BEST OFF GRID AC UNIT FOR VAN LIFE UNDER $3K | Dometic RTX 2000 vs Fresair

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Wondering about off-grid 12 volt ac units for your van conversion? There are a lot of options coming to van life when it comes to 12 volt air conditioners, but they get pricey! Today we want to cover two off grid ac units for van lifers that are under $3,000 - the Dometic RTX 2000 and the Fresair.
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#vanlife #12voltac #acunitforvanlife

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Get more details on these units in the blog post here: saraandalexjames.com/vanlife-blog/the-best-ac-unit-van-life

[@VidiViciVlog]

I read the article. But do you guys also use a maxfan

[@evezed]

*Works so well **Fastly.Cool** for rv that it only requires daytime operation until high temp and humidity are overnight. It is difficult to get to side filters, but back is easily accessible.*

[@JohnAdams-qy8ue]

Comfort is a combination of temperature and humidity. Humans tend to enjoy lower humidity (you've heard expressions such as "It's not the heat, it's the humidity" and "I like dry heat" or words to that effect). Dry heat is comfortable because your own sweat evaporates and cools you. High humidity levels present 2 challenges: 1. high humidity is uncomfortable. 2. Evaporative cooling doesn't work as well as humidity increases (as the reservoir water can't evaporate as well into wetter air, thus less cooling effect). TLDR; the Fresair can work pretty well in low-humidity regions. If you want cooling where there is humidity, you need to go with something like the Dometic RTX 2000. In either region, the Dometic will reduce the humidity in your living space, which is generally a big plus (I refer you to the steady stream of posts elsewhere about "drying out" the living space).

[@Trishpage312]

So exciting about the new shop! Congratulations and thanks for the video!

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Thank you!

[@lynwill9946]

Excellent video. Great information

[@jimcahill6330]

Nice vid. Personally, I'd stay away from the swamp cooler option. If it's possible can you do a video comparing the Dometic to common OEM AC's like the Coleman Mach 10NDQ? It would be interesting to see the efficiency comparisons between 110V units and the Dometic.

[@KeyserTheRedBeard]

impressive content Sara & Alex James - Custom Crafted Vans. I smashed that thumbs up on your video. Keep up the outstanding work.

[@wadeb1950]

Go big or go home is what I always say, good job on the new shop!

[@BrynScottGrimes]

Great review! Thank you for putting this together. I'm wondering if you can run the built in reservoir Fresair unit using a Jackery 1000 and if so for how long at a time roughly? You mentioned you recommend having 300-500 amp hours, but I think the Jackery 1000 has considerably less.

[@donalddodson7365]

Very helpful. Sure beats the options we had in 1974 :-)

[@doityourselfvan]

Also consider the Indel Plein AC. Probably the most efficient DC AC available. All the best Hein at DIYvan

[@functionalvanconversion4284]

Thanks for the comparison! Our van is a medium roof and medium length Ford so the challenges of reducing ceiling height and not losing solar will make these units very difficult 😥

[@shawnnima1688]

You Two are Awesome 👍

[@277kne]

Very good video on the 2 Ac. Wasn't sure where to put my comment. I have been watching some manufacturers vans and looking at the floor plans. I'm a single traveler and may have a guest on occasion. You have the floor plan with 2 bench seats on the sides in the back. And the happy Jack bed. Was wondering if the bench seats could be shorter. And the bed 4' back to front. That might give more room in the garage or room in the front.

[@bwbrady8372]

We have the Fresair and have a couple of issues with it. It's mounted in the rear of our van over our bed, and we have a Maxxair fan in the front of the van, which we use to pull air out. When the outside temp is hot, inside the van (in the bed area under the Fresair) is cool, but even with both it and the Maxxair running, we can't seem to pull the cooler air to the front of the van. So we will try a table-top fan to push the air forward to see if that helps. Also -- filling the water tank of the Fresair is kind of a guessing game. There's no level indicator to know when it's full.

[@Adsawtell]

Put a blanket up and then remove it after cold build up

[@functionalvanconversion4284]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@smallnuts2]

Congrats. I want to put one of these in my 4runner.

