When temperatures start to rise, it can be tough to stay comfortable in an RV. You might find yourself sweating through your clothes, or not being able to sleep comfortably in your fan. RV air conditioning is the best way to stay cool, but there are other options. Some people may park their adventure van in places that don’t get as hot as others in the summer months, and can get away without it or others can tolerate the heat better than others. Whether you need AC or just a little extra cooling capacity, there are a few things you can do to stay comfortable in your van. So if RV air conditioners are among your top importance adventure van features, then you should read on.
Strategies for Keeping Cool in Your RV
When it comes to staying cool in your RV, there are multiple strategies you can employ. For example, keeping the RV air moving so it feels cooler is a good strategy. Also, you need to maximize the efficiency of your cooling solution to preserve your battery unless you are on shore power. Many of these strategies apply equally well when you are camping in a camper van, a tent, or RV. Also remember that AC units take more electricity, and AC maintenance may add complexity to your rig.
Types of RV Air Conditioners
There are a few types of RV A/C coolers on the market. One popular type is the evaporative cooler or swamp cooler, which uses a fan to circulate air over a wet pad. This type of cooler is best suited for dry climates, as it can add moisture to the air.
There are air conditioners that use refrigerants to cool air. These types of coolers are more expensive, but they’re also more effective in both dry and humid climates.
Roof Mount Air Conditioners
For people like me and Woodford, a built-in rv air conditioning is a must have. However, not all air conditioners are created equal. When it comes to efficiency and long-term durability, built-in air conditioners that run on direct current (DC) are the best option. Unlike air conditioners that run on alternating current (AC), DC air conditioners are less likely to overheat and break down. They also tend to be more energy-efficient, meaning they’ll save your battery power. Most of these RV air conditioners are made to be mounted on the roof, though some of the higher end ones can ride underneath your chassis. I have listed a few popular models, but you should carefully look at what solution is right for your motorhome.
Coleman Mach 15
The Coleman Mach 15 (affiliate link) is a powerful air conditioning unit that uses DC power, making it more efficient than alternating current AC units. However, the unit is also very large and heavy, making it difficult to install and remove. In addition, the Mach 15 is one of the most expensive air conditioners on the market. While it may not be the right choice for everyone, the Coleman Mach 15 is a powerful and efficient option for those who need to keep their cool in the summer heat.
Dometic Brisk II
The Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner is one of the best options on the market, delivering powerful cooling power (15,000 BTU) and easy installation. The unit mounts directly to your RV’s roof, and it comes with everything you need for a quick and easy installation. Once in place, the Brisk II provides plenty of cooling power, making it an ideal option for those hot summer days. In addition, the unit is designed to be durable and low-maintenance, ensuring that it will provide years of trouble-free operation. If you’re in the market for a new RV air conditioner, the Dometic Brisk II is definitely worth considering.
Under Chassis RV Air Conditioners
Perhaps because this was how they always did it or perhaps because there were no vendors that offered an option for mounting RV AC under the chassis. Until now, most RV air conditioners have been mounted on the roof. Though the trucking industry has been doing under cab air conditioners for many years. We are starting to see cross-over into the RV industry. These units house the compressor and the fan under the RV body, then the cool air is ducted into the living area. Snow & Curt have a nice video on under chassis mounted 12 volt RV air conditioners from a DIY.
Swamp Coolers (Evaporative Coolers)
Swamp coolers are a type of air conditioner that works best in dry climates. They use evaporative cooling to cool the air, which can add moisture to the air. Swamp coolers work by using evaporative cooling to cool the air. This can add moisture to the air, which is why they work better in dry climates. But it can be a problem in humid climates, as the additional humidity can be a net negative for your comfort.
DIY Swamp Coolers
While Amazon sells a variety of evaporative coolers (affiliate link) they have a variety of price points and cooling capability. If you are DIY inclined, you can also create your own swamp cooler for about $25 in parts from your local home improvement store.
Portable Air Conditioners
I have seen folks in skoolies use window mount air conditioning from a home, but these air conditioners need to be removed from the windows when you are on the move, and they aren’t practical. I have seen many vanlifers and other nomads using the Zero Breeze Mark 2 battery operated air conditioner.
Fans
One of the most effective ways to beat the heat is by moving air around. Ceiling fans and floor fans can help circulate the air and make it feel cooler. If your RV has awnings, open them up to create a cross breeze. In addition, try to keep damp items like towels and dishes out of sight to avoid adding humidity levels. Finally, invest in a good quality DC fan. These fans use less energy than traditional AC units, making them ideal for RVs. By following these tips, you can stay cool all summer long.
Roof Fans
In the summer, air conditioning can account for a significant portion of your power bill. One way to reduce your power consumption is to install a roof fan. Roof fans circulate air and help to cool your mobile home, reducing the need for an RV AC unit. In addition, roof fans are available in various sizes and styles to suit any RV. Some models even include features such as remote controls and timers, making it easy to regulate the air flow in your home. When used in conjunction with other energy-saving measures, roof fans can help you keep your power bill under control.
Other ways to stay cool in your RV
Any RV owner knows that one of the challenges of living in a small space is keeping your vehicle cool in the summer months. While fans and air conditioners can help, they can also be noisy and consume a lot of energy. By following these tips, you can stay cool and comfortable all summer long, without breaking the bank on energy costs.
Window shades
If you’re looking for a way to keep your RV cool this summer, window shades are a great option. They’re affordable and easy to install, and they can make a big difference in terms of your comfort level. Especially when it comes to your windshield, which is typically one of the biggest ways that heat comes into your RV. So if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, invest in some good quality window shades. In the winter, they can do double duty to help keep your heating in.
There are many companies that making cut to fit shades that will fit your RVs windows perfectly. Though not all shades are equal. Some are simply for privacy, and others are optimized not only for primacy, but also for insulation value.
Evaporation
Just like a swamp cooler, you can cool yourself via evaporation. A wet bandana around your neck with a breeze blowing can cool you down quite a bit.
Park in the Shade
Here’s one of the biggest conundrums RV owners will have when it comes to keeping cool and charging your batteries. If you are trying to stay cool in the summer, parking in the shade versus direct sunlight will make a biggest difference in your cooling. However, parking in the shade will impact your ability to gather solar. The best option I can see is to park your van or Class B RV in the shade, then use the portable solar panels in the sun. This keeps your RV air conditioning running but also uses less energy then being in full sun.
Use a Bed Cooler
At home, I use a bed cooler (Chilipad Ooler), and it’s drastically improved the quality of my sleep. I plan to use a bed cooler in my RV. There are many models on the market, and I am such a fan I tend to go to the higher end. I think I’ll add an Eight Sleep bed cooler to our Airstream Interstate 24x which sounds extravagant, but if you have ever seen me without sleep, you’d understand.
Stay Cool with or Without RV Air Conditioning
There are various ways to stay cool in your RV, from fans and RV air conditioning to installing window shades. By following these tips, you can keep yourself comfortable all summer long.