We just published yet another follow-up on RV A/C units! Now, it’s time to pull together all the RV A/C content together in one place / one blog post. No travel details or photos for this week’s WorkingOnExploring because we’re back at the shop, WorkingNotExploring!
Staying Cool in a Camper is noisy and inefficient
Most solutions are noisy and inefficient and most people stick with what they have; however there are other options. Maybe a Mini-Split won’t work logistically for your camper so how do you determine what other form factors performance compares? Learn how to read and analyze the specifications, then make a more informed decision.
We were fortunate to not have to do a retrofit so the form factor we needed was designed into the new camper. Residential A/C units are much more efficient than anything the RV industry builds including a 12VDC Rooftop unit. They are quieter by far than any RV unit that we know of. And, if you have followed our build, you know that it isn’t a stretch for us to power A/C off our of battery or solar.
In our previous RV Mini-Split video/post we showed the install and initial test plus why we choose it. Since then we’ve had numerous questions and some quite length discussions. That created a need for a follow-up video. Video 2 answered several key questions about the unit and more specific install details.
Now, it’s time to go one step further and provide a detail analysis with a variety of RV units compared to the mini-split. The numbers don’t lie and they back up our experience with the old roof top we used in our 2000 Lance and our current experience using the LG Mini-Split. Now video #3 is live which walks through the technical comparisons of RV AC units.
YouTube Video Links for all of our Mini-Split Related Videos:
#1 – Why Install a Mini-Split System
#2 – Our Mini-Split RV A/C – Your Questions Answered
#3 – The RV Rooftop vs Mini-Split Comparison
For this 3rd video, Steve created a specification comparison table that calculates the the cooling and air/fan efficiencies. It’s an easy walk through and will show you how to evaluate your own RV AC choice if you are doing an install or upgrade.
It was a little eye opening to see how a simple window unit compared and on the other end of the spectrum a very expensive DC model.
Our Technical Documents Page has the links to the Analysis spreadsheet and an even more detailed write up to go along with the analysis.
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I’m looking at installing a mini split. Interested in the dimensions of the space for the exterior unit. I’m looking at placing in the generator compartment not being used for my solar system. Concern is getting enough air flow not to degrade performance.
In looking at LG’s website it references minimum distances, but I can’t find the dimensions of the actual unit. They recommend a minimum of 40″ overhead clearance. I like the where you installed vs trying to hang it off the back of the RV which will require special brackets etc. plus flexing issues while driving.
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My ODU is 10″d x 20″ h x 30″ l. Its the smallest of all the 9ks I considered. The recessed space is 18″d x 24″h x 34″ lt is built as a fender well so the bottom is open. The intake space I have at the bottom back is ~6″w x 34″l, The ODU has some of the coil on the left hand side as well which only has 2″ of breathing room. To look for information on any A/C unit, try to find a ‘submittal’. These are documents used for commercial sale that is a very spec heavy sales brochure. Here’s a link to my LG 9k: https://1drv.ms/b/s!At9OAnebCFEstjFYup210kZGM2Ls?e=RXnmZJ
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