Van Life Essentials Zero Breeze Air Conditioner for Living in a Van

[@harrystokes1412]

I worked in a steel fabrication plant. Had 5 furnaces , 5 draw banche's, and a 110 foot long stabilized vapor degreaser. it stayed about 140 degrees from mid May till Late October. WE had no colling except floor fan. We wet a shop rag and placed on back side of the fan making a jury-rigged swamp cooler. It worked amazingly well

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

@@lunaumbra5179 One without OSHA, unions, or labor rules. Or a place with pay so high.....it was all Worth it.

[@rouxchat6033]

You can't beat a swamp cooler in dry heat environments. 😊

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate you Bob! I have been researching this unit for a long time and looking at the specs and size and price it just didn't make sense. Thanks so much for taking the time and confirming this. But most of all I so appreciate your honesty! I follow a few other people on social media who also got one from the company to review and they didn't really go into any details and just said whatever the company was advertising in their own word. You are one of the few authentic people who doesn't let companies tell you what to say. I know a little bit about the physics of AC units and everything you pointed out is correct. This unit makes no sense for the size and cost.

[@OrbitStephanie]

🙌🏽 Your honest review just saved me $3,000. Thank you!!!

[@SplootyFerret]

I really appreciate how honest Bob is... I was looking everywhere and this kept popping up and I mean... I'm not rich lol but was considering and it's so good to hear an honest legit review instead of plugging a product for future sponsors. Bob's the real og

[@williambianchi2006]

A very fair review. Excellent job with it. This product does what it says it will do and for some with the means, it might well be worth it. It's advantage is the ability to use it outside the van for personal cooling, as advertised. It comes in just under $2K with the 2 pancake batteries, which gives 2-5 hours of AC, depending on setting. I mentioned the idea of making a blanket fort on the bed and cooling that small space around you as you sleep. Should work, in theory. 🙇 All that said, I use a fan and a squirt bottle set on mist. Set on high cooling, the squirt bottle is filled with refrigerated water or water from the melting ice in a cooler. 😂 If I were to get fancy with this setup, I'd use a portable ice maker and power it with my solar- charged power box to keep a standard, non-electric and well insulated cooler going with fresh ice---and the resulting cold water for my squirt bottle. And maybe upgrade the squirt bottle with a fancy pump up spray bottle. Hey, I can dream, can't I? I am usually fine at night with just a fan as I sleep.

[@williamdthomas9968]

😂 I tried, spent a lot, made troubles,

[@fatray2922]

I knew this unit was a bad choice and commented as such on HOWAs facebook page. When I saw this video I thought this would be a great opportunity to gage Bob's integrity and you came through!! One thing I did note, you said a 5000 BTU window unit costs 400 to 500 dollars and they are actually under $200. Anyway, kudos to you Bob! I've been camping next to you for a week now and respecting your privacy.... I felt like going over and thanking you for this video but figured I'd just thank you here. Happy trails!

[@laurirohr5364]

Thank you Bob! You save me both my sanity & my hard earned money by testing these for us all!👍

[@jw3843]

I bought a Midea u shaped, multispeed compressor (high tech), window unit for less than $400. I have a pretty big battery bank, 3000 watt inverter and 700 watts of solar that tends to give up to 400 watts of power, pulls 160 watts at lowest speed which stays around that when just maintaining temp, and 900 watts at highest speed if you turn it down 10 degrees. In Florida, with 90 plus degrees outside, with solar charging the batteries while using the ac, runs all day long and batteries don't go below 13 volts. used to go below before adding and separating my solar into separate solar charge controllers. I recommend adding more solar charge controllers to help keep the batteries up, also you can have more than one solar charge controller per panel to help boost charging.

[@cinnamon--girl]

Thank you, Bob, for your honest review. I use a MightyKool Dual 12-Volt Air Conditioner GT Model (a swamp cooler) in my minivan in Florida, and it does well for me. Since my table is retractable, the MightKool replaces the table and has cup holders built in and a surface area that I can use in place of the table. I found mine in used condition locally and am pretty happy to have it.

[@FeMiNem-Poet]

Wow. Thank you so much!!👍✨👍 Synchronistically just saw this product last night on the web. Trying to keep cats cool in a cargo van while at work is scary challenging. 🌺 Thank you! Looking forward to your video on how you keep cool. 🌺

[@nomadiavan6560]

I really like that Bob gives honest reviews. Companies don't own his opinion. Best bet to stay cool is find shade and drink lots of cold water.

[@Amy-gr5in]

Thanks for the review. You can’t always believe what you see or hear.

