Traveling with your caravan would be at its best when an air conditioning unit is added. There are massive producers of caravan air conditioners in the Australian market today. Making a shortlist might help you in finding what suits your needs.
About Caravan Air Conditioner
A caravan air conditioner is not for everyone’s needs, but it has unique features most caravan owners want to experience. Somebody asks, “Is it the same as a household air conditioning unit?” The answer is simple: caravans’ air conditioner is designed for travels that keep water out and reduce constant vibration when traveling. They are also more expensive than a typical air conditioning unit but have household versions too.
A variety of models are found in the market, both compact and larger, to suit any caravan unit. Like other fixtures, air conditioner units for caravans do have disadvantages and advantages in certain situations. Mention some are availability and spare parts prices.
Caravan Air Conditioner Terms
The following terms can help you choose the correct air conditioner for your caravan or RV.
360mm/400mm Square Opening
A square opening is an existing hole in your caravan subject to modification in fitting an air conditioner. The 360mm size of the opening is based on an American-style roof vent, while the 400mm is based in Europe. Both are made to fit a new caravan or RV, with some models providing extra adapters for better installation.
Kilowatt or kW
Kilowatt is a measurement of both cooling and heating output. It has a different unit called British Thermal Unit (BTU), where 1kW equals 3412 BTUs.
Types of Caravan Air Conditioners
The market has to offer varieties of caravan air conditioners to meet everyone’s needs. Each provides unique features you might be looking for.
Roof-top Air Conditioner
The first style of an air conditioner is perfect for recreational vehicle layouts. It won’t take up much space in the vehicle as installed on the ceiling. Cold air will drop from the caravan’s roof, that’s why.
Built-in Style Air Conditioner
Caravan models such as pop-top, camper trailers, or camper vans with single skin roofs are best with built-in air conditioners. Installation of an air conditioner will add weight to the caravan; thus, changing the gearing is necessary.
Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner
The outside temperature can affect the heating function inside the caravan. Having an air conditioner in a reverse cycle model balances the temperature coming in and out of the vehicle. A caravan air conditioner with heating elements can be effective in any climate, as it delivers both heating and cooling effects.
Features of Caravan Air Conditioner
Adding up an air conditioner unit to your caravan requires some things to consider to ensure its total capacity. It includes:
Amperage for a Caravan
The importance of amperage depends on how the caravan is used. If it demands using extra power, for instance, from a generator, amperage may matter.
For ongoing use, an air conditioner will need more amps to operate continually, so the generator will be responsible for providing enough power. Choose a unit from a well-known brand with proven work not to fall short in power. On the other hand, budget generators may over-quote their output rating to deceive buyers.
Wind resistant Caravans
No matter the profile of your caravan will not affect wind resistance. A roof-top version varies in height with the same frontal area and yet has little effect on airflow. It is only a cosmetic consideration that can be changed over time.
Insulation for your Caravan
Proper insulation is essential for caravans making the interior more pleasant. When the climate drops, insulated walls and ceilings will keep you warm and comfortable.
Air Conditioner Brand Recommendations
Among the multiple brands that sell RV products ready for air air-conditioning installation are the following:
Coleman
Coleman is manufactured in the USA with an almost faultless operation. Most customers choose to replace an old Coleman after many years for upgrading and not due to defects. It is still a reliable unit and never washed out in the market. As a result, there is a lesser need for service agents who can contact for quick technical advice and services.
Denso Air Conditioner
Another international company is Denso working with the local RV industry, specifically with roof-top and under-bunk versions. They sell spare parts at a reasonable price to match their local competitors.
Dometic/Waeco/Trauma for Caravans
These three large companies operate around Australia to offer high-quality RV products. Besides, each one of them delivers good warranty support and a high supply of spare parts, with the best service agent network.
Does the RV Plus Express Have a model recommendation?
First, we recommend buyers check the product’s specifications before placing an order to reduce wrong purchases. The company has to sell caravan air conditioning and heating units that fit most vehicles.
You may look for some accessories produced by leading manufacturers to complete your purchase. RV Plus Express has contact with reputable sources to meet your needs.
If bad reports on a particular unit we sell occur, we consider customer feedback to at least innovate new products.
Caravan Air Conditioner Summary
Purchasing your caravan air conditioning with the best value for money depends on the provided features. Prices may vary over time. Reputable suppliers guarantee honest feedback from the customers to support your decision in choosing the best possible unit. We share some recommendations of popular brands above for your reference in making your final decision.