Air Conditioning for your motorhome, campervan or caravan keeps you feeling comfortable inside your vehicle on hot sunny days. These are vital if travelling to Europe where the climates can be far warmer than in the UK.
Motorhome air conditioning transforms hot summer travels into comfortable adventures, whether you're exploring the continent or facing unexpected UK heatwaves. The Dometic Freshlight 2200 delivers 2050W cooling capacity with an integrated rooflight, suitable for vehicles up to 7m length, while Truma Sapphire Comfort provides 2400W cooling power alongside 1700W heating in a compact under-bench design weighing just 23.5kg. Both systems run from 240V mains hookup or optional 12V DC kits for operation while driving, making them practical for diverse camping styles.
Most motorhome AC units consume between 500W-2700W depending on size, with typical 13,500 BTU units using around 1350W. These systems work efficiently with generators of 2000-4000W capacity, though starting surge requirements can reach 3000-3500W.
Continental touring particularly benefits from air conditioning, where average summer temperatures reach 30°C in southern France Do You Need Air Conditioning in Your Motorhome?. However, permanent installation does add weight and reduce payload capacity. Roof-mounted units can add 30+ kilos at roof level, potentially affecting handling on smaller motorhomes, while under-bench alternatives keep weight lower down for better vehicle dynamics. Consider your typical destinations and camping style before committing to installation costs.Air Conditioning Parts
Leisureshopdirect is an approved dometic spare part dealer so are able to offer spare parts at competitive prices. We will be able to help you to maintain or repair your air condition unit with little fuss or bother! Just visit us for a reliable, helpful service.
So, if you have a caravan holiday coming up and want to be prepared whatever the weather check out the air condition units here at Leisureshopdirect and you won’t be disappointed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you run motorhome air conditioning while driving?Yes, but only with a 12V DC kit fitted to your air conditioning unit. The DC kit connects to your engine's electrical system and operates only while the engine runs. Standard 240V-only units cannot operate while driving unless you have an inverter and sufficient battery capacity, which isn't practical due to the high power consumption of 1500-2400W.What size generator do I need for motorhome air conditioning?A 2000-4000W generator handles most motorhome AC units effectively. However, starting surge requirements reach 3000-3500W, so ensure your generator exceeds this peak demand. A 13,500 BTU unit needs approximately 1350W running power but 2800W starting power. Consider other appliances you'll run simultaneously - refrigerator, lights, and phone charging add to total load requirements.What's the difference between Dometic and Truma air conditioning systems?Dometic specialises in roof-mounted units like the Freshlight 2200, which combines air conditioning with an integrated rooflight. Truma focuses on under-bench systems like the Sapphire Comfort, which installs discretely under seating and keeps weight low. Both offer similar cooling capacity (2000-2400W) but differ in installation location, weight distribution, and space requirements within your motorhome.How much power does motorhome air conditioning consume?Typical consumption ranges from 1350W for standard units to 2400W for high-capacity systems. A 13,500 BTU unit draws approximately 11-15 amps at 120V during operation. Starting surge can reach 25-30 amps momentarily. This high consumption means AC units are your motorhome's largest electrical load, requiring adequate hookup amperage or substantial generator capacity for off-grid operation.Can you run air conditioning on leisure batteries alone?Standard leisure batteries cannot practically power motorhome air conditioning due to the massive current draw of 100+ amps. Even large lithium battery banks providing 400-600Ah capacity would drain within 3-6 hours. Dedicated 12V DC air conditioning units like the Dometic RTX series offer limited battery operation but require substantial solar charging or engine running to maintain power levels.Are roof-mounted or under-bench air conditioners better?Roof-mounted units provide superior cooling distribution and easier installation but add 30-45kg at roof level, affecting vehicle handling. Under-bench systems keep weight low, preserve roof space for solar panels, and operate more quietly, but require complex ducting and consume interior storage space. Choose based on your motorhome size, weight sensitivity, and interior layout priorities.Do you need air conditioning for UK motorhome touring?UK climate makes air conditioning less essential than continental touring, but increasingly valuable during heatwaves and for year-round comfort. Many experienced tourers manage with roof vents and fans for UK trips but consider AC essential for European destinations where temperatures regularly exceed 30°C. Heat pump models provide winter heating benefits, extending the system's usefulness beyond summer cooling.
For further inforrmation on which air conditioner to choose please follow this link Which Air Conditioner
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