[@Got-lander]

So I’ve just found a really good way to place it in the car with a sunroof. I have it hanging close to the ceiling using my vehicle’s four grab handles and two ratchet straps through the handle in the middle of the unit. This way the two tubes are venting through the sunroof with minimal travel and the cold air is coming towards the back from above. It’s quite adjustable, not getting in the way too much (especially in an SUV, maybe in the middle seat) and if it rains it can be repositioned a bit less ideally to hang and vent through the side window. I like it, thanks for your valid criticism and inspiration!

[@Floridawoodsbanshee]

Thanks for the honest review. Sad days Americans are priced out of new homes. Well new cars as well. Now airconditon. Next will be fuel and food.

[@kele1264]

Thank you very much for your very honest review. This is extremely important for so many reasons, especially if someone feels desperate for a cooling system and plans to put out the money for this device when they really can't afford it. Plus other practical concerns - the size of the unit and what to do with the tubes. When I first saw the thumbnail, I thought this device might cool an area. Come to find out it has to be aimed directly at you. Deal breaker at any price for me. If you hadn't done this review, I wouldn't have known any of this. Great review, very informative, saved me from buying this on credit and finding out the hard way that it would (for me) be unusable. Thanks Bob!

[@Angelo13DS]

Dude I can tell you there's no any another AC that has the same cooling capacity but is smaller and lighter than ZB Mark 2. Note that I mean a real AC, with a compressor, not just a swamp cooler.

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

TO ALL: I have seen several comments or questions on this product that all ask or suggest about the same thing: "Why not use the intake hose inside the vehicle to recirculate the air? Won't that cool the air inside the vehicle faster?" (Spoiler: No it will not. These units don't work that way.) I hope the following will help clear up some mistaken ideas about the use or placement of the air intake (or input) hose. Simply put: The big tubes are NOT for recirculating the inside air that is cooled. If you don’t draw in air from OUTSIDE to cool the machinery (by having the air intake tube go to an outside air source), you will be using your relatively cool air from inside the vehicle to cool the hot machinery (simplified term used here) in the AC unit, which would then be blown outside using the hot air exhaust tube. Here is the text from the official Zero Breeze FAQ page on this topic: "Venting hoses
 ZERO BREEZE Mark 2 uses a dual hose venting heat system. One hose takes in the fresh air, and then the air passes through the condenser and takes its heat away through another hose. The best way to cool down space is to connect the two hoses and separate them slightly out of the window or outside the door.
You may need some DIY when installing the hose, and we will also provide some accessories.
It should be noted that the air brought in by one of the hosen passes through the condenser and then goes out of the machine Dual hose system Inside ZERO BREEZE Mark 2, we have integrated a revolutionary dual hose system to draw in fresh outdoor air and output the hot exhaust air through a separate hose. Dual Hose allows an intake hose to be used to circulate fresh air inside so that there is no negative pressure in the room also this structure will provide a greater unit performance efficiency and maximized output cooling power."

[@marissaalonzo7997]

In dry climate, evaporative cooling is the best. Just like your spray water with fan. I just put a wet towel on neck or head and some shade and you are good to go.

[@eddiewoolf3410]

I practice what nomadic people have always done. I move into higher elevation to find cooler weather. I appreciate the honest review Bob, you are the best.

[@21millionreasons]

Thanks Bob that was going to be my next purchase you saved me boo koo bucks 😎👍

[@johncaster4296]

You are one of the few honest reviewers on KZbin!

[@kenmcclow8963]

I lived in a tent in the desert in summer and I sat outside under shade cloth during the hot hours, but a garden sprayer worked very well as a cooling mist and as a shower. Just getting a quick spray cools you down pretty well without really making you wet. Some restaurants do that by atomizing water into the air above you which makes the air feel cooler. Being in the shade helped quite a bit I would just limit my activities to morning and evening and stay out of the sun during the hot part of the day. I have a little 18 foot trailer now with 7 windows that open and two roof vents, so it catches any breeze. I have a couple of Coleman camping fans that run on D batteries and I have rechargeable batteries. I also have a small swamp cooler that runs off USB. It works if you are a foot away so I use it at night. I use one shade cloth as a canopy and the other to keep shade on the trailer if it is really hot. I would make a canopy over the trailer except I have my solar panels that need to be in the sun. You can make a frame for shade cloth with pvc or metal conduit so it stows away pretty small

[@lorimac0260]

Thanks for reviewing this! I think I was at least one of the people who brought this to your attention. And I told them about you, after seeing it on Travel Snacks’ channel. I don’t have one and I live in a house with AC. My van is really small and I was thinking in terms of an emergency, SHTF situation, with my dogs. I have the big ass Blueti and would have enough power. Free standing portables trip breakers in my house and they’re way bigger than this! Fans do nothing in in 80-100 degree weather. How about a fan in front of a fridge or freezer!? 😁 I think this would give me peace of mind, and if I make the space my dogs and I are in small enough, it could be a life saver. I think putting it outside with just the vent inside is a good idea too.

