Solar Powered Mini Split Air Conditioner Tour - Everlanders see the World!

How we Solar Power our Mini-Split Air Conditioner in our Overland RV!
I procrastinated making this video because it seemed too simple, "I bought the AC Unit - I plugged in the AC unit - It keeps us cool". But, by popular demand, I answer as much as I can about our A/C unit we've installed in our overland camper.
We have a ForestAir 8000 BTU Mini-Split AC that we power with solar power via our 8 Rooftop mounted solar panels. That power heads down to our Lithium Battery Bank for just a moment and is promptly used by our 1800w Inverter to make the 110 volts needed for the AC Unit.
0:00
0:20 - My testing with a small 450w Window Mount AC unit
1:50 - Finding a small Mini-Split Air Conditioner for our RV
2:36 - How I Installed the compressor
3:20 - How we power this Cooling System from PV
4:00 - How loud is it?
5:05 - No windows for Maximum Efficiency
6:08 - Solar Panels Ventilation and Shade - More Efficiency
7:15 - Power Consumption Part 1 - Duty Cycle
9:00 - Heading Inside to look at Solar Logging Data
11:00 - Tour of the Air Handler unit and ducting.
14:00 - Power Consumption Par 2 - Examining Solar Charts - Data!!
There have been many (removed) comments where this install has been criticized as faked with a power cord plugged into mains power or that it would not last more than a month in the rough conditions of an Off-Road Camper such as ours, but after 3 years and 100,000km - it's still going strong.
And the thing you've all asked in the comments before looking in the description, We got it at Costco:
www.costco.ca/Forest-Air-Mini...
Also Available from The Cabin Depot in Canada and the USA
www.thecabindepot.ca/products...
www.thecabindepot.com/product...
Sadly, I have confirmed that the replacement for the model we have is now 10,000 BTU and the hose is no longer removable. Something to consider if feeding it through a small hole is of value to you.
If you'd like to drop a few dollars in the hat for Fuel or Camera Gear, please consider becoming a member of the channel. For more information on becoming a member, Click Here: kzbin.infojoin
Get a DJI drone here:
click.dji.com/AF7icN8Hg2BxV6X...

[@portnuefflyer]

I've done solar work for 30 years, and before that I also built up three different vans and trucks into campers. I've built 5 airplanes, and was off grid for 28 years, now 130% grid tied. BUT, when your panels slide out on the roof, I was floored! Great concept and execution!

[@Everlanders]

Thank you very kindly!

[@icantfindausernamehe]

@@Everlanders Can you tell us how you did it?

[@Everlanders]

If watching this video didn't help you, then no, I can't.

[@icantfindausernamehe]

@@Everlanders I mean with the solar extension mechanism.

[@Everlanders]

We've made several videos on the topic that will likely answer your questions: DIY Solar Powered RV - Lithium Power LiFePo4: kzbin.info/aero/PL0uBLqOOwG8hv9HRxGZvnesMBrUVyiQKf

[@ragemodels]

That entire SOLAR setup is really impressive!!! And the connection to the A/C unit is pure genius!!! Bravo !!! 👏👏👏👏

[@crinabobo7412]

Tiltable solar would increase output by 30 40%

[@soci0path]

I have watched so many many videos on solar / ac / batteries I can cant count to see something like this. Thank you

[@justfly2525]

Great video! Thanks for breaking it down to the duty cycle level. That helps a lot.

[@00708046]

Wow ! I'm impressed with your tech skills . You really have a great monitoring system and great devices hooked to it . Smart !

[@KurtQuad]

not often do I run into other Saskatchewanians in KZbin - let alone an instructional one. Nicely done!

[@xaimeglez74]

Saska what? Is that like a sasquatch? Man, you guys do exist!!!!!

[@Everlanders]

I haven't been called a Sasquatch in a long time, but I take it as a compliment... 😜

[@xaimeglez74]

@@Everlanders Good sense of humor!!!! Love Canadians, good people!

