The BEST Air Conditioner for an RV, DUCTED MiniSplit. Runs off Solar alone! - Why Not RV: Ep 93

[@Mudford63]

Very impressive install from a guy that’s been in the HVAC supply business for 30 years! Daikin is one of our best selling mini splits.

[@WhyNotRV]

Thanks Larry, I appreciate that. Absolutely love Daikin

[@La2venida]

So the air intake is coming from the bottom compartme t of the rv. Is not the air intake suppose to be the return air of the space inside the rv

[@johncbone]

I did a ducted split unit also and ran into some problems with the ducting to the rear living area. I did use the floor vent but, didn't look closely enough to see and found out the floor vents to the rear of the camper were just the flexible 4" duct with what seemed like 40' of extra wrapped around everything except the axle, NOTHING BUT RESTRICTIONS. I ended up running a duct through the bathroom closet and out over the top of a cabinet. I think I may fabricate a sheet metal vent to come out by the steps similar to yours. I had seen several videos with mini splits but yours was the only one I saw with a ducted system and gave me the inspiration to do mine. Thanks

[@WhyNotRV]

Absolutely!!!! Happy to hear you dove in! They design these RVs but the execution falls short often

[@glennwest4438]

I have a 40' fifth wheel. I installed 2 mini splits. Both 12k. one in bedroom. Other in livingroom/kitchen. We are now in South East Texas in triple digits. We are comfortable and have them set at 74. All running on solar also. Have 4500 watt of panels and 21k of lithium batteries. We removed our roof top acs.Have not needed them either

[@WhyNotRV]

That’s awesome! Great to hear! Sounds like a nice build

[@glennwest4438]

@@WhyNotRV I was surprised when you stated needing rooftop acs in this heat.

[@WhyNotRV]

The method I used doing the ducted unit isn’t nearly as efficient as the 2 individual units like you did but it is a layer of redundancy if it fails I have backup rooftop.

[@369V52]

Great Job on the Mini Split addition and all the Mods you installed!. Thank You!

[@WhyNotRV]

Thank you! and Thanks for watching!!

[@JackofAllTrades1]

I’m thinking of doing this with a new manufactured home that I’m putting on some land. The home comes with all the ductwork in place for central air. It is sold without ac/heat and I figured I can just tie one of these units into that network so it will distribute the air. I’ve installed a few wall units before but never a hidden ducted mini split. Thanks for the video.

[@WhyNotRV]

Manufactured homes are ducted for package units that move a massive amount of air. These minisplit ducted units would not be ideal. But you could do the ductless minisplit units and do a couple depending on layout

[@JackofAllTrades1]

@WhyNotRV thanks. That's probably why I'm not seeing much info on anybody else trying this setup.

[@WhyNotRV]

Anytime

[@kevinflores925]

Hello, thanks for your video very help full, I just bought a elevation toy hauler and trying to stay off grid for 1 year and add some mini splits to it as well.

[@WhyNotRV]

Hey Kevin, thanks for watching and I appreciate the comment. I just put a minisplit on my news rig, you can see the video on my channel just search for minisplit under my videos.

[@dwreed63]

"Computing..." 🤣😅🤣 good one!! Nicely done, I can't believe you pulled off that project, very impressive. Can't wait to talk with you more about it. 👍💪👊

[@WhyNotRV]

lol... I thought it was funny. I couldn't "math" under pressure. Ya for sure we will talk. See you in a short 7-8 weeks

[@bobblack3870]

Great video. I especially appreciate the comments regarding BTU at the end. I've installed a mini-split in a cabin (house) and it was a highly recommended replacement for window ACs. I have a 3 AC RV and have been considering finding a way to remove the rooftop ACs and replacing with a mini split. One big question I have is how big should the mini split be. You helped tremendously with an answer.

[@WhyNotRV]

There’s several factors to consider when deciding this. The best thing with the minisplit is you can oversize it quite a bit and be fine as the minisplit will just ramp up and down as needed

[@bobblack3870]

@@WhyNotRV Good point. However I have noted that the higher the BTU, the larger the compressor box, and that needs to be part of the considerations.

[@WhyNotRV]

Yes, it definitely does. Especially with RV installations when you’re working with limited spaces.

