Rv Rooftop A/C (built in inverter)?

[qtla9111]

I haven't lived in the states for many many years. Here in Mexico we use mostly high-wall or minisplit units in different areas of the home. I've often thought about eliminating the noisy, vibrating anchor also known as the rooftop rv A/C.

Now in Mexico, and maybe in the U.S., they are selling minisplit inverter units (built in inverter). They say they can save up to 60% in energy.

Do these exist in the U.S? Also, why haven't the manufacturers of rooftop rvs entered the market?

I found an Australian Dometic with an price of 2000 AU, and I don't know what that converts to.

Just looking for alternatives and thinking about installing a minisplit in my rv and dropping the roof anchor and turning it into a dome. (I've brought this up before).

BTW, minisplits in Mexico start at $225 U.S. for a one ton with heat pump. I found in the U.S. they start at around $650 to over $1000. I wonder why they are so expensive. Danfoss (compressors) has a factory here in Monterrey.

If you are wondering, I just watched the Wynn's YouTube on running A/C on solar.

[Chris_Bryant]

Here is a 12 volt split system designed for semi tractors- 13,500 btu on 45 amps- pretty darn good. The also have a rooftop unit, though I can only find the 12 volt model on eBay for $3200 .
There is also this company making rooftop 12 volt units.

[wa8yxm]

I am thiking "inverter" means a reversing valve, IE: HEAT PUMP and that makes the Air Conditioner the INVERSE of what it was back in August.

Yes they do exist in the US,.. I saw one installed in a building recentlym, and that is all I can tell you about them other than Google knows where to find them

Change the search to "heat pumnp" however.

[theoldwizard1]

I have wondered why some of the high end TT and motorhomes are not installing mini-splits ! Probably because none of the manufacturers will certify it for RVs.

The only down side with them is, some of them will not make heat when the outside temp get below the mid-30s (when you need it most).

[Slownsy]

The Australian unit referred to is pretty expensive, many smaller inexpensive units around and several peaple have instaled in FWs and travel trailers.
Frank.

[doughere]

I've installed them in my house, they're not beyond most handyman capabilities; with the exception of charging the units.

I would love to install one in my 25' 5th, but have no wall space to do so.

Doug

[qtla9111]

YouTube Rv Minisplit Install

I was thinking of a 110 3/4 ton as my TT is only 24ft. I can then use my generator or plug into a 110 outlet.

Not sure why rv A/C manufacturers aren't on board considering all the talk about solar.

[GordonThree]

Compressor unit might not like all the moving and shaking that rev travel delivers?

240v compressor will need a 240v generator and limit campground selection?

[BobsYourUncle]

qtla9111 wrote:


I found an Australian Dometic with an price of 2000 AU, and I don't know what that converts to.

XE.com converts 2000 Austalian dollars to $1,509.18 USD

I have an app on my iPhone for that.

[time2roll]

I assume "inverter" indicates a variable speed compressor probably driven with inverted 3-phase power.

Minisplit is great for cooling just the area you need such as the bedroom at night and the office during the day. Need to be a large RV to really take advantage. Definitely would solve the poor ducting issues in RVs. Efficiency is gained from running at half speed when possible and just cooling what you need. Not necessarily very high on the SEER rating.

Going to be a custom install at much higher price. RVs are typically built to low price as the driver no matter what the cost.

[tempforce]

check to see if the split system is a 220v or 110v unit. and all products that I've checked are lower priced in mexico. the companies know they can charge more in the u,s, so they do..
consider placing the outside unit of the split system a/c, on the tongue of the trailer, especially if you've gone all electric.

[DrewE]

I can't think of any inherent reason why a min-split unit wouldn't work very nicely for an RV if installed reasonably. Locating the outside unit might be a bit of a hassle; they tend to be rather tall to stick on the roof, and rather bulky (once you get room for airflow) to easily mount on the back or something. But, I'm sure it could be done with a bit of ingenuity, and would be a good bit more efficient than a typical RV rooftop air conditioner (maybe even twice as efficient, if I understand the numbers properly).

You are aware, I assume, that the "inverter" in an inverter mini-split is not exactly the same thing as a 12V to 120V inverter, and won't run directly off of 12V power (at least in the common cases). It's a variable frequency/variable voltage motor drive circuit for an induction motor, most likely a three phase motor. You'd still need an inverter to power your inverter air conditioner, just like you do to power an inverter microwave oven.