I love camping and being outdoors, so I took the plunge and invested in the Zero Breeze Mark 2 to tackle scorching summer days. I craved reliability and durability during family camping trips, and the Mark 2 promised just that.
Now, after over a year of firsthand adventures with this portable AC, I will spill the beans on its performance, unveiling the highs and lows in my comprehensive Zero Breeze Mark 2 review.
Stand-Out Features Of The Zero Breeze
- Perfect for personal cooling in small spaces: think campers, tents, small bedrooms and even truck cabins.
- Cooling power: 2300 BTU – powerful cooling for small areas
- Four cooling modes: Fan, Cooling, Rocket and Sleep
- Designed for heavy-duty outdoor use: it can withstand scratches, dings, drops and even light rain.
- Tranquil operation: remarkably quieter than competing portable ACs at just 52-59 dB
- A step above: superior temperature reduction in humid conditions compared to evaporative coolers.
- Easy To Carry: weighs only 16.5lbs alone and 28.5lbs with the battery added.
***Use code ‘ACLAB’ at checkout for a 5% discount***
Pros & Cons of the Mark 2
Who Is The Zero Breeze Mark 2 Perfect For?
The Zero Breeze Mark 2 is an ideal companion for these groups of people with specific needs:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts and Campers:
- Powerful cooling from 3-6 feet away during outdoor activities.
- Effectively cools small tents up to 40 square feet, offering a 10-degree drop in temperature in “Sleep Mode” for up to six hours on a full battery.
- Ideal for nighttime cooling in campers or RVs without dedicated AC, ensuring a noticeable temperature drop till morning.
- Truck Drivers:
- Provides direct cooling while driving, eliminating the need for constant shirt changes.
- Replacing traditional AC, reduces fuel consumption, potentially saving $30 daily.
- Excels in cooling sleeper cabs, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep.
- Home DIYers:
- Effective cooling solution for those working in sheds or garages without AC.
- Portable and easy to carry, suitable for on-the-go tasks.
***Use code ‘ACLAB’ at checkout for a 5% discount***
Is The Zero Breeze Mark 2 Worth It? (My Personal Opinion)
I went on dozens of camping trips, one cross-country RV expedition and used it countless hours in my shed. Here are the reasons why I think you should purchase Zero Breeze Mark 2:
- Excellent Direct Cooling For Small Spaces
- Super Portable & Lightweight
- Durable and Reliable
- Multiple Power Options
- Saves Money
- It’s So Quiet
- Setup Is A Breeze
- Minimal Maintenance Required
I’ll expand on each of these points below.
Excellent Direct Cooling For Small Spaces
The Mark 2 is ready to perform in four modes:
- Cool Mode: Immediate cooling for small spaces in 80-85-degree weather.
- Fan Mode: Air circulation without cooling.
- Sleep Mode: Whisper-quiet, perfect for a peaceful night’s sleep.
- Rocket Mode: Turbocharged cooling for 90-plus-degree weather.
It is a powerhouse personal cooler, delivering a refreshing chill only in small areas. For larger spaces, it just doesn’t cut it. 2300 BTU is less than half the power of the smallest window air conditioners and ⅓ of the smallest household. In my 30-square-foot tent, Mark 2 transformed an 85-degree evening into a comfy 70 degrees in an hour using Rocket Mode.
I Love How Portable and Lightweight It Is
Zero Breeze Weight = 16.5 pounds alone and 28.5 pounds with the battery. It measures 20 inches by 10 inches by 11 inches and has a convenient carrying handle.
The Mark 2’s design screams portability. Lightweight, sturdy and compact, it’s a breeze to handle with one hand.
Unlike other ACs, it’s shorter and slimmer, fitting snugly on a passenger seat or in a crowded tent. It takes up less floor space than my backpack! The thoughtful design makes it a go-to for easy, on-the-go cooling wherever I wander.
To put this into perspective, the Mark 2 weighs only 28.5 pounds when the battery is installed. I used a home portable AC option, the Vremi 12000 BTU, which weighs more than 56 pounds.
It Is Durable & Reliable?
Built to endure, the Zero Breeze Mark 2 has survived my unintentional rough handling and even endured a surprise rain shower.
The IPX4 rating adds water resistance, shielding against splashes and light rain. It’s a tough outdoor companion, unfazed by drizzles. (I wouldn’t trust it against a downpour though.)
