Caravanning is all about freedom, fresh air and waking up somewhere new. But let’s be honest — when the temperature climbs, “fresh air” can quickly turn into “why is my pillow damp?”
That’s where air conditioning comes in. Whether you’re touring Europe in peak summer, parked up on the coast, or just trying to sleep past 6am in July in Margate, the right caravan air con can make the difference between a relaxing holiday and a very sweaty regret.
The problem? There’s no single “best” caravan air conditioner. There is, however, a best one for you.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- The different types of caravan air conditioning systems
- The pros and cons of each
- The leading brands on the market (Truma, Dometic, Mestic & Brunner)
- What to consider when choosing and fitting an air con
- How to match your air con to your lifestyle and caravan
Let’s cool things down.
Why Install Air Conditioning in a Caravan?
Before diving into types, let’s answer the obvious question: Do I really need caravan air conditioning?
If you:
- Travel in summer
- Holiday in southern Europe or warmer UK regions
- Have pets
- Want better sleep
- Use your caravan year-round
…then yes. Yes, you probably do.
Modern caravan air conditioners don’t just cool — many also heat, dehumidify and circulate air, making them useful well beyond the hottest days of the year.
1. Roof-Mounted Caravan Air Conditioning Units
What Is a Roof-Mounted Caravan Air Con?
Roof-mounted air conditioners are the most common and widely recognised type of caravan air con. They sit on the roof of your caravan, typically replacing an existing rooflight, and distribute cooled air evenly throughout the living space.
They’re popular for a reason: they’re powerful, efficient and designed specifically for caravans and motorhomes.
Popular Roof-Mounted Air Con Brands
- Truma – Aventa Compact & Aventa Comfort
- Dometic – FreshJet and FreshJet Plus series
- Mestic – RTA rooftop air conditioners
Pros of Roof-Mounted Caravan Air Cons
✔ Excellent cooling power, even in large caravans
✔ Doesn’t take up internal storage or floor space
✔ Even air distribution from above
✔ Many models include heating as well as cooling option
✔ Clean, integrated appearance
Cons of Roof-Mounted Caravan Air Cons
✖ Adds weight to the roof (check roof load limits)
✖ Requires professional installation
✖ Usually replaces a rooflight
✖ Generally higher upfront cost
✖ Uses some of your vehicle’s payload, leaving less capacity for additional gear.
Best For
- Long summer holidays
- Larger caravans and motorhomes
- Touring in hot climates
- Owners who want a permanent, hassle-free solution
2. Under-Bench (Under-Seat) Caravan Air Conditioning
What Is an Under-Bench Air Conditioner?
Under-bench caravan air conditioners are installed inside a bench seat, bed box or storage compartment. Instead of blowing air from the ceiling, they distribute cooled air through ducting and vents positioned around the caravan.
They’re a popular alternative for caravans where roof space is limited or not strong enough to hold a roof mounted air con unit.
Leading Under-Bench Models
- Truma Saphir Comfort RC
- Dometic FreshWell Series
Pros of Under-Bench Caravan Air Cons
✔ Keeps roof space free for solar panels or roof boxes
✔ Lower centre of gravity than roof-mounted units
✔ Often quieter externally
✔ Many models offer cooling, heating and ventilation
✔ Can be installed to vehicles that don’t have strong roofs
Cons of Under-Bench Caravan Air Cons
✖ Takes up valuable storage space
✖ Installation is more complex and so more costly
✖ Requires careful ducting design
✖ Can be harder to retrofit
Best For
- Caravans with solar panels or roof accessories
- Owners wanting a discreet installation
- Tourers who use air con year-round
- Caravans with suitable internal storage space
- Caravans that don’t have the roof support for a roof-mounted unit
So to conclude, you’ll lose a cupboard — but gain the ability to sleep comfortably, which feels like a fair trade.
3. Portable Caravan Air Conditioners
What Is a Portable Caravan Air Con?
Portable air conditioners are units that sit inside the caravan and vent hot air outside via a window, vent or door kit. They require no permanent installation and simply plug into a 230V hook-up.
Pros of Portable Caravan Air Conditioning
✔ Lowest purchase cost
✔ No permanent installation
✔ Can be removed when not needed
✔ Ideal for occasional use
✔ Doesn’t use up any payload on your vehicle as you can remove it when not needed
Cons of Portable Caravan Air Conditioning
✖ Less powerful than fitted systems
✖ Takes up floor/window space
✖ Can be noisy
✖ Takes a little time and effort to set up
Best For
- Weekend trips
- Smaller caravans
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Occasional summer use
- Vehicles that don’t have the roof support for a roof-mounted unit
Caravan Air Con Brands Explained
Truma Caravan Air Conditioning
Known for premium German engineering, Truma air conditioners are efficient, quiet and feature-rich. Models like the Aventa Comfort offer heating via heat-pump technology, making them suitable year-round.
Types Of Air Cons: Roof-mounted & under-bench air cons
Best for: High-end caravans and long-term touring.
Dometic Caravan Air Conditioning
A trusted name in leisure vehicles, Dometic offers a wide range of air conditioning systems. Their FreshJet series is known for reliability, strong airflow and excellent temperature control.
Types Of Air Cons: Roof-mounted & under-bench air cons
Best for: Proven performance and wide compatibility.
Mestic Caravan Air Conditioning
Mestic provides excellent value for money, offering cooling, heating and dehumidifying at a more accessible price point.
Types Of Air Cons: Roof-mounted & portable air cons
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who still want comfort.
Brunner Caravan Air Conditioning
Brunner focuses primarily on portable and compact solutions, making them ideal for flexibility and occasional use.
Types Of Air Cons: Portable air cons
Best for: Portable and entry-level air con users.
Fitting a Caravan Air Conditioner – What to Consider
1. Power Supply
Most caravan air conditioners require 230V mains hook-up. If you’re frequently off-grid, air con use will be limited unless you have:
- Large battery capacity
- High-output inverter
- Generator (where permitted)
2. Caravan Size & Layout
Bigger caravans require higher cooling output. Ducting, vent placement and room layout all affect performance.
3. Weight & Payload
Roof-mounted units add significant weight and may not be suitable for your caravan or motorhome. Always check:
- Roof load rating
- Remaining payload capacity
4. Professional Installation
Roof and under-bench systems should be professionally installed to ensure:
- Proper sealing
- Correct airflow
- Electrical safety
- Warranty compliance
Final Thoughts: Which Caravan Air Conditioner Should You Choose?
There’s no universal “best” caravan air conditioner — but there is a best one for how you travel.
- Want power and convenience? Go roof-mounted
- Want to save roof space? Choose under-bench or portable
- Vehicle’s roof not song enough? Choose under-bench or portable
- Want flexibility? Portable might be enough
Whichever route you choose, a caravan air con isn’t just a luxury — it’s an upgrade to better sleep, happier travel companions and far more enjoyable holidays.
Because caravanning should be about memories… not melting. If you’re looking to purchase a caravan air conditioning unit then why not check out the air cons available on the market here alternative get a quote on how much to fit an air con on your caravan.