[@timsullivan1531]

Im looking into installing an AC for my westfalia. The rtx looks promising. I would only be using it while driving and have a 250A alternator and 200ah of house batteries that i could provide power from. Im thinking of installing up front in the roof luggage area. Do you have any experience with this scenario?

[@gabriellombera7370]

Hi guys. Where you guys buy the window covers? Thanks for all the information

[@ElwoodAndersonNV]

It doesn't seem to make any sense to me to deplete your battery bank by drawing over 500w of power to cool down the van interior and all its contents, when you have a powerful vehicle air conditioner to do that. Once the interior and contents are cooled down, the Dometic only has to expel the heat leaking into the van through the insulation to maintain a constant temperature. The Eco mode should able to handle that, while drawing only 230w from the battery bank during the day. 300w of solar on the roof will handle that without drawing any power from the battery bank. At night it will be cycling on and off, reducing the average power draw to less than half that, which could be handled by a single 100ah battery.

[@RustyCas999]

If you’re using this as a trip or travel van and driving hours each day, then yes, it can work as you suggested. But if you’re a vanlifer who stays days or weeks in a single location, then you have to size your system to handle the load. Even if you have a 100 amp auxiliary alternator you’d have to idle your van for 4-5 hrs a day if you’re not traveling, and then only if it’s a diesel. In any case, one thing you do is use an “opportunity relay” so that once your batteries are topped-up the A/C starts up to cool your van down (or to kick your water heater on) so that excess energy is essentially “stored” in the van.

[@adamgood2470]

Hey Sara and Alex, congrats on all the great stuff! I was wondering... what control system do you have in the build with the Dometic AC? I like the small display that should all your readings in one place.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Cerbo GX

[@vickikarry3308]

Anyone know if the dometic rtx 2000 would be overkill in a mini van? I'm looking for 12v options

[@seekinglight1111]

I'm just learning about solar... SO if I have 600 watts of solar on the roof and 3 100 ah batteries and a 5000 watt inverter, can I run either of these and my lights and small appliances as well? (My bus came with these items already) and I am just wondering if I need to add to the bank in any way to have AC.

[@danpease8395]

Sounds like the domestic is kinda loud. How does that compare to the fresair?

[@politikopinoysaamerica]

I hope you reply. What fuse amps you use in the distribution panel for the AC?

[@mysticpointwatersports204]

Any issues with mounting either on the rear door or side instead of the roof of the van?

[@jgb4482]

I just saw your video on AC units and are satisfied with a dometic on a 170? Can it keep a van in the 75 dgree comfort level when it is 90 outside? Thanks

[@eddieherd59]

AMP hours versus peak AMP draw? Seems that Lithium Battery systems like Goal Zero Yeti 1500X have their highest AMP rated output at 30 AMPs. Am I correct in concluding that if any AC unit or appliance where to attempt drawing more than 30 AMPs from a Yeti 1500x, the appliance will not function ie Domatic's Nomad 2000 that runs up to 72 AMPs at peak cooling?

[@berniesands6201]

Do you need to use lithium batteries or can you just hook it up to agm batteries?

[@Scrambler85]

Great video I would have gone with the Dometic if I saw this earlier. I went with a Panasonic 9,000 mini split 🤔. Always a thumbs up 👍

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Thanks! Glad you found this helpful!

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

Where did you mount the indoor and outdoor units? I like mini splits, they are the quietest and most efficient ac units you can get.

[@Scrambler85]

@@AJourneyOfYourSoul I mounted the indoor unit across from my kitchen area. The outdoor unit I built a ladder rack from 8020 attached to the rear bumper and mounted it as high as possible to keep it away from road debris and people. I have pictures on Instagram. The unit is rated to pull 180-200 watts when it's on low speed.

