RV Rooftop Airconditioners
We stock leading brands Dometic, Truma & Finch. Let the team at Carac help with your decision. Additionally, if you are local to us in Dandenong South, our workshop can provide you with a fitted package. Alternatively, we also stock 12V cooling fans to complement our AC range.
How Does a Caravan Air Conditioner Actually Work?
Caravan air conditioners work using a smart version of the refrigeration cycle, just like your fridge at home.
Warm air from inside the van is sucked in and passed over cold evaporator coils.
The refrigerant inside those coils absorbs the heat and carries it to the outside unit. There, it’s released through condenser coils, and cooler air is pushed back inside.
Most modern units also include reverse cycle technology, meaning they can run in heating mode when the nights cool off, making them a year round essential for caravanners doing big laps around Australia all year round.
What To Look for When Buying a Roof Mounted Caravan AC?
The output of a caravan air conditioners & the size of your van will directly influence how cool your caravan is during the summer. It is essential you choose the right size KW AC and match it with the size of your caravan.
Key features to look out for:
Cooling Performance (kW): Match the AC’s output to your van’s size, layout, and insulation. Bigger vans usually require higher kW AC units vs smaller or more well insulated vans.
Power Supply Compatibility: If you're using caravan park power (typically 10A), or running off-grid with an inverter, look for a soft-start model.
Weight & Mounting: Every kilo counts, especially on pop-tops or hybrids. Double-check your roof load limit to ensure the AC unit isn't too heavy for your van.
Noise Levels: Some models hum, others roar. If you're a light sleeper, look for quiet operation under 50 decibels, like the Dometic Freshjet AC 7 Series Unit.
Heat Handling: Australian conditions demand units rated for extreme ambient temps, ideally 45–50°C.
Dust Protection: For off-road travel, you’ll want something built to resist fine red dust and endless corrugations.
3. Types of Caravan Air Conditioners (and How Much Power They Pack)
There are three main styles of caravan ACs:
- Rooftop Units: Ideal for most full-height caravans and tourers with a power range of 2.2 – 3.5 kW
- Under-Bench ACs: suited for Pop-tops, off-road vans, solar-heavy roofs with a power range of 1.7 – 2.5 kW
- Portable Units: More suited for budget-conscious or temporary solutions with a power range of pp to 2.0 kW
Rooftop ACs save internal space and are the go-to choice for most Australian tourers. But for smaller or low-profile setups, under-bench units can be just as effective while providing room up top for your solar panels.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Matches My Caravan?
Choosing the wrong size AC is a common and costly mistake. Too small, and it’ll constantly struggle. Too large and you’ll waste power.
Here’s a guide tailored for Aussie conditions:
- Caravan Type: Small camper trailer / pop-top (<15 ft)
- Ideal AC Capacity: 1.7 – 2.2 kW
- Best Type: Compact rooftop or under-bench ac unit
- Caravan Type: Single-axle caravan (15–18 ft)
- Ideal AC Capacity: 2.2 – 2.5 kW
- Best Type: Slimline rooftop
- Caravan Type: Full-height tandem caravan (18–21 ft)
- Ideal AC Capacity: 2.5 – 3.2 kW
- Best Type: Standard rooftop AC
- Caravan Type: Off-road or hybrid van
- Ideal AC Capacity: 2.5 – 3.5 kW
- Best Type: Rugged rooftop or under-bench
- Caravan Type: Fifth wheeler or slide-out van (>21 ft)
- Ideal AC Capacity: 3.5 – 5.0 kW (total)
- Best Type: Dual rooftop or ducted systems
Remember: insulation, ceiling height, and the number of windows all affect how hard your AC has to work so when in doubt, go slightly up in capacity or pop into your nearest caravan store to get customised advice.
5. What Maintenance Does a Rooftop RV AC Need?
Just like your caravan, your AC unit needs a little love to stay fully functional and operational.
Here’s your basic checklist:
- Clean the air filters regularly every few weeks in heavy use, especially after spending long periods in dusty conditions.
- Inspect and clear exterior vents of leaves, dust, and cobwebs.
- Check the roof seal and mounting brackets at least once a year.
- Run it monthly, even in winter, this keeps seals lubricated and parts in good shape.
- Book an annual service if you're a full-time traveller or planning a big outback trip.