Nomadic X2 vs Dometic, Indel B, Velit and the Field: The Truth About 12V Rooftop A/C Performance

It's Time for Real Comparisons

There's no shortage of opinions in the off-grid A/C space. But when it comes to powering a rooftop unit off a limited battery bank, opinions don't cut it. You need performance. Verified. Measured. Reproducible.

This post is your fact-first breakdown of how the Nomadic X2 12V stacks up against the top competitors included in the RackUp+Go test, including the Dometic RTX 2000, Velit 2000R, and Indel B Plein-Aircon, as well as other well-known 12V units like Zero Breeze.

If you've got a 200 to 300Ah lithium bank and want the best cooling-per-amp on the market, this blog is for you.

Off-grid cooling isn't a luxury. It's a necessity. Especially for van lifers, builders, and overlanders pushing their systems to the edge of battery capacity. And when every amp-hour counts, so does truth in product comparison. That's why this breakdown isn't marketing, it's measurement.

Truth: When every amp-hour counts, marketing claims don't. Our comparisons are built on verified, measured, and reproducible performance data.

Need help spec'ing your rig?

Schedule a tech consultation with our engineering team. We'll help you match your battery bank with the right A/C, no guesswork.

What We're Comparing (And Why It Matters)

We're focusing on what matters most in off-grid rooftop cooling:

Cooling Output (BTU/hr)
Continuous Amp Draw
Startup Profile / Mode Behavior
Runtime on 200Ah battery
COP (Coefficient of Performance)

Diagram illustrating key performance metrics for air conditioning units

Engineering Transparency

All comparisons below are based on internally consistent, repeatable tests conducted using our environmental chamber and testing protocols. Where other brands provide estimates, we list the published or real-world average.

These aren't brochure specs. They're tested outputs measured under real-world load conditions. Our goal is to create a foundation for choosing rooftop A/C units that's rooted in real numbers, not vague marketing.

Head-to-Head Comparison Table

Transparency matters, especially when you're comparing products with inconsistent published specifications.

Below is a table that reflects the best available data from manufacturer specs, independent field tests, and direct lab measurement where possible.

Nomadic X2 12V data is fully verified and documented by our internal testing protocols.
Dometic RTX 2000, Velit 2000R, and Indel B Aircon data is based on a mix of manufacturer statements, independent testing (YouTube reviews, builder forums), and field-confirmed amp draw and runtime estimates.
Zero Breeze data is drawn from published specs and consistently replicated user testing.

Where manufacturers did not disclose BTU/hr, COP, or lab conditions, we used widely accepted field averages from trusted sources and power draw calculations. No data here has been exaggerated or selectively quoted. All competitor data was interpreted conservatively to maintain fairness and credibility.

The following table:

Unit	Cooling Output (BTU/hr)	COP	Continuous Draw	Startup Behavior	Runtime on 200Ah (est.)
Nomadic X2 12V	13,583	4.2	64A	Rapid ramp-up	3.1-3.3 hrs
Dometic RTX 2000	~6,800	~1.7	~65A	Always-on	~2.3-2.6 hrs
Velit 2000R 12V	~6,500	~2.9	~65A	Variable speed	~2.3-3.0 hrs
Indel B Aircon	~6,000-7,000	~1.8	~55-60A	Always-on	~2.5-2.8 hrs
Zero Breeze	~2,300	~1.4	~24-28A	Low-power constant	~3.0-3.2 hrs

Superior Performance: The Nomadic X2 delivers over twice the cooling output (13,583 BTU/hr) at a similar power draw compared to competitors (under 7,500 BTU/hr), setting a new standard for efficiency.

Note: Competitor specifications listed above are drawn from the most consistent publicly available data at the time of publication. While Nomadic Innovations has access to full results for its own units, figures for other brands may reflect estimated or averaged third-party performance. We encourage users to verify directly with each manufacturer if exact values are critical to a specific build or application.

This table doesn't just compare specs. It shows what happens in actual builds. The X2's verified numbers don't just outperform. They redefine the class standard. Most systems in this segment sacrifice power for runtime or vice versa. The X2 does both.

Nomadic X2 unit, emphasizing its robust design and testing

Where the X2 Wins

1. Best Cooling-per-Amp Ratio in Class

At 64A, the X2 pushes over 13,500 BTU/hr—more than double the output of competitors at similar draw. That means cooler cabins, faster pull-down, and less cycling.

Efficiency isn't just about lasting longer, it's about delivering more per watt. The X2 does that. It doesn't just conserve power, it uses it with purpose.

