. I'll bookmark this to my ten best van builds.

[@TheNaker]

Thanks! Be sure to subscribe as I'll be starting another build this summer with some unique ideas!

[@ramonmirabal101]

I am in the air conditioner business for 28 years you did excellent job. Congratulations.

[@TheNaker]

Thank you! I truly appreciate the compliment from someone with your experience!

[@azamilimeter5003]

I don't have a van, but I want to build one soon. thankyou for this brilliant AC solution

[@TheNaker]

Good luck. Van building is very exciting!

[@JL-nb3dh]

Phenomenal build. Your mom is one lucky woman. I love the layout. Having the bathroom in the back really opens up the rest of the van. This is one of the best floorplans I've seen. Initially I was concerned that the mini-split wouldn't get enough air circulation. The combo of the Maxx air fan and the tubes bringing air to the back of the unit looks great. Well done!

[@TheNaker]

Thanks! It works great and has proven to get plenty of air circulation. She loves the Floorplan and wouldn't change anything.

[@nickringelstetter4526]

Thanks for the BRILLIANT SOLUTION with the vents on the back door. I've been struggling with this for months. Now I know. BRILLIANT!!

[@TheNaker]

Glad it helped!

[@mrheart4242]

Looks great. You could put a sticker on the lid " security acmmers in use". People who can read will shy away.

[@kbs7340]

Love it. You are a wonderful son. Am sure your Mom is so proud of you 💖

[@NHJDT]

That's actually really clever. You almost never see minisplits in a van

[@sariwermlinger1939]

Brilliant mini-split, great design and quality craftsmanship.

[@edysinsimon8646]

This was well thought out system, nice work!

[@williambrown1172]

Best solution for a mini-split I've ever seen. Great job!

[@GaiaCarney]

William Brown - agreed 👏🏾👏🏾 Sean N has an elegant design aesthetic

[@TheNaker]

Wow, thank you!

[@michaelewings262]

That is a work of art. I am looking to do something like that in my C. I want to put it in the lower storage bay and vent it like yours. You have given me a road map. Very well done sir

[@kevinnorris3052]

I think so aswell

[@kevinnorris3052]

You built your mother the perfect van it is absolutely awesome I would try to copy everything it's just beautiful she and her friends and your father should enjoy that van forever

[@chrislconley27]

Nice build, nothing but the best for mom.😊🤗

[@TheNaker]

You got that right!

[@mikeadams5111]

Best van I have seen yet...simply beautiful.

[@TheNaker]

I appreciate the compliment!

[@GaiaCarney]

Sean N - your van build design & heat pump solution is the best I’ve EVER seen 💐

[@kwas27]

I've been looking for a good idea on how to install a mini split in a van, stay stealthy and to have as much roof space available for solar. This is the best one I have found so far, and I have been at it for a while. Thanks for the video

[@carolinadreamer6689]

I am installing this setup in my semi- truck due to this video. Thanks for showing us the quiet operation and wattage usage.

[@TheNaker]

You are welcome. Glad it helped. Van is just back from 2 months in Florida and the A/C and heat pump worked flawlessly.

[@carolinadreamer6689]

@@TheNaker Thanks! You mention the connections to the heat pump is braided cable instead of solid. Is it the 410A refrigerent lines or the electric control lines? I can see a use case for both in a tight installation.

[@TheNaker]

@Carolina Dreamer I meant the electrical lines. Best practice is to use stranded wire for electrical as solid household wire can break from vibration and cause fire. I usually find properly rated extension cords cheaper than marine wire.

[@DougJohns]

Been living in a van for many years... I like your build.... nice and simple.

[@TheNaker]

You hit the main design principle.... SIMPLE. As someone who lives in a van, I appreciate you get that.

[@rebeccadees2300]

Awesome 👏. Thank you for sharing this. This must be your profession 👍

[@TheNaker]

Glad you liked it. Please subscribe!

[@biscaynediver]

Brilliant! Been searching for an interior mount mini split design and how to deal with airflow/venting. This is IT! Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@arlentulloch6481]

Slick job! Great workmanship

[@codynme1]

Wow. Just amazing. Great job on this van for your mom. I bet she loves it😁

[@TheNaker]

Thanks!

