Installing a Rugged 12 Volt Air Conditioner / RV Mini-Split / RV DIY (Part 4 - Final Stages)
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- Final retro-fit of the 18,000 BTU 12 Volt DC Air Conditioner. This A/C is built for our style of RVing and will draw less power while boondocking off-grid. This video covers the custom wiring, custom duct work, steel enclosure build and system installation in our 2003 Winnebago Adventurer Motorhome.
Air Conditioner Components are manufactured in the U.S. by CruiseNComfortUSA.com
Watch the Full 12 Volt A/C Installation Series here
• 12 Volt RV Air Conditi...
Website : rvwithtito.com
Patreon : / rvwithtito (Early Ad-Free Video, Behind-the-Scenes Updates)
Gear/Parts/Tools (Amazon Store) : rvwithtito.com...
Get DISCOUNTS on Popular RV Gear : rvwithtito.com...
A List of Equipment Mentioned in the video (affiliate links)
DIY Electrical/Wiring Components (Amazon Store) - www.amazon.com...
#rvdiy #rvwithtito
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. Be responsible and know your limits. We are NOT liable for any damage to your property or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not professionals or certified technicians. We simply have a desire to share ideas and experiences with others.
Affiliate Disclosure
This video may include links to merchants with affiliate programs who pay us a commission on purchases made or actions taken after clicking the link. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
You are one of the best DIYers on RUclips. I too do everything myself from engine building, cabinet making, absolutely everything from bumper to bumper. I go crazy watching some of the people on here screwing things up. I literally start yelling at the screen sometimes and my wife thinks I am crazy. With you I can sit and watch peacefully without blurting out every few minutes... "what the heck are you doing"! I have watched your videos for years. Keep the great content coming :)
Thanks buddy. This makes my day. I really appreciate the comment and am glad to be able to provide a peaceful viewing experience :)
Way to embarrass the whole rv industry by doing quality work. You put a lot of work detail into your projects. I need a workshop like yours. Keep it going. This is awesome.
Oops. My bad :) My motto is that "every project needs another tool" and I definitely acquired more than one on this project :)
@@RVwithTitoI tell the woman, I can't get it done until I get a tool. That's a good stall for few weeks. By then I figure out what I want. Get it. I've outfitted the shop with a ton of useless tools, but I have them -- just in case. Lol.
@@RVwithTitoI really need you to make a video of your workshop 🤤
I am constantly amazed at your ingenuity and fabrication skills. Over the years when I wanted to do an RV modification I always checked first to see what you did.
Brian, you just kicked it up to another level! You make it look too easy but the videos from your workshop tell the real story. It's truly a hard labor of love. In the RV industry, it's typically behind the walls where shortcuts take place. I love the high end custom work and finish on the wall panel redesign. Your work is of high quality end to end.
Wow, thanks! It's definitely a labor of love. I wouldn't want to have to pay myself hourly :)
Always wondered why they stack those big bulky AC units on top that require either plugged in or noisy generator running? Especially when almost half RV owners are boondockers. After 3 travel trailers, 2 pickup campers and now motor home I've NEVER used the AC unit on any of them. Same goes for taking out the gas oven and sticking in the convention oven- why?
I'm with you on both points. 👍
Brian you are amazing!!! That was a really difficult project but you handled it like a pro. I really enjoy watching you work your very informative. Thanks and keep up the great work.
I appreciate that! Glad you enjoyed it.
You never cease to amaze me. You mechanical aptatute is off the charts and you attention to detail is endless
Thanks! I lost lots of sleep pondering issues on this one :P Those little victories when pieces fit together were big milestones for me :)
While I love your creative design, I see two potential problems. The first is that pretty much everywhere I see AC Condensers or Evaporators mounted, they are mounted in a vertical orientation. This is because AC Refrigerant is in the process of constantly changing from a Liquid to a Gas as it flows through the evap and condenser coils. Laying them flat may not allow this to happen. The other issue I see is that where you have it mounted, you may run into an issue with your back wheels on the RV Kicking up dirt, rocks and mud and slush as your out driving around on rainy or snowy or slushy days which will cause those fan motors and bottom of the condenser coil to clog up or even be damaged by stones or other road debris. I hope the angle on the condenser coil is enough angle to deal with this liquid to gas process, but I guess time will tell. Love all of your detail and engineering in this project. I hope it works as well as you think it will. Do you know how many BTU's of AC the old unit produced? Usually the big RV's have either two or three units installed on them, and each unit is somewhere between 12,000 up to about 15,000 BTU's each. Hopefully your new unit will produce that much or more to cool the huge space inside of your rig. Honestly, to me it looks to be severely undersized for what your expecting it to do, but I'm just guessing of course. Keep up the great videos, I'll be watching and hoping all of this effort is worth it for your project, otherwise it may be back to the drawing board...