[@Convoycrazy]

I really appreciated this review. Very expensive! My honey & I spray each other with the cordless camp shower and use cooling towels to stay cool in the heat. And, we always try to find places to camp near bodies of water because that’s “free”! We’ll typically bypass a cheaper place w/o a water feature

[@traveltimewithtim3512]

This review is exactly like I expected it to go from my research. Thanks for being honest!

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

Bob, I watched your video and appreciate your honesty about this product. I have previously watched several (5+) "van life" youtube reviews of the same product, and all of them (except one) seemed more like promotional videos, as they only repeated the info provided by the manufacturer. Your review points out some of the limitations and issues, that those others failed to discuss. Thanks for keeping it real and honest on your channel. :)

[@VonBluesman]

Many moons ago some people bought after market air conditioners for their car. They worked great. Thanks for your honesty Bob.

[@surgicaltechvanlife4693]

I have the very same air conditioner but haven’t had the conditions to use it that much. Thank you Bob for your advice and letting me know what I’m in for. I’ve been watching your channel for years and appreciate all you do. God bless my friend

[@jasonosullivan8068]

A fabulous review Bob 👌 .... with humour..... if u can't laugh at yourself u can't laugh at anything! .... safe journeys good health... keep on keeping on.... u my friend are an American inspiration .... God bless you Bob 🙏

[@askmisspatience]

I saw an RVer who uses a portable ac. It stands upright. Takes about a 12”x12” floor space. Plus tube space behind it. Uses a lot of electricity. Bought at Aldi for $169. They’re probably more now due to supply chain. Seek them in the summer. I’ve been testing this variety in the house to see how it does a room as I’ve thought about using this style. If a box wall mount variety isn’t possible. Yours is short. It would fit under a bench bed. Thanks for sharing this variety.

[@dolores2716]

Thanks for sharing. I had no idea that Aldi sold stuff like that.

[@kevinmcauliffe2831]

That's great if you've got the space and the energy capacity to run it. Most of those portable A/C units I've seen use way more power than this little thing and would run down a 100 Amp-hour battery in an hour or so. But it could work out great if you have the solar/battery capacity, or if you are in sites with hook-ups.

[@einzgeisha]

Loving the honesty! How I stay cool (not a van lifer, but just moved to Sacramento, CA that gets up to 110 Fahrenheit in the summers), lots of icy icy waters, spraying myself, lighter clothes, car AC, spraying cold water that I put in the fridge the night before, Jamba Juice once every 2 weeks, if I stop by Starbucks I'll order a small/tall drink and then ask for 2 icy icy Vente waters or Trente if they offer it. And I am trying my best to just stay hydrated and out of the sun.

[@pamelalambe1356]

Honesty is best. Not sure how much power those way cheaper mini portable personal air conditioners take. But could have a separate folding solar panel and power bank just for it ,for less space and cost. Thanks for making me smile

[@arlenekufchock1394]

Thanks Bob and Suanne! It was a pleasure meeting you both at Jan 13, 2023 RTR meet and greet when I drove my 2017 Prius Prime commuter after 25 years car camping in Subaru Outbacks, a decade of tiny home research that morphed to adventure vans, then trailer build exploration before trying ultralight car camping in a Prius Prime for 2 years, to know what I really want. This week I just bought my 2013 Ford Transit Connect Cargo 178k miles ~$5k for a no build build for use 3-14 days at a time, inspired by my talk with Suanne about her build! Thanks for confirming 2300 BTU hose system Zero Breeze isn't appropriate for vans. I've always known the window rectangle unit is more efficient but am amazed no one offers a 3000, 3500 or 4000 BTU rectangle window unit that is smaller than the typical ~15" x 15" 5000 BTU size. Would you please use your influence to get manufacturers to offer that for small vans? Also, a narrow but tall rectangular unit would fit into my Ford Connect's left sliding door if left slightly ajar by 7" such as ~40" x 6", not to be used while moving. Would you also please use your influence to get them to research similar sizes, complete with a better gap filler than open-cell foam weatherstripping? As an engineer I've worked automotive HVAC so I could certainly be a liaison as a volunteer with HOWA. Many thanks to the multitude of ideas, opportunity and community afforded by HOWA.

[@bradchoi9679]

Sounds like this is more for folks who camp at locations with power hookups, not so much for boondockers. Good to know. Thanks Bob!

[@grannieannie1371]

As a kid growing up in central Australia we used to set a tray out with ice cubes in front of a fan. You can also use swamp coolers with ice or at least cool air to help cool you down for a good deal less money than this contraption. These work well in hot dry climates. On humid ones value for money and power wise good fans put you rig in the shade and have portable solar panels to charge your batteries work best.

