BEST OFF GRID AC UNIT FOR VAN LIFE UNDER $3K | Dometic RTX 2000 vs Fresair
One of the major challenges of Vanlife is finding a reliable way to stay cool during the hot summer months. We wanted to help those of you looking for options to keep you camper van cool for yourself, kids or dogs.
In this post we are going to compare two different types of cooling units - the Dometic RTX 2000 and the Fresair.
Now there are lot of options out there but as we explain in the Youtube Video below, we want to compare models that are 12 volt and under $3000.
Why is a 12 volt ac unit important?
A unit that runs on 12 volt battery power can most easily be used with a traditional camper van power system as most DIY and professional conversion companies build a 12v battery bank to run the components such as a fridge, lights, vent fan, etc.
A 12v Air Cooling unit can run directly off this battery bank without needing to be plugged into shore power or using 120v power from an inverter. Also it does not require a power converter to take a 12v power bank up to 24 or 48 volts like some other models do.
Dometic RTX 2000
This unit is a true air conditioner that provides extreme cooling benefits with 6,824 BTU. It has a Turbo Mode for quick cooling as well as an Eco Mode which only draws 19Amps.
We have had incredible results cooling a van with this model. In 90 Degree Temperatures here in Idaho we have been able to cool the van down significantly and produce air blowing into the van from the AC that is up to 40 degrees cooler than the air temp outside.
As this unit does have a higher power draw we do recommend this product for those installing a lithium battery bank of at least 500ah.
This is a roof mount unit which fits well in multiple locations on the roof of a Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit or Dodge Promaster.
The RTX 2000 comes with all the components needed for install including mounting brackets and a wiring harness with fuses.
We do recommend using the adapter kit from DIY Vans which you can find here.
PROS OF THE DOMETIC RTX 2000:
Rooftop install - doesn’t take up space inside your van
12 volt - runs directly off of your battery bank
Highly efficient - only 19A power consumption in Eco mode
25-40 degrees cooler than outside - blows ice cold air
CONS OF THE DOMETIC RTX 2000:
Need a larger battery bank - 500ah of lithium recommended
Fresair Evaporative Cooler
Although this unit is not a true “Air Conditioner” it has lots of benefits for vanlifers. We love the low price point as well as the low power draw. It has a 10Amp power draw at Max power!
This system is an evaporative cooling system which uses water pumped from a reservoir to the rooftop unit which cools the air as it blows into the van - much like your traditional swamp cooler or mini Arctic Air.
The minimal power draw is a plus for those building a system that is under 500 AH and would like to be able to use something most of the day to cool their van and get relief from the heat.
Again we tested this unit here in Idaho in 90 Degree Temps and found we could produce air between 15-20 degrees cooler than the outside air temp. For van life, that is huge!
The Fresair comes with everything needed for install and again, we do recommend using the DIY Van Adapter.
PROS OF THE FRESAIR:
Rooftop install - doesn’t take up space inside your van
12 volt - runs directly off of your battery bank
15-20 degrees cooler than outside - air never feels “ice” cold
Runs at less than 10A/h at full power
CONS OF THE FRESAIR:
Has it’s limits in high humidity - it will not effectively cool the van in humid climates
Uses water - water is often limited in a van so this is something to think about when conserving water
Be sure to check out the video above for more details on each unit. Hopefully this helped you decide which unit might fit your needs best!