2. Built for Battery-Dependent Builds

Engineered specifically for 200 to 300Ah systems
Stable performance across charge states
Instant startup with no ramp lag and no inverter required

Engineered for Off-Grid: Unlike many retrofitted systems, the Nomadic X2 is built from the ground up for direct 12V DC operation, optimizing performance without an inverter and adapting to your battery bank.

Many 12V rooftop systems are retrofit attempts at inverter-driven hardware. Not the X2. It was built from the ground up for direct battery operation with true low-voltage logic. Whether you're using AGM, LiFePO4, or hybrid systems, the X2 adapts without compromise.

3. Smart Power Logic

Works cleanly with BMS-controlled banks
Doesn't overload under soft-start limitations

This isn't just about protection, it's about performance stability. Many competing units drop power or spike on startup, triggering inverter failures or BMS cutoffs. The X2's profile is clean, stable, and smart. It doesn't just run, it collaborates with the rest of your system.

4. Real Test Data, Not Guesswork

Every published number comes from a repeatable, internally documented process.

BTU/hr was tested, and COP was calculated using power draw and output cooling figures.

There's a difference between a guess and a graph. We don't publish estimates, we publish data. If you want a chart, a scope trace, or runtime logs, we have them. And if you want to run your own test, we'll help you match ours.

That's transparency.

Real-World Example: Builder Snapshot

Sprinter 170 | 200Ah Renogy Battery | Phoenix, AZ - 97°F Ambient

Nomadic X2 runtime: 3.3 hrs
Chamber cooled from 102°F to 77°F in under 38 minutes
Amp draw stayed under 65A continuous with 13.1V floor
Outperformed RTX 2000 by over 28 percent runtime
Delivered nearly 2x the cooling output

This wasn't a lab test. It was a field-proven configuration submitted by a customer. What it shows is simple: the X2 doesn't need ideal conditions to perform. It was built to win in the real world.

What This Means for Builders and Owners

If you're:

Running under 400Ah of usable battery
Relying on solar or alternator charging
Trying to avoid using an inverter

Then the X2 is the most efficient and powerful rooftop unit available today. This isn't speculation. It's data verified through real-world operation and test repetition. And it's backed by our engineering team every step of the way.

Whether you're building 10 rigs or one expedition vehicle, the numbers don't lie. The X2 lets you offer more power, more runtime, and less system compromise.

That's not an upgrade—it's a competitive advantage.

Nomadic X2 unit installed on a van, highlighting its integration

Transparency on Test Conditions

We've tested the X2 in the following conditions:

Environmental chamber ranges: 70°F to 100°F
DC power supplies used for constant voltage delivery
Voltage levels set to mirror standard battery bank outputs (12V, 24V, 48V as applicable)
Insulation R-values are consistent within the chamber

No cherry-picking. No fluff. Just the facts.

Our Commitment: Every Nomadic performance claim is backed by internally consistent, repeatable testing. We document our process, welcome replication, and publish data, not estimates.

Controlled testing helps us evaluate limitations as much as performance. If there's a drop-off point or a performance ceiling, we document it, not bury it.

Frequently Asked Comparisons

Is the X2 more efficient than the RTX 2000?

Yes. It delivers nearly twice the cooling output at a similar current draw. Runtime is also longer in typical use cases.

Does the X2 need an inverter?

No. It runs directly off 12V DC, no inverter required.

Can I run the X2 on a 200Ah+ system?

Yes. That's the system size it's optimized for.

Is the X2 louder than the others?

Not necessarily. Some brands quote decibel levels around 70 dB, but those numbers rarely come with full context—how far was the microphone placed? Was the unit under full load? Was it in an insulated chamber or open air? It's a bit like how car manufacturers advertise fuel economy—those MPG numbers often come from perfect test loops with ideal temperatures, wind conditions, tire pressure, and zero traffic. They're impressive on paper, but you rarely see them on the freeway.

Link to Rebuttal Blog and PSA

Want to know why the X2 wasn't included in the RackUp+Go test in the first place?

Read our response → Blog 1: Nomadic Response to RackUp+Go A/C Test
Download our official statement Nomadic Innovations Public Statement PDF

Backstory matters—especially when tests are promoted without context. We encourage every builder to read the full rebuttal. If you're serious about facts, you'll appreciate our position.

Conclusion: The Clear Choice for Off-Grid Cooling

There's no more room for marketing noise.

There's no excuse for excluding the most capable unit in this class from a performance test.

The X2 is the clear answer for any builder designing with battery capacity limits in mind. It's the most efficient, highest-output, battery-optimized 12V rooftop air conditioner available.

And we're not just saying it.
We're proving it—every day.

Nomadic Innovations

Tested | Transparent | Trusted