[@MousicaZhan]

Thanks for sharing! I could have used this while living with my dog in my non running truck while i fix it, have to work at night so its cool for the dog & during the day we sleep under a tree in the grass.

[@edroms1963]

I have an extremely well insulated Transit ,and mine works so well I have woken up early a.m. freezing my @ss off, and pulling the plug.

[@srm6366]

How did you insulate your van?

[@rickybrown4745]

I am glad I watched this before I was going to buy one.

[@mwhoville581]

Use a technique from the past, bed curtains. If you create a space within your home that is smaller the a/c doesn't have to work as hard. Just a human size version of what Bob suggested for a pet. I did this for a bedroom in my apartment. A cloth sheet worked to block the door.

[@billlawson7511]

The small generator and portable ac sound like the best bet thanks for the vid

[@pragedisarreguin1196]

u go bob like the honesty with u bro

[@truckdriver2]

Portable swamp coolers, or portable evaporative coolers, are devices that will cool the air through the evaporation of water. They are perfect for areas where the air is warm and dry.

[@marissaalonzo7997]

I have also used some of those little small Arctic Air boxes with water. I have only used those if I get too hot and need cold air directly on me but I used those back when they were cheaper. They work ok in a dry climate. Will not cool a room but are fine if I want to take an afternoon nap and it is hot.

[@alchristensen8121]

The intake tube can be inside. That way the A/C is cooling air that has already been cooled a little. It's like the recirculate setting on vehicle A/C. But the exhaust tube needs to vent outside.

[@alchristensen8121]

You tested this in the arid desert, so we have an idea how it handles heat. It would be interesting to have someone test it in a humid climate. Does it dehumidify at all?

[@florindagonzalez5700]

I will be testing it in 80-100% humidity in an insulated tent. 6ish x 6ish

[@Got-lander]

It’s somewhat passable that way. If hot air is getting vented outside, the supply will automatically come from somewhere to avoid creating negative pressure. If it’s not coming from the other tube then it will find its way inside, best way through a slightly open window.

[@LaraSatoriHarris]

The two rear tubes need to go outside, because of (as mentioned by another commenter) air pressure and because the air being cooled and pushed out the front tube comes from the intake below the front tube. The back two tubes go to and from the condenser (like a fridge) and the front cooled air comes from just under the cooling output (evaporator).

[@auntietravels5100]

@@alchristensen8121 I’ve seen a couple of other creators do this and they said it did. They showed the water draining out of the tiny hose

[@brianevans4525]

I have a 8,000btu portable air conditioner in my dodge grand caravan it works good bought mine at home depot for $319 and I run it off of my 2500 watt inverter champion generator and it works good as long as you have fan moving the air around and put reflextix on your windows

[@Wherethelightis]

Thanks for doing this. I am one of those who really would consider it. I have dogs and they are my biggest concern. Another you tuber bought it, but hasn't done a review yet so I was thrilled to see this today! So, it doesn't seem worth it. 😪 Higher elevations I go!

[@jackboling1675]

Thank you for that 👍 very much appreciated 🙏

[@Jerusalemsaints]

Blessings to all nomads. I live in a van (high top) and I use a small AC to stay cool, 330 Watts 220 Volts (Some 2700 BTU, 7Amps compressor start load). The inverter is 3000 Watts (6000 Peak). 900 Watts solar Panels and just 250 Amp Gel Battery (old and weak). It is possible for me to run continuously the device some 5 hours a day (continuous compressor also). With two doors open is nice to be until you reach 34 Celsius, with close doors (in the city) only 30 top. The unit has one host that goes outside trough the top of the cabin window. I also use a freezer as a fridge turn on manually 3 or 4 times a day for 20 min (150 Watts but heavy compressor start, I need to stop the AC compressor (only fan) to start the freezer). The problem can be in hot and humid nights so I avoid those kind of places as much as I can. Overall, despite the limitations I recommend using am AC. I hope this will help someone. As a note the intake of an AC is not necessary to be from the outside air specially when doors open and outside temperature is lower than in the car (almost always), it helps to bring air in. The size of the unit is like a very, very small fridge. Shalom-Peace.

[@martysimmons3837]

Lol I bet they love you but thanks for always being so honest and a stand up guy

[@jonm1189]

Everyone that says to get a window unit with a generator...many places (state parks, private campgrounds, etc) don't allow generators to be run overnight. So you're either drawing down your batteries to run the window unit with an invertor or you're sleeping in the heat and humidity hoping you're battery powered fan lasts and keeps you cool depending on the conditions where you are staying.

[@Got-lander]

It’s been tested in +40F weather for decent heating. Just flip the hoses and vent the cooling one outside :)

[@boblock7588]

Bob what I do is sweat with a fan.and Wet towel ..also pray it gets cooler soon ..🥵

[@willbrakes3826]

Hay hi from Australia- love your videos 👍 really enjoy watch you guys have a go at things-please ignore the trolls and keep on encouraging all of us ‘non experts’ to have a go-thx your very entertaining to watch also cheers mate -

[@sariozariu2598]

Thanks Bob your honest review save my money.