[@othoapproto9603]

Thanks for sharing, I completely agree on the no window. I would have an escape hatch and a camera to see all the way around the truck. But no windows, if I want a view Ill go outside.

[@marketshare5273]

Incredible Jason you really have it down to a science. 👊👍😎

[@baashie]

New subscriber. Such a work of art everything you did to that rig. Looking forward to seeing more

[@taylorritz3553]

Great video. Lots of solid info to help others with sizing!

[@edwardgormley2657]

Very nice very unique it's refreshing to see somebody do their own thing

[@clinclin1240]

Amazing video and great info! I'm sold on the ForestAir 8000! Just ordered one for my 30 footer. That roof beast is going the way of the dodo, and getting replaced with a Fantastic Fan for cooler days (and FAR less weight bouncing around up there!).

[@igor_v._kuznetsov]

Very cool system. Very interesting realisation of mounting solar pannels.

[@chasehoffman6346]

Wow! Your build and analysis are next level! Finally someone that understands showing current and average watts matters, as well as your solar power generation!!

[@Everlanders]

Thanks alot! 👏

[@JockeSelin]

This is a cool video, literally. I love it when you go full nerd on us, Jason. 🤓👍🏻 Please continue the nerdylicious series with your monitoring systems. I started playing about with an RPi, Ardunios and ESP8266 to send/receive data over MQTT to/from the RPi then displaying it using Node-RED, with the hope of monitoring our upcoming Unimog. Seems you’ve got something tastier going on there behind the scenes..?! I’ll get the popcorn...!

[@seanrock8717]

Thank you so much for sharing all theses videos. Exactly what I was looking for for inspiration to begin planning my build.

[@Everlanders]

Thanks Sean! So glad they're of help to you.

[@shawnyap9358]

Jaw dropped after saw your solar slide out setup. Genius concept!

[@Everlanders]

We need to be careful when giving people tours in person, don't need any dislocations...

[@paulschimel3572]

I love the retractable solar panels!

[@michaelm9621]

Becareful around 3:40 your mind will be blown away. That sir is bad ass. Good job.

[@Everlanders]

Many Thanks!

[@itzanopinion]

OMG! When you deployed the other 4 panels, the first words out of my mouth were.. "...Holy Sh**! That's AWESOME!" GREAT JOB!!!!

[@Everlanders]

Those were the first words out of my mouth too!

[@YahDude]

Thanks so much for making this video, it's really helped me make a decision based on your data collection!

[@Everlanders]

I'm so glad my Dude!

[@ThomasLeonard454]

Great information on the mini-split. Thanks

[@leoblumhagen644]

Mini split is the way to go for nomads that feel the need for air conditioning....economical and able to be powered by solar/batteries if you have enough

[@randybobandy9828]

Yup.. Pioneer 9000btu unit pulls a max of 720w. More efficient then this unit while also cooling more.

[@mrad4234]

All of the thorough and detailed explanations are great- thank you

[@Everlanders]

You're very welcome!

[@french-9743]

Strange! This is what I had imagined without being able to realize it. Congratulations for doing it. Etrange ! Voilà ce que j'avais imaginé sans être capable de le réaliser. Félicitations de l'avoir fait.

[@Everlanders]

Glad to inspire!

[@StefanHallEffect]

Thank you for the awesome review. Especially thank you for showing the quick connect fitting! That is fantastic for installation.

[@TomRoszko]

I'm impressed with you answering each question so thoroughly. So here's one you don't have to answer. Just wanted to express my appreciation for this video. I'm going to re-do my AC this summer and this is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Was considering making the window unit work but never thought about the drain being level. Even if you were level, the first turn or bump could dump the drain pan into the vehicle. Thanks again.

[@Everlanders]

Yeah, To be clear, I'm not 100% against window shakers... With enough effort you could probably dismantle, insulate & seal the hot side from the cold side and then try to improve the distillate collection tray to drain nicely. But I tore apart that LG unit and it was so cheap and flimsy I felt I'd need to rebuild it with a better frame and side panels. Further the time and supplies that go into such a project add up... It didn't seem worth it to me.

