Cracking the AC Code! How She Found the Holy Grail of Van Cooling: The Backpack Mini Split AC System

I,m a 40 year veteran HVAC tech. I,m very impressed with the owners knowledge of a mini split install. Very nice operationally.

I am an engineer. This is an excellent presentation. I found this video because I installed this same unit a few days ago. My installation is different in that my "outdoor" unit is installed underneath my van, where the spare tire usually is, and my "indoor" unit is fixed to the van frame inside - but roughly in the same place. I love how the poster figured out how to mount both on the frame of the driver's door. If you have experience and/or are comfortable with charging refrigerant, the tools you will need are a refrigerant manifold, a rotary vane vacuum pump, refrigerant canisters, a scale to weigh the canisters, and the adapters to connect each of these to the refrigerant manifold. But $100 to get it done is a smart choice. I paid more ($800) for the same thing because I was impatient. I'm really impressed with this person's creativity and ingenuity.

I had always imagined my future van life would include a nomadic cooling 12v air conditioner, but this thing looks more flexible(if not a fair bit more complicated to install) and, most importantly, less than 1/4 the price. Around $700-$800 for the mini split vs around $3500 for the nomadic cooling one Sure, it's a little less efficient than a nomadic cooling AC, but you can use those savings to just get a bigger battery bank to power your whole rig AND air conditioner This really is a major step in technology for van lifers. Give it a few more years and even people on tight budgets will be able to camp in the hot humid summers of the south without having to shower every 4 hours! Edit: this is almost a direct parallel to 12v fridges. 5-6 years ago, you couldn't find a decent 12v fridge for any less than $700 bucks, but now you can get all sizes of fairly reliable Chinese models for $200 bucks or less

Keep the compressor unit out of the sun this will help efficiency as well. Insulate the refrigerant lines if you I am sure they get quite hot when the van has been left idle in the sun for a period of time.

This AC project was, obviously, well planned and installed, giving the owner both an esthetically pleasing (not bulky as with window units) appearance and an efficient air conditioner. One thing I noticed on the install is that only two bolts are used to hang the compressor to the swing-out door. That door is made from rather thin sheet metal and is being asked to bear the weight of the unit and other stresses (as when the draft of the van buffets the unit as you travel down the road). Consider adding a bracket to the back side of the door to distribute those stresses and weight on other structural components of the door. In addition, the extra strength would mitigate any attempt by someone to tamper with or remove the compressor.

This is the best AC solution for a van I've seen.

I’m impressed with the mini split solution - but honestly I’m more impressed with Carrie - her ability to articulate and share her knowledge of the unit in this interview - how it functions inside her van for optimum comfort - and the thought that went into the install process was outstanding. She is definitely both pretty, and an intelligent woman. Thank you for sharing.

For me to be on the road, I must have a reliably temperature controlled cabin. This looks like the most viable solution. I have 2 cats that may be with me, and I have health conditions that require temp regulation. Thank you Keri, for being so generous with your time. Your explanation of your system, the cost, how you use it, the tests you're doing on it, is wonderful. It was also valuable information you shared about the previous iterations of a/c that you tried. Thanks Brian, for the interview and the video. Have a great weekend!

One thing most folks do not realize is that removing the moisture from the air is the majority of comfort. The ten degree drop is not really needed if you drop the humidity by a lot. Seventy six degrees and dry is really all most folks need to be comfortable. Also Carrie should look into a remote thermostat kit for that unit. Most have the ability to wire in a thermostat anywhere you want it to bypass the one built into the head unit. That would solve her "short cycling" problem.

I installed one of those units in my PROMASTER to keep the rear of the van cool, it works pretty good. It was a little bit of the challenge to add Freon r-134 and run the cables to supply the power to the a/c unit. I spend around 800 dollars I am happy with the end result

Haven't seen this before. This is a very neat AC install. For 700 bucks, this could be a solution for me! Thanks Keri!!

Keri seems like such a wonderful person. Thanks Keri, you're awesome! :)

Very impressed with the owner’s ability to explain the benefits of the mini-split and the issues relating to the installation. Thank you for helping me consider this option!

I love this statement - “I like to measure once and try it three times and it usually works on the fourth. Yep. We have the same ideas! But what a great solution to a problem we all share. Thanks for this!

Finally, a true 12 volt that seriously cools down the space in a van. The low profile style, versatile install, and appealing appearance is all bonus! Thanks for sharing this because I've been looking for a long time for this!

Very useful information, well covered, well recorded. Thanks to crvl team and guest. Happy trails and stay safe. 🙏🏼🐾🎶

Awesome setup. The only two things I would change is. 1) I would run the drain through the door using a marine tank vent. 2) Shorten both the high and low pressure lines, any automotive A/C shop can do that for you.

Wonderful professional install. She could make really good money installing for others... very impressed.

I'm impressed with this wonderful lady. God bless you and your precious little ones. Happy trails!

I have a mini-split, but I recommend considering noise wherever you mount your compressor. I put it on the roof in front, since my bed is in the back. The output unit is in my bedroom