MiniSplit in My RV | Pros and Cons

Today we will talk about the pros and cons of my install of a Senville 9k BTU 120v mini split in my RV.
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[@scothunter3221]

To all of you naysayers, I put a pioneer mini split into my converted cargo trailer two years ago. I very comfortably survived a summer south west of Tucson in Arizona. Kept it about 76° inside. It was amazingly stingy with power, and I ran it entirely off of solar. I had four 300 W solar panels on the rough of the trailer plus a portable 200 W that I could sit out when needed. Never once used my generator. Oh, though I couldn’t run it at the same time I also ran a toaster, oven air fryer and a induction cooktop off of that. The only propane I used was for my on-demand water heater. All worked really fantastically.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

@@scothunter3221 pioneer is the one I got. It’s hooked to my EcoFlow delta pro.

[@jackshubsite]

Dude, you are really wired but at age 65 I was able to keep up 😂. I’ve watched a few mini split videos so I can install one on my 7x14 cargo trailer conversion. You absolutely answered all my concerns. From what not to do to tools that I can use for free from the auto supply store. I’m grateful for folks like yourself

[@codys-garage]

Flash you are awesome! Thanks for watching :) if you run into issues or have other questions just leave another comment and I can try to give you some guidance!

[@kb-zealot]

I have a 7x12 that I'll be adding a mini split to, with r10 worth of insulation on the (walls,floor,roof), so I'm wondering: Did you end up installing one? And if so: How did you mount it? What's your experience been with it in general? has it proven efficient? I figure a small square area like a cargo trailer is kind of ideal for it

[@sugarskulllyfe5890]

im so happy rv/van life are swtiching to mini splits!!! so much better

[@CharlesAnsman]

Please make a second video when it is August and you’re sitting in a parking lot in 90 sunshine weather and give us your thoughts

[@codys-garage]

Absolutely Charles, I do plenty of camping in the humid Iowa environment where we live and do plan to give an update video. Just last night it was 78 degrees here with 95% humidity and super high dew points. My AC in my home was acting up, so Ranger and I slept in the camper. It was set at 62 degrees and held it there no problem, even shut off a few times! Thanks for watching :)

[@joanneleiser1044]

See my comment.

[@garys6898]

It will handle it no problem

[@DavidMillsSaddlery]

Come to Texas and show off! 75* doesn’t happen at NIGHT HERE!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

@@DavidMillsSaddlerywhatever dude. I’m in Texas and sitting outside watching this and it’s fantastic outside.

[@jeffgerritsen972]

I did the same thing when converting my car hauling trailer into a toy hauler trailer. You'll be happy you did this.

[@DavidMillsSaddlery]

Where did you locate the outdoor unit? I’ve got a gooseneck race car hauler, and I really don’t know where to mount that?

[@jeffgerritsen972]

@, I put it on the tongue. Many people put the compressor on the outside near the landing gear of a goose neck trailer.

[@theodorecarbajal2975]

Mini splits rock on RVs, I have a fifth wheel and hated the idea of full timing with the loud ass a/c units, they eventually quick working too so I went with a mini splits, but going to add one in my room next so I can have two running and should be good for this tx heat👍

[@codys-garage]

Heck yeah! Love to hear it! Thanks for watching :)

[@clint983]

Installed one in my tiny house they are great units, pay the extra 100 bucks or so and get it reverse cycle heat pump.

[@robertogalvez3865]

You can use a cover made out vynil used for tents. That's what I used to protect my condenser against rain, dust, sun radiation, etc. at a beach house. Use a rubber sling to hold it in place while traveling. A/C has been operational for over ten years. I painted the condenser's metal housing with marine barnish for corrosion protection.

[@allynonderdonk7577]

Buy a canvas tarp or a "trucker tarp" to keep it from spinning. I'm thinking the wire stop might at some point do something bad to the fan. My mini split is on a special frame under my boxtruck overlander conversion. I have it turned so it can operate while traveling and it has a wire screen that deflects rocks and prevents fan overspeed.

[@pipeboy98]

hello...nice set up in the trailer. Very clean install. I am a pipefitter out of st paul and install a lot of these units. You can put them just about anywhere. As an fyi...they do make either hail guards or wind baffle for most brands of these. So instead of your fabric sack that you put over the top of it....there is a punched sheet metal baffle that helps the fan not spin in the wind when it's not in use. The best part is that it usually get sheet metal screwed into the same holes that the fan guard is using. Happy camping!

