MESTIC SPA-3000 SPLIT-UNIT AIR CONDITIONER
- Thread starter Jcloughie
- Start date
- Mar 14, 2005
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In theory at least, a split AC unit has the opportunity to provide a better thermal efficiency. The technical specifications for the SPA-3000 on the website tell us it consumes 1.76A (404W) and can produce 895W of cooling performance. That's a CoP of just 2.2 which is actually slightly disappointing for a split system, but better than nothing. It wont have the ice cold blast you might experience from an AC in a car.
Because half the product is physically mounted outside it should be quieter inside the caravan than an equivalent combi unit. Ideally from the caravanners perspective the Compressor should be in the external part to decouple it from the habitation space, but that choice is down to the designer.
According to the advertised figures the unit has a noise level of 53dB, which is the equivalent to a quiet conversation, or the noise of an office. I guess this relates to the noise level inside the caravan, But there's no figure quoted for the external unit, which might be an annoyance to neighbours.
Incidentally, with a little ingenuity regarding mounting, I suspect the unit could be adapted to work at home through a window opening. It might be enough for a single room in hot weather.
You should also look at Cool my Camper which offers a similar system, and there seems to be a longer umbilical available which might allow better mounting options
Because half the product is physically mounted outside it should be quieter inside the caravan than an equivalent combi unit. Ideally from the caravanners perspective the Compressor should be in the external part to decouple it from the habitation space, but that choice is down to the designer.
According to the advertised figures the unit has a noise level of 53dB, which is the equivalent to a quiet conversation, or the noise of an office. I guess this relates to the noise level inside the caravan, But there's no figure quoted for the external unit, which might be an annoyance to neighbours.
Incidentally, with a little ingenuity regarding mounting, I suspect the unit could be adapted to work at home through a window opening. It might be enough for a single room in hot weather.
You should also look at Cool my Camper which offers a similar system, and there seems to be a longer umbilical available which might allow better mounting options
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- Nov 30, 2022
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I have one of the Cool My Camper units. As Prof says you don't get a blast of really cold air like you do from a cars AC (As it was purchased used I had it re-gassed to ensure it's performing as well as possible)
The noise level is acceptable both inside and out. The external compressor is not overly loud, in fact once a metre or so away from it virtually silent. It also cuts in and out rather than running all the time.
It's a fairly heavy unit so do bear in mind your available paload unless you plan on carrying it in your towcar, and, as the parts are independent but joined by an umbilical ribbon, not seperable, its somewhat unwieldy to manoeuvre through a window aperture (I find its best installed from the outside)
In addition it needs a vertical window to mount it on/through so if you have a sloping front to your caravan you can only fit it to one of the side windows. The umbilical isn't very long at all either so unless the window is directly above a work surface both units must remain attached to each other. My unit has a much shorter umbilical than is now shown on the Cool My Camper website, looks like they have listened to feedback and extended it a fair bit which will allow for more mounting options than I have..
It doesn't actually cool the inside down a huge amount, but the main benefit is that it really lowers the humidity which makes things a lot more comfortable. It doesn't offer instant cooling, I find it needs to be run for an hour or so to make any discernable difference. Plus of course you do need to keep all the windows and doors closed as much as possible.
Whilst not the same unit as you are looking at hopefully this information is of some use to you.
The noise level is acceptable both inside and out. The external compressor is not overly loud, in fact once a metre or so away from it virtually silent. It also cuts in and out rather than running all the time.
It's a fairly heavy unit so do bear in mind your available paload unless you plan on carrying it in your towcar, and, as the parts are independent but joined by an umbilical ribbon, not seperable, its somewhat unwieldy to manoeuvre through a window aperture (I find its best installed from the outside)
In addition it needs a vertical window to mount it on/through so if you have a sloping front to your caravan you can only fit it to one of the side windows. The umbilical isn't very long at all either so unless the window is directly above a work surface both units must remain attached to each other. My unit has a much shorter umbilical than is now shown on the Cool My Camper website, looks like they have listened to feedback and extended it a fair bit which will allow for more mounting options than I have..
It doesn't actually cool the inside down a huge amount, but the main benefit is that it really lowers the humidity which makes things a lot more comfortable. It doesn't offer instant cooling, I find it needs to be run for an hour or so to make any discernable difference. Plus of course you do need to keep all the windows and doors closed as much as possible.
Whilst not the same unit as you are looking at hopefully this information is of some use to you.
That Lunar has a custom-made "step" on the A-frame to lift the unit within reach of the window.
- Nov 30, 2022
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Roger is correct re the custom ledge. I did contemplate something similart but I thought where to store it when not required would be an issue, but that would ideal if on a seasonal pitch.
As for using it at home that was a thought I had, but with side hinged windows, and the depth of the window frame front to back there was no way I could configure it to fit. House windows are very different to caravan ones.
In addition it's only designed for the limited volume within a caravan so unless you want to use it in a very small room the efficacy would be very questionable.
As for using it at home that was a thought I had, but with side hinged windows, and the depth of the window frame front to back there was no way I could configure it to fit. House windows are very different to caravan ones.
In addition it's only designed for the limited volume within a caravan so unless you want to use it in a very small room the efficacy would be very questionable.
- Jun 16, 2020
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The ‘A’ frame stand is a simple enough thing. It is seasonal caravanning we are thinking of. I also think that the location of the inner unit pointing down the van might be slightly more effective. And less intrusive on the sitting area.
It may be fine in my living room. As we have small top hung windows, and our living room is sheltered from direct sunlight for most of the day.
The Mestic unit seems similar in output size and weight to the Cool my camper. But considerably cheaper for a new unit. I do not know about the durability.
John
It may be fine in my living room. As we have small top hung windows, and our living room is sheltered from direct sunlight for most of the day.
The Mestic unit seems similar in output size and weight to the Cool my camper. But considerably cheaper for a new unit. I do not know about the durability.
John
- Jun 16, 2020
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Some don’t, it depends on the length of the umbilical. It also depends on the angle of the caravan front. And, of course it restricts access to the front locker.
On the Alicanto we may get, the front is quite vertical and there is no locker. Horses for courses.
John
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- Nov 16, 2015
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I have looked at AC units for the caravan, at home we had the humidifier that cooled the house through a wet mat system, worked very well.
But even in the south off France at 38⁰c we found a 15 inch fan moving the air around was comfortable enough, then again if you don't like the heat don't go to those areas.
I have lived and worked in the tropics for 35 years so have experienced high 40⁰c in middle India, and have worn jumpers at 20⁰c in the mornings in Nigeria.
As our friend Beach ball says each to their own.
But even in the south off France at 38⁰c we found a 15 inch fan moving the air around was comfortable enough, then again if you don't like the heat don't go to those areas.
I have lived and worked in the tropics for 35 years so have experienced high 40⁰c in middle India, and have worn jumpers at 20⁰c in the mornings in Nigeria.
As our friend Beach ball says each to their own.
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