[@brianh.000]

Sliding panels is a great idea!!

[@localgamerz2961]

I was thinking of a solar array exactly like that for when I build mine, crazy that someone has already done it

[@seanchernobyl2911]

Instantly Liked! When I saw panels slide out on the roof!!!!

[@OriginalMusic1983]

Major bonus points for the Strongbad reference and the Luke Skywalker arm pointer. Lol

[@JonSnow-bc6ro]

Very informative and good video. Found it very interesting

[@RandyRandersonthefamous]

if they made a 400W 3000BTU mini split it would sell like crazy to van dwellers. They used to make a dog house AC unit that was 350W but it isn't made anymore.

[@pauladams1156]

Man...that is a cool setup!

[@higgnbe]

I've always wondered why you solar slide out isn't more popular it makes so much sense

[@Everlanders]

I wonder that too! 😄

[@TheSaltfly]

Which would be more efficient, eight panels that slide out or four that tilt to be perpendicular to the sun's rays?

[@Everlanders]

Cost efficient? 8 that slide out...

[@caribouprecision8213]

Its funny what different folks need for comfort/enjoyment; I know my wife would gladly do without an indoor toilet but she would never agree to no windows. I could go either way on either.

[@riccameron6964]

seen a great T Shirt "Any Man can start a Beard...A True Man never Finishes one"

[@Everlanders]

Love it! 🔥🇨🇦

[@OH8STN]

Excellent video post-op new subscriber and actually happy I found your Channel. Looking forward to the next one.

[@sellC1964]

Very nice video! That's an interesting unit.

[@user-ze7tl2dw4i]

Man, you are the coolest channel in the space in a long time. Thanks so much for your knowledge homie

[@JYDOG]

Thanks, I've been waiting for this video. Very thorough, informative and entertaining as usual. I've really enjoyed watching your channel grow.

[@JYDOG]

I don't think they sell that model at our costco for the states.

[@Everlanders]

It seems there are other venders that sell it too, but please confirm that the new 10,000BTU version has the disconnect if that's something you need. www.thecabindepot.com/products/forestair-mini-split-10-000-btu-portable-3-in-1-air-conditioner

[@Everlanders]

I have since confirmed that the 10,000 BTU version no longer has the disconnect, so you'd need to cut a large hole or make a doorway just to pass it through...

[@lynndelduca4399]

Smart!!! Well done !!!🇨🇦🤗

[@stevep6108]

hahaha great pointer hand!!! awesome - remote panel control GENIOUS - ac on trailer nice! you should insulate that pvc line though it might help even more - 3d printed vent , not to shabby lol

[@aldercamper9430]

Nice idea with sliding panels!

[@sethsamson666]

Such an underrated channel. Amazing engineering sir.

[@Everlanders]

Thank you kindly! 🙏

[@dflood316]

Very Inspirational. I want AC too.

[@stxferalboys]

Great video with great information!

[@johnshattuck7774]

It is so fun watching your videos. Your rig is really we'll thought out and meticulously executed. Really cool and inspiring to see all that you have done! Keep the videos coming!

[@jwb2814]

This vid was awesome 😎 Great job.

[@Everlanders]

Thanks for the visit

[@the_off_grid_adventure_rig]

Great video as always

[@thomasbarlow4223]

Thanks for that idea on the slide out solar rack

[@michaelproctor9114]

Hi Everlander, First time viewer and now Subscriber.. Great Video ... Going to watch from now on and old ones too . Thank You

[@Everlanders]

Thanks for joining in the fun!

[@michaelproctor9114]

Everlanders Thank You Very Much Everlander 😊

[@patrickmckowen2999]

love the solar setup - great rig

[@rolgor]

You are AWESOME!

[@s19910323]

This channel is a gem

[@Everlanders]

You are a gem!

[@russ3580]

Great show!

[@gill18az]

looks great

[@malloryrhymer3454]

This is amazing!!!