[@kittycat1302]

@@Scrambler85 If you’re still around, would you mind sharing your IG account name? I’m getting ready to put AC into my custom tiny van. I’ve been advised that the mini split is the way to go. Right now I have a small GE window unit in one of the back windows. It works great, but it is essential that I raise my bed in order to get more storage space. I can’t do this with the window AC in the back. So, that’s why I’ve been looking into a mini split or perhaps a rooftop. Open to all advice! And please post your IG account if you don’t mind. Thank you

[@LiveWhereYouPark]

Im curious what type of insulation is in the vans for these comparison? Thanks!

[@sarahsmith4242]

I have a question. What is the difference in size of roof hole for the dometic vs the max fan deluxe? I haven’t cut a hold yet. I can’t afford dometic for a little while but want to put the fan in to get us by. Is it difficult to change them out when I’m ready to spend that money?

[@BradyRay_333]

Late to this, but my understanding is the Dometic 12v air conditioner requires a hole larger than the standard 14x14 that the fans use.

[@JSHBEAR]

Have you installed the domestic on a casita travel trailer?

[@thomprd]

Having tried a Fresair, I don't see how you saw 15-20 degrees cooler than outside air? I ran it for a couple of hours on two different days with a front window open a couple of inches to vent the van. I tested on a Dodge Promaster 2500 fully insulated and I wasn't able to feel a temperature drop and the van just felt humid and sticky to me. I was really hoping to have it feel cooler and more livable and I believe it only made the conditions worse. I'm in Sacramento in August, so I don't see how I could have a significant humidity issue. My Weather app said 35% humidity during one of the tests. The product also seems to be a couple of little water pumps, a water tank, a squirrel fan, a fancy sponge and a plastic shroud. I don't see how they justify the $1700 cost. Has anyone really had a positive experience with this?

[@epoen2012]

I love the window covers. Where can I get some of those?

[@blakelynch400]

I need a low profile roof top heater/ a/c that I can mount on the roof of my truck cap stealth camper. And I don’t want to see it from the ground, any advice?

[@DavidGuns]

Getting your windows even windshield tinted with a ceramic tint works much better then putting window covers up. You can have your van in full sun and put your hand on the inside of your windshield and you really do not feel the heat from the sun coming in, then putting up window covers will only help much more. For your windshield they have a clear ceramic tint for it and is legal

[@debbiede26]

- we decided to put a Pop Top on our 144 Sprinter, is there another way to install an air conditioner ?

[@funzeevanzee]

Would either of the two run with a Bluetti AC200P 12v port? Do you know how long it would run using the Bluetti AC200P? Thank you.

[@randybobandy9828]

That bluetti unit has 2000wh and the 12v dometic ac unit uses 19amps @ 12v. 19 x 12= 228watts. 2000/228= 8.7 hours. That's on eco mode but on a higher setting you are looking at 2-3 hours.

[@avongil]

Hello elephant in van. What do you think about all the humid air inside the van?

[@alexwyler4570]

So how much does the Dometic AC draws when it starts up? How much power do you need to absorb the beginning surge? thanks. Can you still have a maxx air fan ? to draw the moisture out after your taking an indoor shower? Thanks.

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

12v ac units don’t have a large start up amp draw like 120v units.

[@randybobandy9828]

@@AJourneyOfYourSoul it's not the 12v that prevents a large start up power draw, it's the fact it's a inverter based ac unit.

[@user-mn2dj1qb1i]

Which​ IT​ Suitable for​ Tropical​ Legion Aria​ SUCH​ AS​ Thailand.

[@LAPedrazzi]

Can't thank you guys enough for this video! I was *just* about to order the Dometic but panicked about being able to keep a larger battery bank charged enough to run it. In the video you show the draw on what I assume is the highest setting? Any chance you know the temp of the air exiting the unit on Eco / Low?

