While we are working on multiple aspects of the project simultaneously, our priority is preparing the bus for summer. Spring won’t last long and before we know it the days will be hot and humid which means we need aircon ASAP!
We chose to go with a Pioneer WT012ILFI19HLD Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump. Actually we plan on having 2, one in the front of the bus and one at the back - it’s a big bus. For now we are just installing the back one and the first step was mounting the indoor unit.
We had planned out where we were going to mount the unit above our clothes closet and for the outdoor unit to be stored in the engine bay below where the black tank for the original bus toilet used to be housed. There are big holes in this bay allowing plenty of airflow and lots of extra space since we removed the water tank. The only thing that we must be aware of is that the unit is turned off when we are driving as it is so close to the engine.
The indoor and the outdoor unit are connected with 3 things: electrical wiring, a copper tubing that runs the refrigerant and a drain pipe to pull condensation out the indoor unit. We used a hole saw to make holes for these pipes to run from where the indoor unit is mounted through our built in closet and down to the outdoor unit. All holes were then covered with plastic piping to protect all the pipes/wires from rubbing against the splintered wood.
Connecting the wiring to the indoor unit was simple, the wires were clearly labeled. All the hoses must then be taped together.
The most complicated part of the install for us was threading the piping through the holes. We attached the provided metal mount frame to the front face for our closet, however we could not screw the front face into the shelving until we had most of the piping threaded through the holes as we do not have access to inside of the closet once the mini split head is mounted.
Once the front face was secure we continued to thread the last section of piping through and mounted the indoor unit in place. It took a lot of hands to keep threading the piping through the 4 holes we had without bending the copper tube as you don’t want to create any crimps in the line.
We have not installed the outdoor unit yet as Don still has more research to do on this part of the install. We will of course share this with you as we approach the task, but I recommend you do not copy us and hire a professional for this part of the install.
Up Next
We finish up the trim work on our skylight and ceiling hatches so we can make magnetic covers to keep the harsh UV Rays and heat out the bus this summer.
Some of the links we share are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, Rehabit8 will earn a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that we have experience with all of the products we post and share them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.
Pioneer Mini Split Air Conditioning Heat Pump
At Pioneer Mini Split, digitally frequency controlled variable capacity ductless wall mount mini split systems are available with different efficiency ratings and in a variety of capacities for simple installation and great single-zone comfort. A convenient remote controller conveys cooling, heating, dehumidification, and ventilation requests to the wall mount mini split system, while automatic air-sweeping louvers, automatically varying air flow, and capacity adjustments keep the zone at the ultimate comfort level. This results in minimal electrical consumption.