[@Nirvanas-garden]

I have an '05 newmar dutchstar. Ive been trying to find someone to help me do the same thing you did. Im not sure i could do this on my own

[@WhyNotRV]

If you Come to South west Virginia I offer installs. But that’s why I made this video. Help people do it themselves

[@Nirvanas-garden]

@@WhyNotRV just out of curiosity, what would the labor cost?

[@Nirvanas-garden]

@@WhyNotRV I have a furnace with duck work but you added a lot of additional duck work to yours

[@WhyNotRV]

It’s different for each rig. Can range from 2-6k depending on complexity and difficulty

[@sugarskulllyfe5890]

wow impressive hats off for going 240v super efficient i love it. im hoping rv world is leaning towards miny splits and 240v

[@WhyNotRV]

We can hope and dream. lol. Especially these higher end rigs. No reason not to.

[@VV-om8vv]

Like that extra circuit for the bikes. Great idea

[@WhyNotRV]

Thank you. I appreciate that

[@321hojda]

Great video! Been looking at doing this for a few years. Biggest problem that I wasnt getting answers and reason I havent yet is power. On shore power 50amp. Cant get a straightforward answer if it would work.

[@WhyNotRV]

Thank you. I’m glad it helped. Let me know if you need anything else

[@delk873]

Great videos! I feel much better about purchasing this RV after watching this. The dealer I am purchasing it from doesn’t seem to have much knowledge about these systems you have installed and I wanted to reach out to you and see if you would be willing to answer a couple questions for me. Kind regards

[@WhyNotRV]

Ya absolutely! What can I answer for you?

[@delk873]

I live in Michigan and it’s going to be stored in the winter. Is there anything that I need to do to make sure that the solar system is properly shut down for the winter. And I just had a couple questions about how the factory electrical system works in conjunction with the solar system. Can it be plugged in while the solar system is operating?

[@WhyNotRV]

Awesome what part of Michigan? The solar is a completely separate entity that charges the batteries. So it’s fully dependent from the AC input. If you watch all of the videos on the Montana you will learn every need and if you still have questions I’m here

[@delk873]

@@WhyNotRV OK, thanks a bunch. I appreciate that! I’ve been slowly watching all the videos on our way home now from going to do the deal. It was a 3 1/2 hour drive from our home to the dealer where it was located. My main concern is with it being in storage for the winter and the roof not getting any solar energy to keep the batteries charged is there anything special I need to do to them, don’t want to take up too much of your time. I’m sure you’re busy but I appreciate your help.

[@delk873]

We’re located near Ann Arbor, Michigan

[@xxxrune68]

I'm wondering if you thought about mounting the enternal unit inside the front compartment where the genny prep is usually located and then adding a vent from there to the outside for it. That would remove the need for the long connections between outside and inside units as well as put it closer to the main power panel of the RV. Since it is genny prep, I would think it could handle the 100lbs of the minisplit. Do you think that method would be a possibility or does the external unit need to be completely outside?

[@WhyNotRV]

I did not go that route for several reasons. Number one, I added a generator to this unit. Number two in order to have proper airflow across that unit, you need to basically turn the generator prep door into a completely vented door that would allow air to come out of it. you’re also then asking for debris and what not to get up through those vents and into the unit. It just wasn’t a good idea in my opinion. I have seen it done before.

[@dennisbell-l8i]

Hello, Did you have any communication problems between compressor to the air handler. I’m installing a Senville with similar set up. Since the ground and neutral are not the same like in residential. Thank you.

[@WhyNotRV]

No issues for my Install. I ran its own 4 wire communication wire if I remember correctly

[@samtana7923]

Your Montana was built with a 15k AC in the living room and a 15k AC in the bedroom. Your living room AC has a heat pump.

[@WhyNotRV]

I knew the living room was a heat pump. But that’s good to know that both up top are 15k units.

[@danielwahl]

Well done. I think I’m going to try and pull off the ceiling tile cassette inserts on my class A. I have less room for ducting under mine.

[@WhyNotRV]

That’s definitely the other main way to do this efficiently. Good luck with your project!

[@mrjjman2010]

Are you planning on making a cover or are you going to have it hang down on the inside? I’d rather not do the cutting a hole and cover thing so I’m debating putting one in that hangs down and have a small enclosure around it for looks.

