Dometic Cooling Units For RVs
When Dometic was formed back in 1922 it specialized in absorption refrigeration technology. norcold Its founders were two young students at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden who developed this cooling technology without moving parts. The advantage of this method is silent and vibration-free operation, variable energy source options, longer product life and reliability.
Almost a century later, this same technology still drives the business of one of the world’s leading manufacturers of portable and leisure appliances. Electrolux bought the rights to this pioneering refrigeration technology and spun off the business as Dometic, a division that continues to serve the mobile comfort market and the RV industry with its line of portable absorption refrigerators.
The company’s RTX2000 unit is available in both 12V and 110V versions, and I was excited to see that they also have the option of a 12V air conditioner (the CFX35W), which provides 1.1 cubic feet of cold storage for a week of groceries and condiments. It’s a relatively small unit, but the compressor model does its work with remarkable efficiency.
It’s not as light as some of the other 12V air conditioners we tested, but it is an impressive solution for those looking to stay unplugged during a long road trip, or while camping in the mountains. And it is surprisingly affordable compared to the more expensive and heavier compressor models.
I found the RTX2000 to be a pleasant addition to my Ford Transit van, but it wasn’t without its challenges. It was a little tricky to get the cutout in the roof to seal against water, and it wasn’t easy to mount the unit. It was a project that took a few weeks of research and a few hours of DIY work, but it was successful and I’m happy to have an option for my curved roof.
To install the RTX2000 on my van, I had to buy an adapter kit from another company, which isn’t included with the unit, and a few other things to help me get started. It took some trial and error to figure out how to do this, but I was able to find some excellent resources on how to install it.
As with any appliance, it’s important to use the unit in a safe and proper way. If it’s used improperly, it may cause health problems and a poor experience with the appliance. If you don’t want to take the risk, consider installing a properly licensed and inspected appliance.
In addition to the RTX2000, Dometic has a few other portable units that are perfect for those who don’t need a lot of capacity. They range from smaller 1.1-cubic-foot compact portable fridge/freezers to a full-size 1.8-cubic-foot refrigerator/freezer.
There are a few other portable options for RVers, van lifers, and overlanders who want to keep their air conditioning on when they’re off the grid. They include the CFX35W fridge/freezer, the RTX2000 air conditioner, and a few others.
The RTX2000’s performance has come a long way, and it’s a great choice for anyone looking to add air conditioning to their RV or van. I’ve gotten several compliments from people who’ve used the unit, and it’s a simple, effective option for those who aren’t looking to invest in a generator or outlet.