This unit is rated at 18K BTU. The old one was 13BTU x 2 (dual compressors), but we only ever used one compressor. The manufacturer states the condenser needs to have at least a 3 inch pitch to it. Mine is greater than that and can be adjusted. I also added some additional metal guards around the refrigerant ports on the condenser just incase a rock flies up. We will see how it goes. I'll make adjustments as I go.
This is something I have been looking at for over a year. I have put my conversion on hold to see how yours works :), so thanks for taking one for the team.
After you add the hoses and refrigeration will you do a final video that maybe covers what the total cost turned out to be plus lessons learned?
Thanks and hope you have a great winter… doh 😖
Glad to take one for the team. Yes. I'll definitely follow up once all is done.
Your patience and perseverance is inspiring. Great job!
Thank you!
you're crazy :)
This was such a satisfying conclusion to a massive undertaking. Well done and great video.
We've been watching your channel for ages, but this is the first time I've commented. I just wanted to thank you for all the help you've given us. Your hands on tutorials really helped us upgrade our rig -- and both of us really appreciated your earlier videos when you were full-timing in a class C, something that's pretty rare on RV RUclips -- and a journey we're now on.
Wanted to let you know as well that we gave you a little shoutout in our latest video (We're Two Geeks Living, Working & Traveling Full Time with Our Cat in a Class C RV -- in the description and at the end of the video) as a great channel. And we meant it.
You are a real asset to RV living on RUclips. Thanks for everything.
Thanks for following along with the project and others. This is probably one of the biggest challenges I've taken on. I've learned a ton. Also, thanks for the shout out in your video. I look forward to following along on your adventures in the Class C.
Hey Brian ,
before you use a magnet to pick up the swarf put some cling film around the magnet then when you peel the clingwrap off the magnet is clean .
Rob
NSW
Australia
Makes perfect sense 😃. Thanks!
When it’s all done you have to take it on a shake down run on our crappie interstate system. It’s like being in a 7.0 magnitude earthquake all day. 😂
On my last 2000 mile trip it cracked the high pressure line coming out of one of the basement ac compressors and killed the controller of the AquaHot.
If I couldn’t do all my own repairs on my 20+ year old Beaver Marquis it would bankrupt me.
Oh yes. Definitely need a shakedown. We will be back down to southern Baja.
I think you need to change your channel name to “RV with MacGyver”. Well done! Next project: Concrete pad for your motorhome…
Oh man. I wish I had a concrete pad. I've been planning on at least pouring some level concrete spots where the wheels are. It's kind of a tricky spot.
Big job Tito, however are you not concerned about the exposed condenser fans getting damaged by rocks and such as you travel?
I'll be keeping an eye on that for sure, but I think it'll be ok. I may add a little deflector on the front if necessary. I had hoped to install it vertically as I showed in previous videos, but I just couldn't make it work.
How does that cutoff wheel perform cutting the plastic? I usually use a plastic cutting blade in a Sabre saw but it requires clamping a guide to keep a straight line.
I tried using my jigsaw first, but the small cutoff wheel worked the best. It's a smaller and thinner cutoff wheel (on the die grinder) and not as thick as a angle grinder cutoff.
Brian your talent your skill your tenacity your thought process and your finishing skills are truly amazing to watch and then to do the tear out and the reassembling of a whole new system by yourself is remarkable. Anybody that's ever done anything will realize there are times when you desperately need a third hand to help get things done so you doing this by yourself is again amazing. I can't wait to see it all finished. Great job.
Thanks. Yes. I've always enjoyed finding creative solutions to problems. Sometimes, they actually work :)
Great job! Is the condenser coil protected if the RV drags its undercarriage?
At its lowest point It sits higher than the fuel tank, spare tire cage, and LP tank. So I think it will be fine.
So please fo a follow-up after your Arizona visit on the foam and other glue stuff and of course how the AC worked in our heat .
I will. Looking forward to it.
Super nice work Brian! I think You made a good choice with this 12v A/C system that You can run right off your Battery Bank. Your ability to think outside the box and design a new system that is far more serviceable and efficient then the and factory system is awesome in my opinion. There is very few people that would put this kind of ingenuity and effort into any upgrade for an RV. Most people just want to R&R with anything that will fit for the cheapest price possible. I really enjoy doing these types of upgrades to my RV myself. Having these types of upgrades makes RVing so much more enjoyable. Keep up the great work and I look forward to your review once it is all finished.🙏🏻👍
Thanks a bunch. I'm real happy with the result so far. There were a few iterations and I tend to work slower until I get it right.
