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Dirtyrhoades · 05-08-2021, 11:55 AM

Hi all, I have successfully installed a mini split air conditioner on my 30 foot class A rv. It's a 9000 btu unit, and it is working very well. As you'll see in the pictures I have a few minor things left to finish but it has been working for several days in the hot southwest.

Once I removed the original TV and small cabinets, I bolted 1.5" aluminum angle stock to the frame on the sides. The bottom piece of angle stock is 8' long and slipped perfectly into place on the remaining shelf frame without cutting. I did have to hammer it down on one side to get it in there, it was very snug. To that I bolted a single piece of 3/4" plywood. To that I used more angle stock to make a plumb mount for the head unit's mounting plate. It's all very strong, and I can hang from it with no flexing. I weigh around 170 lbs.

Before mounting the plywood I put a sheet of insulation on the shelf. You'll see my comical attempt at adding some extra insulation with expanding foam.

Luckily the condensor fit with a couple inches to spare, so no modification to the compartment was neccesary, other than making openings for the intake and exhuast air.

To the compartment door I used gorilla tape to seal the opening and a couple pieces of 1" aluminum angle stock to provide a solid backing for the nuts and bolts.

It's very quiet and runs cold enough that I have to keep it set to 80.

Dirtyrhoades · 05-08-2021, 11:58 AM

More pics

Dirtyrhoades · 05-08-2021, 12:04 PM

Pics 3

Dirtyrhoades · 05-08-2021, 12:06 PM

Final set of pics

MarvinG · 05-08-2021, 12:18 PM

Very impressive! Well done!

If down the road your outside grills rusts or otherwise you wish to update it you can get commercial grills that are wider spaced (allows more air) and are more aluminum type finish that might or might not hold up better to road debris assault.

I like what you’ve done. How much cooling are you getting in the rear from it?

Dirtyrhoades · 05-08-2021, 04:07 PM

Hi MarvinG, thanks for the kind words.

I will have the exterior repainted, including the vent to match. I intend to discuss a good primer as part of the process. Hopefully that will take care of it long term.

I keep the mini split fan on medium speed all the time, and I keep the louver set to horizontal, so it's always pushing straight back to the back of the rig. The bedroom is only slightly warmer in the daytime. If I fully open the bathroom door, which segments the living space, the bedroom will quickly heat up, so as long as the bathroom door is closed, the airflow is sufficient. At night the difference is even less noticeable.