Sounds like that mini-split was an excellent choice and your upgrades for alternator charging just topped of an already good system! Of course, your photography is always a much appreciated addition!
Hi Riley, I live in Australia and came from Queensland. Very warm up there. I’d suggest you block the front windscreen from the outside. A insulated blackout cover across the outer front of the vehicle. That then keep the heat out and makes your windscreen an insulator instead of a refractor. Shut your cover in the front doors. That way it won’t blow off. Make it big enough to completely block out the entire front screen. In Queensland and New South Wales we generally use a big beach towel to keep the dash from heating up in the sun. You’ll need a custom cover.
Thanks for the advice! I am definitely going to look into a better shade system for the summer. Another person mentioned reflectix on the outside of the shade helps. I'll look into your suggestion too!
Suggestion: add a big sheet of reflectix on the EXTERIOR the windshield. This will stop the greenhouse effect. I do this for all of my vehicles, front and rear windshields, and the inside stays much much cooler. There is a manufacturer that makes a white exterior windshield and side window cover specific for your vehicle.
Thanks! Yes these shades I have have been great for the winter and are OK gor the summer, but definitely wanting to pick up a set with reflectix on the exterior like you're saying for the summer months.
Good review, keeps me wondering about whether or not to get a roof mounted system. You might want to look at installing a mini split condensate pump if the issues continues. It seems like the nomadic depends on gravity vs having an internal pump.
Yes, it does use gravity primarily. Honestly it seems like it was an isolated situation. Nomadic is looking into it tho, and will look to correct any issues for the future.
The most important thing about any off-grid A/C is efficiency. However nowhere on their website does it state what the Seer-2 of this mini split is. I also assume that it only works in A/CV mode and cannot reverse to heat mode, no? Looking at their published specs, it appears that this unit is very inefficient. They claim a 960w output, which converted to Btu's (the standard way of measuring an A/Cs output in the US) is 3,275 Btus, which is less than the smallest 5,000 Btu window A/C. The power consumption to produce this cooling, according to their specs, maxes at 50 amps @12v or 600 watts. This gives it an EER of under 5.5 which is not good at all. For comparison the EG-4 mini split heat pump I have on my motorhome has an EER of 12.5 and a SEER-2 rating of 28.5. Their smaller 9k Btu unit has an EER of 13.23 and a SEER-2 of 29.5. Plus, mine also provides efficient heating with a HSPF2 of 11.3. Both these units are too large to fit on a van. The head unit is particularly large, which is why it is so efficient, and it is virtually silent too. I can't even hear it run, it's so quiet. The point is they could do a lot better in the efficiency department which would allow you to run it for longer periods of time on less batteries. For instance, here's a 12v mini split (still no heat) that draws 15 more amps but has over 3 times the cooling power at 11,000 Btus and only sells for $520. www.amazon.com/12V-Conditioner-Split-Commercial-Vehicles/dp/B0D2D3NTZV
Thank you for the video, so basically the installation requires a door mount, very likely on the same door? Does opening and closing the installed door have any issues on wiring?
I havnt had any issues. I was able to route the wires Inna way where they open and close with the door. I would suggest ideally this unit is on the door on the same side of your power. That way you can use the rubber wire loom the door has for the tail lights, ect. This would be cleaner then how I installed it, but since my van was already built out, my hands were sort of tied
Yes, long term idling can cause issues with the emissions. When mentioning the idling, I wasn't super clear about the amount of time I do it. I drive my van a lot when I'm using it, so that's how I will primarily charge my van. But when in a pinch, I will idle it sometimes to charge and use the van ac to help cool things quicker. This takes maybe 30 minutes. But definitely a risk of causing issues, so I plan to be careful and cautious with it.
I used one in the first review video. This was a follow-up and more of a practical use review. So I'll stick to photography and answering my subscribers questions, which the content in this video specifically targeted.
The S1 is awesome. Best AC on the market by far.... our will not be disappointed...
I've loved mine so far! It's been a game changer
Beautiful images and sage is cute
Thank you! Super happy with how he did on his first trip.
Sounds like that mini-split was an excellent choice and your upgrades for alternator charging just topped of an already good system! Of course, your photography is always a much appreciated addition!
Thanks John! Yep really enjoying it.
