RV Mini Split AC Install Project

[@ВикаКудрявцева-с7ж]

*Great and Easy to instal **Fastly.Cool** Low noisy*

[@ramcummins0521]

Just a tip that I learned the hard way get some kind of cover like a grill cover so that when you travel the fan does not turn because the fan spins too fast when traveling and will explode and also i upgraded to a metal fan

[@MrcoolComfort]

Excellent video! We are so glad that you are enjoying your mini split!

[@kduane1]

What model would you recommend for a 6 x 12 cargo trailer?

[@marcothehammer]

Nice installation. I love the pump being mounted onto the cargo carrier. That's a great idea to minimize raadical alterations to the RV.

[@djf_1997]

Thanks!

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I understand that a coiled hose will trap the returning lubrication oil so I ordered mine with a 10 foot hose and did essentially the same install as you. It was JUST long enough to route behind the ladder. Just something for others to consider.

[@doddgarger6806]

MRCOOL recommends coiling the excess like this so it must not be a huge issue with these

[@jamesalfaro7168]

Thank you for your video. My daughter has a trailer like yours that she lives in and her utility bills are quite high. She has dogs, so can't shut off heat/cool while she is at work. She lives in the NC mountains and she gets a lot of cold weather and also hot, though I think it is a function of the limited insulation she has. Of course, she does not have the high temperature extremes of Arizona. Thank you for the time you took to do this video. Well done! Jim

[@eldergeektromeo9868]

Nice lookin' install! Clean and efficient. The MrCool DIY series is just as well built, if not better, than other "name brand" units out there. Well Done!!

[@micahwhite7484]

Good install~ I might recommend (if no one else has) to add some cable glands to your power in/out ports in the side of the outdoor unit; the glands keep water/contaminants out of the electrical hook-ups while protecting your cables from rubbing on that sharp metal hole.

[@iboughtarv6570]

Great recommendation, thanks!

[@WindersRanger]

No is the breaker box you installed right off the 50amp service coming in the only breakers needed for your unit? I was trying to work out where I might pull my power in from if I installed a mini split and where my service comes in at would be pretty accessible. I just need work out where I would mount the outside unit. I have a 40' toy hauler so the back wall is the ramp. I thought maybe using a similar cargo rack like you used but making it where it could swing away. If I had a swing away rack then I would need a flexible freon line and that complicates things considerably.

[@djf_1997]

Hi! Yes, the breaker box I put in is right off the 50 amp service box. The breaker box I installed (as seen in the video) is the only breaker needed. We just ran a 'jumper line' from the 50 amp service panel to that dedicated breaker box for the mini split. Huh, on a toy hauler; never thought of that application. Like you said, you may need more of a custom made platform that can be mounted on the off-center of the back so that it can swing away with minimal movement for all your connection lines.

[@torawfordiz]

Gee's 2 tons! i had no idea these were so heavy

[@dishcleaner2]

Nah it’s a measure of temperature changing power. Unit is probably less than 100 pounds

[@gegazaidd]

I like split ac better than central ac,more efficient and cool only what you need

[@iboughtarv6570]

Zaid Zaid Absolutely! So much more efficient that roof top AC units.

[@shadowdancer3531]

Do you think I could drill the holes, mount both units and have an electrician come set up the rest? I know nothing about any of these but I’m perfectly capable of mounting, drilling holes (properly) but electrical I know nothing. I have no idea where to find that electrical box you showed on your RV. I have a 1996 Rockwood fifth wheel 27ft, I have limited space as well and really only one spot to put the AC unit, it would be in the kitchen/living room, so not at one end blowing to the other. I’ve got one super slide and that is all, very small RV. Do I need it at one end for best results? I just moved to Yuma, so want to invest in a 2-ton mini split because the RV is older and the heat is extreme here

[@iboughtarv6570]

i don't think you need if at one end of the RV for best results. You may actually get better results than me having it more in the middle. I've seen other guys on YT that went that route. I had help with the electrical too. I consulted with my electrician friend first, then installed. You may want to do that, just to be sure that your plans will work fine with the electrical part of it. But you should stay nice and chill with a 2 ton in a 27' RV! Even in Yuma :)

[@shadowdancer3531]

@@iboughtarv6570 thank you so much for replying so quickly! I will do that, I don’t want to mess up installing it. Thank you again!