[@scdhl3748]

Thanks, I've been looking into a additional AC,, I like the water bottle and fan, that's what I typically use too.

[@justmona9647]

Thanks for your honesty, Bob!

[@ThePyleDriver]

Spot on Bob! Small window AC is the way to go for cost and performance if you have the solar and room. I just head for high elevation locations :)

[@ricog1810]

Awesome review. I would like to point out the ac unit can use less power then Bob realizes. He is assuming you will use an inverter to power it. But you can connect the Ac unit using a 12v to 24v charger that can plug directly to your battery bank. And not have to use the inverter.

[@honeyiroam]

very helpful video. we were about to collaborate with them but just backed out. we simply don't have the space! thank you again for an awesome review

[@asaprocky8195]

Those small fans, like that black one you show here, are fantastic. Whisper quiet, 4 settings, and they deliver a lot of air flow. The fan can be aimed up/down/left/right ... in a very small space. The built in spring clamp is very strong, plenty strong to hold the fan on the edge of a shelf, card table, etc... or just let the fan rest on that base without being clamped down. Clamping it great for mobile applicactions when you are out there driving around.

[@willbrakes3826]

Ya l ended up put an ⬆️ upright a/c 800w cools the van to freezing 🥶 on 2kv kings generator working at on 45% runs for 7 hrs for 1 gallon or 3.7 litres cheap pleasure- outside l use a Roybi misting fan similar in size to yours but sit on top of 20 litre buck of water and is truly amazing -outdoor relaxing only gets better with that baby-at van life is wonderful if you have a stuff to make it so-cheers from down under 🇦🇺

[@RubyRhu]

We have a 13ft scamp. This takes up the whole left chest sized space under the table/bed area. Texas is hot. This works ok at night. It makes it comfortable to sleep, but is useless if the sun is out.

[@Qawqazz]

so it does kind of cool the general space? just not allot compared to a window unit?

[@jonelder4552]

Thank you for your review of this item! I was thinking of investing in one very briefly but I think I would rather use a $200 window unit and add a bit more battery and panels. I think even a mini split would be better than this, similar cost and power needs probably similar! I know a few youtubers that love the minisplit actually, now that I think about it.

[@roundstone2020]

If you don't love Bob, you haven't been paying attention.

[@anio1349]

🤣 True!

[@williamdthomas9968]

I have a Mark 2, dual battery, it's really expensive, but it's worth it, its combined cost is lower than other air conditioning solutions, if you want vanlife off-grid and also need air conditioning, this is the only option at the moment, other air conditioning power is too Big I had to have an air conditioner to sleep, the heat kept me awake at night, previous summers I had to park my car in a campsite with electricity, the generators were too noisy, fuel prep was a hassle, and it took up too much space, and Mark 2 Make me pass solar completely free, although it is only 2300BTU, it can't cool the whole RV, but it can let me sleep well,

[@viking8889]

The fan and an old windex bottle is what I use. Best way to stay cool is to migrate like a bird. Its 68 degrees in Flagstaff now vs 102 degrees near Phoenix.

[@janet5073]

I live in Arizona. I think a small evaporative cooler in winter would be good enough but during Monsoons it would not work at all. The little 5w evaps also must be aimed at you so they too will not cool a space.

[@kathyfann]

We desperately need another solution for humility filled Florida Heat in the Summer

[@artwithmrs.kloska831]

Thank you!! I was seriously considering it. I was waiting for a review I could trust and that was it!!

[@Tom-xp7dl]

I know so many people nowdays dont like generators for whatever reason, but, with a 2000 watt generator and a 6,000btu A/C, it will keep you cool all through the summer. with a generator handy you can top off your batteries any time day or night, even when there is no sunlight available.

[@TheWeissenheimer]

Some observations. Big one is that it will be more efficient running it with the optional 24v to 12v adapter instead of through an inverter. Also I think this unit does better in certain climates from what I’ve read. As someone mentioned before this unit will not appear to work as well in dry heat. However it will be very noticeable in swampy hot climates. It will be more noticeable when it actually has some humidity to remove from the air. Also keeping in mind that the unit is inside as to recirc the already cooler inside air from the grated section below the cold air outlet. I still think this unit has a purpose.

[@deborahelliott3826]

Subject on my mind right now. 90 degrees is what I'm dealing within my shaded camp. I can't do 90 degrees inside the van. I have spray bottle, water, fan, towel and a cayenne pepper capsule toward the heat of the day.