Hi Riley,
I live in Australia and came from Queensland. Very warm up there.
I’d suggest you block the front windscreen from the outside. A insulated blackout cover across the outer front of the vehicle.
That then keep the heat out and makes your windscreen an insulator instead of a refractor. Shut your cover in the front doors. That way it won’t blow off. Make it big enough to completely block out the entire front screen.
In Queensland and New South Wales we generally use a big beach towel to keep the dash from heating up in the sun. You’ll need a custom cover.
Thanks for the advice! I am definitely going to look into a better shade system for the summer. Another person mentioned reflectix on the outside of the shade helps. I'll look into your suggestion too!
Suggestion: add a big sheet of reflectix on the EXTERIOR the windshield. This will stop the greenhouse effect. I do this for all of my vehicles, front and rear windshields, and the inside stays much much cooler.
There is a manufacturer that makes a white exterior windshield and side window cover specific for your vehicle.
Thanks! Yes these shades I have have been great for the winter and are OK gor the summer, but definitely wanting to pick up a set with reflectix on the exterior like you're saying for the summer months.
Good review, keeps me wondering about whether or not to get a roof mounted system. You might want to look at installing a mini split condensate pump if the issues continues. It seems like the nomadic depends on gravity vs having an internal pump.
Yes, it does use gravity primarily. Honestly it seems like it was an isolated situation. Nomadic is looking into it tho, and will look to correct any issues for the future.
The most important thing about any off-grid A/C is efficiency. However nowhere on their website does it state what the Seer-2 of this mini split is. I also assume that it only works in A/CV mode and cannot reverse to heat mode, no? Looking at their published specs, it appears that this unit is very inefficient. They claim a 960w output, which converted to Btu's (the standard way of measuring an A/Cs output in the US) is 3,275 Btus, which is less than the smallest 5,000 Btu window A/C. The power consumption to produce this cooling, according to their specs, maxes at 50 amps @12v or 600 watts. This gives it an EER of under 5.5 which is not good at all. For comparison the EG-4 mini split heat pump I have on my motorhome has an EER of 12.5 and a SEER-2 rating of 28.5. Their smaller 9k Btu unit has an EER of 13.23 and a SEER-2 of 29.5. Plus, mine also provides efficient heating with a HSPF2 of 11.3. Both these units are too large to fit on a van. The head unit is particularly large, which is why it is so efficient, and it is virtually silent too. I can't even hear it run, it's so quiet. The point is they could do a lot better in the efficiency department which would allow you to run it for longer periods of time on less batteries. For instance, here's a 12v mini split (still no heat) that draws 15 more amps but has over 3 times the cooling power at 11,000 Btus and only sells for $520. www.amazon.com/12V-Conditioner-Split-Commercial-Vehicles/dp/B0D2D3NTZV
What's the name of your air conditioner company? I'd like to buy one of your super efficient models that you've designed. Preferably in 48 volt.
The website claims 9600BTU.
Thank you for the video, so basically the installation requires a door mount, very likely on the same door? Does opening and closing the installed door have any issues on wiring?
I havnt had any issues. I was able to route the wires Inna way where they open and close with the door. I would suggest ideally this unit is on the door on the same side of your power. That way you can use the rubber wire loom the door has for the tail lights, ect. This would be cleaner then how I installed it, but since my van was already built out, my hands were sort of tied
Which bump out supplier did you use on your van ?
These are the Vanspeed Capsules.
I’ve always been told not to idle a sprinter diesel. Would it be ok to do the high idle kit without damaging the emission equipment?
Idling on diesel engine with emissions equipment is always bad idea
Yes, long term idling can cause issues with the emissions. When mentioning the idling, I wasn't super clear about the amount of time I do it. I drive my van a lot when I'm using it, so that's how I will primarily charge my van. But when in a pinch, I will idle it sometimes to charge and use the van ac to help cool things quicker. This takes maybe 30 minutes. But definitely a risk of causing issues, so I plan to be careful and cautious with it.
@Riley Clark If you are going to do a review of an air conditioner, go buy a $5 thermometer. Maybe it's better if you stick to photography.
I used one in the first review video. This was a follow-up and more of a practical use review. So I'll stick to photography and answering my subscribers questions, which the content in this video specifically targeted.