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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