I think you could really benefit from a 3D printer.
I've thought of it through the years, but just haven't found the need for it.
I removed my old hot water tank and installed insta heat propane fired no electricity needed when boondocking to have hot water best 175 bucks I’ve spent on my 2001 Winnebago 35 u. ..
Our 03 Adventurer also heats our water as we drive, a feature I wasn't aware of. I like the flexibily of using electric, LP or engine. Did yours do that too?
@@RVwithTito I agree. I didn’t realize that either.. but. The off the shelf Insta heat was so easy to install.. almost funny.. turn it on 30 seconds later you got hot water ! Never run out of hot water. . 2 hour shower no problem..
Wow. Now my little projects don’t seem so hard. BTW. The RV in a sink hole illusion still gets me (from opening commentary)
Looking forward to working on a couple little projects today :)
On one hand you scare me, On the other you amaze me. The patience it takes for a project like this is overwelming to me. Good job!
The scary is in the spirit of Halloween BOOO! :) Thanks. You're comment made us chuckle.
You do very nice work. This project looks great. I have a 2005 Winnebago Advventurer 35G, I considered keeping the original AC and possibly update it with new compressors, condensers, and coils. How many BTU's did you wind up with? I do have 400 AHrs of Lithium onboard already. Would you do it again? How many AHrs do you think should someone have in order to make a 12 volt AC sustem practical?
Brian, Great video and an awesome job. BTW could you share who makes the headlamp you use? Thanks
Sure. Here's a link on Amazon amzn.to/3Qk36Om
Thanks very much. Ordered it this morning.
Great job .. I’ve been waiting to see I boon dock a lot .. 12 volt air conditioner would be great …. Thanks for your great work and sharing.
Thanks. I'm further along now and think it's going to be great. Stay tuned.
Thanks 👍
Hi Brian,
Where are you getting your steel and sheet metal for fabrication? Just wondering if it's HomeD, or other. Really enjoying the videos!
Kathy
Got the steel flat bar and angle iron at Home Depot. The thicker sheet metal was from Lowes. Most of the pieces though were salvaged from the old A/C.
Thanks Brian. Happy travels to you and Melissa this winter!!
@@kathygallagher7378 Thanks. Looking forward to getting far enough south to give the A/C a good test :)
Any new updates on the install? Hoses etc.
Yeah. It's all up and running. Will do an update in a bit as we use it more in Baja. I've been updating on patreon @
patreon.com/rvwithtito
Affiliate link to headlamp?
amzn.to/49dAbEj
Very amazing. Wow!
Thank you very much!
Outstanding job, fabrication is always taxing. I am anxious to hear how it performs. I live in AZ and need supplement my motorhome AC's in some way. How many cooling BTU's are the 2 units capable of?
For what we need, I'm hopeful that it will work great given the amount of area to cool. We are never in AZ summer heat (maybe 95F max). We configured the largest system possible. I'm told, that many big rig folks install two units.
Thanks for the video.
You're very welcome.
Are the fans going to be exposed like that? They will likely get covered with debris, dirt, and water when driving. I'm not sure if this is your final step, but so far, it looks great. As always, I do enjoy your videos.
They are sealed up vehicle grade and are supposed to be fine. We will see. Plus I have the rear end dropped a little. It will be higher than it is now. The entire coil is also enclosed in a metal gravel guard. I'll be able to hose it down when it gets too dirty. Yes. I'll follow up once it's fully functional.
Your install was tedious and precise
Great job
Thanks for teaching us some great ways for DIY
Thanks! Happy to keep it interesting.
You could never have anyone else make all that. It would be unaffordable. Just the labor alone. Nice work 👍🏼
Very true! It has certainly been a big challenge that I was willing to take on that hopefully gave folks some potential ideas for solutions.
love your project, the way you're doing it. btw, great picture and sound, I appreciate 🎉
That’s fantastic Brian I’m glad it’s almost completed in sure your going to be happy when it’s done 😊
I think so too :) Looking forward to a real test and setting on low to just let it run on low power.
Good lord. A whole new level
It's been a fun challenge for sure.
Wow, a huge job this turned into! It’s like you look back and say, yup, what a relief to be done, don’t want to do that one again. 😂🍻
There was a ton of pondering and head scratching on this one. If I did it again it would go much quicker. That kind of sounds like all my projects though 😃
@ 20:10 - So Brian. Question: Are both blowers going to operate at the same time ALL the time? I figure you may try to use one to save power, but wanted to suggest if one blower is off, you potentially could loose air pressure through the off Fan; Lowering efficiency. If one may be off during operation, you may need to put a little vent cover on them. similar like a external dryer cover with the little hinged flaps to close off the fans when they are off...