[@rmac7072]

That is the best setup I’ve ever seen! What a great job!

[@TheNaker]

Thanks for the compliments!

[@areyousure6713]

Good work . The ac unit is the best van life upgrade yet .

[@petevezmar9821]

Wow ! Super Professional Build !!

[@jacquelineMeyers-is1zz]

That is such an incredible designfor the sit ! Thank you and God bless you .

[@davidyule3605]

Amazing build! Liked and subscribed.

[@slimmyking4021]

❤ Cleanest and beautiful way to setup an AC. I'm inspired for my rig from this build.

[@TheNaker]

Awesome. Good luck!

[@chargestate42]

What a fantastic idea! Very nice install.

[@TheNaker]

Thanks!

[@Flash1857]

Very nice setup, both the mini split, bathroom and inside. Thanks

[@TheNaker]

Glad you like it!

[@mikedeiana1504]

Excellent build very unique. I hope your mom is very happy. I love to see thinking out of the box.

[@MykSr]

This is SOOO innovative & original, truly an outstanding solution, Wow❗️👍

[@TheNaker]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@dutchglobetrotter6464]

Best place for toilet and shower: in the back! Great floor plan, love the colors and windows. Compliments!

[@TheNaker]

Thanks!

[@Deltro61]

Nicely done! I was brainstorming how to do a mini split, and I like your solution. I'm going to attempt to incorporate something similar myself. Thanks so much for sharing! Overall a phenomenal build.

[@TheNaker]

Hope it helps and good luck. It's worth the effort to use a mini split.

[@CubanRider]

Dude, this is genius! Mad props for the innovative approach.

[@TheNaker]

Thanks Man!

[@jalexb915]

Genius ideas! And thanks for sharing.

[@gailjohnson6670]

Awesome build. Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you.

[@TheNaker]

Thank you! You too!

[@lyledeevore1389]

Great ideas and execution. Liked and subscribed. Love seeing all the different types of builds people come up with.

[@TheNaker]

Thanks! Watch for future videos with unique build ideas...

[@blackfeatherinthewind]

wow!!! very clever! and beautiful inside!

[@TheNaker]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@karlroebling3316]

Great aesthetic, great innovation and fine fit and finish. Nice!

[@TheNaker]

Thanks!

[@jillcarr-hilton7308]

Great layout and heat/ac solution! I’m also thrilled that this is a Canadian build, I should have access to all these units 😁 (so many American builds have great stuff, but difficult for us canucks to get without ridiculous shipping costs)

[@TheNaker]

Glad to help a fellow Canadian!

[@Drifty325i]

Nice job man, very clean, similar to my RV mini split setup, except I used the propane locker (all electric now)

[@TheNaker]

Cool! All electric is great!

[@kingrafferty]

Wow beautiful! Safe travels to your mom.

[@jfgreen1959]

You do great work, top notch professional quality.

[@TheNaker]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@thehammerxnail]

Bro, you win. The mini split idea is so good.

[@sandra3193]

Wow, love your style and I want one.

[@TheNaker]

Thanks!

[@kabee7357]

Absolutely amazing and beautiful!

[@TheNaker]

Thank you so much!

[@blackpudding9247]

Sweet!! Your Mother is very happy I'm sure!

[@muchadesign]

Phenomenal work! Thank you for posting.

[@TheNaker]

Glad you liked it!

[@geovanniramirez8215]

Amazing job!!

[@keithbeasley5862]

Congrats, very impressed...I too have been recently concerned with how to achieve this with a cargo trailer. I think this would work placing the Max Air and the two fresh air intakes on the front side of the V- Nose so my stealth signature remains at a minimum. Thank you for your ingenuity!

[@ColorMyWorld]

My comment is very simple. I love this! Beautiful design.

[@TheNaker]

Thank you!

[@functionalvanconversion4284]

Great job! Wow you got really creative!

[@TheNaker]

Thanks!

[@luvthigod]

2 words . EXCELLENT , & THANKS

[@TheNaker]

You're most welcome

[@Always_sojourning]

Best build I've ever seen.

[@TheNaker]

Glad you appreciated it! Thanks.

[@ivanconsulting6081]

Very cool... Awesome job, planning a van build in Philippines.. have to have Aircon.. first time I've seen a split aircon install..

