![]() BTUs (Cooling Capacity)Ĭooling power is an important consideration when you’re shopping for a portable AC unit.Ī BTU (British Thermal Unit) is technically a measurement of heat. That’ll also need to be a consideration as you choose a portable AC for camping, especially since many RV, van, and other vehicle windows aren’t particularly conducive to venting an exhaust tube to the outdoors, so some modifications may need to be made. You’d be better off using some of the tips in our article on how to keep an RV cool in summer.įinally, note that most portable AC units (other than evaporative coolers) will require venting to the outdoors. If you intend to run an AC unit at night, pay close attention to how frequently reviewers state they had to empty the reservoir (which will vary, depending on how humid it is where you camp).Įven if you’re connected to shore power and can run your AC all night, you don’t want to be forced to get up every 90 minutes to dump a container of water. ![]() How frequently it needs to be emptied is something to keep in mind. ![]() Whether you’ll have a water source to keep the AC running is something to consider.Īlso, while many portable AC units drain through the exhaust, with others, you’ll need to empty a container that holds the water produced by the air conditioning process. For example, some portable AC units require water to run. How the unit operates is a necessary consideration when shopping for a portable AC for camping. So, carefully consider the weight of any portable AC unit you’re considering. Not only do we need to keep the weight down as much as possible to comply with the safety standards of whatever vehicle is serving as our home-on-wheels, but anything that’s portable needs to be able to be moved… by you. Space is at a premium in smaller camping vehicles (less so in tents, perhaps), and a large portable AC unit is unlikely to be the best choice.Īnd as always, weight is a significant consideration. ![]() The amount of space a portable AC unit (and accompanying power source) takes up in a small RV, van, or car is a very significant consideration. You’ll need to consider these important questions when choosing a portable AC for camping. But your ability to power a window AC unit (or any other type of AC unit) is key.ĭo you always camp tethered to shore power? Do you intend to boondock and run your AC using a generator? But if you boondock, you’ll need a capable power source to run an AC unit.įor example, in some Class B RVs or vans, you’ll sometimes see a window air conditioner used. This won’t be an issue if you’re connected to shore power when camping. When running any appliance requiring 120V electricity, especially air conditioners, your power source is the key issue. But it’s very difficult to efficiently cool hot air in a tent unless the tent is truly airtight and has some reasonable amount of insulation.Īs a result, a camping fan (or two or three!) will be the way to go for many tent campers.įor most tent campers, a decent fan or two, rather than a portable AC unit, will be the most efficient approach to cooling. This isn’t so much about the cooling effects of the AC units as it is about the breathability of most tents.Įvaporative coolers are sometimes used as tent ACs for serious tent campers. Type of AC Unitįirst, there are different types of portable air conditioners, and the type you choose will depend on the style of camping you do, the size of the space you need to cool, and the amount of power you can support with whatever power source you have.įor example, if you use a tent for your camping trips, there are portable AC units that are specifically targeted to tent campers.īut in truth, most tent air conditioners aren’t very efficient. There are a few things you’ll want to take particular note of when you’re shopping for a portable AC unit for camping purposes. What to Look for in a Portable AC for Camping 6) Free RVing Tips, Tricks, Reviews, Giveaways & More.4) What About Portable AC Units for Tent Camping?. ![]() 3.5) SereneLife SLPAC8 Portable Air Conditioner.3.3) Airo Comfort Portable Air Conditioner.3.2) Frigidaire Portable 8,000 BTU Air Conditioner.1) What to Look for in a Portable AC for Camping. ![]()
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