[@johnnybx3254]

Thanks so very much for sharing 👍👏☮️

[@ricardostravels3265]

Great Stuff..!

[@64maxpower]

Great job

[@Scrambler85]

Thanks for posting this. It's almost the same thing I am planning for cubevan I plan to build out. I will have 1,200 watts on the roof.

[@Everlanders]

Also remember that you'll likely only get 2/3 of the rated power from those panels in the real world. I did a video on this some years back.

[@Scrambler85]

@@Everlanders thanks for the reply. I watched the video when You posted it, your channel is always informative and interesting. The box on the van is a 7 x 14 with a 84" ceiling height. I will have R10 for insulation all around. I will start with 300 amp hours of lithium batteries and hope that will be enough.

[@GenealogicalTree]

Cool idea!

[@DH-bs1di]

Awesome 2.0!

[@roberthill4239]

Awsome job

[@laurindogadoti5639]

Greetings from Brazil. Been watching a lot of your videos, and amazed by the way you explain everithing its so pleasant to watch. Makes us dream about building something like this one day.

[@Everlanders]

We are very close to Brazil now! 🌎

[@laurindogadoti5639]

@@Everlanders I know some parts of brazil that i traveled in a motorcycle. Dont miss Jalapão in state of Tocantins, if you are going to this region. If ever need any information that i can help send me messages.

[@garyonnen7634]

Pretty cool!

[@gjohn7792]

I like these guys. Great work and channel!

[@gjohn7792]

If I could only tap your knowledge and skills. I hope to see you on the road.

[@robindas1207]

nice system and very good explanations

[@sandys-channel]

I would love to see a deep dive video on the software you've made to monitor your batteries and solar system. We have a basic off-grid solar system but our monitoring is very lacking. Your setup looks fantastic and I can't really find much clear information about them (other than off the shelf very expensive system)

[@fonte935]

Nice! Caught the Strong Bad reference! :)

[@brianh.000]

strongbad_email.exe. Do you have the skills of an artist? If so, what can you draw?

[@Everlanders]

🙄 I can only draw in the 3rd dimension...

[@jonotway8702]

Hey, great video. HVAC tech here….your indoor unit/air handler is called an evaporator. The condenser and compressor are in the box outside.

[@Everlanders]

Correct 💯

[@catherineonigiri214]

the most useful video ive watched

[@deadpoolvanlife8988]

Great info thanks

[@williamirizarry1113]

Very well done. Thank you

[@Everlanders]

Our pleasure!

[@AdmiralPreparedness]

I have been considering this way of cooling my home for sometime and I have been slowly buying the solar panels. My final purchase for my cooling solution is the choice of what mini splits to get. I have never heard of Forest Air in my searches for compact mini splits.. Thank you for showing us the one you are using. It might just fit into my plan.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Great idea with the those slide out panels! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@Everlanders]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@redleader7988]

Make all four slide to the right and you'd have a nice awning.

[@Everlanders]

I ran stress analysis simulations on the slide structure and deemed it too risky.

[@redleader7988]

@@Everlanders True. Folding legs or braces would be necessary..

[@stephensang2588]

Thanks. Great details.

[@tonynotstated695]

Impressive!!

[@g41thomas]

Good video 📹👍

[@gacherumburu9958]

Thanks for the info!

[@arizona111]

Good vid. The whole A/C process just seems to simple and too good to be true. I suppose that is due to the well designed solar system! Interesting about bonding the bracket on the back as well. I know bonding is strong as heck, but the lack of mechanical fasteners always stresses me. Obviously after three years on the back, bonding works!

[@CDVEDROD]

I have dreamed about powered slide out solar panels and there it is! Excellent’

[@Everlanders]

Here's the updated system: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opTGnGSbn9GLqpo

[@harolddeyoung9641]

You must have previously worked in Aero Space. Your knowledge of heat transfer, and Air Flow are impressive.