[@TheNaker]

Good luck with your build!

[@user-yv4lb6uq6w]

Beautiful build

[@kadegoodgirl5498]

Wow 🤩 so beautiful setup and look so neat 😻❤️👏👍

[@TheNaker]

Thanks!

[@jackc.1309]

Absolutely Impressive AC set up. Dometic rooftop AC unit on our Airstream Sprinter is incredibly loud, and doesn't ever feel 100% cool. Considering a mini split.

[@TheNaker]

Ive had a few Aistreams and couldnt stand the sound. Mediocre performance made th even harder to appreciate. The minisplit solves all of these issues and uses a fraction of the power.

[@randybobandy9828]

Those domestic ac units use about 2x the electricity that these minisplits use for the same cooling performance.

[@norrulhakimyunus]

great layout & design

[@Ethic-Ai-L]

Impressive never seen anything like this !

[@DevoutFollowerofYeshua]

Beautiful! Well done. Love the mini split design idea. Suggestion: might think about omitting talking head, as it takes up van design view. Your design is exquisite and speaks for itself.

[@TheNaker]

Thanks for the feedback. The picture in picture was a test that won't be repeated :)

[@epluribusunum1907]

Ingenuity and Great Job.

[@sdnlawrence5640]

Very nice installation! I've been thinking about a mini split for my retirement van. I might be tempted to put a transfer grate from compartment below compressor to cabin so I can use that brilliant maxaire fan location to pull air from cabin on nice days. Add a vent somewhere forward, maybe floor or front firewall for cross ventilation.

[@TheNaker]

Great idea!

[@mikefranks4528]

for a quick and simple, I would suggest to just crack a window upfront with rain guards installed to keep water out.

[@jimmymcconnell629]

Beautiful van build. Really like and appreciate your decisions for pluming and electrical. The mini split is the icing on the cake. Again, beautiful build.

[@TheNaker]

Thanks!

[@hrhplease9119]

Wow wow wow , this is so cool. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@menofairy]

Awesome job

[@Albert_206]

That is just freakin awesome!!!

[@RealProVanR]

Nice. Very, very nice. Lucky Mom!

[@Tryagain205]

Absolutely brilliant.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Great setup 👍

[@chulangjj]

I like this build

[@kylewest2826]

I always wondered why no one put vents on sides of builds. Maybe long term leaking problems? Could easily make a curved hood to divert water over the fan, to be extra water proof. Your plumbing system is so advanced and filled out in the van. Most van plumbing sucks. Yours is outstanding. Very inspiring.

[@TheNaker]

Thanks! Going on 3 years and no leaks. Don't think a hood is necessary. I never understood why builders don't plan out plumbing better...

[@niks966]

Super awesome...just perfect.

[@hooperv]

Nice job. I just did the same ceiling. That's not as easy as one would think. The ceiling curves in two directions. Finding the center is a bit harder than a square house ceiling. I do a window AC setup like that and run it through the floor so it's stealthy. and can't be seen. You do great work.

[@elenatrevino5480]

It's beautiful

[@saratemp790]

I love it!

[@curious1366]

This is awesome! You have set it up to keep your mother very comfortable! She's very lucky. I love this set up for myself..... I am planning to have something built out in a few years. This layout is one of the best that I've seen for my preferences. (of course-- I would change something!

[@TheNaker]

Thanks so much!

[@mikefranks4528]

@Adrienne Sainten In the Spirit of learning new things, I’m curious what is that “something” you would change? Just looking for ideas for improvement.

[@insidedianeslife2456]

Great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheNaker]

Thanks!

[@Moshinko888]

Wow this is amazing! I was looking into some sort of all-in-one cooling/heating solution and was originally going to go with an expensive underside mount AC unit hooked up to a hydronic heating system so that the same vents could be used for heating from a diesel espar heater. I love the simplicity, quiet, and effectiveness of your build! How many watts does it draw and how do you keep water from getting in? That is a really nice van...

[@TheNaker]

Hey, glad you liked it. The heat pump draws between 600 and 950 watts typically when running. But it cycles off so the actual draw is lower on an hourly basis. Initial testing shows that with two 206ah lithium batteries, it will run around 5-6 hours. The rear vents are louvered so no water really gets in. And that high up on the van is out of the road spray. Really, the only downside to this over your ideas is that it takes up some room in the back of the van. But its much cheaper and simpler and quieter. The A/C Heat Pump was CAD $999. No other option offers this performance at anywhere near the cost.