[@randybobandy9828]

@mrjjman2010 just go with wall mounted air handlers or floor board air handlers if you are going to just have it hanging down.

[@fobypawz418]

Yeah, but with a bigger condenser required to have e multiple cassette heads, can it still be solely powered by solar?

[@randybobandy9828]

@@fobypawz418 if you are running multiple cassette units off of a single outdoor compressor would require using 240v inverter since the smallest multiple units mini splits are 18,000btu and 120v units max out at 12,000 btu

[@thetruenorthgardener2806]

Awesome, Could I install some exhaust ducting on the condenser? reason for this I live in norther Canada and what to grow vegetables all year long. and what keep condenser indoors and exhaust heat to the outdoors. Mini split condenser won't work in -45C

[@WhyNotRV]

In heating mode the condenser absorbs heat from outside and rejects heat inside. If you have both units inside you will literally just be recycling the air over and over again and not doing anything but using energy. It’s the equivalent of having a battery power an inverter and a battery charger plugged into the inverter charging the battery. It cycles through and the efficiency loss will end up draining the battery over time. So to make a long story short…. No lol

[@thetruenorthgardener2806]

@@WhyNotRV i forgot to mention the condenser is in another room, with the exhaust vent to the outside of the building.

[@WhyNotRV]

All that will happen is it will absorb all the heat that is in that room. Once all the heat is gone, the condenser will have nothing left to absorb. Make sense?

[@skiimountaineer]

Nice set up! Do you know if a multiplus 2 would power both legs of the mini split, or would I need a 220 V auto-transformer?

[@WhyNotRV]

The multiplus 2 would only power both legs in true 240v when on 50 amp shore power. Otherwise it puts out the same wave length to both legs so it’s not true 240v

[@mrjjman2010]

I believe you can get two and run them in series so that you get split phase 240v like a house but a single one you can’t without shore power.

[@timmysrvlife]

Multiplus 2 can not output 240v. It can only pass through 240v. When used as inverter, it provides single phase 120v on both legs.

[@donitaarender7839]

Hey there, I've got a 22rbk north trail travel trailer by Heartland. With a 13 500. Roof top ac. So was thinking about putting a mini split in,but have no idea how to connect it to my duct work in the ceiling. I'd like to take Rooftop AC out and replace with the maxxair fan. Just making sure that the min split will cool down the camper? And if I don't use my existing duct work,III have to hang the face unit on inside above my bed. Also is the inside unit gonna drip water or leak water inside? I've seen people install the mini split on cargo trailer/ camper conversion. And the people seem happy with the unit. Just making sure I'm doing the rite thing. I'd love to enjoy watching TV or having a conversation without the volume turned all the way up. Any opinions or ideas would be much appreciated. Thank you

[@WhyNotRV]

The wall mount units are great. They have a condensation drain line that you have to run somewhere, either by regular gravity draining or to a condensate pump and pump it up and out, just depends on how you want to do things. With mini splits there is endless possibilities so it’s up to you how you want to accomplish it

[@DaveDrawing]

Great video! Can you tell the details of adding the 220 service to your rig? I've been told it's not possible...

[@WhyNotRV]

I did a video on the inverter setup for this rig. I think it’s labeled Victron mobile power plant

[@DaveDrawing]

@@WhyNotRV thanks, I'll check it out

[@WhyNotRV]

Let me know if you have further questions

[@DaveDrawing]

@@WhyNotRV I do have one more.. I've added many 220 circuits to residential boxes. I understand I'm dealing with only 50 amp service, but why can't I just add a 220 breaker to the AC box in my motorhome...?

[@WhyNotRV]

so first thing is going to depend on the panel in your motorhome, if the 50 amp breaker is in the middle you can not add a 220 breaker because 1 leg feeds the left half and the other leg feeds the right, if your 50 amp breaker is on the far left or far right side and the bus bars are setup for 220 (meaning every other breaker is on one leg and the opposing is the other leg) then you can do just that

[@007Chuckb]

Can I get more info on the ducted unit you used. I'd like to use the existing floor ducts in my 5th wheel.

[@WhyNotRV]

There are many different companies that make ducted minisplit units. This one was from Daikin.