[@TRICKAIRCONDCHANNEL]

Nice share sir👍

[@DavidLopez-gn3bi]

Muy bonito,gracias,primer video ya me subscribi

[@IDVDalot]

Idea! For your AC vent that is not directing air to where you want it: Buy and AC duct elbow and attach over vent OR temporarily use some cardboard or a cup and cut so you have an elbow.

[@Everlanders]

I made a directional vent here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqmtnIZnpseqjLs

[@DH-bs1di]

Awsome!

[@pec1739]

omg ! thank you for doing this, you are realizing my design ! except that my solar panel design is slide out the top panels, where yours is slide out the bottom panels.

[@Everlanders]

Sliding the top had too many problems...

[@pec1739]

yeah probably the heat build up problem like you mention, thanks for the info !

[@Kojimalosophy]

thanks for uploading this! by the way, I'm on the states right now, but I'm from Mexico, and if you're traveling down there, I highly advise you speak to the local people, find out which are the areas that are "hot", not all drug cartels respect tourists, some drug cartels stick to their main business which is just trafficking drugs from south america to the US and Canada, but other newer less well financed cartels will assault you on sight, and you can't rely on the police, they are criminals themselves, that is some nice rig you got there, it is bound to attract attention, so there are areas in the country you DEFINITELY want to avoid, just be very well informed about your route, and I hope you are conceal carrying , may God watch over you. I love Canada by the way, did my highschool over there, amazing nation! amazing people!

[@_GntlStone_]

Awesome setup in combination with your solar and battery system. When I worked for a company that designed HVAC systems they tried to not use 90° ducts as it restricted airflow more than 2x45° or rounded ducts. You might see better cooling if you did that if you end up doing any revisions.

[@Everlanders]

Thanks, I've since moved to two 45° elbows and increased the diameter to 4in, doubling the area... Still works great, but is a bit quieter.

[@psyamok3735]

very good info! Thumbs up and sub

[@hamiltonharper]

Nice pointer

[@brentjohnson6654]

Fantastic system and video. New sub here

[@Everlanders]

Welcome aboard!

[@brentjohnson6654]

Everlanders thanks.

[@jacebeleren429]

Strongbad reference is much appreciated.

[@Everlanders]

Thanks, we've peppered them throughout our videos over the years...

[@DanielRichards644]

I remember a few years back I was looking into doing a small small house (bigger then a "Tiny Home", about 16 ft x 40 ft or so) and my goal was to make efficient enough to be off grid for the whole house, due to this I was doing research into A/C's and I found one that was actually Straight DC powered so you didn't have to go through an inverter or have a grid connection.

[@Everlanders]

Yep, they're even more common now, but usually 24 volts and/or many times the cost and size. Not ideal for our application.

[@keithmcleod5662]

Good luck crossing Canada in this thing!

[@Everlanders]

Already done Canada my friend, through the Yukon, NWT all the way to the Arctic Ocean, South through the USA, Mexico and waiting for the borders to open to cross into Guatemala! (Currently closed due to Covid-19)

[@NomadicLiving]

Nice Vid! We've got mini-split on our fifth wheel, solar-powered. It's so much more efficient and a lot quieter than the rooftop units, which, after removing them allowed for more solar panels :) I think we'll be seeing more of them on custom rigs.

[@randybobandy9828]

Absolutely.. Most of the 120v minisplits use about 40% less power for the same cooling power as the roof top units. Alot quieter too.

[@CaptainZeroCaine]

Curious how you like it after 2 years. And curious about your battery setup to make it work. Setting mine up right now and really just want to run the mini split and led lights inside.

[@randybobandy9828]

@@CaptainZeroCaine what do you mean by running the mini split "inside"? Like the outdoor unit?

[@CaptainZeroCaine]

@@randybobandy9828 oh, sorry. I'm saying all I want to run is the mini split and 12v LED lights (custom travel trailer build) inside the trailer. Basically, no stove, no microwave, or anything like that.

[@randybobandy9828]

@@CaptainZeroCaine oh gotcha. What battery size and type? Do you have a minisplit picked out?

[@drljnkns]

Thank you.

[@stephenwaugh6558]

thank you!!