12v A/C

Bkotula · 09-18-2021, 07:20 PM

Has anyone added a 12v air conditioner to their rig? Dometic has a highly efficient and quiet rtx 2000 with 6800 BTU’s that was developed for tractor trailers and vans and we were considering adding this as a roof unit in the rear cabin of our Vista 29VE. Max Amps are only 58. Clearly have to consider power demands and the battery bank but the thought of running this while on the road or as support for the primary A/C sounds appealing (we only have one A/C unit). Will also drop into the rear Maxxair fan vent that is already there. Thoughts?

BobC · 09-19-2021, 08:48 AM

You mention running it while on the road.

There's no problem in running your existing A/C off your generator while on the road, it won't use very much gas. At 6824 BTU, the Dometic is quite a bit smaller than your existing 13,000 - 15,000 BTU A/C (depending on your model year). It's also significantly more expensive.

If your existing A/C is inadequate, I'd consider adding a second, similar (possibly smaller) unit for a lot more BTUs and less money. My understanding is that these (or at least some) will also fit the standard 14" x 14" vent hole.

I think you'll find that, by running your existing A/C off the generator while on the road, you'll have a better experience while parked since you won't have a large heat load to overcome.

You don't have the restrictions the Dometic was designed for so why limit yourself?

Here's a relevant post from another forum:

https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...ing-20371.html

Morich · 09-19-2021, 09:39 AM

No ideas on the unit but looking at your post, I might wonder about the 58 amp load as what size wiring and getting it to the roof?

BobC · 09-19-2021, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morich

No ideas on the unit but looking at your post, I might wonder about the 58 amp load as what size wiring and getting it to the roof?

12 Volt Wiring: Wire Gauge to Amps |

6 to 4 gauge?

Morich · 09-19-2021, 11:32 AM

On looking closer, perhaps there is a bit of misprint or confusion, as I see this info when I look.
At 2000Watt-19 amp we get a far different power need than 58 amps which might hit a whole different world?

Click this snip to get a better view of the specs I found?

BobC · 09-19-2021, 11:48 AM

The 19A is in Eco mode, the peak is still 58A:

SPECIFICATIONS: DOMETIC RTX2000 12V RV AIR CONDITIONER
Weight 72.6 lbs (approximately)
Dimensions ( W x H x D ) 34'' x 12'' x 25'' (above the roof). Required cutout 15" x 14".
Electrical consumption: 19A-58A@12VDC
Refrigerant: R-134A
Noise: < 70 dB(A)

Bkotula · 09-19-2021, 12:05 PM

Thanks here are more detailed specs if it helps