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Yes that was the highest setting. How big of a battery bank do you plan on having? We are out of town so we can’t check what it draws on the eco mode right now

[@LAPedrazzi]

@@SaraandAlexJames I'd be upping my battery bank from 300amp hours of Battle Born Batteries to the 500 amp hours you recommend, but I'm not sure how to keep that size of a bank topped up. I currently use a 50amp DC to DC charger from the alternator + 320 watts of solar. I haven't seen DC to DC chargers rated for more than 60 amps, so I'm unsure how to keep such a large batt bank topped up enough to use the Dometic regularly

[@LAPedrazzi]

Of course if eco mode put out a decently cold temp, it would make light years of difference

[@curmudgeon3166]

@@LAPedrazzi Buck Boost does an 100a

[@politikopinoysaamerica]

I am building a straight Victron system with 4 100A BB batteries, is that enough?​@@SaraandAlexJames

[@scottdmartin]

Would like to know the Decibels of the AC on high mode

[@thepatternforms859]

will honda 2200 generator power these?

[@Maceromi]

Do AC Units offer any airflow for cooking or would you want a AC Unit AND a maxxair/fantastic fan?? I have seen a few builds do two fans on the roof or a fan plus a skylight and they say that puts a fresh airflow going through the van?

[@SaraandAlexJames]

The dometic and the Fresair do have a fan only setting on them, but we still suggest having a vent fan

[@randybobandy9828]

@@SaraandAlexJames the ac fan doesn't vent outside though.

[@randybobandy9828]

You would need a exhaust fan for cooking. The ac unit doesn't exhaust but the evaporative cooler does.

[@PalmBeachPrincess1]

What other items are needed? The ac is running off of batteries. Then the batteries are being charged by solar panels, and is there other things involved such as inverters or converters or something? I'm just getting into doing the research for van life and trying to figure out how much it will cost. I definitely want air conditioning and to be able to shower daily. How many solar panels are needed to keep the ac running possibly 24 hours a day in the summer?

[@obey_giant]

Not Enough room on your roof for panels, or hours of sun daily to power an ac for 24 hours a day unfortunately (off only solar)

[@randybobandy9828]

No this ac unit runs off of 12v. That means it will run directly off the batteries with no inverter or converters. That's the whole appeal of it. You will need a solar charge controller to charger your batteries from the solar panels.

[@flybeep1661]

With the amount of extra battery capacity you need with a decent workable battery bank being 350 to 400 on lithium this means a total cost surplus of about 7000 dollars for that ac unit (4000 for the extra battery capacity and 3000 for the ac unit).

[@SaraandAlexJames]

You are correct. That’s why we still think the Fresair is a good option - you don’t need a large battery bank to run it.

[@derekbeckett7071]

there are options that are way way cheaper for lithium.

[@michaelhagan957]

@@derekbeckett7071 Right. Current pricing is around $400 per 100ah of lifepo4.

[@derekbeckett7071]

@@michaelhagan957 less if you buy cells and build yourself. Can do ~400$ per 280ah.

[@gadgetsage]

@@derekbeckett7071 just saw a video where dude was building his own batteries but stopped because the lifepo4 battery was so cheap he didn't bother, guess the price has dropped.

[@kattsragz320]

It that noise coming from the unit? It's very loud.

[@bpfsu]

When did Corey Feldman start doing tricked out vans?

[@kurolap]

Any issues w mold?

[@onionhead5780]

Everyone says you don’t need shorepower to run these units but no one in any video I’ve seen has said if you can run them off shorepower if you have access to it as an option.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Yes you can run it with shore power

[@davidlastoria3341]

Isn't the Dometic unit around 6,700 btu's ? $2,600 I can buy a snapper 3,700 continous watt inverter generator at $1,000, at Menards, and a 15,000 btu rooftop ac unit for $700.00 that will turn my 12' x86" x86" insulated van into a meat locker in the most brutal of heat and humidity. Been running this setup for years. Sure, a solar setup won't run this unit, but comfort comes with a price.

[@randybobandy9828]

Ya apparently the price of comfort starts at 2600

[@ronnjerremy5796]

What city is your shop in?

[@APHATMOUSE]

Perfect timing for this video! Thank you for posting! Question - does the Dometic have a fan only mode? Is it possible to move air through the van if I don't want active air conditioning similar to what a Max Air fan would do?

