Hi all. I was wondering if anyone has fitted a split system air conditioner to a winnebago esperance. Not happy with dometic or others. They don't do what they are for. Hence the question. Thanks in advance.
Don't have a Winnebego but do have a caravan with a split system A/C and I have to wonder why more people don't install them. They're quieter that usual roof top mounted A/C units supposedly designed for RVs. As well they are cheaper, work more efficiently and are easy to access parts and servicing. The drawback for those such as you Lozza is trying to figure out what to do with that bloody big hole in the roof of your RV.
we are currently looking at getting a split system fitted. Our layout with rear club lounge would be very suitable but we are having difficulties finding a caravan service centre in Victoria who will do the complete job. Two we have emailed have not even bothered to reply and 2 others have said they don't recommend it and would not do it. So still trying- would rather a caravan service centre do it I believe they understand the electrics and construction side of things. Our Perth service centre are happy to do it but we won't be back there until after summer at the earliest. Our generator will not run the Dometic system and we had lots of issues with the Air Command Ibis in our last van so will not go down that path.
Don't want to hijack the original post but if anyone has had one fitted in Victoria would appreciate some details. Thanks in advance.
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Tuesday 4th of November 2014 10:34:05 PM
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Jenny and Barry
2009 Roma Elegance / 2013 Colorado. Permanent travellers 2011-2015 now just travel for 4-6 mths
Hi Dave. I think I would leave the 1 in the roof to keep whatever integrity there is. I guess I could put the outer unit on the rear of motorhome on some brackets. I can't see much difference between a caravan or motorhome install. I could be wrong however.
There are quite a few People that have switched over..
- The mad nutter's who build Full on Lithium battery powered system's, Go for a Modern Split Aircon system due to them being extremely efficient on power usage..[Yes why bother about efficiency if you have lithium's but you just do..]
I'm one of the mad lithium crowd and I have sitting at home an inverter Split system waiting to be installed.. use far less power than the Roof mounted unit..
The original room mounted system.. Remove the roof unit.. leave in place the support frame which is part of the roof structure and you can replace them with a housing which looks like a roof system but is in fact another vent .. It similar to a 4way vent..
Juergen
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IF I say something Dumb.. Just Smack me..
I'm full of Knowledge.. I don't profess to know EVERYTHING, but I'm constantly Learning new thing's..
WE are in Victoria, and we have a Fujitsu Split system installed on the back of our Retreat Brampton, but it was installed by the factory when they built the van.
I know the workshop at LRV (Croydon) would do it, or at least work with an electrician to do it, BUT they are flat out at the moment, and are working weekends to keep up, so I doubt they would take the job on.
Given your layout, it should be an easy install. Probably easier than most house installs.
Hi Plendo. I was thinking it should be an easy instal. 2 brackets at the rear of my and head unit afixed to the bathroom wall. I think that's how they would do it anyway.
i spoke to Avida here in Sydney and they don't want to know.
i will try australian motorhomes in Newcastle tomorrow. It can be done with a bit of forethought me thinks.
We had a Fujitsu inverter split fitted to our new 5th wheeler when built, best thing ever, it actually works and more importantly for me, quietly !
Now as for the hole in the existing roof, easy as, just stick a new hatch in it, the hole will be the same size as most 14" hatches or even cut bigger and fit a 4 seasons. Some mug may even buy the old unit .
The hardest thing is finding a location for the internal air handler (the bit that goes on the wall where the cold air comes out) once that is done it is easy peasy.
Our builder, Truelux in Kilsyth would fit you one no problem as they now fit them as an option anyway to their new builds. Contact Peter Groom. He's a genuine nice bloke.
Oh and as a final, mine will run on low using 200W of power, so easily run from a 1kw genny, or off solar through a small inverter with enough panels. Do that with an Aircommand or Dometic dinosaur.
As for longevity, ours has been used now for nearly 3 years full time on the road (it's running now as I write this, 24C inside 37C outside) not a hickup once, and if it did die I would replace the same and still be ahead moneywise.
An issue to make sure you don't break is the 60% Rule.. For Victoria..
Basically.. you are only allowed to have an Overhang of 60%..
For example if you had a wheel base of 5m you could have in theory an over hand of 3m..
Now one of the thing's you need to think of is the further from a Pivot point you get the greater the force it will place on the rest of the vehicle..
To much weight can cause the front of the vehicle to feel light on the steering....
So be-careful..
Juergen
__________________
IF I say something Dumb.. Just Smack me..
I'm full of Knowledge.. I don't profess to know EVERYTHING, but I'm constantly Learning new thing's..
An issue to make sure you don't break is the 60% Rule.. For Victoria..
Basically.. you are only allowed to have an Overhang of 60%.. For example if you had a wheel base of 5m you could have in theory an over hand of 3m..
Now one of the thing's you need to think of is the further from a Pivot point you get the greater the force it will place on the rest of the vehicle.. To much weight can cause the front of the vehicle to feel light on the steering....
So be-careful..
Juergen
luckily our Roma has the wheels set well back so should not be an issue
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Jenny and Barry
2009 Roma Elegance / 2013 Colorado. Permanent travellers 2011-2015 now just travel for 4-6 mths
This was our split system , mounted up off tow bar , had a cover to go over it when not in use , head unit inside cupboards at back. Wasn't reverse cycle only cold. Worked well when we used it. We didn't fit it but I believe it was done by an electrician.Fujitsu 1.5
I'm fitting a small Fujitsu at present onto my camper. The main thing is to ensure the internal piping doesn't crack from vibrations so you have to have a brace made up to stop the compressor from moving about too much. That means using the right kind of heat resistant material - like modern automotive hosing material. I've seen some mention of placing the main unit on springs - I'm probably only going with some rubber to cushion it though. If anyone has any info about suppliers/installers in Cairns it would be great to know btw.
Ho Hoboe, if it is any help, ours is mounted on a plate welded to the back bumper, it has rubber washers under its feet, but they are heavily compressed and they would not offer much vibration insulation.
The pluming is fitted with a good large radius curve, and both pipes are tied together.
There are stabiliser ties fitted between the top of the unit and the van body on both sides.
When you are in the van with the unit running, you can not hear it, but if you concentrate you can sort of feel it.
Does the movement being mounted on the rear bar effect the outside unit?
Hi Rod. This thread is 7 years old,but,as Possum says,hanging stuff off the back of a van never is a good idea.NEVER. My van has a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 2.5kw system mounted on the drawbar,hard up against the boot lid,so little weight is added to the towball.Works brilliantly,and I have a diesel heater for winter,and to heat water for showers etc.Cheers
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