Pop up camper air conditioner; is it worth it?

Delve into the wonders of pop-up camper AC units. Find out the types, the pros and cons and whether a pop up camper air conditioner would suit you and your camper van.

Introduction to Pop up camper air conditioners

A common debate among campers is if the need for a pop up camper air conditioner is necessary.

When summer knocks on the door, it brings in a ton of adventurous activities, making your camper a portable household. Camping in your pop-up camper is one way to spend the warm season. Although you might enjoy the warm temperature, it might become a bother after a while. This is where pop-up camper air conditioners come in.

A pop-up camper air conditioner keeps your pop-up camper cool and the air circulating in contrast to the harsh temperature outdoors. But when you factor in some conditions, are they worth it? In this article, we will be exploring the options of pop-up camper air conditioners.         

pop up camper air conditioner
Pop up campers can get quite hot but there are many options for cooling it

How do you keep a pop-up camper cool?

Pop-up campers generally serve as multi-purpose vehicles. They provide many functions including camping, storage, and transportation. Despite their numerous benefits, users often complain about the hot temperature.

The main reason for this problem is the way pop-up campers are constructed. Pop-up campers are partly made up of non-insulated canvas making air conditioning or heating difficult.

However, this should not be a cause for concern. Here are ways you can keep a pop-up camper cool:

  • Insulation: In simple terms, insulators prevent heat flow coming from one medium to penetrate to another medium. Hence, insulating your pop-up camper ensures that the heat from outdoors does not come indoors. There are a couple of insulating methods you can choose from. Some of them include reflective tarps, bunk insulation, use of pool noodles, among others.
  • Air conditioning: This is a more obvious cooling system to keep the temperature of a pop-up camper cool. This method has been proven to be efficient even though its installation may cause the pop-up camper to be heavy. 

Do pop-up campers have air conditioning?

Some campers are purchased with air conditioning, but because of their structure, many pop up campers do not come with air conditioning. If you are particular about air conditioning, you should look into pop-up campers that already have air conditioners installed. A good alternative to this is going ahead and installing one for yourself.

Can you put air conditioning in a pop-up camper?

You don’t have to worry too much if your pop-up camper does not have air conditioning installed. Yes, you can install one for yourself! However, if you are not savvy in that area, you can employ the help of experts in the field. This is advisable because the process can be quite technical and tasking.

There are quite a few types of pop-up air conditioners you may choose from including; roof mounted AC, Portable AC units, roof ventilation fans and window mounted AC’s. Your choice may depend on various factors like cost, size of the pop-up camper, and preference. Here we will go through the types of air conditioners you can use for a pop-up camper.

  • Roof-mounted air conditioner: This is one of the most favorable air conditioning options in a pop-up camper. It is usually installed on the roof of the pop-up camper. This allows even cold air circulation throughout the camper with minimal noise. The downside of this option is the high amount of power it uses. Also, it is quite difficult to install with the installation fee being relatively high. Here is one option on Amazon.
pop up camper air conditioner
Roof mounted air conditioners are popular but can be expensive to install and run
  • Portable air conditioning units: This is a mobile air conditioner with an in-built fan for even cool air circulation. It is preferred in many cases because you can move it at any time and anywhere, although taking up precious floor space. The portable units have a big advantage when it comes to convenience of use. Installation is also not a problem as you can keep it in any spot in your pop-up camper. Although, the fact that it is quite noisy and not operated by a battery can be a big disadvantage.
pop up camper air conditioner
Portable AC units are effective but do take up valuable space
  • Roof ventilation fan: Unlike conventional fans, the roof vent fan produces more air and enables better circulation. Alternatively, this fan can serve as a ceiling fan, pushing cool air down and allowing hot air to rise. You also do not have to worry about rain getting into your camper as there is a rain vent cover for protection. A roof ventilation fan takes up little room compared to portable fans.
pop up camper air conditioner
Roof vent fans allow for good circulation

Can you put a window AC in a camper?

As the name implies, a window AC is usually installed in window spaces or vents. For this reason, many wonder if these AC units can be installed in structures like pop-up campers. The answer is yes!

