Caravan Air Conditioner

Caravan Air Conditioners for Every Journey

Getting out on the road is part of the adventure, but the heat inside a caravan can quickly take the fun out of travel. A caravan air conditioning unit helps you stay cool and comfortable across Australia’s harsh conditions, from the dry outback to humid coastal stops. Built for mobile use, these systems are tested to handle constant vibration, rough roads, and changing climates inside your caravan.

Unlike household systems, an air conditioner for your RV is compact and designed with efficiency in mind. Modern models provide both cooling power and heating function, so you can stay warm at night and enjoy cool air during the day. Roof mounted air conditioners save space inside your caravan, while under-bunk and split types add versatility for different vehicle shapes and sizes.

At Outback Equipment, we offer a wide range of caravan air conditioners across trusted names such as Dometic, Truma, Webasto, and Furrion. From reverse cycle systems to compact rooftop units, our collection covers every setup. We make it simple to shop online for quality brands, installation kits, and accessories.

Choosing the Right Size Caravan Air Conditioner

Smaller vans up to 5 m suit 2–2.5 kW units, mid-size caravans need around 2.5–3 kW, and larger setups over 6 m often require 3.5 kW or more. For more details on see our Complete Buyer’s Guide to Caravan Air Conditioners.

Here are some ideas:

• Up to 5 metres: 2–2.5kW units such as the Webasto Cool Top Trail 24 or Dometic FreshJet 7 Series Lite.
• 5–6 metres: 2.5–3kW units like the Furrion 9000 BTU Rooftop, Furrion 9000 BTU Under-Bunk, or Dometic FreshJet Pro.
• 6–7 metres and above: 3.5kW units including the Furrion 12000 BTU Rooftop or Dometic FreshJet 7 Series Plus.

What You Might Need As Well

Pairing your caravan air conditioner with the right gear helps improve performance and makes off-grid travel easier:

• Caravan Fans – circulate cool air through the van when the AC is running or provide airflow on low-power days.
• Generators – supply the high startup wattage needed to run larger air conditioners while free camping.
• Inverters – convert 12V or 24V battery power into 240V so your air conditioner can operate off-grid.
• DC–DC Chargers – recharge your batteries from the alternator while driving to keep power levels steady.
• Solar Panels – top up your batteries during the day to extend how long you can run cooling systems off-grid.
• Battery Monitors – track power use in real time so you know how much capacity is left when running the AC.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many solar panels do I need to power an air conditioner?

Air conditioners are one of the most power-hungry appliances in a caravan. A small 2–2.5kW unit could need over 1.5kW of solar panels and a large lithium battery bank to run reliably.

Larger units may need closer to 2kW or more of solar capacity. For most travellers, solar alone will not keep an AC running for long, so a generator, batteries or powered site is often the practical choice.

Can I run my caravan air conditioner while driving?

Most caravan air conditioners can only run when connected to 240V power, so they won’t operate during travel. Some models can run with a 12V DC kit or generator, but these setups require extra installation and a strong alternator. Many drivers rely on the vehicle’s air conditioning while on the move, then switch the caravan AC on once parked.

What’s the difference between rooftop and under-bunk caravan air conditioners?

Rooftop units sit on top of the van, saving internal space and pushing cool air down evenly through the living area. They’re the most popular choice for standard caravans and motorhomes. Under-bunk units are installed inside a cupboard or under a bed, making them ideal for pop-tops or smaller vans with lightweight roofs that can’t support a rooftop system.

What is a reverse cycle caravan air conditioner?

A reverse cycle system can both cool and heat your caravan. In summer, it removes heat from inside and transfers it outside. In winter, it works in reverse, drawing heat from outside air and moving it indoors. This makes it more efficient than basic heating element models and allows year-round comfort from one unit.