When it comes to camper vans, air conditioning is a hot topic (pun intended). While vans are designed for adventure, we can’t ignore the reality of rising temperatures, especially in humid regions like the South. Here’s a practical look at air conditioning options in vans, balancing comfort, cost, and practicality.

Air Conditioners: Energy Hogs with Big Demands

Air conditioners are notorious for consuming significant energy. Running one autonomously requires a hefty battery system, typically 600-800 amp hours, which can cost upwards of $10,000-$15,000. Even with this investment, you’re looking at a maximum run time of about 8 hours on a full charge. That’s fine for an evening but leaves you with a dead battery by morning.

The Practical Approach

For many customers, we recommend a more budget-friendly and practical solution:

• Portable Power Stations: A portable power station can run an air conditioner for 1-2 hours, perfect for quick stops like grocery runs or keeping pets cool.
• Shore Power: When planning a trip, consider campgrounds or locations with electrical hookups. This allows you to run your air conditioner continuously without worrying about battery limits.

Alternatives to Air Conditioning

Most van travelers head for cooler climates or plan activities during the heat of the day, making air conditioning less critical. By choosing destinations with higher elevations, proximity to water, or better airflow, you can often avoid the need for constant cooling. At night, temperatures often drop enough to make sleeping comfortable without AC.

For those who still want air conditioning without a large battery system, we often wire AC units to operate exclusively on shore power. This setup keeps costs low and allows you to plug into outlets at campgrounds, driveways, or other powered locations.

Some vans, like passenger Sprinters, come with secondary air conditioners for the rear compartment. However, these only work when the engine is running. While it’s an option for brief cooling, it’s not a sustainable or practical solution for most camping scenarios. These factory AC options also tend to make the build process exceptionally challenging.

Ventilation is often a more practical and cost-effective solution for cooling and moisture control in vans. In a future blog, we’ll dive into the importance of vent fans and point-of-use fans as alternatives to air conditioning. For now, know that a well-placed vent fan and smart planning can go a long way in creating a comfortable van environment.

At Roost Vans, we’re all about providing practical solutions tailored to your needs and budget. Whether you’re considering air conditioning or exploring other options, we’re here to help you create the perfect setup for your van life adventures.

A Camper Van, Not an RV

It’s important to remember that camper vans are built for versatility and adventure, not for mimicking an RV’s luxury. Roost Vans caters to adventurous individuals who use their vans as a home base for exploring. Our approach focuses on functionality and practicality while keeping costs reasonable.

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Let’s face it: when nature calls, even the most adventurous of us need a practical solution. In the compact space of a camper van, toilets can be a tricky topic. At Roost Vans, we’ve spent plenty of time evaluating different options, weighing the pros and cons, and considering the needs of families on the road. Here’s our philosophy on handling “bathroom business” in a van, our toilet solution, and why simplicity always wins.

The Smell Factor: Keeping Your Van Fresh

The first hurdle with any toilet system is managing odors, especially in a confined space. Let’s be real: no matter how healthy your diet is, it’s not going to smell great. That’s why our approach focuses on minimizing smells while keeping the process simple and effective.

As parents, we understand the challenges of potty training, late-night bathroom runs, and the occasional emergency. Most of the time, van toilets are used for quick middle-of-the-night pee breaks or for helping kiddos who can’t make it to the nearest restroom. It’s rare that they’re needed for “the other business”—and when they are, we’ve got a plan for that too.

The Roost Solution: The Loo Bench

At Roost Vans, we’ve opted for a straightforward yet functional solution: the Stansport EasyGo Loo, paired with our custom-designed Loo Bench.

Why the EasyGo Loo?

• Simplicity: No chemicals, no power requirements, and no complex ventilation systems.
• Flexibility: Use it inside the van or easily remove it for outdoor use in a picturesque forest or secluded spot.
• Ease of Cleaning: Empty it into a flushing toilet or bury the waste responsibly in the woods.

The Loo Bench: Discreet and Practical

The Loo Bench is more than just a storage solution—it’s a thoughtfully designed cabinet that keeps odors contained and the toilet out of sight when not in use.

• Tight-Seal Design: The EasyGo Loo’s lid and the Loo Bench’s snug-fit spring-loaded top work together to lock in odors.
• Extra Storage: Space for toilet paper, toiletries, and cleaning supplies ensures everything is in one place.
• Invisible Convenience: When not in use, the Loo Bench blends seamlessly into your van’s interior.

Other Toilet Options: Why We Say “No Thanks”

We’ve evaluated a variety of toilet systems, including cassette toilets, composting toilets, and the Laveo (our nickname: the Diaper Genie). Here’s why they didn’t make the cut:

• Cassette Toilets: Require chemicals and careful disposal. Not ideal for van lifers who prefer a simpler, less messy option.
• Composting Toilets: Bulky, complex, and require constant power for ventilation. Plus, the fan system adds a continuous draw on your battery.
• Laveo Toilets: While convenient, they involve sealing waste in disposable bags, contributing to landfills instead of returning waste to the earth.

By sticking to the chamber pot solution, we’ve kept things affordable, straightforward, and eco-friendly.