In the Zero Breeze review from Air Conditioner Lab, Josh Mitchell says he left it in light rain overnight, and it still works perfectly fine.
Despite a few dings and scratches (totally on my behalf), the ABS plastic construction ensures remarkable impact resistance, stability and heat tolerance. ABS excels in facing chemical and abrasive elements while remaining reliable in extreme temperatures.
There Are Multiple Power and Charging Options Available
There are a handful of ways to run your Zero Breeze, so if your battery dies, the cool temps don’t have to stop.
I’ve road-tested most of these options, which all worked like a charm for me. Let’s dive into the Mark 2’s power play.
I kept it simple and mostly charged with the included battery. Simply snap it on, connect it, and enjoy six hours of breezy coolness. Just beware of the recharge time—there are better options for battery use if you need all-day cooling. Opt for a separate power station or a power bank for day-long comfort.
- Mark 2 Battery: The basic method gives you 3 to 8 hours of cooling, depending on how high you’re blasting it.You can also pair two batteries with a dock to double the cooling to 6 to 16 hours. The double setup will cost about $800 initially, but I found it worth it.
- AC/DC Magic: Two Mark 2 batteries, a dock and an AC/DC 240W adapter let you roll as long as you have AC power, charging and chilling simultaneously. This is undoubtedly the best option.
- Car Cigarette Lighter Spark: Handy to use with the MK battery, though not always doable due to car lighter wattage limits, so you’ll need to check your specs.
- Solar Flare: Connect two batteries to solar power, a budget-friendly choice if you’re sun-soaked. I didn’t test this one (no solar panels), but it’s a smart move if you do.
- Battery Bank: Go for a 12V battery bank, emulating AC charge/discharge with 22 to 32 hours of runtime when used with two Mark 2 batteries.
- Power Bank Symphony: Pair a 2000-watt power bank with one battery for 12 hours of “Rocket Mode” joy or a day in “Sleep Mode.” You can even purchase Zero Breeze’s official “ElectHive Power Station,” though it’s more expensive.
It Can Save You Money In The Long Run
Something that gets rarely discussed within Zero Breeze online reviews is the cost-saving benefit of this product.
Depending on whether you’re driving a truck, van, camper, or RV, your built-in AC can use a gallon of gasoline or diesel in 1 or 2 hours. So, if you’re a truck driver driving 8 hours a day, that’s about $25 days per day.
Mark 2 draws anywhere from 130 to 220 watts per hour, 130 in Sleep and 220 in Rocket. Running the Zero Breeze for 8 hours instead of your gas-guzzling truck will only cost about 44 cents.
If you drive a truck or live in an RV or camper van, the Mark 2’s upfront cost could be covered in 3-6 months with the money you save.
Mark 2 is Quiet (When Used Correctly)
Here are the noise levels I measured from four feet away from the Zero Breeze:
- Sleep Mode: 51 dB
- Fan Mode: 52 dB
- Cooling Mode: 55 dB
- Rocket Mode: 58 dB
Mark 2 defies the norm for portable air conditioners—which are typically noisier than promised. Surprisingly, my Mark 2 never surpassed 60 dB, even in scorching heat in “Rocket Mode.”
Positioned 4 feet away in my camper, it blows directly on me while driving. It’s initially audible but easy to tune out.
More important to me is “Sleep Mode.” It’s impressively quiet, lulling me to sleep a few feet away in the tent. I was surprised by the low decibel level of the sleep mode, as some users had complained it was too loud. I would guess that they had it in the wrong setting.
Placed outside with only the air outlet hose going into the tent, it’s nearly silent; I tried measuring dBs, but it wouldn’t register. (Remember to only do this if a clear night is promised!)
Set Up and Usage Is A Breeze
Setting Up The Mark 2 When Camping
Setting up the Zero Breeze Mark 2 is a swift process. Follow these steps (closely):
- Connect the front air outlet duct and venting hose connection adapters at the rear, securing them in place with the supplied screws.
- Slide the intake and exhaust venting hoses into the rear connection adapter and the front air outlet duct.
- Ensure the drainage pipe is inserted into the rear drainage outlet, maintaining the unit’s elevation above ground for effective drainage.
- Position the MK2 over the battery and latch it securely. Utilize the cable to establish a connection between the battery and the unit and secure the cables.
- Turn it on and that’s it!
Subsequent setups can be completed in just a minute for quick and hassle-free cooling.
