How to choose the best portable air conditioning unit for a car or RV

A trip in your recreational vehicle (RV) is one of the greatest experiences for adventure lovers. Still, your trip could be ruined by not investing in your comfort. Can you imagine admiring stunning summer landscapes while sweating while driving? Neither can we. Our advice: don't forget to choose an air conditioner for your RV.

Nowadays, the market is full of options, so choosing one can be difficult, and even more so if you have no experience. You should definitely opt for something reliable and durable. But don't worry! To help you avoid making any mistakes, we're sharing our experience on how Evapolar devices solve customer problems.

In this comprehensive guide on how to choose an air conditioner for your RV or camper van, we've added several tips and compared the pros and cons of these units versus Evapolar.

Keep reading to find out what to consider when making your purchase decision.

And if you're looking for a portable device or a mini air conditioner, we also have detailed guides on those topics!

Personal preferences play an important role

Your tastes and lifestyle play a fundamental role when choosing an air conditioner for a camper van or RV. A very large device can cause inconvenience, a noisy one can disturb your peace or worsen your mood. An air conditioning system that is too powerful can waste your resources.

Are you an active and restless camper? Then you'll be looking for something to cool relatively small spaces. Also, think about the features that matter most to you. Perhaps you love remote control or one-touch operation. Make a short list of your key criteria and start shopping!

Below are the questions that will help you make this list before choosing an air conditioning system for recreational vehicles:

• How often will you be in your RV?
• Which regions will you travel through?
• In which seasons of the year will you travel?
• How many people will travel with you?
• Will you cook often in your RV?

Do they seem confusing or complicated? Not at all! The answers will help ensure your comfort.

How often will you be in your RV?

Is your RV your second home and you spend a lot of time there? Look for high-quality devices. Those with a more powerful compressor will keep your van cool and allow you to use the air conditioner very frequently. Otherwise, buying a very powerful system would be a waste.

Which regions will you travel through?

Are you planning a trip through an area where it's regularly over 30 degrees and humid? Our advice: choose an air conditioner with three functions, i.e., cooling, dehumidification, and heating (for cold nights). However, if you only need to cool down a bit in your sleeping area at night (or perhaps during a hot afternoon) while on vacation, any air conditioning device should work.

In which seasons of the year will you travel?

The seasons matter. So check the usual weather (temperatures) at your destination. Most people travel in summer when it's hot, which requires choosing a more powerful air conditioner. These, of course, consume more energy but guarantee your comfort. If your trip is in winter, you can safely opt for a milder, more energy-efficient option.

How many people will travel with you?

Are you traveling alone or perhaps with your loved one? Or are you going on a trip with your large family? These options require different types of RV air conditioners. For one person or a couple, most types of portable coolers will work fine (still, choose carefully!) But if your family has more than three members, you need a more powerful device. For example, choose evaLIGHT plus personal air cooler as an alternative to air conditioning. Is it powerful? Oh yes, it can keep a crowded RV cool and comfortable.

Will you cook often in your RV?

Can't imagine a road trip without cooking? When traveling in an RV, people often quickly get tired of fast food, sandwiches, and burgers. How do you get home-cooked food in this case? Cooking over a campfire gives you this opportunity. However, it is often forbidden to do so, or you may have little space or limited equipment. So keep in mind that the more steam and heat your cooking generates inside the RV, the more powerful the air conditioner you use will need to be.

Important criteria when buying an air conditioner for RVs.

Okay, now you know exactly what you want from a portable air conditioner for your RV. Now you need to choose a specific model. Let's analyze the key factors for making the right decision:

• Cooler size
• Cooling capacity
• Energy consumption
• Safety
• Maintenance
• Functionality
• Price

Cooler size

Choose the size of air conditioner that fits your space. Of course, you can place any device in your RV or camper van. Will it be comfortable? Not always. Therefore, look for those that are specifically designed for your particular vehicle.

The general rule is that a vehicle up to 9 meters can be cooled using a single cooler. If your vehicle is larger, you need to buy two or a more powerful one.

Cooling capacity

Great power comes with great responsibility. The same goes for air conditioning devices: the larger the space, the more power it will require. Standard models are 12-volt air conditioners, but a large RV needs more than that.

Don't forget that greater cooling capacity leads to higher energy consumption if that's your case.

Energy consumption

Nobody wants to pay more for electricity bills, do they? So this factor is very important when choosing a portable air conditioner for your RV. Do you spend more than 100 EUR on electricity monthly and are looking for a cooler that can reduce that price? Look for a device that consumes around 1600 watts. Yes, they may cost a bit more than other lower-power models. But in the end, you'll pay less for energy bills.

Also try to avoid coolers that consume more than 3000 watts without a valid reason that works for your personal needs.

Safety

Don't underestimate the safety of children and furniture. Air conditioner manufacturers always take this into account and do a lot to ensure their products are safe. Some allow childproof locks to be installed, others choose a design that has no sharp edges or extended pointy parts.

Regardless of the approach you take, you need to check in the store how safe the air conditioner is for your vehicle.

Maintenance

A good device can last for years. You can even extend this period! You can do this in several ways. Have a qualified technician check your air conditioner every year or two. They can detect any problems, such as leaks, and perform necessary repairs. This service should be included in your purchase.

Also, inspect and replace air filters regularly. Clean them once they get dirty (instructions on how to do so are usually on the unit's boxes).

Regular cleaning of the coils and the device's cabinet will also ensure optimal operation for a long period. For this, simply vacuum them with an accessory that fits perfectly into their openings.

Functionality

You have different options. Each air conditioner serves different needs. Their shapes can adapt to various spaces. Don't forget to verify that the set of functions offered fits well with the particular needs of your RV.

What could they be? Speed control, airflow direction control, and dehumidification - basic functions for these devices. But at the same time, most portable coolers for RVs go far beyond this set of functions.

Price

If you're making a long-term investment in an air conditioning device, buy something worthwhile. So take some time to look for deals and discounts.

Make sure you know what value the warranty brings and how long it lasts (and if there are conditions or limitations). Also, compare all the factors we've mentioned in this guide with the price of the chosen device to assess real value for money.

Can you recommend some air conditioners to compare?

Below are several well-known air cooler models on the market. You can compare their functionality and advantages in the table to choose the device for your vehicle right now.

Can a portable air conditioner be used in an RV?

If you're looking for a way to accommodate and cool your RV, there are a few ways to achieve it. One of them is to choose a portable air conditioner for your car or RV.

These systems significantly reduce energy consumption by powerfully cooling your RV, and they also make more space available inside the vehicle. However, if you choose one, it's important that it fits both in size and power, because bigger doesn't always mean better when it comes to a portable car air conditioner.

Evapolar is your perfect choice when buying an air cooler

The Evapolar portable air cooler is a perfect option if you like uncomplicated, plug-and-play models with many features.

Evapolar can run on power from your power bank, laptop, or an outlet. Its small size and attractive design allow you to place it in almost any available space, and it's very quiet when operating, meaning you'll barely notice it's there.

When you choose an Evapolar air cooler for RVs, you get everything you expect from an air conditioner for your RV for $99, $149, or $229 (depending on the model chosen). Visit our store and choose your Evapolar!