[Archived]

Bob,

Pictures? Links to manufacturer’s site?

Just to offer some Cruise Air data…….We have 4 units, and on 100 degree days 2 units will NOT pull the coach below 85 or so. Just to be sure I am not misunderstood, 100 degrees is the outside temp and adding to the ambient outside is the impact of the sun also working against the AC units.

Current draw (run, not start) is about 13 amps per unit.

Three Cruise Airs will get the temps into the 70’s, but to get to 70 and to get all units cycling at that temp in the above conditions requires all 4 units. Once there, 3 units will maintain the temp. Windows will be sweating outside.

[Archived]

Mini-split are inverter technology. so 7amp rating is max rating. no start up to like 20 amps roof tops. The fan and compressor speed adjust to load requirements. Actually on Ac the 9000 16 ser unit max draw is 6.5 amps no start up surge. They are hard to get use to. when you turn them on the fan does not start on high. It gradually ramps up over a couple minute when freon (cooling ability) becomes available. If we ran everything in our coach cooling. 2 each 9000 units and 1 each 12000 units zoned tne maximun load would be 21 amps max or equal to start up load of one large roof top that would run at 15 amps and not near cool coach. $$$ I have $1450. fourteen hundred fifty dollars in my zoned system. Ser is the efficiency rating of the units placed on the by federal agencys. the lowest is eleven (worst) least efficient. It is the concensus of hvac guys most roof tops would be a 9 if there were such a number. Roof tops are easy to install. Easy source for general info. E-bay just put in mini-split read spec… By the way same unit = same amout of heat. one does it all. Have friend in Alaska using in his coach. Good down to single didgets-due to use of 410A refrigerant. Have tested to 20’s my self and to 100 on high side. so far 3rd unit would not have been needed. Good to have it if you need it. Bob

[Darrell]

Could we see images of the installation?

[Archived]

I will got camera out to take pictures. off charger. Batteries shot. So another run to get batteries. Side note: They make a inside unit that looks like a picture that hangs on wall. I plan on enclosing mine in the cabinets. Rite now they are free hanging as I am still under construction. That time is fast aproaching. Enclosing that is. Condensors are located in spare tire compartment and old condensor bay. They make condensors that will handle multiple evaporators. Up to 4. Bob

[Greg]

I agree with Bob. The mini-splits are currently the most
energy efficient small capacity AC units available. The Japanese compressor
manufacturers have done amazing things with small rotary vane compressors using
inverters. Even the condenser and evaporator motors are speed controlled to
increase efficiency, reduce noise and power consumption. No similar systems are
currently available from American manufactures.

I have never considered using them on the bus. It’s a great
idea for a low cost easy to install system. Even the interconnecting refrigerant
lines are typically pre charged so you don’t need an AC technician.

[John]

Bob,

I like your AC approach. Can you provide details about the units you used and the installation. I have a 1997 Marathon coach with RVAC units and they are very weak.

Thanks,

Bill

[Bob]

Bob, What would be the normal use of R -410 ?

[Archived]

R22 is being phased out and manufacturers cannot ship new condensors with R22 and the replacement is R410,the cruise air replacement unit that I purchased this year came with a nitrogen charge and AAP told me to just release it and vaccum pump it and charge it with R22.

[gary]

over driver before cabinet drains and lines run down window post to condensor in spare tire compartment.

[Bob]

this unit is mounted mid ship and will also be in bottom of wall cabinet the lines and drain run down the common wall with the front slide. the condensor is mounted in the old evalorator bay. These units heat and cool are inverter technology and run on 12o volts and pull 6.5 amps heat down to zero Farenteight.. This one unit keeps my 45 ft coach 70 on a 30 degree day when I’m workin on it by my self–I have 3 units cooling @100 only takes 2

[Bob]

I have had nothing but Cruise Airs. But they don’t come close to the performance of the mini splits. Unfortunately if my Cruise Airs start to fail (they are teenagers) I haven’t yet figured how to replace a condenser and evaporator with the two components of a mini split without doing some serious rebuilding of cabinetry. I can envision some special sheet metal shrouds for the condenser which could be roof mounted, but cannot get around the length of the evaporators.

[Archived]

yesterday 15F outside cold bus 9am turnerd on all three(went back to house) 10am 42F 11am 54F went to lunch 1pm (long lunch including stop for Judy shopping) 65F which was set temp and units were cycling. Outside temp 22F daily high wind blowing and snowing. Turned off all except one and it maintained 65 inside coach and I worked in t-shirt. I need to get insulation finished and had bay doors open. Conclusion: I’m happy. Bob

[AL]

Wheresis you put he condenser and how were you able to move the air through it. Will it work under way? I would love to see pictures of all the inside and ouside units. some of the maufactures have small ducted air handlers as well. If the condensers can move the outside air through thme it would be a great rplacement for cruise air units. R 22 equipment is available but it has to be shiped dry with no r 22 in it. the current cost of R22 has gone to over $4000 a 30lb bottle. 410A is still in the 180 range sice it does not have production limitations at this point.

[Archived]

spare tire compartment. for one. I also used the old condensor compartment for my install . They make condensors capeable of supporting up to 4 indoor units. Bob