Velit 2000R vs Dometic RTX 2000: Best 12V A/C for Sprinter Vans
Why you should care
A rooftop A/C is one of the most expensive—and livability-boosting—upgrades in any van build. Even the “budget” 12-V models run north of $1 000. Choose wrong and you’re stuck with noise, short runtime, or a gaping hole that doesn’t fit the next unit.
The two front-runners for 2025 are the Velit 2000R and the Dometic RTX 2000. This guide compares them spec-by-spec so you can invest with confidence.
What is BTU?
A British Thermal Unit (BTU) is the heat needed to raise one pound of water by 1 °F. A/C makers quote BTU per hour; more BTU means faster cooling—but usually higher amp draw if the system isn’t efficient.
At-a-glance Comparison
| 12 V model | Velit 2000R | Dometic RTX 2000 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling capacity | 8 000 BTU / h | 6 824 BTU |
| Eco-mode draw | 20–25 A (≈ 250–300 W) | 19 A (≈ 230 W) |
| Boost / Turbo draw | 33–55 A (≈ 400–650 W) | 58 A peak (≈ 700 W) |
| Roof profile (H) | 7.1 in low-profile | 12.1 in truck-roof chassis |
| Weight | 66 lb | 70.6 lb |
| Cut-out | Standard 14 × 14 in | Truck aperture (RV kit req.) |
| Voltage options | 12 V • 24 V • 48 V | 12 V only |
| Street price (May 2025) | ≈ $1830 USD | ≈ $2400 USD |
| Warranty (US) | 1 yr | 2 yr limited |
Where each unit shines
1. Cooling power & efficiency
- Velit 2000R: ~17 % more BTU but only 20 A in Eco—impressive.
- RTX 2000: industry-low 19 A Eco = ≈ 8 h on a 200 Ah lithium bank (80 % usable).
| Runtime (200 Ah LiFePO₄) | Velit Eco | RTX Eco |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | ~7 h | ~8.3 h |
2. Roof profile & stealth
Velit’s 7-inch height keeps you under most 10-ft bridges even with a rack and solar tilt mounts.
3. Installation friction
- Velit drops into a standard 14 × 14 in fan cut-out—no sheet-metal surgery.
- RTX requires a truck-style aperture or adapter; shops charge 2–3 extra labor hours.
4. Voltage flexibility
Velit ships in 24 V and 48 V versions—no DC-DC losses if you run higher-voltage batteries.
5. Noise & comfort
Both sit mid-40 dB (Eco) / high-50 dB (Boost). Lab tests show RTX is ~2 dB quieter thanks to its inverter scroll compressor.
6. Service & parts
Dometic’s 70 + US service centers stock RTX spares. Velit stocks in WA but fewer RV techs carry parts.
7. Price & total cost
Velit saves ≈ $1 500 up front—enough for two extra 100 Ah lithium batteries.
Decision matrix
| Your priority | Choose Velit 2000R | Choose Dometic RTX 2000 |
|---|---|---|
| Budget < $2 k | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ultra-low roof profile | ✅ | ❌ |
| 24 / 48 V battery bank | ✅ | ❌ |
| All-night runtime | ⚠ (-1 h) | ✅ |
| Nationwide dealer support | ⚠ | ✅ |
| Quietest cabin | ⚠ | ✅ |
Installation & system tips (both units)
- Cable gauge – ≤ 10 ft run → 6 AWG (12 V), fuse at 1.25 × max amps (≈ 80 A).
- Battery bank – ≥ 200 Ah usable for 6–8 h Eco plus fridge/lights.
- Solar offset – 600 W roof solar cancels Eco draw most days; add DC-DC for cloudy runs.
- Backer plate – ⅛-in aluminum under the roof keeps the sheet metal flat—zero leaks.
- Vent – Crack a rear window; airflow doubles cooling speed.
Final call
- Pick Velit 2000R for the best BTU-per-dollar, stealthy 7-inch profile, and 24/48-V flexibility.
- Pick Dometic RTX 2000 for whisper-quiet nights, proven dealer support, and the longest Eco runtime.
Either unit—paired with the right lithium bank—turns a sweltering Sprinter into an off-grid oasis.
🎁 Free download: Sprinter A/C Planner Kit
- 1-page spec sheet for Velit 2000R & RTX 2000
- Runtime calculator (change battery size, see hours)
- Roof cut-out & cable-gauge cheat sheet
[👉 Get the kit (PDF + Google Sheet) <form or link>]