[@codys-garage]

This is great info, I’ll definitely look into this! Thanks for watching :)

[@robertstorms3469]

Very nicely done. Repurposing that generator rack is a great idea. I wish they made a mini split with a head unit (evaporator/air handler) that would fit in that 14" square in the ceiling. I don't have much in the way of wall space to mount a couple in our 5th wheel.

[@codys-garage]

Thank you Robert! They actually do make mini splits that have the 14x14 ceiling cassette for the inside air handler! The problem is, in an existing RV it would be pretty difficult to get the line set run and looking decent. In brand new RVs some premium brands like New Horizons are putting them in, but they have the benefit of getting those systems installed while the rest of the rig is being built and effectively building around these systems. Thanks for watching :)

[@Kangenpower7]

I have seen mini split units that are called "Cassette" that are mounted to a ceiling. Just not sure on the dimensions of all the units they make. Look up Cassette type mini split. They are SO quiet!

[@robertstorms3469]

@@Kangenpower7 I am a bit familiar with the ceiling mounted "cassettes", but I think there might be a market for an RV-specific, drop-in replacement for the classic 14"x14". Something that would work with the classic RV ducts, as well.

[@asanablue]

Time someone covers this. Thanks.

[@joanneleiser1044]

Good video. I have 9000 Pioneer mini split in my 26 ft classic class c. On mine I can choose which direction for louvers to move to distribute either heat or cooling. Its 102' here in Yuma today, I am at a resort hooked to shore power and have mine set at 74' with fan only on 3rd speed. Very comfortable, very quiet. I also have dog and leave her in comfort when i go to work. Your inside Head install very similar to mine, I also came up thru floor and in corner under overhead cabinet, then curve and come out to Head unit. I have my compressor on my back bumper in a steel custom cage. It doesnt move. I used pipe insulation to cover metal arms to buffer up down movement on shock pads. My cover is inside the cage during travel and holding up well. Totally love my mini split and so do my neighbors, they cant hear it at all. Last winter when everyone else was refilling propane tanks for Furnaces I was warm and cozy. Its a no brainer. Now Im installing solar system so I can boondock without running a generator. :) Anyone that installs one please first do what I did, insulate your rig! Use vent pillows in top ceiling vents, insulate inside all cabinets and closets, floor, under beds, in cab overhead and if you have a classic like me use not only insulated shades but also curtains. Oh, and dont forget the entry door, I have curtain I can pull over and it makes a ton of a change to temp inside. And most important dont install mini split right over door or window. :)

[@codys-garage]

Awesome Joanne! You thought of everything! I’m loving this unit and looking forward to warmer temps to see how it does! Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching :)

[@CdotForbes13]

really liked your video. I have been back and forth on doing the same change. You have given me more confidence on tackling this conversion. RV shops tell me its overkill but the noise decrease would be substantial compared to the side AC unit I have (so loud)

[@codys-garage]

They may be right, it probably is overkill, BUT overkill for me? Probably not, I'm kinda extreme when it comes to preferences haha! The noise reduction, efficiency gained, and the addition of heat has all been very welcomed in our rig. Thanks for watching! :)

[@ihab_7]

About your 2nd problem,1- i see that you have the unite louvers on auto consider locking them to the top position from your remote control to direct the flow of the air away from you and into the ceiling 2- put the fan speed to the lowest setting to reduce the air flow 3- if your unite has the left and right louvers manually adjust them too

[@codys-garage]

Ah yes good point! I will see if i can use the remote to use the deflector to push the air past me rather than at my back. Thanks for watching :)

[@bill35w]

nice vid sir couple points that may help, with concerns to gfi issue you could route through a inverter powered off the batteries yes you will have some loss but should eliminate tripping gfi and senville does make a ceiling cartridge that could be mounted in-place of the original a/c unit depending on ceiling thickness as all trailers are different in that respect, or have a box built to cover top of unit on the roof if height is an issue

[@codys-garage]

So it is running through my inverter already, but when the inverter goes to pass through mode it trips the breaker. I've got a few solutions in mind, but I also very very infrequently will be plugging into GFCI outlets. Thanks for watching! :)

[@AdorableDeplorable1]

Thanks for the video and your subsequent test video. We have been looking at the Sennville 9k unit, and you have convinced us. We have a Rockwood Mini-Lite 2513s, and will also be installing a 24v Victron MultiPlus II with about 600Ah of batteries. Getting rid of the rooftop A/C will allow us to add even more panels than the original planned 1220 watts. Do you have any advice for mounting the inside unit onto the overhead cabinets? We will have to do the same.