[@lloydrobertson9590]

Bob you do very honest reviews thank you

[@russellrlf]

If you have the intake and exhaust inside the van, what you have is a dehumidifier. The evap coil is removing moisture, and absorbing the heat, but the heat is being added back into the space.

[@paulmaag6958]

I have a Ram Premaster 3500 high top conversion with full Thinsulate insulation and 600 watts of solar panels on the roof charging 400 amp hours of battery. I can run a 1300 CFM evaporative cooler in the back doors. I leave the front windows partially open to exhaust air. My solar will run the evaporative cooler set to low all day. I usually turn it off 1-2 hours before sundown to replenish the final charge of the batteries. It will keep the van at about 80 degrees on a 95 degree day in dry weather only. It uses a lot of water! Maybe uses up to 10 gallons a day. So this is only an emergency device for summer. Best is to drive to higher elevations (drive away). I have tried my 10000 BTU portable AC (with the tubes) in my van. This is using 120volt hook up. At 102 degrees and somewhat humid outside, it kept the van only tolerable. It stayed cool in front of the AC and hot, especially next to those hot tubes. It was barely cool enough to sleep. After 2 days, I had to drive away. The hotter it gets, the more power you need. Portable tube AC's are no way as efficient as the cheap window units. 10,000 ft. in the Rockies is best for summer!

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

Thank you for writing a detailed comment. Thanks for mentioning the water usage of the evaporative cooler too, as that is not usually mentioned by others. Given limited space, having to use up 10 gallons of water per day would be a burden if in a desert location with limited fresh water access or carrying capacity in a small vehicle. Thanks.

[@ianpgeorge]

Overall good/fair review .. challenging logistics of space management of all the tubing specially good to point out to people .. and the cost comparison to other options of course. I would just add a few details from my own experience using that same ZeroBreezeMark2 unit: #1> Any AC unit this one or the others .. can also help reduce the humidity from the air .. on very high 95+% humidity days .. it's been my experience that reducing the humidity is a cooling multiplier .. not only __F cooler air temps , but that air also lower humidity helps the body cool through evaporation .. or even add the water fan towel type evaporation cooler trick you described .. that might not work when the humidity is too high .. but with an AC unit (any unit) that removes some humidity from the air .. that trick can go from not working at all , to working to help again. #2> There are people with 24V battery systems .. they don't need any converters at all to run this .. that will make it a little more efficient and consume a little less electrical energy. #3> IF you are coming from 12v to feed the 24v .. instead of 12VDC to 110VAC inverter , which gets around ~90% efficient , then from 110VAC inverter back down to 24VDC at about ~90% efficient ... 100 x 0.90 x 0.90 = ~81% of the energy you took from the 12V actually gets to the 24V output .. it would be a little more energy efficient to just get a 12VDC to 24VDC converter that can easily do the watts load of the unit .. even if it is also only about ~90% efficient .. it means ~90% of the 12V battery power gets output as 24V .. instead of just ~81% .. ~9% isn't enormous , but every little bit can help. #4> When you need more BTU of cooling than just a simple fan will provide .. due to heat / humidity / etc .. but .. it's not soo bad that you would need a larger 6000+ BTU unit .. this smaller BTU personal cooling unit fits in middle space between those two .. just be honest with yourself about how often you need how much .. maybe the fan alone is plenty .. or maybe the bigger BTU happens often enough that you need it .. or maybe you only need a few more BTUs than the fan gives , and this small BTU unit in the middle is enough. #5> Those larger BTU mass produced units you mentioned are definitely .. as you wrote far more cost effective $ per BTU .. but .. they are also vastly more weight themselves , and cost vastly more electrical power system to run them .. that all must be carried all the time .. again I would just say to be honest with yourself about how often you need how much .. ~16 Lbs for this little small BTU person cooling unit .. or 50+ Lbs or a larger BTU unit +another 100+ Lbs for the beefier electrical system to feed that larger BTU unit .. or maybe someone already has the big electrical system and there is no additional it for them. #6> Heat Pumps are not just for pumping heat out to get colder air .. be it a fridge , personal space , etc .. but for me .. I also like that heat pumps like this can also be used as an electric heat multiplier .. like any heat pump .. they move heat from one place to the other .. one place gets colder .. the other gets hotter .. yes with air conditioning you want the hotter air to go outside .. and colder air to you .. but it also works by turning the unit around .. plumb outside cold air intake and then colder air exhaust back outside .. plumb the hot air intake and then hotter air exhaust to the personal targeted heating .. In this way you get more heat watts to you , than you could have if you just used the same watts of electricity for heat directly via a resistance heating element .. like any personal heating device it works best to have heat the air space you are in under a blanket or such insulation .. soo hot air intake under blanket , hot air exhaust out into space also under blanket (where I am) .. For example from my own testing on the low power ECO mode I got as much as 318Watts of personal heating (nice and toasty) from as little as 86watts of electricity consumed .. although I did notice both input and output watts did vary with different temperatures of cold inlet or hot output .. but the minimum I saw was still 267watts of heat output from 91watts of electricity input consumed , which is still better than if I had to pull 267watts of electricity directly to get that 267watts of personal heating. #7> The core unit itself doesn't have to be left out sucking up that much living space .. it can be plumped inside the vehicle during the build .. use a remote control repeater .. and then control it with the remote .. but the unit itself is out f the way .. in a similar way to how built in window or roof units are out of the way , out of sight not sucking up much living space.