[@WhyNotRV]

There are even options on Amazon… amzn.to/3LLOxBh

[@desert4seat]

Awesome video! I wonder if they sell a 120v ducted mini split? Or are they all 240v?

[@WhyNotRV]

They are available in the 120v as well. Just not as efficient as the 240v

[@randybobandy9828]

There are 120v models up to 12000 btus only. He's right they won't be as efficient as the most efficient 240v models but that doesn't mean all 240v are more efficient than 120v.

[@WhyNotRV]

Exactly Randy. There’s hundreds if not thousands of units out there in a wide variation of btus and seer ratings. What it really comes down to is what do you need / want for your specific setup.

[@La2venida]

@Why Not RV I know there are 120v minisplits, but are there 120v with cassettes? If so can you helps us finds it

[@YFZRaptor87]

How do you supply the 220v? Im looking at replacing our 2 roof top 15K btu units with a 24K ducted mini split because the power consumption of the 2 Colemans is insane and inefficient. I have a roof ducted RV but not sure if I'll tie into that or not yet. Still planning. Just need to figure out to to get the 220v safely. My 5th wheel is a Sabre 37FLL with 50amps.

[@WhyNotRV]

If you watch my video on Victron mobile power plant you will see how I achieved split phase 240v 24/7/365

[@seanstokes6383]

Can I get a picture of the condenser/hitch mount you had fabricated?

[@WhyNotRV]

I dont really have one, this video shows it pretty good though

[@adamloyd6421]

I am currently in the process of planing out a mini split system would love to get a little bit of guidance if possible based on you system being similar to mine

[@WhyNotRV]

Absolutely Adam. What can I try and help you with?

[@La2venida]

I have a 30 Amp /120v to rv. This is 240v. What would be your recommendation. The power center in the rv is a 120v.

[@WhyNotRV]

There are 120v Minisplit options out there. All over Amazon and other distributors. I don't have any personal experience with any so I can't recommend

[@randywhatley-bl1vz]

Can you send me the link to the 240 volt mini split? I can’t find what I need to do in Motorhome to run a 240 mini. Ty !

[@WhyNotRV]

I don’t have a link for this unit. I bought it through an HVAC dealer. What I would recommend is to stick with 120v units like the Mr Cool. amzn.to/47hPWt0 to accomplish the 240v split phase like I did in this build is not for everyone. If you do want to stick with that for the bigger units, again, Mr cool has similar units to what I had done.

[@simplyblessedrvlife9067]

So if I caught this correctly the mini split duct is tied into the furnace duct in the floor and not the a/c duct in the ceiling .

[@WhyNotRV]

Yes, partially lol. I tied it into the existing furnace duct system, nothing in the ceiling at all. But I also added a few individual ducts to move a lot of air into the main living area as well as the bedroom and front bath.

[@simplyblessedrvlife9067]

@@WhyNotRV I’m starting out with (6) 100ah batteries .

[@WhyNotRV]

That’s definitely a great start.

[@mikemotorbike4283]

Looks like your basement-mounted air handler is inefficiently conditioning 100% outside air and forcing into the trailer, which then forces the cold air out the cracks as fast as the fan can condition it, a waste, Wouldn't you prefer to recirculate the already pre--cooled trailer air, by drawing it into the air handler through a floor duct ? You're just borrowing the cool air before giving it away to the World, which is an awfully big place to cool. And you have to keep your basement door open when ever you cool, rain or shine or on the highway, or the unit starves. Unless I am mistaken and didn't see you have a floor vent and a well-sealed basement compartment.

[@WhyNotRV]

Yes, you are mistaken. The storage doors stay closed and the air recirculates through the stairway area. 2 large open vents allow all that air in the rv to flow under the staircase and into that basement area.

[@scottsparksjr8792]

Hey very interesting videos and some major $$$ upgrades. Question in regards to the 230v mini split. I recall a video stated the only way for all this power consumption is having the solar power you have. Is this true with upgrading to the mini split like yours? We are always on shore power so no off grid needed. Could you help explain. I’m seriously thinking and wanting to add a mini split just like you did with the duct. I have a 22 keystone avalanche model.

[@WhyNotRV]

Hey Scott. I see you reached out on Facebook so I’ll comment there.

[@robertwolters]

Can you answer this for me as I’m interested too. 102° last week and it was 90° with two 15,000 units.