[@codys-garage]

Glad I was a help! The inside unit is surprisingly light! I didn’t have any issues just screwing into my cabinets and making sure the screws held tight. I’ve towed it about 4,500 miles since install with no issues so far! Your system plan seems adequate and should be a great fit! If you’re considering buying, please consider using my affiliate link in the description! Thanks for watching :)

[@brianhilligoss]

They make rv heat pumps. We have a variable speed Colman mach heatpump. Low it pulls 400 watts and on high it pulls 1500 for about 2 seconds then settles in at 1050.

[@donitaarender7839]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing

[@500ex]

My Victron multiplus II will also kick off a GFCI plug, and I don't have a minisplit yet.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Cody, can I get you to install one of these mini splits in my house? It only gets hots a few days per year. We use one of those super inefficient portables with the stupid hose that goes out of the window. We don't have sash windows or I would get one of those new super efficient ones that allow the window to come down with only a few inches that has to stay open. We only have a 100 amp main and the open spots go to a 50 amp breaker and a NEMA 14-50 outlet for electric car charging. All of our appliances are natural gas. Eventually gas appliances will no longer be sold so everyone is going to stock up on gas water heaters, furnaces and kitchen stoves. I do hate the toxic smell when the gas oven first starts warming up. I have to remember to turn on the exhaust hood every time.

[@codys-garage]

Haha, I am not a professional when it comes to installs so I wont be installing these things for anyone other than myself and close friends!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@codys-garage Thank you Cody, I wasn’t seriously thinking that you would be installing this at my house, but meeting you someday would be amazing!

[@DavidMosby]

I was thinking about something for my sailboat but that big outside unit just is not going to work. Thanks though and thinking about this for the bedroom because there is a minisplit in the living room that does not adequately cool the extremities. Subscribed and liked!

[@codys-garage]

Thabks for the nice words David! Thanks for watching :)

[@5455cheryl]

I cannot find any mini splits that are ceiling installed like this one! Is the outside part on your roof or on the back of the trailer? I know I’m a year late but this is the best video!!

[@codys-garage]

It is mounted on the front of the trailer on a generator rack!

[@sapple3946]

Is the GFCI a 15amp ? See what the draw in amperage is for the start. Possibly a 20 amp will solve the issue….

[@mikepeterson2923]

Potentially dumb question: did you have to rewire anything for the fan? Looks like all of those are 12v vs the 120v RV AC

[@surgepro322able]

WOW! You have the same floor plan as my Wolf Pup 16BH. This opens possibilities for me! I to, am not enjoying the AC noise and power consumption. Would your mini split run on 120v while mooch docking at a friends? I keep my camper connected to a 20amp circuit at home, to have lights and keep the battery charged. Really appreciate your video, I was always curious about using a mini split and now you have answered my questions!,

[@codys-garage]

The minisplit runs on 120v and pulls no more than 10 amps, so a 20 amp receptacle would work well. The only problem is also detailed in the video, but would be that most outdoor 15 or 20 amp outlets are GFCI and most minisplits will trip a GFCI breaker. Mine does as soon as the compressor goes to kick on. Senville support advises to not use GFCI outlets. If your friends have a 30 or 50 amp outlet those will work no problem as those typically are not GFCI protected. Thanks for watching :)

[@carlosv4312]

Im getting things together for a mini split install in my 5er. What was your clearance from the top of your inside unit. It calls for >5" but the best place for mine is tight on top in the ovethead cabinet but plenty room horizontally.

[@codys-garage]

This is a great question, I have about 4 inches of clearance and that doesn’t cause an issue, but your application may vary. I wouldn’t go much less than 4 inches as may cause problems. You could also consider building a frame that would hang the unit lower slightly and have that frame attached to the cabinets? Hopefully this helps :) thanks for watching!

