Best Van Life Air Conditioner: Rooftop, Portable & More

Coleman Mach 15+

Coleman’s Mach 15+ is one of the most powerful rooftop air conditioners for campervans. It is extremely powerful, easy to install, and even easier to use. With a cooling capacity of 15,000 BTUs, Mach 15+ can cool down any campervan in a matter of minutes.

This air conditioner is only for vans with electrical hookups, because it will work only on AC. The voltage rating is 115V, and it consumes a fair bit of power. It’s quite expensive, especially because you also need to buy an internal ceiling assembly. But if you want the best and most durable air conditioner, you won’t regret getting the Mach 15+.

It’s best paired with the Coleman ceiling assembly, just make sure that you’re getting the right model for your campervan. The units here are for a ducted system, but there are non-ducted versions that might be better for you.

This particular ceiling assembly has knobs for temperature control that are easy to reach. Also, keep in mind that the Coleman Mach AC unit turns off automatically once it reaches the desired temperature, which is great for conserving power. It’s a very powerful unit, so it only needs to operate for a few minutes at a time.

One other thing to note is that this air conditioner is available in black as well, in case you’re looking to match it to your van.

Black + Decker BPACT10WT Portable Air Conditioner

The Black+Decker air conditioner is a great option if you’re looking for a portable unit. With 10,000 BTUs, it can keep you cool throughout the summer. The fan speeds are adjustable, and you can lower the temperature down to 65°F. There’s also an auto-fan setting, which adjusts the fan speed according to the temperature in the room.

This portable AC unit is enough to cool spaces up to 150 sq. ft, so it should be enough for the average campervan. Also, there’s an LED display at the top that allows for easy control, a remote control is included in the purchase, and it’s possible to set a timer so the aircon shuts off automatically.

Just like other portable air conditioners, this one comes with an exhaust hose that lets the hot air out. You will need to set it up next to a window, so consider how that can affect the layout of your van. Additionally, keep in mind that wheeled air conditioners are not the most stable option, and they might move around the van while you’re driving. That’s why it is best to secure it in place, either with zip ties or bungee cords.

This aircon unit does not have a heating option, so it’s not a good idea if you need something more versatile. Black+Decker does offer the same model with heating capability, but it is bigger, heavier, and more expensive.

Maxxair 00-05100K MaxxFan Ventilation Fan

The Maxxair ventilation fan is great for van lifers who want a vent system for their camper, but don’t want to spend a small fortune on one. It’s one of a few solutions for less than $250, and it is powerful enough to get you through some very hot summer days.

The fan has ten speeds, and you can adjust it with the ceiling controls. Also, the part of the fan that’s on the roof has a built-in rain shield, so you don’t have to give up on your AC even if it starts raining. Additionally, the Maxxair fan even has an interior insect screen, which prevents any bugs from getting inside your campervan.

The outer part of the fan is quite big, but the part that does inside the van fits standard 14” x 14” cut-outs. So, if you’re buying this to replace any previous air conditioners or vents, this might just fit perfectly.

This is designed for a standard 12V DC battery, and it doesn’t draw too much electricity from it. You can even get an option that comes with remote control – it’s pricier, but also much more convenient for frequent use.  Overall, if you’re looking for an easy and affordable solution, the Maxxair Vent is certainly one of my top picks.

We use this fan on our van and it’s great for quickly cooling the van down late at night before bed. We put it on full for 15 minutes and blow out all the hot air with the window open. Don’t expect it to be like an AC, but its a decent alternative.

SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner

The SereneLife air conditioner is a powerful option for campervans with electrical hookups. It uses 120V AC to work, and it outputs 10,000 BTUs when cooling the room. When used for heating, this air conditioner produces around 9,000 BTUs.

Additionally, this unit can also work as a dehumidifier, so it’s very versatile. It’s wheeled, so you can easily move it around your campervan and even take it outside if you have a long enough extension cord. The only issue with the wheels is that it’s not the most stable unit, and it might move around while you’re driving.

This air conditioner is operated with remote control, so it is very easy to use. Also, the AC is capable of turning off automatically once it reaches the desired temperature. But keep in mind that you’ll need some sort of exhaust vent if you want to keep this on for prolonged periods of time, due to the condensation.

One of those vents that you can mount to the window of your camper will work just fine, and it’s much better than dealing with humidity and mold in the van.