[@3dholicpilot522]

What is the consumption rate per hour/day ?

[@kimberlybrewster9077]

Hello! So this one mini split cools/heats the entire Rv? Is it colder/hotter in the room that it’s in?? Thanks for the video!

[@iboughtarv6570]

Hello! Yes it does cool / heat the entire RV. And yes, the main room where the wall unit is will be either warmer or cooler than the front of the trailer (where our bedroom is). But the fan on the wall unit does a good job blowing the air up the middle of the trailer. Hope this helps :)

[@MikeMike-ik3ir]

Nice Job. Did you consider adding an indoor unit near the bed ? When you sleep it seems you will have to heat the entire coach up just to warm up the bedroom ? I have the exact same Alfa See Ya model and am contemplating doing the identical install you did but adding a ceiling cassette where the existing roof A/C is over the bed. But there is no room to plumb the line set to there. Did you consider running the line set across the entire roof to the bedroom? I have not seen this done but don't see why it could not be. Do you have any thoughts on this? Appreciate you posting the video !

[@iboughtarv6570]

Hi Mike. That is an interesting idea. We never considered doing that. I'm not sure how that AC line would do across the roof. I would have to ask an AC professional. However, with a 2 ton unit, we never had a problem heating or cooling our place. IF I needed to be up in the bedroom on 110+ degree days in Tucson during the middle of the day, I might use an upright fan down near the kitchen island to push some of that cool air up there, but I don't need to do that very often. The heat pump heats up the coach fast.

[@brianvandy4002]

The down side of this size unit is you are limited to only sites with 50a service. From what I've seen a 12k unit that is 120v is sufficient for a large motorhome because they are so much more efficient than the old roof units.

[@iboughtarv6570]

Hey Brian, that's true. It you do a lot of traveling, you do have that limitation. We stay put, live in it, and live in Arizona; all these factors were enough to up the size of the unit.

[@brianvandy4002]

@@iboughtarv6570 I saw that later in the video. I'm looking at a full solar system and I was debating on whether I want to add the expense of a 240v inverter instead of just 120v, so I can run a dual zone mini split. It might be overkill unless we end up in the desert or humid SE when we retire.

[@iboughtarv6570]

oh i see. that''s cool. I would be interested in knowing what you decide.

[@brianvandy4002]

@@iboughtarv6570 It's expensive to go the 240v route, but it would let me use a multizone mini split (9k in bedroom and 12k in living area) and I could find a 240v clothes dryer isntead of the wimpy 120v ones. 240v is more efficient for appliances like that anyway. The downside is I'd be looking at about a $9k investment in solar equipment and batteries. On the plus side, that's a 14kw/h system. So BIG power.

[@iboughtarv6570]

i can see why you're debating on what to do! the multizone would be awesome.

[@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,

[@iboughtarv6570]

Hi. No, I'm not on a generator. The power is coming right from the RV 50 amp panel. That is plugged in to shore power, and then I pulled off the main RV panel into that separate breaker box dedicated to the AC unit.

[@AlJohnsonLasVegas]

@@iboughtarv6570 How did you wire the 230 volt, i keep reading the you can't do that. Can you provide a diagram of what you did. I would even pay for it.

[@fabiangomez357]

Question, i have a 40ft 5th wheel with a 50amp breaker box and service. I recently had both of my ducted rooftop Coleman mach AC units (15k+13k) go out and instead of replacing them i want to get a 2 zone mini split but they are only available in 240v. Since i wont be using either of these ac units anymore i now have those 2 free 20amp breakers free to use. They are both on separate legs inside my breaker box panel. Is there anyway i can connect a 240v mini split given my specific situation and equipment? Or do i just have to get 2 individual 120v mini splits?