[@susanbender2953]

Food for thought. Thank you.

[@williamdthomas9968]

Agreed, air conditioners are always more efficient than fans and evaporators, the Mark 2 AC is as easy to move as a fan, but the fan will never get the cooling effect of the Mark 2 AC, especially on hot, humid nights. I have 4 120w solar panels and no generator, I can sleep with the air conditioner on every night

[@phredpun4225]

CheapRVliving: Here is one last experiment I would like for you to try before throwing in the towel. But first a little science (well, to the best of my ability). All A/C's only drop the air temp. by 30*F.(aprox.) You cool the room further by recirculating the air you have already cooled once over and over through the A/C. (So here's my half baked Idea) Set up a small pop up or pup tent then put some blankets over it for insulation. Place just the nose of the unit inside the door way leaving the bulk of the unit outside and take the two hoses on the backside and turn them 90* apart to get the inlet and exhaust as far away as possible from each other. I'm wondering if you can get where it was cycling on and off in which case it would be much more usable. The one place (perhaps the only) I could see this idea shine is in the South where high humidity makes those squirt bottles and fans kind of useless. If all this seems like too much trouble please feel free to ship it to me for testing and I promise to do a report then ship it to who ever you give it away to. (🤣 but yes it is a serous offer)

[@gab4461]

HI Bob, great review thank you for that If you ever get the change to review the Eco Flow Wave would be great to see. It is built for a similar market as the zero breeze, but looks like on paper at least to have a more upright design, and the potential to be better suited to smaller spaces, but is always hard to tell when just looking at their website

[@rickytickytavy7775]

Good job Bob. I love your channel!

[@shaunhall6834]

You might also consider a small portable swamp cooler. This only works in dry climates though.

[@shaunhall6834]

@@thegoodtom1718 I've found with mine if I can keep it going through the night and stay under the covers I can minimize the heat in the afternoon.

[@chasedirtbike4155]

I could see that working much better on the east coast. The major goal here is to get rid of the humidity with a minor on cooling.

[@clintstinytrailerconversio5560]

Frankly, this type of a/c is the only option for a roof top tent (or in my case a Harker Outdoor EDC), but I ran a duct outside by making a baffle for a window that I installed and let both inputs draw from the interior air. I went with a Bouge RV 24vdc (with 120vac brick) a/c unit that draws just 250w at 24vdc, not too bad. And I can keep the inverter turned off! I have a 100Ah 24v LFP battery and it can run for several hours. Now, 400w of solar could just about run it and it does. So, my install isn't as clunky as sitting it on a chair, I have a shelf for it and its neat. It will cool down the shell when closed and will help when sleeping by directing the cool air directly at you. It isn't designed to cool down even the smallest of campers, if its actually hot outside. However, like I said, this was my only option. With your ambulance, you could install just about any kind of unit you want... mini split, roof top, or even a window unit.

[@hebe4772]

Wow. I think that’s enough for me. Boyfriend and I looked for months, we are in the process of purchasing an roof top tent and going to be overland traveling about 6000 or more miles in 3-4 months maybe more. 1500 investment on the AC unit is really a nice choice… I just can’t stand the heat.

[@ronniemiddleton5231]

Hi bob Love the honest review great job I think the company would be better selling it with a big solar panel so when it sun and hot during the day it works and a batt option for night

[@CharlesLangSamuel]

I think one of the double tubes should stay inside because that is the air intake, and should take in the air that it has already cooled. Recirculating. 2300 btu should be enough to cool a section of a van, partitioned with a sheet for example. If you have 500w+ solar it could make sense in sunny parking.

[@florindagonzalez5700]

I will be testing this in a similar situation, insulated tent.

[@watching-and-judging-you]

Not how it works. It draws air in outside to cool the compressor with one tube, then exhausts the heat out the other tube. Under the conditioned air vent, there is an air intake with a filter just for the cooled interior air. Just like a windows unit works.

[@williambianchi2006]

I agree with the idea of creating a smaller space to be cooled. It should work if you can cut down to 20 square feet or less.

[@CharlesLangSamuel]

@@watching-and-judging-you hmm then sorry for spreading misinformation. . . seems like a product that fulfills a need - real a/c on a small scale. I would put insulation around the hot exhaust tube especially, so it doesn’t radiate heat inside. And insulate my van roof and sides as much as possible, even on the low budget by creating a room of hanging sheets or something.