[@betterwithrum]

A few questions: 1. What trailer do you have? I'm curious if this would work on a larger unit. 2. Did you consider the hacks people do on the rooftop units to make them quieter? Thanks in advance

[@codys-garage]

These are excellent questions. 1. I have a Patriot Edition 16BHS. It is small trailer with no interior walls other than the bathroom. This mini-split is not ducted so as long as your trailer is open and without interior walls, you should be ok. If you have walls, it may be difficult to distribute the cooling/heating appropriately. 2. As one that also performed the hacks, they do not work to make them quieter, but they do work to distribute air better. If i was doing it over, i wouldn’t do the hacks again. Thanks for watching :)

[@betterwithrum]

@@codys-garage Good deal, thanks for the info and sharing!

[@justinfowler2857]

Seeing as how I found this video 1 year later, I'm wondering how the mini split has held up to the road vibrations.

[@codys-garage]

Mini split is still cooling perfectly!

[@dsas89]

Will this work with a surge protector like the Powerwatchdog EPO

[@raycox1971]

Refrigerant lines below need to be secured closer to the base of the camper.. soft copper gets damaged easily by anything..... I'd use a lineset cover whether its plastic or metal.... Imo....

[@codys-garage]

Thanks for the insight Ray! These lines aren’t the lowest point, so other things would hit first. Appreciate the insight and thanks for watching :)

[@5455cheryl]

Sorry. One more question😝 So you just mounted it on your ceiling instead of a wall and that worked with the unit mounted on front of your trailer? We have a Class C with two slides and the only place this could be mounted is the ceiling. Maybe it’s not on the ceiling but it looks like it. Thank you

[@codys-garage]

It isn’t attached to the ceiling, rather I took a cabinet door off and mounted it where the cabinet door would have been affixed. These units wouldn’t be able to be mounted to the ceiling to my knowledge.

[@5455cheryl]

Thank you. Now it makes sense.

[@stuartgraesser6739]

Could you run that mini split while you're going down the road?

[@hoogabooga9736]

i'm thinking a plastic double propane tank cover would work perfectly to cover it, measurements appear so. My unit is in the box......

[@stevebraden7969]

do you run the unit going down the road

[@alejanzar]

Hi I do have a 36000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner - new for sell $1400. Let me know. great information in your video. it would be cool if you make a video how to install this unit, maybe in the future when you'll install a unit for someone else.

[@aaronkhachigian409]

Not sure if this has been asked yet, but what did you do with your old RV roof AC? Did you remove it? If so, how did you seal the hole in the roof? Thanks

[@codys-garage]

This is actually addressed toward the end of the video. The rooftop unit was removed and a 14x14 roof vent was put in its place!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Cody, does anyone have any CFCI theories? I know that people install soft starts on their rooftop air conditioners to keep circuit breakers from popping off, but someone has probably tried that already. Is there anyway to use the heating cycle to also preheat your water before it goes through a tankless water heater? I am just thinking about other ways to conserve propane or electricity.

[@codys-garage]

I did ask Senville, and they didn't have much info. The way it was explained to me is that it isn't about the size of the current, its more about the way it is flowing. It pulls FAR less than my old rooftop AC which never popped a GFCI. Not a huge deal, I just wont plug into GFCI often.

[@RanHu-j5p]

Hi, nice video! Did you find road vibration to have any impact on the mini split system, especially the long run? I know that by replacing the copper lines with flexlines(stainless) helps alot. Are there any other measurements that need to be taken to prevent vibration damages?

[@codys-garage]

Several thousands of miles already towed with it installed and it has us comfortable at 66 degrees inside while 94 outside! No problems so far :) thanks for watching!

[@mowguy1]

Don't most camp electrical pedestals have gfci?

[@codys-garage]

Yes most do have GFCI for the 15 amp plugs, but not the 30 or 50 amp outlets. Thanks for watching!

[@mowguy1]

@@codys-garage good to know, thank you.

[@peTeMelster]

You mentioned 9k BTU is too small. I've heard many reports that 9k BTU can't truly cool down even a small Class B camper van. What ambient temperature were you at that made you feel it was too cold with your mini split on? Couldn't you just turn the AC to a lower setting to not get so cold? I'm debating 9k or 12k BTU for my tiny 19 foot Class C.