[@WhyNotRV]

@Robert Walters What’s your exact question?

[@robertwolters]

Would this worked connected to just a 50? I don’t have solar panels yet.

[@WhyNotRV]

Yes. 50 amp plug is split phase 240v when wired correctly. Unfortunately some campgrounds get cheap and don’t wire properly. If you don’t know you can buy a multimeter on Amazon for $30 and test the outlet to confirm.

[@brianpino7274]

So where do the vents come out? Did u feed it into existing ones or cut into the floor?

[@WhyNotRV]

I tied it into the existing furnace fed system so they come out of the stock floor vents. I also added a second vent in the bedroom, upsized the duct to the bathroom and added a duct that fed right at the stairs into the main living space

[@brianpino7274]

@@WhyNotRVawesome. So your split system was only run off the the solar system then correct?

[@WhyNotRV]

It’s powered 24/7. When not in shore power, yes the solar can run it and still recharge the batteries from the energized overnight

[@brianpino7274]

@@WhyNotRVI guess I’m not understanding how it’s not tripping the 50 amp breaker from shore power. Any research materials on the system you installed and how to do it etc?

[@WhyNotRV]

I have a video on it. I think it’s title is Victron Mobile Power Plant

[@sandasylum2503]

Wish you showed some of the indoor ducts, are you able to tie into any of the ceiling vents or just strictly the floor vents?

[@WhyNotRV]

No ceiling vents. All floor stuff. I plan on doing a “one year later” video here in a few months. I’ll try to include some of that for you.

[@sandasylum2503]

@@WhyNotRV thanks! I’m looking to do this in my solitude and the ducting seems like a good idea, i like cassette idea however i would need to cut the roof hole out larger. Great idea with the ducts.

[@WhyNotRV]

I’ve seen an install where the guy replaced his 3 rooftop AC units with ceiling cassettes. Came out amazing and definitely way more energy than efficient than ducting. Anytime you’re ducting you do lose efficiency

[@sandasylum2503]

@@WhyNotRV wish I could find that video. Not many people do good install videos on the cassette, just kinda skip over the install and show finished product. Thanks for the reply’s I enjoy the videos!!

[@WhyNotRV]

It’s very deep somewhere in the KZbin world. I’ve seen it before but I’ve tried to search for it and cannot find it. I want to say the guy named his camper something along the lines of lightning or Zeus or something like that

[@MrIbeetrollin]

Thank you! Going to do this type of system in my Thor hurricane!

[@WhyNotRV]

Thank you! Good luck

[@ddixond]

Great video!! I’m considering installing one in my 40’ motorhome. If you had to do it again would you go bigger like a 36,000 btu mini split? Do you think that would cool things down better?

[@WhyNotRV]

The 24k was for multiple reasons. An individual inside ducted unit biggest I can go is 24k. Now if you were to do multi head unit ya I’d definitely go to a 36 and have multiple zone control. This unit has been doing me great even in the 90s it’ll keep the rig in the 70s and emit I need a little extra cooling inlet one of or both the rooftop AC units kick in the extra cooling and I can freeze this thing out into the low 60s lol

[@MrIbeetrollin]

I recommend having an installer measure your space and help you calculate btu’s. I am just guessing but I just did all the measurements for my 34ft and it was 7.7k btu. So if you did a giant system it would be incredibly inefficient and short cycle a lot causing wear on your components. I’m going with a 9k system. Just my thoughts but I would consult a professional for proper sizing.

[@2hotscottpro]

What happens to the other rv with solar panels 3 years ago?

[@WhyNotRV]

Hey Scott, are you referring to my Big Country? That I hade 1200w on? I sold that when I bought this Montana. Now I have since sold this Montana with over 5kw of solar and have an airstream. The Montana is actually at a dealership in Indiana I believe for sale. Not sure if it sold yet.

[@2hotscottpro]

@@WhyNotRV I looked back on your vids.I was talking about that Montana.Seen yah trained it in and I get it why.Have a good one!