[@djf_1997]

Hello. I think you can do what you are describing, however I would absolutely check with an electrician. That is what I did. I'm not qualified to give that kind of answer. But a 2 zone would be awesome! Hope it works out for you :)

[@rucksackransack]

Nice video, How much solar would something like yours need to run off grid? Also what do you do with your stainless Birkey water filter when you move the 5th wheel? Thank you!

[@iboughtarv6570]

that is a great question, I'm sorry I don't know. I'm always plugged in :)

[@milamkinner1583]

Hi I have a quick question I want to do the exact same install 24K BTU mini split could you please go to more in depth with your wiring because I would love to just wire straight off the 50 amp cord instead of having to buy an inverter and step it down to 110 V could you make a quick video or explain how you tapped into the main 50 amp power cord

[@shanedatzman4527]

I just purchased a pioneer mini split. I'm in Sierra Vista, AZ. What would you charge me to hook up my unit in my 5th wheel?

[@danjacobs4398]

Nice simple video thanks. I am curious as to the over the road "beating" might effect this unit.

[@iboughtarv6570]

Hi Dan. I've only moved our rig 2 times since we installed our mini split. Once was a short in town trip, and the other was about a 100 mile trip down the highway. Both times, we didn't have a problem. To be safe, I put a couple of ratchets over the mini spilt hooked down to the platform, and one around the wall mounted air handler unit. There are a couple of other guys on youtube who have driven many miles without issues.

[@BeginningfromthisMorning]

Great job guys!

[@iboughtarv6570]

Beginning from this Morning thank you! Have been very pleased with the results!

[@AlJohnsonLasVegas]

Did your alfa come with the trailer hitch or did you install. I have the same unit but it doesn't look like i have anywhere to mount it.

[@iboughtarv6570]

Hello. It was already installed when I bought it. I've heard they have 2 different kinds: 1 that is rated to just mount a platform for gear, like I did, and another that is rated for actually pulling a vehicle. I think mine is a the lighter rated version.

[@AlJohnsonLasVegas]

@@iboughtarv6570 I would sure like to see that installation. If you ever get under your rig try to remember your camera and take a pic of the setup. thanks

[@leob5195]

Hi, so... Please explain how you get 240v from a 120v service?

[@retiredandroaming]

Use the two hot legs from the incoming power cable. They provide 240v across each other.

[@rpsmith]

A 50 amp RV service is actually just like a 150 amp or a 200 amp home service with the exception it's only capable of delivering 50 amps. Most RV just have it split up into two 120 volt 50 amp circuits. So between each hot leg coming in and the neutral wire (white) you have 120 volts but between the two hot legs you get 240 volts. My Teton RV actually has a commercial QO Breaker panel installed from the factory so it was easy to install 240 volt breakers. However most RV breaker panels will not except a 240 volt breaker so you will need to install an auxiliary one if you want to run any 240 volt appliances. I updated my Suburban water heater by replacing my 120 volt heater element (1,500 watt) with a 240 volt (2,200 watt) element and my cloths dryer also runs on 240. Roy...

[@SomeTechGuy666]

50A (4 pin) RV power connectors are split phase, meaning they have 2 120V supplies, out of phase. Just like a house. It's 240 VAC across the 2 phases. 30A (3 pin) RV power connectors are 120VAC only !

[@sherryballard7261]

How much did this cost

[@dannyg8741]

Hey sir, did you have to cut and flare the line set? Just curious cause I'm putting one in same type of location and setup

[@iboughtarv6570]

Hello. No. The AC unit comes pre-charged. All you have to do is connect the lines. No cutting needed.

[@overthetopcargotrailerjerr2278]

great job, check out my build in 2012 - OverTheTopCargoTrailer 100% solar cooled and heater 7 x16 trailer.. now just throw in some lithium batteries & solar panels and your set for life.... my unit cools in 100F down to 72F only using about 250 watts per hour cheers Jerry

[@torq21]

Cool to see this installed! About how much weight does the whole unit add to the rig? Thanks.

