Air Conditioners FAQ

 

What should I know before buying an RV air conditioner?

Choosing the right RV air conditioner is key to staying comfortable on the road. Whether you're driving through hot outback regions or heading into cooler climates, we offer air conditioning units designed for year-round comfort. Many of our models include built-in heating, making them perfect for both summer cooling and winter warmth in your caravan or motorhome.

How is a Caravan or RV Air Conditioner Different from a Household Unit?

Although household and RV air conditioners both provide heating and cooling, they are built for very different applications. A caravan split system or RV-specific air conditioner is specifically designed for mobile environments and travel conditions.

Why RV and Caravan Air Conditioners Are Better for Travel:

  • Built for the road: These units are engineered to handle constant vibrations, bumps, and movement without damaging components.
  • Weather protection: Their aerodynamic designs help deflect wind and rain while driving, preventing water leaks, rust, or electrical faults.
  • Longer lifespan when mobile: Using a household unit in a moving vehicle can shorten its life. RV air conditioners are made to last in travel conditions.
  • Space-efficient design: Compact and practical for small interiors, these units are tailored to fit in caravans and motorhomes.
  • Lower power draw: Many RV models are more energy efficient and compatible with portable generators, making them ideal for off-grid use.

Things to Keep in Mind:

Due to the specialised engineering and testing involved, RV air conditioners often cost more than standard household units. However, this investment ensures reliability, safety, and performance while on the road.

Compact and lightweight caravan air conditioner

GREE caravan air conditioners deliver powerful cooling in a compact and lightweight design. Ideal for RVs ranging from 5 metres to over 8 metres, these units are among the smallest on the market without sacrificing performance. Installation is simple, and for larger caravans, multiple GREE air conditioners can be paired to create separate temperature zones, ensuring personalised comfort throughout your journey.

Comparing Types of Caravan and RV Air Conditioners

Roof-Mounted Air Conditioners

The most popular choice for caravans and RVs, roof-mounted air conditioners save valuable interior space by being installed on the vehicle’s roof. This positioning helps circulate cool air efficiently throughout your caravan or motorhome, as cool air naturally sinks from a higher point.

Advantages:

  • Frees up interior space for storage and living areas.
  • Suitable for most caravans, motorhomes, and RVs, and can be retrofitted as an upgrade.
  • Quieter operation compared to floor-mounted units, contributing to a better night’s sleep.
  • Easy access for maintenance and servicing.

Considerations:

  • Lightweight camper vans or pop-top caravans may lack the roof strength to support these units without additional reinforcement, such as an aluminium H-frame to distribute the weight.

Under-Bunk or Built-In Air Conditioners

Under-bunk air conditioners are commonly installed in camper trailers and pop-top caravans where the roof can’t support a rooftop unit. These systems fit beneath beds or inside cupboards and can be ducted to distribute air as needed.

Advantages:

  • Cost-effective alternative for camper trailers and pop-tops without modifying the roof.
  • Ideal for smaller spaces where roof mounting isn’t possible.

Considerations:

  • Takes up interior space that could otherwise be used for storage.
  • Generally less effective in cooling compared to rooftop or split systems in smaller caravans. 

 

Split System Air Conditioners

Split systems feature an indoor unit that resembles a traditional box air conditioner, while the compressor is mounted remotely outside the caravan or RV. These units are often used in camper trailers or pop-tops where roof mounting isn’t viable.

Advantages:

  • Suitable for applications where roof strength is limited, providing a practical cooling solution without major structural changes.
  • Easier maintenance due to accessible indoor and outdoor units.

Considerations:

  • The indoor unit occupies interior space, potentially reducing storage options.
  • Space management can be challenging when packing your caravan or RV for travel.

Size Makes a Difference

When selecting an air conditioner for your caravan or RV, the length of your vehicle plays a crucial role. Larger RVs with more internal space require air conditioners with higher cooling capacities. In many cases, especially for vehicles over 8 metres long, multiple air conditioning units may be necessary to effectively cool the entire space. The cooling power of an RV air conditioner is measured by its nominal capacity, usually expressed in BTUs (British Thermal Units), which indicates how much cooling the unit can provide for your caravan or motorhome.

What Is an Inverter Air Conditioner?

An inverter air conditioner employs advanced technology to regulate the compressor's speed, allowing it to adjust its cooling output based on the room's temperature. Unlike traditional units that operate at a constant speed, inverter systems provide more precise temperature control and improved energy efficiency.

Key Benefits:

  • Reduced Power Surge: Traditional air conditioners often draw a large amount of power upon startup, known as inrush current. Inverter units minimize this surge, leading to less strain on your electrical system and reducing the likelihood of tripped breakers .
  • Enhanced Energy Efficiency: By adjusting the compressor's speed to match the cooling demand, inverter air conditioners consume less energy, potentially lowering electricity bills over time.
  • Quieter Operation: The ability to modulate compressor speed results in quieter operation, contributing to a more comfortable environment.
  • Extended Equipment Lifespan: The reduced mechanical stress from variable speed operation can lead to a longer lifespan for the air conditioning unit.

Considerations:

  • Initial Cost: Inverter air conditioners may have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional units.
  • Compatibility: It's essential to ensure that your existing electrical system can support the variable power demands of an inverter air conditioner.

Can Caravan Air Conditioners Provide Heating Too?

Yes, many caravan air conditioners come with built-in heating functions, offering year-round climate control for your RV or caravan. For effective heating, under-bench or built-in air conditioners are often recommended over rooftop units, as heat rises and these systems distribute warmth more efficiently at lower levels inside your vehicle.