[@danah358]

What is power use during heating? Less than AC pwr use?

[@cathysupp9493]

Well done! These mini splits are SO efficient and quiet I really think the RV market is missing the boat

[@TheNaker]

I totally agree!

[@cathysupp9493]

@@TheNaker Just like EVERYTHING Us Hippies will just go do it…. and Corporate America will realize there’s a profit to be made, and jump on board

[@christinesmith5706]

This is wicked nice. I'm disabled and trying to get my van together is been hell.i have a minivan and I have to haul my wheelchair.

[@TheNaker]

Thanks! Good luck to you with your build. Let me know if you need any suggestions or advice.

[@sikskillz2186]

really smart build, looks awesome inside. i wonder if it colds down the place effectively in the summer.

[@TheNaker]

The A/C is overkill for this van. I did fully insulate the van with 3M Thinsulate (walls and roof) and XPS closed cell foam on the floor.

[@peace2all]

Very nice build all around and great heat pump etc setup. You could make $ designing RVs, cause you’re way ahead of the big producers. Thanks

[@TheNaker]

Thanks!

[@Vlaid65]

A very nice build. Well done.

[@karenlewkowitz5858]

Gorgeous and well thought out! Would be awesome if this went into production! Add me to the list

[@TheNaker]

You're in!

[@jamesharvey4817]

Damn this is nice!

[@karenjohnson2759]

Did a wonderful camper.

[@TheNaker]

Thanks!

[@davidwright1752]

A fair bit of talent is required to install mini split. Another airconditioning unit to look at maybe Midea U (for older vans etc). As for the mini split install you have done, its has to be best idea I have ever seen for Motor Home Congratulations.

[@TheNaker]

Thanks. Glad you appreciated it.

[@s.mendez7160]

Wow! beautiful workmanship. Really appreciate your attention to detail, and labeling. Given LFP batteries have incredibly low internal resistance, might humbly suggest replacing the ANL fuse with a Class-T as the AIC rating is much higher than that of an ANL fuse. Simple fire protection as an ANL fuse cannot withstand the instantaneous current LFP batteries can deliver in the event of a catastrophic short circuit.

[@TheNaker]

Thanks. I'll look into this.

[@LUXXYlIV]

Wow! I love this !

[@TheNaker]

Glad you liked it!

[@LUXXYlIV]

@@TheNaker I LOVE IT 🥰

[@EcoNeato]

This, in my opinion, mainly solves the problem of exterior copper lines that can bend too many times leading to breakage when the door opens and closes.

[@TheNaker]

I totally agree.

[@krimke881]

This is a spacious build, airy and light. You can do this when you have simple, and clear demands for the build. Although I would've been so stressed out on having the battery topped up to run the only efficient cooling and heating system - I would simply hate that vanlife. There is a reason DIY's seldon run with AC, and bus sized motorhomes do. It's completely different mindset. I'd still love the idea though :)

[@TheNaker]

Its good for a couple of days intermittent use. 400 watts of solar is doing a great job of keeping the batteries topped up. But she is usually plugged in at a campground for longer periods.

[@TheNaker]

And we added another battery so now have over 600amps.

[@mikefranks4528]

@@TheNaker I have the same 206ah SOK batteries for my van build as I’m just starting with my Ford transit 350 HD. I watch your video at least twice a day… I am so impressed with that idea as I love the minimalist design in the back of the van. I was looking for a viable solution that maintains stealth and functionality and when I came across your video I almost cried. 😂 it was like the holy grail of solutions. You have encouraged me to do a similar build but I’m ggoing to try out the same layout but with a Midea-U window AC unit ~$460. Air handler part and compressor will be separated by an insulated wall then same design as yours.

[@TheNaker]

@@mikefranks4528 Thanks Mike! I'm really impressed with the SOK batteries and am using them in my next build (also same A/C unit). I also had been looking for a viable solution but no one seemed to have tried it. So I designed my idea and tried it with much success. I hope more people take advantage of this design.

