There’s something extraordinary about camping in a pop-up camper. Unfortunately, many of these rigs often lack luxuries like air conditioning.
If you want to stay cool during adventures, installing an A/C unit for your pop-up camper might be worth it. But is it even possible?
Today, we’re diving in and answering this question. We’ll even provide you with some great options to consider.
Let’s get started!
Yes, adding an AC unit to a pop-up camper is possible. This can be a great way to stay cool and comfortable during those summer trips. While most pop-up campers do not come with air conditioners, they can accommodate them as aftermarket upgrades.
However, as we’ll discuss, you must consider some essential things. Not thinking through the process or overlooking important factors can cause severe issues for you and your camper. Take your time doing research and make sure you select the right unit.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for more, check out these Pop-Up Camper Hacks You Have to try!
When it comes to your options for an A/C unit for a pop-up camper, you’ll have a few options. Which type is right for your situation will depend on your specific camper. Let’s take a look at the
A portable A/C unit is one of the best solutions for these situations. They’re simple and easy to use. You can move them in and out of the camper as needed. They typically have an exhaust hose that expels the warm air outside.
A benefit of choosing a portable A/C unit is its easy installation. You don’t have to worry about ductwork or other complicated equipment. Additionally, they’re relatively inexpensive and come with a series of useful features. It’s not uncommon for them to have timers, remote controls, or varying fan speeds.
Although this may sound like the perfect solution, there are some weaknesses. The exhaust hose needs to get routed outside. This can mean you have few options regarding where to place it inside your camper. Additionally, they tend to be lower and can only maintain a small space.
Rooftop AC units are one of the most common models to keep RVs cool. These sit on the roof so that you won’t sacrifice space inside your rig. These units pack a compressor, condenser, and evaporator into a tight package. The results are tremendous efficiency and the ability to dissipate heat easily.
Unfortunately, while rooftop AC units are fantastic, they have disadvantages. For example, they typically require a professional installation. Additionally, they can be rather heavy and can be rather expensive. If you use it regularly, it can be a great option, but you’ll want to consider the cost of the unit itself and installation heavily.
Another excellent option for keeping your pop-up camper cool is a window A/C unit. Like the rooftop AC units, they’re a whole package deal. These are great at controlling the climate in a small room or space. Installing them takes a few minutes, and you’ll be cooling down your rig before you know it.
Additionally, these units are incredibly cheap and efficient. Despite this, installing them in a pop-up camper can be challenging. You may need to cut into your camper or eliminate a storage compartment to do a proper installation. These units can be great options but tend to be rather noisy.
When shopping for an A/C unit for your pop-up camper, there are some things to consider. Let’s look at some of the most critical factors you’ll want to weigh when deciding.
One of the most important things to consider about the A/C unit for your pop-up camper is the size and weight. It’s a good idea to verify the size and weight to make sure it’s compatible with the structure of your camper. It must be large enough to do the job but not so big that it weighs you down.
You must stay within the weight limitations of your camper. Unfortunately, these are typically unique to each trailer. As a result, it’s best to check the specs specific to your camper.
Another quality you don’t want to overlook is how noisy the unit is when operating. When you’re camping, you want to enjoy the sounds of nature. Consequently, if your A/C unit is always loudly humming, it’ll make it nearly impossible to relax. Compare the decibel ratings for any units you’re considering for your rig. The lower the decibels, the quieter it will run.
Some units feature “quiet” or “low” settings that reduce noise. If you depend on silence while sleeping, you’ll want to make this a priority feature. Read through the reviews and see what other customers are saying about the noise on the various levels.
While shopping for an A/C unit for your pop-up camper, you’ll likely notice manufacturers boasting about the BTUs. These measure the cooling capacity of the AC unit and how effective it is at cooling. The higher the BTUs, the better and more capable it is. Since most pop-up campers are relatively small, you don’t need a massive BTU rating to do the job.
Depending on which model you choose, an A/C unit for your pop-up camper can cost anywhere from $250 to $1000. Unfortunately, getting the unit with all the fancy features can be tempting. But these typically also come with a premium price tag. You may have to sacrifice some features to stay within your budget.
If you’re only going to use it a handful of times each year, you don’t need to break the bank when picking your unit. Instead, find one that is in your budget but will still get the job done. Don’t forget to consider the installation cost if it will require a professional.
So, what are the best A/C units for your pop-up camper? We’ve found some great options that are worth considering. This is a great place to start if you want to keep your pop-up camper cold.
The portable A/C unit from Black+Decker is a remarkable option. It’s capable of 350 square feet and has 3-in-1 functionality. Not only does it keep your camper cold, but it also works as a dehumidifier and fan. It hums in the background at only 54 dB and weighs 45.8 pounds. With over 45,000 reviews, it maintains an impressive 4.3-star rating.
- Portable AC: Use this personal air conditioner (15.3” x 14” x 24.8”) in rooms up to 350 sq. ft. Stay cool in the…
- 3-in-1: Our 4,100 BTU DOE (8000 BTU ASHRAE 128) air conditioner also functions as a dehumidifier & fan. This portable…
One owner said, “It works great, no leaks, easy to use and gets the RV much cooler than the installed AC.” As an added benefit, you can haul it into your home when you’re not RVing and keep a small space cool. At roughly $350, this is a steal of a deal.
This 13,500 BTU rooftop air conditioner from FOGATTI has a 4.5-star rating and claims to create 15% more airflow than its competitors. At 65 decibels, it’s slightly louder than the portable Black+Decker model. After all, with the added noise, you also gain a considerable amount of efficiency.
One of the biggest downfalls of this unit is the installation. It’s much easier if there’s already a vent or dedicated space for it. If not, you may need a professional to handle the installation. This can be an expensive option since it comes with an almost $800 price tag.
The Haier 5000 BTU window air conditioner is a budget-friendly option. On the other hand, you’ll need to get creative when installing it in a pop-up camper. Some people cut into the side of their camper to allow it to vent properly. If you have some DIY skills or are okay with paying a professional, this can be a quick and easy solution.
One of the biggest reasons to consider this for cooling your camper is that it only weighs 36 pounds. In addition, it only generates 50 dB of noise when running and controlling the climate in your camper. At less than $150 for the unit, you’ll have some cash left to pay to install it in your pop-up camper.
Adding an AC unit to a pop-up camper can make it much easier for you and your loved ones to stay cool while camping. If you’re tired of sweating through the night or being miserable while inside your camper, it’s time for a change. Take action and start enjoying summer camping to maximize your adventures this season.