Also @ 32:12 - You may want to add a mud flap near the front of the condenser to protect it from the rear tires kicking up some mud, rocks or snow while driving.
Yes. I plan to operate both blowers together and dial them up/down in tandem. Each has it's own speed controller, but I am considering replacing them with a single controller instead. Also, I am pondering similar solutions for the condenser. It's pretty well protected now though. Thanks for the suggestions!
Thanks Brian @RVwithTito Your doing a Great job as always! Can't wait for the next installment of how your going to power that AC while on Shore power or while your driving!!
@@miketomas8564 Thanks! I just plan to turn it on :) I'm fully powered while driving. While on shore-power or generator, the DC bus is still live with the inverter supplementing charging power.
@@RVwithTito But is the DC Converter (alternator) you have Capable to Exceed the current (or wattage) draw of the AC unit AND have enough to top off the batteries? If they can't fully supply the draw from the compressor, you'll be in a discharge spiral of the batteries.
@@miketomas8564My house DC is totally separate from the starter/chassis DC system. So no alternator charging needed. I'll just run my generator while driving when needed to push 120A into the batteries.
Thanks Brian. You inspire us all to make modification and do quality work.
Right on! Works for me :)
👏 Impressive.
Thanks!
WOW. GREAT JOB
THANKS!
Nice to see good reasoning to make things fit and work. Hastes makes waste and more hastes makes more waste ... so you are doing really well. I thought of the evaporator drain hoses .. just as in automotive you want it to drain out but not allow road, grime or even insects get into it ... I am not sure what you can do or did ... un-pausing and continuing to view. Good job again ... pat. Second concern I would have is seeing if there is a way to protect the condenser and fans from road hazards, gravel shooting and making a leak etc. ... back in the day they made a heavy screen type of thing that is steel and it would work well and not disrupt air flow. Also, in the heat of deserts road blacktop can be as high as 140F and that will effect cooling. You might want to keep an idea in the back of your mind in such cases... making a water spray system onto the condenser in such cases. I'll try to find the name of the steel grate type of screen. I am thinking of mesh where the openings are diamond shaped. jack of diamonds on a playing card. Found it.. Home depo ... Steel Expanded Metal ..
Thanks. I'll be mindful of those concerns. The other side of the condenser gravel guard is well protected. I'll see what I can do about the fans. Maybe some metal lathe or something similar.
great job
Thanks!
Is your new system a heat pump so it switches and produces heat as well or A/C only? Regardless…great video and a very professional install.
Thanks. It is A/C only.
What a massive project! Amazed to see it all come together, but not surprised. Inspiring!
Tell me about it. I'm very satisfied to be moving on to the final stage. I've got the hoses and fittings ordered.
Amazing!
Thanks!
How do you get the company to contact you back? I’ve tried email in about four phone calls about what system works best.
Just keep trying. They are a small operation and Chris can be hard to reach.
Good job well done. Really enjoy your video. Give yourself a Tap on the back, you deserve it.
Pat pat...Thanks buddy 😃
I like it. We gone lithium. I love to loose a roof AC, or two. Was looking at a split system and still might go that way. This is interesting
You could go with a out-of-the box split system if you have a place inside and out for it. You might need two if you have a large rig.
@@RVwithTito It is, 40 foot class A. Was thinking of a dual system on one condenser. Weight is a thing. I got rid of the roof ACs that be en easy trade.
the lighted water heater switch... why don't RVs use it?
I agree. I suppose most folks are on shore power and just leave it on. I can't tell you how many times we've been dry camping and forgot to turn it off after heating up the tank on a sunny afternoon.
Thanks, keep on going.
Will do 👍
Thanks, will do!
Well done!
Good job
Thanks!
What's the estimated wattage per BTU?
At max rating it's probably about 200W (18000 BTU / 90 Amps). I'm sure I'll be running it at much lower speed most of the time though. Won't know until I get out there.
Wow! You thoroughly amaze me every time. So much thought goes into your projects...please, please, please keep feeding the RV community, your one of our heroes for sure.
Thanks for your vote of confidence 😃 I really appreciate it.
Do you need a dryer on the refrigerant line?
Yes. It's in there mounted on the left wall of the enclosure.
Where did your Simarine panel go?
It stayed with the class C that we sold last year.
@@RVwithTito I really like that system and will add it to my future RV.
It will not work With the condenser laying on its side The Freon will not change from a liquid to a gas as it cools
Excellent!!!
Glad you like it!