[@iboughtarv6570]

The platform, A/C unit, and wall mounted unit altogether are probably right about 150-175 pounds. Thanks!

[@torq21]

@@iboughtarv6570 Thanks for the info.

[@bryantcreech7423]

How is the 2 inch clearance on the top working out? I'm looking to install the exact unit in my 5th wheel but they recommend 6 inches of clearance on top and I only have about 2 also.

[@bryantcreech7423]

And as soon as I write that I see your explanation lol

[@iboughtarv6570]

So far, it’s been fine. For this unit, 4” on the top was recommended. (Was it 6” on the sides?) The recommended space (on the top) is assuming that you’ll only have air coming from one direction. However, because I removed the cabinet door up above to hang the air handler unit, it has air coming from both front and back. I think that helps a lot. Not sure where you’re at, but if it gets cold where you are, the heat pump on this thing is awesome. We’ve been using it all winter. Well worth the extra money. Hope that helps.

[@bryantcreech7423]

I just saw a few comments on some reviews I was reading about 6 inch clearance on top not sure how true they are. Where I'm going to mount it the roof is slanted so I'll have about 3 1/2 inches on one side and 2 on the other and plenty of room on the sides so I'm thinking it will be ok. I'm in Texas so the heat won't be used extremely often but I really need more cooling power. I already have 2 15k btu roof units going and on the hottest days they struggle to keep it under 85 in here with high humidity. Thanks for the help.

[@KristanSpear]

Have you ever connected a generator to it??

[@iboughtarv6570]

No I haven't. We're always plugged in.

[@uhighsmith]

How has it worked this summer? I have a 42ft Fifth Wheel and our bedroom is at the opposite side of the camper to which I want to put out mini. I want to know if you had any problems cooling/heating the entire camper now that you have been in it for a winter and summer

[@iboughtarv6570]

Sounds like I have the same situation, although my 5th wheel isn’t that long. In Tucson when it’s really hot (110+), we use a fan to push some cooler air up in the bedroom maybe an hour or so before we go to bed. That has been plenty good for us. Other than that, this thing is awesome. It’s actually way bigger than we need for the space, but because of thinner walls (thinner than a house) I wanted to use a unit that would have no issues whatsoever cooling our RV. The heat pump on it is great and heats up our trailer very fast. Also, this past summer, the highest electric bill I had (in an RV park) was $120.00. That mini split is super efficient. We’ve had over a year, and I would do it again. Perfect solution for us.

[@uhighsmith]

Thanks for responding. I was thinking the same on the size being that the walls are so thin. The wife and I just bought a lot in a RV community here in north Georgia. Our summers are not quite as hot but are more humid. Good video and information. Thanks again.

[@roberts79381]

Thanks for the video and your contribution. I am going to purchase a mini split for our 40' 5th Wheel with bunkhouse Front Master Bedroom. Do you have a separate room in the back and bedroom, from the location of your mini split? Does your AC/Heat overcome the separation with one unit (work very good)? What is the BTU/HSPF rating you used for Tucson. BTW We lived in Phoenix area 27 yrs. Now will be going to Florida, Washington state and AZ for main stays. Do you think your unit will accommodate the Florida heat/humidity and the Az Dry Heat? How is your rack on the back holding up while traveling? Did you buy a prefabricated Rack on the back hooked up to the frame? Feedback appreciated.

