Portable Air Conditioners: A Camper's Best Friend?

If you're planning a camping trip and want to stay cool and comfortable, you might want to consider a portable air conditioner. Portable air conditioners are a relatively simple and cost-effective solution for your campervan or RV. They are easy to install, affordable, and safe to use. However, choosing the right one for your vehicle can be tricky as there are many options available in the market. In this article, we will discuss the factors you need to consider when choosing a portable air conditioner for your campervan or RV, and provide recommendations for some of the best products on the market.

Types of air conditioners for camper vans

There are several types of air conditioners for camper vans, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a detailed overview of the most common types:

Rooftop Air Conditioners

Rooftop air conditioners are installed on the roof of the camper van, which saves valuable interior space. These units can be either ducted or non-ducted, blowing air through ducts in the ceiling or walls, or directly from the unit itself, respectively. Rooftop air conditioners typically use a compressor to cool the air and then blow it back into the living space, while hot air is expelled outside. They are usually powered by shore power or a generator and can be quite power-hungry, so it is important to consider the power source when choosing this type of air conditioner. Another drawback is that they add height to the vehicle, which can be a problem when parking indoors or when there are height restrictions.

Vent Free/Portable Air Conditioners

Vent-free or portable air conditioners are small, affordable, and easy to set up. They are often powered by batteries and can be moved around or stored away when not in use. However, they are usually less powerful than rooftop units and may struggle to cool larger spaces effectively. These units use evaporated water to cool the air and are most effective in dry, Mediterranean climates. In humid environments, the moisture they add to the air is not removed, which can lead to uncomfortable humidity levels.

Vented Air Conditioners

Vented air conditioners are placed near a window so that the hose can lead outside. They use outdoor air to cool the temperature down and filter out stale air from the camper van interior. They also use evaporated water to prevent the room from drying out, making them a 3-in-1 solution for ventilation, cooling, and adding moisture to the air. However, the process of venting these units can be tedious, especially if there is no easy access to a window.

Window Air Conditioners

Window air conditioners are mounted on the window of the camper van and are a cheap and low-power option for cooling. They need to be vented, and tight framing needs to be created around them for a good fit. They can also be placed near the floor and vented out the side or bottom of the van.

Mini-Split Cooling Units

Mini-split cooling units are less common but are still an option for cooling camper vans. They consist of two parts: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air blower for heating and cooling. They are efficient and don't take up too much space, but the installation can be more complicated than other types of air conditioners.

How to install a portable air conditioner in a caravan

Yes, you can use a portable air conditioner in a caravan. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install one:

Step 1: Choose the Right Portable Air Conditioner

First, you need to select the right type of portable air conditioner for your caravan. There are two main types: vented and vent-free. Vented air conditioners are more common and effective in cooling your caravan, but they need to be placed near a window for ventilation. Vent-free air conditioners are less effective in humid climates as they do not remove stale air from the caravan.

Additionally, consider the size and power of the air conditioner. Calculate the square footage of your caravan by measuring its length and width and multiplying those numbers. Then, determine the required BTU (British Thermal Unit) by multiplying the square footage by 20. You can also refer to standard RV sizes and BTU requirements charts to ensure you get an air conditioner with sufficient cooling capacity.

Step 2: Gather Installation Tools and Accessories

Most portable air conditioners come with the necessary tools and instructions for installation. However, you may need additional accessories, such as specific adaptors to mount the AC securely and H-frames to provide additional support, especially if your caravan doesn't already have one.

Step 3: Prepare the Caravan for Installation

Before beginning the installation, cut the power to your caravan as a safety precaution. This will prevent any accidental electrical issues during the process.

Step 4: Install the Portable Air Conditioner

Follow the instructions provided with your portable air conditioner for installation. If you are installing a rooftop air conditioner, ensure it fits securely and doesn't add too much weight to the roof, which could affect the caravan's handling and fuel consumption.

For vented air conditioners, if you don't have a window, you may need to drill small holes in the caravan walls for the AC vents to pass through. Secure the vents with tape and zip lines to prevent movement while driving. Cover any excess holes with insulation to maintain efficiency and keep out animals.

Step 5: Test the Air Conditioner

Once the installation is complete, restore power to your caravan and test the air conditioner. Ensure it is functioning properly and cooling your caravan effectively.

Step 6: Maintain the Air Conditioner

Regular maintenance of your portable air conditioner is essential to keep it in good condition. Clean the filters regularly, especially if you use the AC frequently, as dirty filters can lead to bad odours and trigger respiratory issues.