[@blairinhemet]

20+ years ago when I lived in a Toyota RV (tiny living before it was a thing) I made sure to be north of I80 in the summer and south of I10 in the winter and need for ac or furnace was few days if ever--

[@adamkwiatkowski4107]

This unit is step in right direction Battery powered AC. Hopefully tech will improve to make it more like corded window AC.

[@Chubbydippin]

Thanks for the honest review and for your efforts to help us all. I wish you had tested it, power draw/usage wise, using DC. Dc to ac and back to dc is so inefficient. That bluetti ac300 is massive and does have a 12v 25amp output. I believe the zero breeze can be run on dc. You would need a 12v to 24v converter and they are available. I realize that it's too low btu wise to cool your rig. I'm just curious about dc power consumption in regards to your bluetti. Very few have a solar generator(ac300) that is so large and powerful. I guess a test of your bluetti as the main focus while under load(dc) from the zero breeze is what I'm curious about. By the way, don't be afraid to go shirtless. Bob shaming will not be tolerated under any circumstances!! You are after all..."Kind of a big deal/celebrity." Thanks again.

[@alfredhatch3719]

Actually the AC300 has a 24 Volt port that the AC can be connected to.🤔

[@Chubbydippin]

@@alfredhatch3719 Interesting. I've heard the minimum "12 volt" dc amperage requirement for running the zero breeze is actually 25 amps. Thankyou, I need to look into that regarding a 24 volt output on the bluetti. Thanks again, I'm always learning something new.

[@swr377]

Love mine for camping in my RTT and works great. Mine wasn’t free and like anything understand the expectations before purchasing and you’ll likely be happy. Texas camping in 90 degree weather I was thankful for the 25+ temperature difference.

[@asherdog9248]

The smalest Honda generator and the smallest window unit can be modified for most situations and make summer truck camping in the south east more pleasant.

[@newtuber4freedom43]

Low watt fridge w/ cold water inside, two cheap usb fans, spray bottle & wet chilly pads! (last longer than wet towel)!! Can run on jackery 240 & bluetti eb55.

[@jollymatilda5890]

I have been wondering about how well this AC unit worked in a small space and how much power it consumed. I appreciate your review of this product greatly. I have to have AC when the temperatures and heat index gets into the high 90's and triple digits because of medical conditions and also for my kitties. So this cooling my home on wheels is a big concern of mine. I'm considering creating a setup like Jim has with his travel trailer and 2 window AC units and an extra large amount of solar and batteries in order to live comfortably enough and still live as a Nomad. Thanks so much for sharing. ❤

[@sailingsolo5290]

Have looked at the new eco flow wave its twice the cooling in same size. Draws 30 amps per hour. 1,200.00. Look on youtube. I bought one for my sailboat

[@lea801]

Another good topic Bob.

[@misterbe34]

Thanks for the great honest review I was considering buying one but that would not work for my needs

[@stanleytolle416]

I would think this would work better in a high humidity area. Like in these areas 30⁰ would make allot of difference. The problem is the compressor pulling to much power. What is needed is a absorption unit using propane or solar vacuum collectors to run the chiller. So my question is, where can you get such a unit? Yes a fan or some water is good for where you hangout but high humidity areas is where you need heat pumping.

[@jeffbrown86]

Low setting 100 watt draw. 85° blowing on me I am cool. Not meant to heat the whole vehicle cool breeze. The tube underneath my sheet when I’m sleeping cold. Rarely use high setting. 230 watt draw, 2300btu. Expensive at 1000 and worth every penny.

[@guyburgess5337]

Thanks for the info, Bob, I have been shopping for an Ac unit for my Trailer! Won't get this on!

[@michellecastaneda4104]

I know the The videos I have watched of others using this air conditioner, what they did was just put a blanket up blocking off the whole entire van but they’re bad area. And they said it cooled the bed area quite well

[@jimdunlap2769]

Yes i agree...better ways...it's always summertime in the Philippines

[@fed9186]

I use a generator a quiet one, and run two 6k window ac in my bus. Foam board insulation on the windows inside the bus . Henry's roof paint on roof . Stays under 80 in the hot south Florida summer.

[@bobmirror7164]

I use a Honda EU2000 generator and a $130 dollar, 5000 BTU window air conditioner unit in the van. My generator would not start the air conditioners with the remote controller. Maybe just a little to many starting watts for the generator. The other no thrills A/C units under 5000 BTU worked fine. Thou shout insulate with cardboard and foam board closing off the front cabin area and all windows. Cover all exposed metal from the outside. Put a painters drop cloth canvas around the vehicle to keep the sun off if possible.