[@codys-garage]

Oh no the 9k will not be too small. My trailer is only 200 sq/ft and this can cool up to 400 sq/ft. I have no concerns about this being able to cool my trailer. I could raise the temp yes, but the German Shepherd who pants when its above 65 does not sit in direct path of cooling LOL so I could raise them temp, but then he is getting uncomfy. I’m perfectly content with just wearing a sweatshirt while inside, then we are both comfortable. Thanks for watching :)

[@darrylm3627]

😄👍Good Stuff, Great Tips

[@scothunter3221]

One more comment to my post below, in winter, the heater was absolutely awesome. It was a heat pump not just an AC.

[@YuriyDtv]

what ive seen people do is use 220 versions of these and use only 300 watts cooling and 800 heat

[@Turk_85]

I never would have considered using a mini split. No one really makes a camper setup the way I would want it so I've been toying with the idea of doing a cargo trailer to toy hauler conversion. I was only looking at 12v appliances because that's how I've always coinsidered campers to be setup. I mean I knew that they had an inverter for limited 110 use, but mostly 12v. I guess with modern solar and battery setups, running 110v isn't really an issue.

[@codys-garage]

Agreed 100%! Take a look at my solar tour and/or look at MPP solars all in one inverter/charger/solar charge controller!

[@munkandbear2818]

A word of caution about heat pumps they begin to lose efficiency at 40 deg F and at 25 deg F will put out very little heat without heat strips in the unit.

[@codys-garage]

In general, at those temps yes you do need to be mindful. For my specific unit, it works down to 5 degrees F. I have used it at 15 degrees without issue. Thanks for watching :)

[@kingosiris6078]

This is no longer true, the majority of newer heat pumps & pretty much ALL mini splits will now provide good heat down into the single digits

[@mondavou9408]

helpful

[@codys-garage]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@oldschool6798]

What is your new tongue weight with the mini split installed?

[@codys-garage]

The tongue weight likely increased by 200 pounds. The outside unit isn’t that heavy, but the rack it sits on is. The truck that tows this has ample payload capacity and it isn’t an issue at all. Thanks for watching :)

[@dsas89]

Excellent video. How heavy is the outside unit?

[@itskbtv]

Do they make an electric & propane mini split?

[@codys-garage]

Mini splits are only electric! Thanks for watching :)

[@BrettBreeden]

Honestly, I find it odd that this isn't the default on all new RVs. The rooftop units are SO loud.

[@codys-garage]

100% agree!

[@rein3684]

What size is your bed?

[@codys-garage]

It is a short queen!

[@badactor3440]

What is your battery bank AH capacity and is it Lifepo4?

[@codys-garage]

Yes it is all Lifepo4, 200ah @ 24v, so roughly 5 KwH! Thanks for watching!

[@eddiemarshall3272]

A canvas shop could make an inexpensive cover for it.

[@rein3684]

Did you install it yourself?

[@codys-garage]

Yes!!

[@Grandpa_RLP]

What size RV do you have?

[@codys-garage]

It is a Forest River Patriot Edition 16BHS, so about 20ft long and about 200 sq/ft. This size mini split is meant for up to 400 sq/ft. Thanks for watching :)

[@Grandpa_RLP]

@@codys-garage Thanks, I saw your other videos about generators. What is the minimum size do you think you can get away with running this split instead of the 15k roof ac?

[@codys-garage]

@@Grandpa_RLP are you asking the minimum size generator to run the minisplit? A 2000w inverter generator can easily run it, i’ve even run only the minisplit off a 1000w genny to test and it worked! But to power other loads as well, a 2000w generator would be good fit.

[@Grandpa_RLP]

@@codys-garage Thank you!!

[@kingpickle3712]

Does anyone remember the box fan days when you just sat in front of it to cool down? Just condition your body to tolerate temperatures. I don't run the AC unless it's above 80 or if I'm sick. Thanks for the minisplit information though. I didn't even think about that. I just though that an 18000 BTU AC on a small TT was way too much.

[@kylewatson5133]

I would be too scared that those copper fittings don't hold.

[@derekspringfield7921]

Get a MR COOL

[@codys-garage]

The Mr Cool units look good, but this Senville was half the price! I’m very happy with my decision! Thanks for watching :)

[@reidcrosby6241]

Yup...DIY Mr. Cool

[@sallybenigni9864]

Does that outside unit make your tongue supper heavy?

[@codys-garage]

The outside unit is only about 40 lbs and since I don’t have a lead acid battery there anymore, the tongue weight is within factory specs. Thanks for watching :)