source: https://www.caravanqld.com.au/time-for-a-winter-escape/driving-sunset-shot/

If you’re hitting the Aussie roads in your caravan, you know how brutally hot it can get. Whether you’re camping under the blazing sun in the outback or chilling by the coast, a decent caravan air conditioner isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a must-have.

This guide will take you through the different types of caravan air conditioners, how they work, how to pick the right size for your van, what kind of power you’ll need, and how to keep it running smoothly. Whether you’re after a 12V air conditioner or a rooftop unit that’ll keep you frosty in the heat, this is for you.

 

Types of Caravan Air Conditioners and How They Work

Rooftop Air Conditioners

Rooftop air conditioners are the classic choice for most caravanners, especially if you’ve got a full-sized van. They sit on the roof and cool your van from above.

How they work:
They pull the warm air from inside your van and pass it over cold refrigerant coils inside the unit. That chilled air gets pushed back down through ceiling vents. Since cold air sinks, it naturally falls through your van, cooling the whole place evenly.

Most rooftop units are reverse cycle, which means they can heat your van when it gets chilly — handy for those colder nights or winter trips.

Why people love them:

• They don’t take up space inside your van
• Cool air gets spread out nicely because of where they’re placed
• Can double as heaters in winter
• Usually pack enough punch to handle big vans or hot weather

What to keep in mind:

• They add weight and height to your caravan, so make sure your roof can handle it
• Installation usually means cutting a hole in your roof and sealing it properly — best left to the pros
• If you’ve got a pop-top or older van, check the roof strength first

Our pick — Gree Rooftop Models:
Gree’s rooftop air conditioners are built tough for Aussie conditions. They’ve got inverter technology to save power, soft start features so your generator or batteries don’t get overloaded, and they’re pretty quiet too. Whether you’re at a powered site or off-grid, these units will keep you comfy without draining your power too fast.

 

Under-Bunk Air Conditioners

If your van’s roof can’t take the weight or you’re rocking a pop-top, an under-bunk air conditioner might be the way to go. These bad boys sit inside your van, usually under the bed or a seat, and push cool air through ducts around your space.

How they work:
They pull outside air in through vents near the floor, cool it inside the unit, then push it through ducts to different areas inside your van. Because they sit low, your roof stays free for other gear like solar panels or roof racks.

Good points:

• Perfect for vans where rooftop units aren’t an option
• Keeps weight low, which can help with towing stability
• Let’s you keep your roof clear for other stuff

Things to think about:

• They take up space inside your van, usually under beds or seats
• Cooling might not be as even since it relies on ducting
• Floor vents can be exposed to dirt, dust, and water, especially if you do river crossings
• Installation can get tricky and a bit pricey

Under-bunk units do the job, especially in small vans or campers. But if you’re after the best all-round comfort and have the roof space, rooftop units usually win out.

 

Picking the Right Size Air Conditioner for Your Van

Getting the size right is super important. Too small and your unit will be working flat out all day trying to keep cool. Too big and it’ll switch on and off too often, wasting power and wearing out faster.

Here’s a rough guide:

Caravan Internal Size	Cooling Capacity
Up to 16 feet (around 5 m)	2.0 to 2.5 kW
16 to 24 feet (5 to 7.3 m)	3.0 kW or more
Bigger than 24 feet	Might need two units

Other things to think about:

• If your van isn’t well insulated or has canvas sides, you might want to go a bit bigger
• Vans with lots of rooms or complicated layouts might need ducted systems or more power
• If you’re camping in the scorching north for long stretches, size up for the heat

source: https://www.galaxyrv.net/blog/different-types-of-rvs-motorhomes-trailers-campers-haulers/

Powering Your Air Conditioner Off-Grid

If you’re going off-grid, power becomes a big deal. Running an air conditioner on batteries, solar, or a generator needs some planning.

Here’s what you’ll usually need:

• A decent inverter rated around 2000 watts continuous
• Good deep-cycle lithium batteries with enough capacity
• Solar panels of 400 watts or more to keep batteries topped up
• An efficient air conditioner with soft start to keep power surges low

Gree rooftop models tick these boxes with their inverter and soft-start tech. This means less power use and less strain on your gear, which can save you cash and headaches down the track.

 

What Size Generator Do You Need for Your Caravan Air Conditioner?

Most rooftop caravan air conditioners draw around 1350 watts while running, but startup can surge to 2500–3000 watts. That initial spike is often where generators fall short.

To cover that load and avoid tripping or stalling:

• A 2400-watt inverter generator is usually considered the minimum
• If your air conditioner includes soft-start technology (as found in Gree units), a quality 2kVA inverter generator may be enough
• Always choose an inverter generator for quieter operation and stable voltage
• Be sure to check your air conditioner's startup wattage before making a purchase

Getting the right generator size ensures reliable performance, especially in warmer weather. If you plan to power other appliances alongside your air con, or just want extra headroom, a 2.4–3kVA generator provides a more versatile and dependable option.

source: https://www.bluedm.com.au/blog/choosing-the-best-caravan-generator/

Installation and Other Things to Consider

When installing a rooftop air conditioner:

• Make sure your roof can handle the weight, especially if you’ve got a pop-top
• Remember, rooftop units add height — check you can still fit under carports or in your garage
• Get a pro to install it properly — leaks and wiring issues are not worth the risk

If you’re going under-bunk, plan for ducting and space inside your van. Sometimes it means giving up a bit of storage.

 

Keeping Your Air Conditioner Running Well

A little maintenance goes a long way:

• Clean or replace your air filters every 2 to 4 weeks during use
• Check vents and ducts for dust and blockages
• Inspect roof seals before and after storage to avoid leaks
• Keep drain lines clear to stop water building up
• Look out for insects or nests if your van has been sitting for a while
• Once per year have the unit serviced. This will maintain peak performance

 

To Wrap Up

Picking the right caravan air conditioner comes down to your van size, roof strength, how you travel, and your power setup.

For most full-size vans and serious travellers, rooftop units like Gree’s are the best bet for performance, power efficiency, and off-grid use.

If your van is smaller or has roof restrictions, under-bunk air conditioners can work well, but they come with a few trade-offs.

Match your unit size, power needs, and installation to your van and travel style, and you’ll stay cool no matter how hot it gets on the road.

If you’re unsure about your full load profile (e.g. adding a microwave, kettle, or other caravan appliances), always give yourself extra overhead. It’ll ensure stable performance and extend the life of your generator.

 

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