Is it Possible to Install an Air Conditioner in a Caravan?

Since you would be spending a great deal of time in a caravan while travelling and camping, you would want it to be as comfortable as possible. And if you travel in your caravan during the summer, especially since summers are getting hotter every year, it is a no-brainer to have the best air conditioner inside your caravan. Consider air conditioning, additional insulation, enhanced ventilation, awnings, and fans when planning to stay cool. Some are simple and inexpensive but can have a significant impact on comfort. Finding the best air conditioner for your caravan is no easy task, which is where we come in!

In this article, we will be answering the question, “Can you put aircon in a caravan?” and going over why it will be beneficial to install one before you go on your road trip!

Things to Consider when Installing an Air Conditioner in a Caravan

• Where can the air conditioner be installed? 

Caravan air conditioning is a must if you're not a seasoned traveller who is used to the heat or if you're travelling through Australia. Air conditioning units for caravans can be mounted externally or integrated into the caravan's cabin. In contrast to standard home air conditioners, caravan air conditioners are designed specifically for use in mobile environments. All of the brackets and mountings are built to withstand vibrations, and the design makes them waterproof.

The two most common types of air conditioners for caravans are rooftop units and built-in units. Both may have advantages and disadvantages depending on the camper van you possess. When purchasing an air conditioner, it is essential to consider the required type and size. Typically, a household unit will not work well with your RV because it is too powerful or inefficient in comparison to campervan units.

Determining which air conditioning system is the best fit requires careful consideration – what size space do we need? How frequently will it be utilised? Air conditioners for camper vans are designed for mobile homes and should be the focus of your search for one. When evaluating the available options, consider the mounting location.

• Rooftop Air Conditioners

Rooftop air conditioners are designed to fit atop a caravan's roof. The primary advantage of using a rooftop air conditioner is that it occupies little space in the living area, thereby freeing up space for other purposes. The installation of this type of air conditioner is also very simple and straightforward. It is the most popular option for people who own a caravan that is compatible with this type of air conditioner. 

The air conditioner on the roof provides effective cooling as cold air falls and can increase your RV's wind resistance. Roof-mounted ACs are also considered very effective at cooling, as cold air sinks and quickly descends to the van's living space, where it can be felt. Rooftop air conditioners are designed to prevent water from entering the van by fitting into the preexisting hole in the van's roof. They can also withstand the vibrations generated by a moving caravan making them perfect for long and adventurous road trips.

• Built-in Caravan Air Conditioners

Roof-mounted air conditioning units for caravans are not compatible with all vans, but they are ideal for pop-top caravans, camper vans, and camper trailers with a single-skin roof. In such cases, a built-in air conditioning unit can be installed underneath the bed or within a closet. In these types of caravans, installing a rooftop air conditioner will add weight to the roof, affecting the air conditioner's lifting mechanism.

The built-in caravan air conditioners are ideal for camper vans and trailers with a single-layer roof. Adding an air conditioner to the roof of these caravans will add weight to the top of the vehicle. This may cause the roof to sag, reducing the efficiency of the air conditioning. There are two types of camper van air conditioners: split systems and duct units. Generally, split systems are installed in a cabinet or beneath a bench, whereas rooftop air conditioners are noisier. However, the minimal space requirements of compact caravans make them ideal.

The built-in air conditioners have a split system or duct unit that is mounted on a cabinet or under a bunk or bench in the caravan. The integrated caravan is quieter than the roof-mounted caravans. The under-bunk ducted built-in air conditioner occupies no space in the caravan, making it ideal for smaller, less spacious caravans.

• How do you install an air conditioner into your caravan?

Most campervan air conditioners come with all the necessary tools and instructions for a safe installation. However, you may need to search for some additional accessories when you plan on installing your AC. Nevertheless, it is always prudent to invest in additional safety equipment, such as:

• Adaptors

Specific adaptors are required to mount the AC securely. For instance, if you wish to permanently install a 360mm AC unit in a larger space, you will need a 400mm adaptor for your roof. Other adaptors may provide additional support for the thickness of the roof and allow them to support the weight and dimensions of a large air conditioner.

• H-Frames

H-frames are installed on the roof of your caravan to provide additional support and strength to the rooftop air conditioner. If your caravan does not already have an H-Frame, you will need to fabricate one. Consider an aluminium frame to reduce the overall weight of your van while maintaining the necessary strength. They are not required, but they are well worth the investment if you have any concerns.