[@kittycat1302]

So far, this AC solution makes the most sense of any I’ve seen! Right now, I have a regular GE window unit in one of the windows in the back of my van. My plan is to replace it with either a mini split or some type of rooftop. My build is different from yours in that my bed is at the very back of the van, running parallel to the back. Right now it’s a good arrangement but I really (desperately) need more storage space. To accomplish this, I want to raise my bed up about 20” - 25”. This would place the bed near the top of the back door. Where would you suggest putting the second component of the mini split? Could it go in the section by the back window immediately below the bed? I think that I will be able to mount the indoor part right about where you have mounted yours I have a flat surface in that area with insulation behind it. If you can give me any advice at all, it would be much appreciated!

[@TheNaker]

I think you could mount the compressor below your bed in the storage area. It's very quiet so I don't think you would need to soundproof. Vent on the door would be lower down to match the compressor.

[@randybobandy9828]

That's amazing. I have diyed 7 of these mini splits but they where all 36,000 Btu units so I was shocked at seeing how small the compressor is on this 9000btu model. I know this Leto pulls 720w(which is insanely efficient)at max cooling but they also have a higher efficiency model that does 9000btu at 560w which blows my mind.that higher seer/eer unit is also about 60% more expensive so the cost can outweighs the efficiency in some cases. The larger senville minisplits are nowhere near as efficient as these smaller ones are. The 36,000btu ones I installed are pulling close to 4000w at full load! That's such a low btu to watt ratio compared to these small units. Seeing a mini split in a van build was the coolest thing ever.

[@TheNaker]

Yeah, these mini splits are incredibly efficient. I just put the same model with heat pump in a 28' cargo trailer conversion (see my latest video) and it has no problem cooling that trailer. In fact, I often have to turn the heat up because it gets too cold. They are so quiet and powerful it amazes me how many people still use window air conditioners.

[@Alfalfanater]

@@TheNaker Do you know how many watts the AC pulls when in use? Is the power draw always pegged at 720w or does it run at a lower wattage most of the time once it's cooled things down just to help maintain the temp?

[@mikefranks4528]

Sean, incredible build! The best I’ve seen yet! Quick questions for you: were you concerned about the fan on the unit being more powerful than the max air fan? do you have the max air fan set to its maximum setting whenever you run the system?

[@TheNaker]

Thanks Mike! I wasn't too concerned about the balance between the compressor and the fan. The compressor moves a lot of air slower but the fan moves a lot of air faster. I think the fan pulls more fresh air in to the compartment then the compressor can use. I do leave the fan on max setting. The maxxair fans are incredibly quiet and efficient (especially compared to the fantastic fans).

[@pmarker]

Either I need to adopt you as my son, or hire you. I'm not buying a big manufacturer's van; overpriced only to get headaches. I'll have to find someone who can convert a van for me. A great job with the mini split. I like how it "hides" the compressor.

[@TheNaker]

Ha ha! Not sure where you are located but I'm finishing another project in August and then open to new ones...

[@pmarker]

@@TheNaker Come to California!

[@TheNaker]

Sounds tempting!

[@norbertobonilla2874]

❤ beautiful Amigo🙏🙏

[@Denniejones]

This is really awesome I’m gonna shuttle bus and I’m thinking maybe mounting mine just inside the rear door and putting vents in a fan just like you did that’s awesome. My question I’ve seen this several times a composting toilet in a shower I know that the humidity is a killer for the composting toilet so how do you shower with a composting toilet in there or do you have to remove it?

[@TheNaker]

Thanks! There haven't been any issues with the composting toilet in the wet bath. The toilet has a small fan and is vented outside which is definitely required though. Good Luck!

[@BrianBonner]

Sean, really neat build and video. Thanks for sharing! Do you recall where you ended up sourcing your windows? (I presume they're dual pane acrylic with the screen/shade insert)

[@TheNaker]

Thanks. The windows are dual pane acrylic with the screen /shade made by Arctic Tern. I ordered them from expeditionupfitters.ca. Beautiful windows, pricey but worth it!

[@mg40c]

Ty I didn’t think I could use a-mini spilt on a van. I kept thinking I be too cold or too hot. But I kept thinking about Florida’s heat. I going to talk to someone about this.

[@TheNaker]

Good Luck!