Additionally, keep the unit itself clean to prevent obstructed air intake, which can result in the AC blowing lukewarm air instead of cool air.

By following these steps, you can effectively install and maintain a portable air conditioner in your caravan, ensuring a comfortable and cool environment for your travels.

Other options for keeping cool in a camper van

There are several ways to keep cool in a camper van without air conditioning. Here are some options:

Park Strategically

Parking in a shaded area or in the shadow of a tree can significantly reduce the interior temperature of your van. If you need solar power, position your van so that the slider door faces away from the sun. Also, try to park on gravel or dirt instead of paved spots, as concrete and asphalt absorb heat.

Insulation

Insulation helps keep your van cool in the summer and warm in the winter. You can insulate your van with materials like 3M Thinsulate or wool. Additionally, blackout curtains, shades, or reflective window covers can further block the sun and keep the inside cool.

Fans

Invest in quality fans to improve airflow and circulation. Roof fans, such as the MaxxAir or Fan-tastic Fan, are excellent options, but even portable or battery-powered fans can make a big difference. With two fans, you can set one to pull air in while the other pushes air out, creating a cross breeze.

Open Windows and Doors

Opening windows and doors allows for cross ventilation and lets you enjoy the sounds of nature. If you have screens on your windows, you can leave them open without worrying about insects.

Dress Comfortably

Wear light and breathable clothing made with polyester, spandex, or other sweat-wicking materials. Avoid socks and go barefoot inside your van to keep your feet cool.

Awnings

Awnings provide shade and shelter from the sun. They attach to your roof rack or the side of your van and can be retracted when not in use. Portable awnings like the Moonshade awning are lightweight, compact, and easy to set up.

Cool Showers and Swimming

If your van has a shower, consider taking a cold shower to cool down. You can also take a dip in a natural body of water or use a public shower to cool off.

Cooking Outside

Cooking inside your van adds heat to the living area. Instead, cook outside using a portable camp stove or fire, or take advantage of a communal campsite kitchen.

Visit Cooler Locations

Plan your route to avoid extremely hot locations during the summer. Visit coastal or high-elevation areas, where the temperatures are typically cooler.

How not to keep cool in a camper van

Don't Use a Misting Fan

An example of a misting fan is the Arctic Air. This might be a good solution for some situations, but it's not recommended for a camper van. The fan cools and humidifies an area by using water, which you don't want to do in a van's interior.

Avoid Evaporative Coolers

Some people use evaporative coolers in their vans. These coolers release humid air, which is not a good choice to use in a vehicle.

When looking for a solution to make your camper van more comfortable, focus on finding ways to create cool and dry air in the small space. These solutions will work best in a confined area.

Don't Rely on Electricity

You can't always stay in places with electricity when you're living in a van, so you'll need to find other ways to keep cool.

Don't Forget to Insulate

Insulation is key to regulating temperature in your van. Improving the insulation can make a huge change to how well your van regulates temperature.

Don't Cook Inside

Cooking inside your van will only add to the heat. Cooking meals outside will prevent adding unnecessary heat to the inside of your van.

Don't Park in Direct Sunlight

On a warm day, it isn't easy to cool down your van when it's parked in direct sunlight. The heat will seep in, and it will be more challenging to cool down no matter how effectively you insulated your vehicle.

Safety tips for setting up an AC for tent camping

• Only use ACs meant for outdoor use. Even inside a tent, you are still exposed to the elements.
• Place the AC on a sturdy platform. Avoid putting the camping air conditioner directly on the ground. A simple, sturdy plank can provide enough insulation from the damp soil.
• Waterproof all electrical connections. Cover and insulate all plugs and connections with small enclosures or electrical tape.
• If there is a drain option, use it! These drains are not always labelled as mandatory, but it is highly recommended to use one if it comes with your portable AC. This will keep any collected condensation away from you and your belongings.
• Choose the lightest possible camping air conditioner, weighing 30 pounds or less. You may have to carry your tent air conditioner for a while before reaching your camping spot, so a light unit is always better.
• Try to pick a machine with a small form factor, as free space in tents is generally limited.
• For camping ACs, weight matters, especially if you have to carry the unit to a distant camping spot. You may need to keep your AC near you in your tent, and even if it’s outside, tents don’t block much noise. Try to find a portable air conditioner that produces no more than 50 dB of noise when running. A noise level of 50 dB is comparable to light rain.
• Aim for a warranty of at least one year. All units on this list feature year-long warranties, but some, like the EcoFlow Wave 2, stand out with its standard two-year warranty. Also, make sure that the brand's customer service has solid reviews online.

Frequently asked questions