[@alexa.ellman]

Yes. You need to set the unit to 84 degrees. Basically, it doesn't actually cool to that temperature so when you set it to 84, it's a "trick" to the system to have it just blow ambient air like a fan would - no cooling, just takes outside air and moves it. Got this answer from Dometic directly. If I recall correctly, fan mode uses 5 amps or less.

[@APHATMOUSE]

@@alexa.ellman awesome info! Thank you for posting!! :)

[@curmudgeon3166]

@@alexa.ellman that is really excellent information. Thanks.

[@CruiseNComfortUSA]

I believe the evaporator on the RTX is totally sealed from the outside so in a fan only mode it would only circulate the air that is inside the van similar to a oscillating fan. The Max Air would actually bring outside air inside. 👍🏻❄️❄️

[@APHATMOUSE]

@@CruiseNComfortUSA Very cool response! Thank you!! :)

[@LilYeshua]

Inside window covers do nothing except for privacy reasons. UV radiation passes through glass however with the right kind of window tinting the rate at which UV radiation passes through is less. One might could have both units installed as the evaporative unit would be useful for not so hot days while the pure ac unit can be used for hot days.

[@RustyCas999]

The best option is a window cover that is black on one side and reflective on the other. With reflective out, it will be much cooler in the summer. If the covers are symmetrical (should be) then put the black side out in the winter to absorb heat.

[@LilYeshua]

@@RustyCas999 but still,the covers should be mounted on the outside because uv rays pass through glass

[@JohnnyBtrucking]

Can you forget about the batteries and Power it with a small generator??

[@user9b2]

The FRESAIR will pump moisture into the van, that is counter productive. Will you compare them to mini split units? And list their pros and cons. Mini split seems quieter?

[@JohnnyBtrucking]

Why can’t you forget about the battery’s and power it with a small Generator? Thank you

[@eloisety1392]

It's pretty noisy though. The reviews about these rv ac's are true.

[@edwizard62]

Alex looks like Eric Bana the actor

[@1fastbuggy502]

For now I have 4 battle born 100 amp each as a 24 volt system for my victron 3000 invertor . Can you tell me what the min would be ? Would be using a Victron 24 to 12 70 amp convertor for this unt .

[@asifgetto]

we want rtx 3090

[@microedenlocallygrownmicro6474]

Imagine paying $1500 for a tiny swamp cooler. 🤣🤣🤣

[@deankoch7305]

Those are way overpriced. Yo can get mini splits for under a grand and they're quiet and pull very little amps as long as you buy the inverter type with a seer ratingvof 20 or higher. The higher seer rating that you can afford the better. Go with the 12,000 110 volt. You can get the wall or floor mounted inside unit. They are very very quiet and heat and coll if you buy the heat pump. There's a lot of name brands and all have the same parts and Warranty just about. Check Pioneer or (expensive)=LG, Seville, AUX and so on. The mini splits are way better than these units you all are messing with.

[@Gt92279]

Its so loud

[@petergilmore3419]

Really? $7000 upgrade just to have cooling without plugging in? I’ll take my $800 Dometic Penguin 13,500 btu that runs off 110v or engine any day and pocket $6200 bucks!

[@randybobandy9828]

Ya $3000 for a 6000btu unit is insane! Just buy a inverter and eat the small efficiency loss! You can buy more solar/batteries with all the money you saved. That is just ripping people off because they know there are next to no 12v ac options.

[@markrich9990]

Looking for skilled Labor ? Master Auto/ Diesel Tech {also many other skills) and retiring this year and free to relocate .

[@knucklesandwich8786]

it is NOT shore power. You are driving an RV or van, NOT a boat.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

It’s still called shore power, even in the Rv World 😊

[@knucklesandwich8786]

@@SaraandAlexJames I know, it’s just one of things . Great reviews on the batteries and ac units.

[@MAGApepe]

fake,, the fresair is not an AC unit

[@SaraandAlexJames]

That's exactly what we said in the video if you took the time to watch. You are correct- the Fresair is not an AC unit. The Dometic RTX 2000 is. Watch the video 👍

[@MAGApepe]

@@SaraandAlexJames i did watch the vid,,,, referring to the fake clickbait title