[@WhyNotRV]

Yep, every RV has served a purpose on what was going on in life at the time. The Montana‘s purpose was to be able to sell our house in Florida with no place to go and live in that full-time while we found our dream home. Once we did that, it was no longer needed the airstream now fits my camping needs perfectly

[@dominique___1980]

Cool.. but I have a bumper pull trailer with a roof mount AC and roof vented. Can't see how this would work for me. I sure hate the 1980's technology in a 2015 trailer. I don't see why RV designers/architects/suppliers are still living 40 years in the past.

[@WhyNotRV]

Here is one of the most top of the line rv rooftop units… amzn.to/3Rig5Cu

[@dominique___1980]

@@WhyNotRV-- cheers, mate.

[@dominique___1980]

@@WhyNotRV-- Looked it over. It's still and old school AC with 1980's technology. It burns 1500 watts. A mini-split burns between 200-400. I'm not looking to go backwards, mate. Thanks, thougn.

[@WhyNotRV]

Ya the mini split game needs to get out into a rv unit. Maybe one day. These recpro units are a bit more energy efficient and whisper quite. amzn.to/463AOhm

[@montywilson9840]

I would like to know is there anyone in Florida that does this kind of rv ac work. If so what kind of money would I be looking at.

[@WhyNotRV]

If you were to pay someone to do this for you including equipment costs… probably close to 8-10 thousand would be my bet

[@flaviochapa3003]

So you added the Mini-Split because you have a 2 unit RV. Do you think a 3 unit RV would be sufficient for over 100° weather?

[@WhyNotRV]

This RV would need the 3rd AC on top if I didn't do the minisplit. With the Minisplit it does the majority of work by itself but above 90-95 I need to run 1 of the rooftops to keep it as cold as we like. which is around 72.

[@jeremyparck5649]

How did you get the 240 to work ?

[@WhyNotRV]

Watch my channel. You will see where I did the Victron mobile power plant and used 2 5kva Quattro units setup in split phase to make the 240v

[@richardlapointe5950]

Rv parks do not have 220/240 volt,you must use 120 volt.

[@WhyNotRV]

Depends on the rv park but most do have 220 at 50 amp outlets. Either way. With my onboard system (dual Victron Quattros) it will take any combination of power and spit out 220 split phase for this

[@ronethridge9875]

Nice but to much trouble anyway ok thanks much 😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉

[@WhyNotRV]

All depends on your needs. This was extreme for an average rv but perfect for full time

[@oldporkchops]

Look at the reviews of the unit listed in the description before buying. Company won't honor warranty.

[@WhyNotRV]

This has 12 years parts warranty. Buy from a dealer and you can get parts all day long from that dealer. Very easy to do

[@oldporkchops]

@@WhyNotRV As long as the 12 year warranty is, the unit in the Amazon link isn't for the Daikin in the video. Instead, it is for a Cooper and Hunter unit that has the following two negative one star reviews that make up a third of the reviews. 1) Company refuses to honor warranty for defective unit. Two certified , license HVAC technicians have confirmed that the unit is defective and the compressor does not work and unit will not cool but company refuses to honor warranty after only 2 months since purchase. Unit is Basically $2000 worth of trash. 2) This unit has no blower power. I have it installed in a 8’ x 30’ office with 3 rooms. 6” ducts 3 of them and you can’t even feel the air coming out of the vents. The ac will not let you adjust the blower speed and it stays running even when set on auto. So the blower never turns off. I don’t know how that energy efficient if the blower never turns off. I’ve contacted Cooper hunter for a resolve to no avail. At the time I was dealing with Cooper hunter my return time expired so now I’m stuck with a unit that won’t even cool a 240 square foot room. They say it should cool up to a 1200 square foot home and that’s not true. Don’t waste your money. Customer service an F Product an F

[@Anthony93Sanchez]

What are the dimensions on the inside unit?

[@WhyNotRV]

I’m not 100% as I’m not at the rv now. But it’s about 8-10” tall and about 30x30

[@Anthony93Sanchez]

@@WhyNotRV alright so there’s another question I’m trying to figure out, did you use a 10/2 or a 10/3 wire? Also how did you deal with the breaker and amperage?

[@WhyNotRV]

I used 10/3 with a ground as it’s 2 hot legs of 120, a neutral and a ground. I ran a sub panel off my inverters that feed into it and run my 240v breaker for this and another for the washer/dryer that’s a 240v unit and a 3rd that feeds the panel for the rv