337 Solar Project completed

**DaveMatthewsBand** · 02-18-2019, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by BigSwick

Dave, thanks for the reply. A portable A/C would probably work if you didn't mind losing the floor space. But how would you install a window unit without
looking like the Beverly Hillbilly's? A mini split system would work, maybe one like http://minihvac.com/ Plus, it's a heat pump! Inquiring minds want to know!

I like the Beverly hillbillies... and if I was worried about looking like white trash I wouldn’t live in a 5th wheel and drive a pickup truck.

When we boondock, no one would see the window unit anyway.

I have researched mini-splits, but as I said, we rarely need air conditioning, so it wouldn’t be worth the investment. The product you linked is not a mini-split though, it’s just a tiny single piece window unit and it’s $1750.

A mini-split is “split” into 2 main parts, the evaporator, which is permanently mounted inside and the condenser, which is permanently mounted outside. These setups require cutting holes in the RV.
These are normally $500-$800 for a small one.

I can get a small window unit for $130 and install or remove it in 5 minutes.

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**jbarnes4868** · 02-19-2019, 01:01 PM

Don't know why the RV industry hasn't moved to mini splits.

**DaveMatthewsBand** · 02-19-2019, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by jbarnes4868

Don't know why the RV industry hasn't moved to mini splits.

Yea they’re much more efficient and draw less power than the antiquated roof air models. I know the nice European “caravans” that I like utilize mini-splits, but the Europeans are decades ahead of us in RV design.

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**rowleyrv** · 02-26-2019, 02:59 PM

We are considering adding solar to our 337 this summer, can I ask how did you run the wires form the solar panels down to the solar charger?

**SouthTX** · 02-26-2019, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by jbarnes4868

Don't know why the RV industry hasn't moved to mini splits.

I wonder the same thing every time I run my AC. There's a guy on escapees who has done it. I think he mounted his outside unit on the back.

**Dopperud** · 02-26-2019, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by rowleyrv

We are considering adding solar to our 337 this summer, can I ask how did you run the wires form the solar panels down to the solar charger?

I removed the wall behind the toilet, not overly hard to do and made the running of the wires much easier. It also allowed me to add an additional 12v+USB to the wall behind the hutch.

**BigSwick** · 02-26-2019, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by jbarnes4868

Don't know why the RV industry hasn't moved to mini splits.

probably the same reason you don't see disc brakes, led lights, etc. It would cost them an extra $1.99 per rig.
take that times how many rigs they produce, and it really cuts into the boss's bonus!

**BigSwick** · 03-08-2019, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by Nomado

My understanding is that a general rule of thumb is 200Ah of Lithium batteries to run a standard A/C for 1 hour. Hence, you need a lot of Lithium batteries to run the A/C for any amount of time. You likely would also want to install a soft start on the A/C and just run the smaller 2nd A/C if you have it. I have also heard of others using window units which draw much less power.

Now I see. Someone else mentioned how the standard A/C units are not real efficient. But, what if you found a way to install one of these Cool Cat units? And, it is also a heat pump! Come on Dave, I know you are looking for another project! They are putting these in Aliner rv's. And if you have the majority of the roof covered in solar panels, you wouldn't get near the heat build up as those without.

https://www.dometic.com/en-us/us/pro...ol-cat-_-20787

And you could possibly take out the gas furnace and replace it with this?

**Dopperud** · 03-09-2019, 09:44 PM

That unit may be compact and efficient for its size, but looking at the power requirements in the owner's manual, it is LESS efficient that the 15k units we have with the Colemans. It takes a full 20A service to run or a 2800 watt generator. I also like the A/C coming in high and the heat low so the air will properly mix.

Besides, I've done enough major mods for awhile, time to do a little practical usage - looking forward to the Vegas rally and then onto the Gand Canyon.

**DaveMatthewsBand** · 03-10-2019, 12:43 AM

Originally Posted by BigSwick

Now I see. Someone else mentioned how the standard A/C units are not real efficient. But, what if you found a way to install one of these Cool Cat units? And, it is also a heat pump! Come on Dave, I know you are looking for another project! They are putting these in Aliner rv's. And if you have the majority of the roof covered in solar panels, you wouldn't get near the heat build up as those without.

https://www.dometic.com/en-us/us/pro...ol-cat-_-20787

And you could possibly take out the gas furnace and replace it with this?

I think you should install it.

I'll stick with my window unit idea.