Video: Dometic RTX2000 12 Volt Air Conditioner Installation

[surfinwesty]

This year’s summer Vanagon project was installing the 12 volt Dometic RTX2000 air conditioner, of which I couldn’t be happier with the results…worth every cent!

I received so many requests for information that I compiled the project into a video that covers the installation, unit selection process (pros and cons), how to lower costs, and a few on-the-road performance reviews. I tried to include product/part information (where I could) to help others. Chapters are included on the YouTube description if you need to navigate the video by focus area.

Please note that I’m an amateur Vanagon enthusiast working in his driveway, having fun with his beloved Van. I'm just trying to keep the wife and toddler cool/safe. If they’re any experienced folks who have installation suggestions/improvements, please leave them in this thread. The next enthusiast will appreciate it.

I hope this video serves as a valuable resource for others considering taking on this project; Seriously, just do it…you won’t regret it (especially if you learn from my mistakes).

Stay Cool!

BTW: The video was a blast to put together, I got to play with new software


Link


The total project costs was around $5,000.

Main Items:

Dometic RTX2000 $2,000 (includes holiday discount)

Dometic Wire Harness $300

Dometic Mounting Kit $400

DIY Van Custom Bezel $100

Li Time 300AH Lithium Battery $1,100

Circuit Breakers $200

200 Watt Solar Panel (roof) $250

Renogy Solar Controller $300

Portable Solar Panel w/Hook Ups $300

Renogy Battery Monitor & Bluetooth $100
3M Window Weld $30

Insulation & Sound Treatment $100

Misc. Electrical $150

Most items were purchased from VanLife Outfitters, Go Westy, and Amazon.
_________________
Current Love:
"Adobe" 1984 VW Westy w/Subi

Retired:
"Swell Chaser #1" 1980 Westy (in VW Heaven)
"Swell Chaser #2" 1981 Westy (sold to loving family on TheSamba forum)

[trihartsfield]

Well done. Looks like a good setup and seems to work.

Chris
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1971 Transporter-SOLD
1982 Westy Will grow up into a TDI

[charleslabri]

yeah, legit. I have been eyeballing this as my next bigger project once I get my interior all put together. Ive been saving my headliner install for this since I am almost assured to do the install.

Ive never been excited about stock AC options since they are complicated and can put a cooling dampen on the mains with the condenser up front. For those who have nice solar setups with some internal batteries this seems to be the way to go.

Any concerns or anything with the cut of the luggage rack where the pop top lip hits? I know you mentioned it in the video, but now post install would you have moved it forward more, or was that spot just right?
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An example of my labor in action:
https://www.instagram.com/wileythewesty/

My Build Thread:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=730525&highlight=

[steve244]

Thanks for posting this. Video quality is excellent.

I didn't understand the power consumption though. Were you still discharging the storage battery while underway? What does your subie alternator output? I must have misunderstood.
_________________
82 AC vanagon approx 200K miles (3K are mine).
DD is a 2015 Leaf
Road Trip to Hell (FL 2023)
The Vanagon's drivetrain and chassis restomod thread. Best sung to the tune of I Did It My Way...

[mtnhome]

Great video. Making me rethink the Smallcar kit I have sitting in my garage. It might be nice to keep the dash stock and not have to deal with adding compressor, lines, condensor, etc.
Good work!
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'84 Westy, '93 Subaru ej22 and Subarugears 5speed
Build thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=763098&highlight=

[ottoman308]

I'm looking into this project as well. I was planning on using the Nomadic Cooling X2 when it's available. By the time I spend all the extra trying to get a near 40 yr old system to work the extra spent will be worth it in my opinion.

[surfinwesty]

[surfinwesty]

[steve244]

That doesn't sound right. Is this 12volts?

Even with a 12v 60 amp alternator, with lights off and no other accessories running you should have plenty of power to run a 20amp unit. I thought a Subaru alternator had higher output.

20amps at 12v is 240watts power. I think that's what eco mode draws.

Is it running off a separate circuit for the house battery that limits its draw from the van?

I'm also interested in how long it takes to get comfortable. I know this is subjective but if it's not effective for short trips that would be a consideration. This would be interesting in direct sunlight and shade.
_________________
82 AC vanagon approx 200K miles (3K are mine).
DD is a 2015 Leaf
Road Trip to Hell (FL 2023)
The Vanagon's drivetrain and chassis restomod thread. Best sung to the tune of I Did It My Way...

[danfromsyr]

https://gearjunkie.com/camper-rv/dometic-rtx2000-rv-air-conditioner-review

[shagginwagon83]

OP have you considered the 120+ amp Tribeca alternator? I run it on my EJ22.
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"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram: @joannthevan

[squeegee_boy]

[mitch5]

So did you never have any of the factory ac parts to start with? I have non ac westy and am debating whether to pursue in dash or an option like this

[surfinwesty]

[surfinwesty]

[shagginwagon83]

[squeegee_boy]

The new style alternator plug can be found here:

https://iwireusa.com/collections/3-pin-replacement...4139220121


Robyn
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1984 FrankenSyncro Westy. EJ25 RMW kit

[WillRB]

[surfinwesty]

[sanchius]

Great video, thanks for sharing. This really ups the bar here for DIY postings.

As someone with a factory noAC van who just moved from the west to the east, this looks like an ideal solution.

One question, does it leak water in the cab? It looks like a drip come from the unit at 05:51/05:52.
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The Syncro years (2005-16) - The 2WD years (2017-23) - In Hoosierland (2023-now)
Westy & WBX rebuild spreadsheet - Sanchius & Tuna: The Video
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