Rooftop a/c is shot....

[Desertprep]

It served it's time - 30 years. I was thinking of putting a portable a/c unit in the bedroom area (65 sq ft, a/c needs 400 watts), the same in the bathroom area (about 40 sq ft) and then a 10,000 btu window a/c (I have a plan to tastfully blend this into the cabinetry) instead of getting another roof top unit. Advantages? I keep the a/c set on 68 in the bedroom 24/7 during the warm/hot months and would like to keep the a/c in the other areas set at 78 or 80. If I can do this, I would save $$$, but cannot do this with the present kind of system. Also, the 10k btu a/c needs 800 watts, vs a rooftop that needs 1,200-1,500 watts, so would be easier to transition to solar power. Finally, the 3 a/c units described would cost $700, vs $1,500+ for a roof top. Also, if I go solar, I would like to be able to put the panels over the middle section of the trailer (over the axles) which is where the rooftop a/c unit is. I would also get a remote control and dehumidifying option with the window unit. Any thoughts?

 

[workinonit]

Good plan if that's what you want. You must be stationary.

 

[RayIN]

3 X15A = 45Amps max. if all three are running at the same time. Actual amp start-up amps depends on nameplate data, run amp draw again depends on nameplate data.
reference: List of Electric Appliances & Wattage Usage Chart (2021 UPDATE)
I wouldn't plan on solar power to run 1 air conditioner, let alone 3.

 

[Lou Schneider]

Window mount air conditioners are usually more efficient than rooftop RV air conditioners, it takes a lot of energy to force the intake and exhaust air through the 14x14" roof cutout. Look for one with an inverter driven variable speed compressor for best efficiency (lowest power consumption).

The quietest and most efficient window A/C I've found is the Midea U-Shaped series. They're essentially a mini-split in a single window mount package with a gap in the middle to fit in a vertically hung window. The window keeps most of the noise outside and the variable speed compressor is very efficient. I just made a panel to fill the gap in mine, shouldn't be too hard to do if you're making a custom mount anyway.

Midea U Air Conditioners

 

[Desertprep]

Good plan if that's what you want. You must be stationary.

Thanks! The weight of the 3 a/c units mentioned is a little less than the weight of the rooftop unit...better deal once I remove the ducting to go with it.

 

[Desertprep]

Window mount air conditioners are usually more efficient than rooftop RV air conditioners, it takes a lot of energy to force the intake and exhaust air through that 14x14" cutout. Look for one with an inverter driven variable speed compressor for best efficiency (lowest power consumption). The most efficient window mount A/C I've found is the Midea U series meant to fit vertically hung windows. They're essentially a mini-split in a single package at a mass produced price. Shouldn't be too hard to adapt one to an RV if you're making a custom mount anyway.

Yes, the 10K btu units are "supposed to" be able to cool 450 sq ft. By splitting the trailer into 3rds, there is only 220 sq ft to cool...plus the roof will have an insulation upgrade.

 

[Lou Schneider]

Yes, the 10K btu units are "supposed to" be able to cool 450 sq ft. By splitting the trailer into 3rds, there is only 220 sq ft to cool...plus the roof will have an insulation upgrade.

You'll be surprised - the roof mounted A/Cs lose a lot of their cold air going through the roof, especially if they're ducted. A single Midea U 12k A/C cools better than my 15K roof unit.

 

[Desertprep]

3 X15A = 45Amps max. if all three are running at the same time. Actual amp start-up amps depends on nameplate data, run amp draw again depends on nameplate data.
reference: List of Electric Appliances & Wattage Usage Chart (2021 UPDATE)
I wouldn't plan on solar power to run 1 air conditioner, let alone 3.

Bedroom and bathroom units each 3.5 amps (115v x 400 watts); window unit less than 8 amps (900 watts x 115 v). Total is 15 amps.

 

[RayIN]

Bedroom and bathroom units each 3.5 amps (115v x 400 watts); window unit less than 8 amps (900 watts x 115 v). Total is 15 amps.

What are the starting amps of each unit?

 

[Desertprep]

What are the starting amps of each unit?

Good question! I will check...I have not made a final brand/model decision, but most of the smaller 2 a/c's seem to be 600 watts or less at startup. The portable units (from what I have read) are more efficient than window units.

 

[RayIN]

Good question! I will check...I have not made a final brand/model decision, but most of the smaller 2 a/c's seem to be 600 watts or less at startup. The portable units (from what I have read) are more efficient than window units.

On one of the RVing forums a man installed a portable (roll-around) unit in a cabinet. He cut a hole in the side of the RV for exhaust air air vented the output chilled air into the RV. He said it cooled better than the old rooftop unit.
Several have installed a mini-split air conditioner where they had room to install the piping without much difficulty. One man said his mini-split cools his MH better than the ARP basement air conditioner did.

 

[zulutron]

OP, you’re dreaming. By the time you fill your roof with PV panels, buy lithium batteries, charge controller, inverter/charger, etc., you will have spent WAY more than what you listed.

Just buy a replacement AC unit.

 

[Lou Schneider]

What are the starting amps of each unit?

If it's the Midea U there is no starting surge to speak of, the inverter slowly ramps up the compressor to speed. It's truly amazing to watch. My 12k Midea U starts and runs easily on my Honda EU2000 and it even starts on my Honda EU1000 but I didn't let it run long as the smaller generator was really straining.

 

[IBTripping]

I put a mini-split on one of my trailers. It sips electricity an cools much better than a roof unit. I love it.

 

[RV_Lee1]

Roof top A/C's have come a long way in 30 years

 

[Mr Lars]

If you are in an RV park, or campground of some sort, be sure and double check with management if window units are allowed.

 

[rvlifer]

If you are in an RV park, or campground of some sort, be sure and double check with management if window units are allowed.

Is that a thing now? Lots of rvs seem to come from the manufacturer with window units now. Never looked close enough to know if they were residential acs though.