*Note that the setup has a learning curve, and you must follow the manual instructions closely. My friends have rushed through the setup and experienced leaks in the pipes that caused condensation and leaks. Take your time and get it right when you initially set it up!
Permanent Installation For Campers and Trucks
For a durable cooling solution in a camper cabin or truck, extensive consideration must be given to address the condensate drainage and optimal hose placement. Begin by following the initial 5-step guide I detailed above, then proceed with the following steps:
For a Camper/RV Bedroom:
- Utilize the provided window mounting kit to guide the intake and exhaust hoses out of the camper/RV window.
- Identify a suitable location for draining condensate, either outside the vehicle or into a designated drain bucket.
For a Truck:
- Anchor the Mark 2 securely to the truck’s cabin floor.
- Channel the condensation pipe along the weather seal or door jam to facilitate continuous drainage.
- Direct the exhaust and intake hoses through the pressure release valve, typically located behind the front trim panel, preventing the re-entry of hot exhaust air into the vehicle.
- Alternatively, employ the foam “window mounting kit” provided in the package. However, note that this may not be the ideal choice for continuous use in a truck, as it obstructs the window view and lacks aesthetic appeal.
Minimal Maintenance Required
Maintaining the Zero Breeze Mark 2 is a straightforward process and while some claim it needs zero maintenance, I’ve found that three simple steps enhance its performance: exterior care, hose checks and coil vacuuming.
Exterior Care: Wipe the exterior bi-weekly or after each camping trip with a damp, mild detergent-dipped cloth, extending the cleaning to the front louvers.
Hose Check: Regularly inspect intake and exhaust pipes for dirt, giving them a wipe-down to prevent yellowing or stains. Consider using a DIY debris filter made from materials like mosquito netting.
Coil Vacuuming: Every 2 to 3 months, vacuum condenser and evaporator coils to remove accumulated dirt or dust. Increase frequency if frequently using Mark 2 outdoors or exposed to harsh weather conditions.
So Is It Value for Money?
To me, the Zero Breeze Mark 2 stands out as a solid investment of $1500, offering superior value compared to common portable air conditioners like EcoFlow WAVE 2.
Despite a $200 price difference with EcoFlow, Mark 2’s lighter, more compact design emphasizes portability.
Competitors like the Vremi 12000 BTU, for instance, fall short in versatility, incapable of providing personal cooling while driving or sustaining extended use during camping.
Notably, the Mark 2 boasts impressive resale value, with used units fetching $1000-1100, highlighting its durability and reliability.
And of course, the real game-changer is the potential for daily savings of $25 for truck drivers, making the Mark 2 a smart, cost-effective choice that pays itself off within months.
***Use code ‘ACLAB’ at checkout for a 5% discount***
How Is The Warranty & Return Policy?
The Zero Breeze Mark 2 comes with a one-year limited warranty. If your unit malfunctions within the warranty period, ZERO BREEZE will repair or replace it free of charge.
However, this is for the contiguous US only – which also applies to returns and refunds.
While I wish the warranty were longer, you can opt to purchase a protection plan known as the Mark 2 Care+.
1 Year Care+ = $129
2 Years Care+ = $149
3 Years Care+ = $179
If you’re going to invest in Care+ at all, I think you should opt for the 3-year version to save the most money!
Will Everyone Benefit From the Zero Breeze?
I don’t recommend the Zero Breeze for those who are seeking to cool a large space, such as an entire RV.
The Mark 3 model is due for release in 2024 and is expected to be targeted at cooling large RVs and bigger spaces as it comes with a higher BTU output.
It’s also not great for home cooling. Even in a rather small bedroom, you’d be better off with a portable AC designed for such use as they are cheaper and more powerful.
That said, the Mark 2 is perfect for its design, which is for small spaces and personal cooling when on the road or camping.
Final Verdict: Am I Happy With My Purchase?
Zero Breeze Mark 2 proves its worth as one of my best investments for camping comfort. I’ve used it for over a year and I’ll be using it a lot longer.
In my opinion, it is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and frequent drivers. It excels in performance and design, delivering instant cooling in challenging conditions.
The added bonus? A risk-free 30-day return policy makes trying the Zero Breeze Mark 2 a no-brainer.
***Use code ‘ACLAB’ at checkout for a 5% discount***
Members of the editorial and news staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal were not involved in the creation of this content.