Split system ac install

Looking for an update..how's ur split unit holding out?
I'm considering installing one.
Any advice or updates appreciated!

 

This is very interesting! I like ice cold AC maybe I'll do this on the next truck

 

I've had to repair the lines on the A/C unit once. The low side line cracked where it was flared. Apparently, according to the HVAC guy, it's common even on stationary units to crack a line in that spot. He used Sharkbite fittings to repair them and said that they'd last longer than flares. Total was about $300.

I also replaced the generator with a Honda EG2800i. The only issue so far is the pull cord repeatedly wearing through and breaking. It rubs on the recoil housing while
running. Not a big deal... takes about 15 minutes to replace. I just bought 50ft of paracord to keep on hand.

 

Thinking of using a mini split. Only place I have to mount the compressor is on top of my headache rack. I would need flexible hose due to the cab moving up and down on iits airbags while headache rack would stay stationary. Would I be able to use automotive a/c hose ? A rooftop ac would actually fit better on my mid roof international, but not sure if it would cool as good as a mini split.

 

Mine is mounted on the catwalk, so I'd imagine it would be similar to being mounted on a headache rack. What I do is to coil the extra line into a loop so that it can flex a little. I've never had any leaks at the connections, only in places where I didn't keep it from rubbing. But I don't see where it would be mounted safely on the average headache rack, unless you were to build a custom one designed around the mini split.

 

Did you have to reinforce the roof to support the weight of the AC unit. I have a mid roof international, and I'm undecided about mini split or rooftop. If I could get the efficiency and quiter operation of the split in a rooftop, it would be an easier choice.

 

I installed a mini split in the same manner as in these photos. I loved it. My 5000w inverter ran it easily for a few hours, then I would either run the truck or generator to charge everything. My problem was it broke the copper piping inside the condenser housing. Guess I have too much vibration on top of my headache rack. Did you do anything special to isolate your vibration?

 

Any update on this? I'm about to pull the trigger on a minisplit.

I'm thinking of using Rivnuts to mount the condenser rack high on the back wall of my truck. Maybe 6. I'm trying to figure out if that's going to be strong enough and also whether I should trust a mini-split wall rack (premade) or build a stronger one.

@lilillill and @loudtom, I know you guys have had these mounted for years. Anything you would change?

 

I have no experience with wall mounts. The weak spot on the outdoor unit is the feet, since it's thin metal basically tack welded on. Mine is bolted on the catwalk with ratchet straps to reinforce it. If I could find a way to securely mount it up high, I would. But keep in mind factors like where it's installed inside or if it will interfere with the pigtail or anything else outside. I think @lilillill has a better setup than I do, but wouldn't work for us since we use the workstation/bed and it gets cold.

I'd probably wait until after winter to install since I think it's about to start cooling down. It will give you time to plan more. The heat function is kind of poor once it starts getting lower than 40F.