10 Reviews: Best Portable Air Conditioner for Camper Van (Apr 2024)

Dometic is a very solid and trustworthy company, and they’ve been collaborating with NASA for years to help them improve their air conditioning systems. As a result, the Dometic is an easy choice for the most effective air conditioner that can be easily transported in a camper van for any outdoor activities. Noise and vibration are reduced when dampening brackets are used for your comfort. The Brisk II’s clever design, together with its improved materials, helps to optimize airflow and performance.

"AC is easy to install. This was a new install into a converted bus so roof needed to be cut. You do not need the gasket kit that amazon says you will need. It is already installed on AC unit and ready to go...."

by Leimaunalani Galeng

Because of its portability and ease of use, we recommend the Evapolar EvaLIGHT as the best portable air conditioner for a camper van. It is one of the smallest portable air conditioners available on the market, and it is exquisite. It is quiet and has an extended battery life due to its low energy usage which is ideal for a camper van. This unit is designed for small tents because it can only chill a 45-square-foot area. It does have a three-in-one system that can chill, humidify, and condition the air as required.

"This is perfect for what is supposed to be. We love it for van life. Ofcourse it’s not as good as an air conditioner but definitely cools the 90sq feet a bit, and does extremely well at cooling the air it is pointed at. ..."

by Amazon Customer

When you’re camp in the woods, the evaCHILL 3-in-1 personal air cooler cools, humidifies, and purifies the air around you, as well as acts as a night light. As a result, you won’t have to switch between devices to complete each work. It’s the best portable air conditioner for the camp van. Thanks to the unique evaporative substance used, the gadget completely filters the air, making it safe to breathe. Because no organic components are utilized, there is no possibility of germs or mold forming. In addition, no hazardous refrigeration gases are used, and the pads are entirely comprised of biodegradable materials.

"An adorable small device that makes me feel comfortable during exhausting summer heat!"

by Jessy

When you are planning a van camper, Midea’s heavy-duty but economical portable air conditioner will swiftly and effectively cool you down. It can heat up to 150 square feet and has an ASHRAE rating of 8,000 BTU. It also cools the air by adding moisture to it. The Midea MAP08R1CWT is simple to operate thanks to feather-touch digital controls. All of the relevant information regarding the device’s status is displayed on the easy-to-read LED display. You can use the provided remote control to set the time, temperature, and operation mode from a distance while van camper. 

"We went from camping to glamping. Find an electric campsite and your hot/humid tent is now more comfortable than central AC in a house. Even gets rid of the "camp" smells. ..."

by Average Joe

The hOmeLabs 14,000 BTU unit is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a portable RV air conditioner with one of the highest BTU ratings available. With a powerful unit like this, you can circulate air, cool, or dehumidify spaces ranging in size from 450 to 600 square feet. It’s one of the heaviest air conditioners, but it includes wheels so you can easily move it around your van camper. It works well with double-hung windows and can fit up to 48-inch-wide windows.

"....It comes with a filter that's easy to clean. A nice remote so I don't have to get up off my bed. As far as performance it's great keeps my bedroom nice & cold, too cold sometimes. In humid conditions it does have a dehumidifier mode."

by Dan

This machine is powerful enough to cool a van camper with two or three people, rather than a little place. It also features a 12-volt socket for your automobile, which will keep you cool if the air conditioning in your vehicle fails. The unit also comes with a 120-volt adaptor, so you may cool your space while van camping as long as you have power. It has a powerful fan motor that quickly circulates the air. It can be powered in two ways: 1). 2) A 12-volt plug that plugs into the power source in an outdoor environment such as a car, boat, or camper, or a traditional 120-volt plug converter.

"I’m glad I invested in this mini cooler. I use it in my LLV to reduce the heat levels . It has been a humid summer this year, 2018. Turned the heat level down at least ten degrees. I’m grateful for it’s portability."

by Lisa P

You may enjoy cool, clean air wherever you go with this personal air conditioner for a van camper. The Ontel Arctic portable air conditioner not only cools but also humidifies the air with three fan settings and a multi-directional air vent. You may take it with you everywhere you go due to its compact size and lightweight. You may even use it while working by placing it on your desk. It’s also quite quiet, making it suitable for use as a camping cooling gadget. This portable air conditioner does not rely on harmful refrigeration gases to function that is safe to use.

"It would have been nice to have this during that heatwave we had for 5 days straight, it is keeping my bedroom nice n cool, I put Is ice cubes in it then fill with water it makes it blow even colder, it says portable, it is from room to room, .."

by Deborah J.

For its size, this is the quickest. With the add-on battery, you’ll receive 3 hours of cooling. You may prolong the cooling time to 8 hours using the timed mode, which automatically alternates between cooling and fan settings to keep you cool all night which makes this one ideal for a van camper. With the add-on battery, you’ll receive 3 hours of cooling. With timed mode, you can stay cool all night by automatically switching between cooling and fan settings. You’ll always have cooling when you need it thanks to wall outlets, solar panels, car chargers, and even portable power stations.

A unit with a built-in heater can come in handy if you intend on tenting during the cooler months. If you’re looking for the best portable air conditioner for a van camper, consider a true heat pump, such as the SereneLife portable air conditioner as shown, or a device with a heating coil, such as window units. The exhaust hose will have to be routed around the tent’s circumference because it’s so big. There must also be 30-amp 110-120 volt outlets available. The good news is that they are available at most state parks, national parks, and commercial campgrounds.

"Cools off a room amazingly well. I was surprised and excited by the remote control and the feature that swings the vent covers up and down (swing setting)..."

by Jon and Brittany Mohon

The Emerson Quiet Kool will benefit any two to the four-person tent. It can chill up to 150 square feet and requires very little upkeep. It has an automatic system that eliminates the need to regularly empty the drip tray. It also includes a remote control, allowing you to turn it off automatically if needed which is perfect for those who are looking for the best portable air conditioner for a van camper. Furthermore, despite its big size, this portable air conditioner includes wheels and side handles to make transferring it a snap.

"Everything as advertised. Cooled us in the 101 degree weather on vacation. We were in our converted van and slept very well. .."

by Pennie T