[@iboughtarv6570]

David Roberts Hi David. We do not have a room behind the inside air handler unit. It is mounted about 24” away from the back wall. I put it where it will blow straight up the middle of our 5th wheel. It both heats and cools the front bedroom no problem. We have been very pleased. Ours is a 24,000 BTU or 2 ton unit. Our mini split has handled Arizona 100+ days no problem. I was amazed. A 2 ton is technically too big for this space, but given the fact that 5th wheels aren’t noted for their insulation, I wanted to go bigger than the space needed and I’m glad I did. There is another guy who posted a video about a mini split and he was in Florida. He said his mini split, also a 2 ton I believe, had no problem. The rack on the back is prefabricated. It was about $100 on Amazon. I have not traveled yet. I have the unit bolted down to the rack and will also use 2 rachet straps to be safe when we do. It should just fine though. Please let me know how your project goes! Thanks

[@roberts79381]

@@iboughtarv6570 Thanks, I will get back with you after installation. So many companys and so many options. Looking @ web "Minisplit Warehouse.com", 18kBTU Daikin LV I/S Unit FTXS18LVJU O/ RXS18LVJU. 20.3 SEER 11HPSF. Canada?

[@kevinb9270]

I'm just wondering how durable a mini-split over the road is. How it is performing after 1 year.

[@iboughtarv6570]

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I've only moved our RV twice since I installed the mini split. Once across town, the other on the interstate. Both times, it did just fine. I put a couple of ratchet straps on it for extra security and it did great. There is a guy here in these comments that mentioned if you're going to be traveling a lot, you may want to put a 'grill cover' over the fan blade (maybe a tarp wrapped around it would be sufficient) so that the fan blade doesn't turn too fast while traveling.

[@WindersRanger]

I am in the planning stages of doing almost exactly what you did here. Is there anyway i can get with you with my email or yours where i could possibly get a parts list or at least photos of how you tapped into the 50amp service coming in and the breaker box you wired up?

[@iboughtarv6570]

Hello! I will check, but I don’t think I have any photos. I’ll check some of the other video footage I have...

[@WindersRanger]

Thank you so much! What cable size did you use to run from the 50amp line to the breaker box you installed for the mini split?

[@warrenjoiner5835]

@@iboughtarv6570 Hi did you ever find photos or video? I have an Alpha gold w a double breaker box

[@iboughtarv6570]

@@warrenjoiner5835 Hi there! I'm sorry, I don't have any other photos or video. For the gauge wire size, it should be enough to service the breaker size you will install in your breaker box for the mini split. The size of that circuit breaker will be determined by the specs on your mini split unit. I'm guessing a 10 gauge jumper wire between your main box and the breaker box for your AC unit should get it done, but that's just a guess. Please check those specs. Hope your project goes smoothly!

[@AlJohnsonLasVegas]

Im doing research to do this project. Did you ever get yours done? do you have any pics of the process

[@lxe1986]

Nice unit, I wasn't clear but can it run off 110v or do you have to have 240v? The reason why I'm asking you have 50 amp coming in.

[@iboughtarv6570]

110v would work as well, but a 2 ton unit like this would more than likely be 240v

[@lxe1986]

@@iboughtarv6570 Thank You for information.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I run mine on 110v, just order the correct unit. A 23 seer efficiency unit in a 8K BTU size drams no more than a 1000 watt heate. Very nice and is quite.

[@leob5195]

@@iboughtarv6570 the unit you have is 240v. How do you get it to work on 120v?

[@iboughtarv6570]

@@leob5195 I have it wired directly off the 50 amp service coming in. It only draws 15-25 amps. The fact that it's 240v just refers to the amount of electricity flowing to the A/C unit.

[@nilescurry9882]

Did you use flexible coolant line for your install?

[@iboughtarv6570]

yes, the Mini Split came with a flexible coolant line.

[@patrickmelson4745]

Is your electric bill any cheaper? What Seer rating is your mini split?

[@iboughtarv6570]

Hi. It's a 16 SEER. Yes. The highest bill I've had in Tucson in August (115+ degrees) is about $120.00. That's running that thing non-stop all day. Guys near me with roof top units were paying over $300. The mini splits are much more efficient.

[@patrickmelson4745]

@@iboughtarv6570 wow nice. I've seen the mini splits up to a 23 SEER.

[@volkregjaku2295]

with gas or Electricity.

[@djf_1997]

It runs on electricity

[@mr.doityourselfandsave4369]

Great job men

[@patrickmelson4745]

Would a 1 ton unit do the job?

