Busjamin
Senior Member
9000BC - Last North American Pokemon go extinct
I'm looking at the same problem now. Less powerfull could be fine, if we factor in that there are going to be about 50 less people riding the bus! And the bus is gonna gain insulation under the floor and improved insulation everywhere else. I'm leaning toward about as much AC as my van has which has one compressor powering two evaporators and keeps the same people cool on a hot day.I'm interested in knowing more about why the mini-split is problematic while underway. I can't seem to find a full answer. Sure they are less powerful, but is it really that difficult to mitigate the issues? Mounting dampers for vibration? Shrouding engineered to allow air but not turbulence?
I imagine a mini split isn't going to have the thermal inertia of built-in steel ducting.
All the reason you listed are valid ones but you last reason, the math...it simple. there is no comparison. If your reason is simply recovering space and adding a window, have you considered simply relocating the factory unit?These are the reasons I have seen NOT to run mini-split on the road:
It seems to me that we should be able to install the system in a way that mitigates these issues and cool the bus just fine on the road...
- Vibrations can interfere with the inner-workings of the unit (Mount with damping?)
- Turbulent air makes the system less efficient (Design an enclosure to mitigate turbulence?)
- Dirty air (Bad mounting location?)
- Convection & air intrusion at speed (Do we really expect that much air intrusion on a decently sealed and insulated bus? It's not a pressure vessel but I'm surprised to hear this is a problem.)
- 12k BTU vs. 50k BTU no comparison (But we cool our buses with mini-splits while stationary just fine, so it can't be that simple)
Idk, I am biased toward finding a way to delete mine so I can reclaim that sweet-sweet bed space and install a rear window.
What is wrong with powering the mini split with an inverter from 12v and using the engine alternator for power? My alternator has pretty high output (it powered about 10 fans/blower motors). Or, if desiring a 24v inverter, add a 24v alternator to the engine to power it?I agree mini splits would do fine in a stationary unit but when your driving for hours on hot 100+ degree roads, in order to run that mini split you will either need to run a genny or unnecessarily power it from you solar system batteries.
Mod hat on: Folks, the Skoolie Forum has a "no politics" rule for participants because threads are hijacked, hackles are raised and no one ever changes their minds.
Please keep topics focused on Skoolie and RVing-related challenges and argue about the state of the world elsewhere. Thanks.
Thank you!Mod hat on: Folks, the Skoolie Forum has a "no politics" rule for participants because threads are hijacked, hackles are raised and no one ever changes their minds.
Please keep topics focused on Skoolie and RVing-related challenges and argue about the state of the world elsewhere. Thanks.
Respectfully, it's not political. That's the whole point and I hope you take this seriously.
Can I humbly request that you elaborate? I personally would like to know where specifically in this thread lines were crossed. I understand you may not be able to name-and-shame, but I feel like it would help us 'politically interested' folks understand how to conduct this sort of discussion in a way that doesn't require the mod hat. You can't just let some members repeatedly inject their backwards anti-science beliefs while expecting the rest of us to play nice...
From my perspective, it seems that the people who call out and challenge the political injections are triggering the mod response and getting us in trouble. I've noticed this pattern across multiple threads, so I guess I'm wondering why you're not just banning the folks that can't seem to resist politicizing science? Could make your life a lot easier...
Maybe the sticky thread about forum rules could be expanded to make it less ambiguous than "no politics"? I just want clear guidelines. Frankly I don't think it's terribly hard to see who's causing a problem, but I'm not in charge.
I think the point is that we should be focusing on skoolie related matters here...world issues, climate issues....these are not skoolie topics.
Hi everyone, I have a 2003 IC 3000 DT466E. I am in the process of removing the AC system and tracing hoses back up to the AC compressors. I believe I have (2) of them. I wanted to double check if it's necessary to remove the compressors or can I just cut it from the hoses? Or is better to remove them? If removal is required will it mess anything up with my current setup (belts, pulleys, engine function) It looks separate- but I wanted to get some advice before proceeding.
Attaching pictures. Thanks!
You can remove the hoses and the condensers to free up space, there is no need to remove the compressor from the engine compartment, it's on a clutch, which won't engage since the system is depressurized.Hi everyone, I have a 2003 IC 3000 DT466E. I am in the process of removing the AC system and tracing hoses back up to the AC compressors. I believe I have (2) of them. I wanted to double check if it's necessary to remove the compressors or can I just cut it from the hoses? Or is better to remove them? If removal is required will it mess anything up with my current setup (belts, pulleys, engine function) It looks separate- but I wanted to get some advice before proceeding.
Attaching pictures. Thanks!
Yes, all these options are doable and will work...but why reinvent the wheel?What is wrong with powering the mini split with an inverter from 12v and using the engine alternator for power? My alternator has pretty high output (it powered about 10 fans/blower motors). Or, if desiring a 24v inverter, add a 24v alternator to the engine to power it?
Yes, all these options are doable and will work...but why reinvent the wheel?
Adding a second 24 volt alternator will be a task, with a price tag attached to it.
running wires and buying an invertor, again, re-inventing the wheel.
Take a closer look at some high end class A units on the road. You will see 4 or 5 a/c units on the roof. Why? Because they can't put out enough BTU to keep you cold when going down the road which is why you will see residential A/C units inside the cargo bays of converted MCI busses.
I am gonna install a mini split on my A/c bus but only for when she is parked and the diesel engine is OFF.
Well, I really don't understand what the OP actual situation is. all I read is that he was simply asking about removing the system and really did not expand into why he wants to remove it.My situation is like the OP, so I've been pondering the best way forward. As a mechanic with decades of experience, I understand the "power" of an engine driven compressor. My bus had two units, each with over 6 lbs of r134a. I also see my (bus) seating cap at about 50. My 15 passenger van only has about 2 lbs. Neither vehicle has much insulation.