If you want to install a dedicated split-system unit in your camper, you'll need expert assistance or call a professional to install it for you. Since some units require refrigerated lines to produce cold air, you will need an AC technician to install this in your vehicle in order to meet all legal requirements. If you do not know how to mount your AC unit properly, a number of RV dealerships and workshops can install a unit of any size or style.

• How heavy does it weigh?

When purchasing an air conditioner for your caravan, you must consider both its weight and energy consumption. The weight and size of the air conditioner must also be considered. Every additional kilogram will affect the caravan's overall weight, handling, and fuel consumption. The typical air conditioner weight for your caravan should be approximately 40 kilograms. There is typically a maximum weight limit for caravans, so be sure to add the weight of additional appliances like caravan refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, and awnings to ensure your total weight is legal.

• How does the Cooling and Heating system work?

When purchasing a caravan air conditioner, it is crucial to examine the cooling and heating system. Some air conditioners cool the air via heat exchange and warm it via an electrical heating element. Although it is not the most efficient method of heating, it does an excellent job of keeping your caravan warm in even the coldest weather.

The majority of caravan air conditioners are reverse cycle units, which use a single compressor for both cooling and heating. These units are the most efficient on the market, but freezing temperatures can cause damage to their components. Due to its energy efficiency, we recommend a reverse cycle unit for the climate in Australia. However, a heating element system will serve you best if you travel to regions with freezing temperatures.

• How effective is it at cooling your caravan?

Insulation must be considered when calculating the effectiveness of an air conditioner in a caravan. When calculating their product's efficiency, most air conditioner manufacturers assume that a caravan is insulated. Keep in mind that a roof constructed out of canvas will be less effective at retaining cool air.

Even well-insulated RVs can reach temperatures of 30 °C or higher after the sun has been shining all day. Not only in the hot southern climate but also in temperate regions. The obvious solution is to turn on the air conditioning to enjoy a refreshing breeze. We find 18 to 23 degrees Celsius and 40 to 70 percent relative humidity to be comfortable. According to the experts, the interior temperature should be no more than 8 °C below the average room temperature. If not, you risk catching a cold.

• How does the weight of your caravan affect the AC you need?

Two types of air conditioners are suitable for installation in caravans. If the length of the caravan is 5 metres, a 2-2.5 kW air conditioner is sufficient for maximum cooling. Vehicles longer than seven metres are required to have a 3 kW alternator or an air conditioner. Your financial resources should also determine the size. However, you must keep in mind that this will only provide sufficient air conditioning if your unit is larger. Check with your installer for advice on the appropriate air conditioner size for your caravan.

• What are the other methods for cooling your caravan?

In addition to the compressor-based air conditioning systems described previously, there are a few evaporation-based products on the caravan market. Suppose you prefer to be independent while travelling in your RV. Due to their low power consumption, these devices have the advantage of being able to run on the 12-volt onboard battery for more extended periods of time. However, these air conditioners cannot compete with compressor air conditioners in terms of cooling capacity. Without the need for a cooling unit, a roof fan can be a cost-effective method for removing the accumulated heat from your motorhome in regions with moderate climates.

Bottom Line

Choosing the right caravan air conditioner can be challenging, but it's essential to consider a number of factors when making your choice. Most importantly, you must ensure that your van's air conditioning unit will fit within the available space. If you purchase a quality air conditioner for your caravan, it will come with a comprehensive installation and instruction manual. It is recommended, however, that you hire a qualified professional to install it for you. If you have any doubts, contact a professional for assistance with installing your air conditioner. They will be able to provide guidance and ensure proper installation.

If you are looking for high quality RV Parts and Caravan Accessories, then RV Parts Express is the company you need to look into! We are the only online specialty RV parts retailer that offers a comprehensive selection of RV, Camper, and Boat parts and accessories from the manufacturer. Your orders are fulfilled exclusively by our warehouses or the manufacturer, never by a third party. This gives us complete control over order processing, direct customer service capabilities, and excellent purchasing power. We do not operate other websites selling sporting goods, hardware, books, or anything else. We specialise in RV, motor home, and camper parts, and if we wouldn't install it on our own RVs, we won't sell it to you. This has been the case for over 20 years and will continue to be the case!