On top of that, you should also know that this particular air conditioner comes in multiple power options. The cheaper units have 8,000 BTUs and no heating option, but they cost about $100 less. It’s also available in more powerful versions, but I honestly don’t think you need that many BTUs just to regulate the temperature inside a campervan.

IcyBreeze V2 Portable Air Conditioner & Cooler

Looking for an air con unit that works when it’s not plugged into an outlet? Consider getting the IcyBreeze portable cooler and AC. This air conditioner runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and you can get up to four hours of use from a single charge. That’s on the low setting: if you set it to high, you won’t get more than 90 minutes of use.

This portable AC can blow air that is up to 35°F colder than the air outside, so it should work well even on some really hot days. Plus, it doubles as a cooler, so you’re killing two birds with one stone. The IcyBreeze blows chilly air in your face, and at the same time, it’s keeping your refreshments icy cold.

The cooler capacity is 38 quarts total, for both cans and ice. It has an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to pick up, so it’s convenient even if you have to bring it on hikes. On top of that, the wide drain makes it super easy to empty the cooler after use, without making a mess.

The main advantage of this AC is that you can actually get some use out of it, even if you’re not using it to control the air temperature. It’s a great cooler, and it won’t take up too much space in your van. This will fit under cabinets, or under your bed, if your build allows for storage space there.

Read our full review here

Dometic Brisk Air II Air Conditioner

The Dometic Rooftop Air Conditioner is a great alternative to the Coleman one. It’s capable of producing 15,000 BTUs, which is more than enough to keep your entire van cool even during summer.

This AC is designed for a non-ducted system, but Dometic does offer other options for ducted systems. Most of their rooftop ACs are available in both black and white colors, so you can get something that will blend in with the rest of your van.

The reason I included this rooftop AC from Dometic is that it has a heat pump. This is a heating and cooling system, and it’s the only thing you need to regulate the temperature in your van year-round. In case you want an AC unit without a heat pump, you can get an option for Dometic for about $400-500 less.

However, keep in mind that the cheaper rooftop ACs don’t usually include the ceiling assembly. This one does, and Dometic even offers free shipping and handling for everyone who purchases the Brisk Air II AC kit. It’s the best deal you will find if you want a full heating/cooling system, without having to order all the necessary parts from multiple sellers.

Dometic 640315C Penguin Air Conditioner

The Penguin Air Conditioner from Dometic is a very popular option among van lifers who spend most of their time in warm places. The main reason for that is the low profile of the unit – it’s more aerodynamic than the other bulky options from Dometic and even Coleman, which ultimately results in more speed and better fuel economy.

The Dometic Penguin air conditioner is extremely powerful with an output of 13,500 BTUs. That’s the low-capacity option; there’s an even more powerful Penguin you could get, and it’s great for very spacious campervans.

The AC is suitable for non-ducted systems, while the high capacity option works with both – depending on what you have in your campervan, you’ll just have to get the appropriate internal setup.

That’s one issue of the Penguin – it’s just one of many components required for a full AC installation, and it’s pricier than most others. If you’re on a tighter budget, this is probably not the best unit for you.

One thing to note is that you get several options when it comes to internal control units. The most affordable option tends to be the airbox with manual controls. You could also opt for one with an LED thermostat, but that’s normally double the price of the mechanical one.

Fan-Tastic Vent With Thermostat Model 7350

The Fan-Tastic Vent is a good option if you can’t afford the pricey rooftop AC units. It’s not a proper AC unit, but it’s a good alternative to the expensive options. It can be installed either on a roof or the sidewall of the van, but in most cases, it will require you to cut a hole in the campervan.

The vent AC has some great features – it closes automatically when it starts raining, and it comes with a thermostat that lets you adjust fan speed and temperature. There’s also a built-in manual knob that lets you close the vent in case of an emergency.

In terms of functionality and convenience, this works just as well as any campervan air conditioner. In fact, it’s even better than some bulky rooftop ACs because it is lighter, cheaper, and easier to install.

However, this is only suitable for mild temperatures; if you’re dealing with extreme heat, it’s unlikely the Fan-Tastic vent will do much for you.

Additionally, this is the best version of the Fan-Tastic air vent. There are several cheaper options, but they’re not as feature-packed as this one. The 7350 model lets you decide whether it should pull air from the outside or just circulate the air inside, which could be a life-saver if something smells rotten outside.

Also, this model comes with a 12V DC hookup, so you can use it in your campervan even if you don’t have solar panels!