Window AC’s are so portable and easy to install that they are accommodating to pop-up campers. Although one should keep in mind that window AC units are constructed mainly for old-fashioned windows. Your camper might need some parts taken out for it to properly suit a window-mounted unit. Hence, you may seek the help of a professional to ensure clean installation and preserve the quality of your camper.

pop up camper air conditioner
Window AC units can be installed in your pop up, but you will need a professional for this, to ensure it’s possible for your camper and to ensure the job is done properly

Can RV AC run all day?

There is a popular misconception that letting your RV AC run all day may cause serious problems. This is simply not true. You can leave your RV AC on for as long as you want considering certain conditions are met.

pop up camper air conditioner

For starters, your AC has to be connected to a suitable power supply. In most cases, the most preferable option is a generator. Generators are very effective in powering AC units as they are economical and use very little gasoline.

But don’t get too carried away by its efficiency. Bear in mind the power that air conditioners dissipate. You should also remember that AC units may shorten the life of your camper. With this in mind, ensure to conduct proper maintenance on your camper and your AC unit!

How much does it cost to add AC to a pop-up camper?

Adding AC units to pop-up campers are generally not expensive. You can get them set up for anything between $300 to $1000. But of course, this is just the price range. You may get it done cheaper or even more expensive depending on some given factors. If you are installing the AC units yourself, for example, the cost will be a lot cheaper. You also need to consider the type of air conditioner and their British Thermal Unit (BTU).

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British Thermal Units are a measurment of heat. The larger the area to cool the higher the BTUs need to be. The simplest way to measure is multiply the square foot area of your pop up camper by 40. Unadequate insulation will mean you need a higher BTU.

Which air conditioners are best for pop-up campers?

Besides the options listed above, here are some options for portable AC units which may suit your needs:

BLACK+DECKER Portable Conditioner

BTUs: 8,000

Weight: 68 pounds

Dimensions: 6.5 x 11.5 x 26 inches

SereneLife Portable Conditioner

BTUs: 8,000

Weight: 46.3 pounds

Dimensions: 14.6 x 13.8 x 27.2 inches

Honeywell Portable AC

BTUs: 10,000

Weight: 64 pounds

Dimensions: 18.9 x 15.7 x 31.3 inches

Midea Portable AC

BTUs: 10,000

Weight: 65.3 pounds

Dimensions: 17.1 x 13 x 28.3 inches

Is a pop-up camper AC unit worth it?

The process of installing pop-up campers can be quite tasking and costly. But it is indeed an amazing investment! As a frequent camper, installing an AC unit in your pop-up camper is worth it, especially in the long run. A camper air conditioner can come in handy after a hot day outdoors. It improves users’ comfort drastically and provides a more enjoyable experience. 

pop up camper air conditioner
What’s the price on your comfort, when camping?

Other things to consider when wanting an air conditioning unit:

There are many things to consider when making your selection. Do you have preferences for; Fan speed? Remote control operable? Sleep mode? Cooling power? Portable vs fixed?

You also need to consider; the size of your pop up camper, structure, fittings, power supply, installation.

Each type of air conditioner has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the type of pop up camper you have. You may just want to opt for a fan.

Conclusion – Pop up camper air conditioners

This article has proven the importance of pop-up campers as an incredible long-term investment. It also shows that no matter your budget or preference, there is a pop-up camper AC out there for you. So, whether you need a highly effective unit, portable unit, or even an affordable one, the plethora of camper AC units are at your disposal.

So don’t let the harsh temperature outdoors get in the way of your van life and camping activities. Weigh up all your options and choose the pop-up camper air conditioner that is best for you!

pop up camper air conditioner
Happy camping!

Ken

I’m originally from the bush, but I currently live in the big smoke of Sydney, Australia. I am based out of here for work, where I fly Cargo operations all over the world. I am no stranger to the open road and have previously road tripped my way all around Australia in a station wagon and a tent as I progressed from job to job building flying experience for my Aviation career. This blog is all about detailing my journey as I seek to trade my city life for Van life. Things that really attract me to Van life are the Freedom, Minimalism and Financial Independence it brings.

Ken has 61 posts and counting. See all posts by Ken

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