07-07-2026, 03:02 PM
Well, after dumping countless dollar$ in my coach (639) ... brake pads /rotors/ calipers/ bearings / suspension / complete Hydro hot rebuild / new blinds / 3200 watts of solar / 1200 amp hours of lithium batteries / 5000-watt 48v Victron inverter / new Gerard awning /etc..... I have decided to continue to spend my kid's inheritance by replacing one or both of my SCS AC units with mini split(s). I have installed a few and I feel comfortable going down this road. With the solar/ battery system I have, I'd like to be able to run at least one unit off it, which limits me to 120v 12000 btu units. Initially I was hoping to gain back some storage space, but it appears the condensing units are just large enough that will not be possible. I have moved my TV to a televator (sp?) in a fireplace cabinet across from the couch in the salon, so that is where I envisioned installing the inside evaporator unit.
BUT....... then I came across the invertor style "U" shaped AC units. Initially I dismissed them but the more I think about it, I am wondering if I might be doable. The entire unit would fit in the area where the TV was. I would obviously need to install a compartment to speperat the two halves and some ducting to get the air into and back out of the condenser, which would necessitate some custom ducting and grills on the sides and maybe the front of the coach. Also need and option to deal with the condensate, but these do not seem any harder than installing both the evap and cond and fishing the line-set from one to the other. The obvious benefit would be reclaiming the storage. One issue may be that it will likely be louder than a true mini split (though, according to YouTube videos, still much quieter than a standard RV roof unit. I am thinking a thick foam wall where the window normally would be with a tinted black plexi sheet to separate the hot side from the cold side and help keep the noise down. Thoughts???? Check out U shaped ac units on amazon and Youtube.
BUT....... then I came across the invertor style "U" shaped AC units. Initially I dismissed them but the more I think about it, I am wondering if I might be doable. The entire unit would fit in the area where the TV was. I would obviously need to install a compartment to speperat the two halves and some ducting to get the air into and back out of the condenser, which would necessitate some custom ducting and grills on the sides and maybe the front of the coach. Also need and option to deal with the condensate, but these do not seem any harder than installing both the evap and cond and fishing the line-set from one to the other. The obvious benefit would be reclaiming the storage. One issue may be that it will likely be louder than a true mini split (though, according to YouTube videos, still much quieter than a standard RV roof unit. I am thinking a thick foam wall where the window normally would be with a tinted black plexi sheet to separate the hot side from the cold side and help keep the noise down. Thoughts???? Check out U shaped ac units on amazon and Youtube.
Gregg and Sue Miley
#639
Nampa / Caldwell Idaho area.