[@iboughtarv6570]

Hi. Possibly, but not in Arizona if you're going to be there in the summer. If you are in a spot where the summers are quite hot, I'd say no, it may not be enough, especially for the front of your coach. If you are just concerned about the back part of your coach, maybe; but again on 110+ days, you need some serious AC to keep it at 80 degrees or lower. Hope that helps...

[@patrickmelson4745]

@@iboughtarv6570 Good to know! Thanks

[@Lrowleyandmanny]

Do you have to vacuum the line?

[@iboughtarv6570]

Hi. No, it comes pre-primed ready to go. It's sold as a DIY unit.

[@boldibbb]

I would have gotten rid of that spaghetti of copper tubing but it works i guess

[@taho69]

Can you come install one for me? lol I can do everything but the wiring

[@tiedeman111]

Can you tell me what gauge wire you used

[@iboughtarv6570]

For the jumper wire to the breaker box? I believe it is 10 gauge wire. 10 gauge can handle up to 30 amps.

[@rp75heavy]

Do you have any links for parts and where you order your unit?

[@iboughtarv6570]

RyaN Poe I don’t, sorry. You should be able to find this on Amazon. Mr COOL 24k unit. I paid about $1,550

[@tommorton3227]

2 tons seems loke overkill but maybe Mo is bettah? 1 ton =400 sq ft

[@iboughtarv6570]

Under normal circumstances, you're absolutely right. But 110+ degrees outside and not the best insulation, I wanted something that could easily handle the load. When it's 110 out, I can easily keep it at 78 degrees all day for just over $100 per month.

[@patrickmelson4745]

@@iboughtarv6570 nice. How much are you saving per month?

[@iboughtarv6570]

@@patrickmelson4745 My highest electric bill was $125.00. Prior to that I was using the basement AC unit in the Alfa and my bill was about $175/month. However, the basement AC broke, and was going to be quite costly to repair with no guarantees that it would last very long. So I went with the mini split option. So glad I did. It's a 16 seer. My neighbors who have 2 roof top AC units are spending $300 per month in the summer and are struggling to keep their coach at 88-90 degrees. I can keep mine at 78-80 all day for $125 a month. It's awesome. And the heat pump is great on the cool desert winter mornings.

[@patrickmelson4745]

@@iboughtarv6570 Okay makes sense. A lot of mini splits are 22 SEER. Not sure how much that would help. I may install one. I have a 40 foot with 2 AC units and in Phoenix.

[@bhannay]

I'm in Florida and I have a 43ft 5th wheel and I'm thinking of installing a mini split. I'm looking at a 110v 12,000btu unit so I can run it off my portable generator if necessary. The brochure says it will cool 350-700 sq ft. we like to keep it really cool for sleeping at night. Do you think this type of unit will do the job?

[@iboughtarv6570]

Hey Brian. It might be enough. I know in Florida you deal with more humidity than Arizona. Another consideration is, will you be in the direct sun? Or do you have any shade over the roof of your coach?...I think it would suffice for at night, but if you are in full sun during the summer months, it may struggle to keep up. Also, if you are mounting the unit in the back of your coach, and your bedroom is up front, you may need a fan to help some of that cool air make it up there. Hope that helps.

[@bhannay]

@@iboughtarv6570 thanks for your reply. Yes we are in direct sun from about 7am to 7:30pm. I was hoping not to have to use the roof A/C’s as much with the mini split. I set the roof a/c to 78 but it never really gets much cooler in the coach than 80 -81 and they both just run all day. The bedroom a/c gets it down to about 69 at night but it’s on and off all night long.

[@homerstokes8489]

Nope. Double that.

[@BoomerSooner405]

I dont understand how youre running a 240v system on 120v

[@iboughtarv6570]

the 50-‐amp shore power is actually a 120/240 VAC four wire service. there are 2 wires each carrying 120v. we tapped into the power before it goes into the RV.