Compact Comfort: Top Portable Air Conditioners for Van Life
last updated: Jul 19, 2025
Van life offers freedom and adventure, but it can also mean dealing with unbearable heat. Whether you’re traversing the Mojave Desert or parked at a humid coastal beach, portable AC units for campervans can make a significant difference.
Now, for sure, you’re living in a van — so you can just drive somewhere higher or cooler — but this is not always possible. Imagine you’re a paraglider or a surfer who chases hot summer weather for their sport. Or you need to be in a certain location over a hot summer. In these circumstances, some form of AC might make a lot of sense.
In this guide, we explore the best van life air conditioning units of 2025, emphasising ease of use, energy efficiency, and noise levels. We’ll highlight exceptional models like Zero Breeze Mark 2, EcoFlow Wave 2, (both portable)and Dometic RTX (built in), along with key factors to consider before making a purchase.
Why Air Conditioners for Camper Vans Matter
When it comes to van life, staying cool during hot summer days isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety, sleep, and sanity. Unlike traditional RVs, most camper vans don’t come with factory-installed rooftop AC units, and installing one can be expensive, bulky, and energy-intensive.
You can retrofit your van instantly with a portable AC unit — making cooling your van possible without a lot of installation effort and at a reasonable price.
Why Consider a Portable AC Unit?
Offer More Flexibility
Whether you’re parked at a sunny trailhead or relaxing at a beach campsite, portable units give you the freedom to cool your van from the inside or outside. Unlike rooftop AC systems, they don’t require permanent installation—just plug in and chill.
Cool Small Spaces Efficiently
With targeted cooling power, most units can quickly lower the temperature in vans. They’re perfect for sleeping areas, workspaces, or general cabin comfort—even during peak heat.
Consume Less Power
Modern portable ACs are built to run on low energy draw, making them ideal for 12V lithium battery banks, solar systems, and portable power stations. This means you can enjoy climate control without constantly relying on shore power or noisy gas generators.
What to Look For in a Portable Van Life AC Unit
When choosing the best portable air conditioners for campervans, consider:
Energy Efficiency
- Look for units with DC power compatibility (12V/24V or battery-based systems)
- Prioritise those with eco modes, programmable timers, or solar compatibility
Portability
- Weight and dimensions matter! Your van layout might limit how and where you can place a unit.
- Consider models with handles or wheels for easy setup inside or outside the van
Noise Levels
- Cooling shouldn’t keep you up at night. Ideal decibel levels are under 60 dB for sleep-friendly comfort.
Top Air Conditioners for Camper Vans in 2025
🧊 1. Zero Breeze Mark 2
Enjoy cool comfort anywhere with the ZERO BREEZE Mark 2, made for outdoor living. Weighing just 16.5 pounds, it delivers powerful 2,300 BTU cooling—perfect for campers, RVs, and vanlife. Its energy-efficient dual-cylinder compressor runs quietly and uses very little power, even working with solar setups.
Key Specs:
- 2300 BTU cooling capacity
- Weighs 16.5 lbs
- Operates on a swappable lithium-ion battery or 12V DC input
- Average runtime: 3–5 hours on battery
Pros:
- Extremely compact and mobile
- Runs off-grid via battery or power station
- Includes dehumidifier function
Cons:
- Lower cooling power (suitable for small vans or personal zones)
- Higher price point for lower BTU
Best For: Solo travellers or micro vans with limited space
👉 Zero Breeze Mark 2 – Official Website
🧊 2. EcoFlow Wave 2
Stay cool (or warm) wherever you go with the EcoFlow Wave 2, a powerful and portable AC and heater in one. With up to 5,100 BTU cooling and 6,100 BTU heating, it’s ideal for campervans, tents, and off-grid setups. It runs quietly, is easy to carry, and works with EcoFlow power stations.
Best for Off-Grid Power Integration
Key Specs:
- 5100 BTU cooling / 6100 BTU heating
- Compatible with EcoFlow power stations or standalone battery
- Smart app control + multiple fan modes
- Operates on 12V/24V or AC power
Pros:
- Dual-purpose heating & cooling
- Can run ~8 hours on battery in Eco Mode
- Fast cooling for larger vans
Cons:
- Heavier (approx. 38 lbs)
- Requires EcoFlow battery for best performance
Best For: Full-time vanlifers with larger rigs or integrated solar/battery systems
👉 EcoFlow Wave 2 – Official Site
🧊 3. And, for comparison: Dometic RTX 2000 / RTX 1000 — Built-In Roof Unit
For comparison with installed units, we will look at the popular Dometic RTX 2000 and RTX 1000, the top rooftop air conditioners for campervans and off-grid living. Designed for 12V systems, these units offer powerful cooling—6,800 BTU (RTX 2000) and 4,300 BTU (RTX 1000)—with ultra-quiet operation, making them perfect for overnight use. The efficient DC compressor minimises power draw, allowing you to stay cool without draining your battery bank. With a sleek, low-profile design and remote control functionality, the Dometic RTX series is ideal for vanlifers who want reliable, built-in air conditioning.
Key Specs (RTX 2000):
- 6800 BTU capacity
- 12V DC compressor (draws ~19A average)
- Ultra-quiet night mode (~50 dB)
- Roof-mounted with remote control
Pros:
- Whisper-quiet performance
- No interior space usage
- Great for stealth camping (no vent hoses)
Cons:
- Requires permanent roof installation
- Higher cost + professional install recommended
Best For: Long-term vanlifers who are installing during the build
| Model | Cooling (BTU) | Power Source | Weight | Noise Level | Runtime (on battery) |
| Zero Breeze M2 | 2300 | Battery or 12V | 16.5 lb | 52 dB | 3–5 hours |
| EcoFlow Wave 2 | 5100 | Battery, 12V, or AC | 38 lb | 55 dB | Up to 8 hours |
| Dometic RTX 2000 | 6800 | 12V DC (wired) | 72 lb | 50 dB | Depends on leisure battery |
Camper Van AC Power Consumption: What You Need to Know
AC units can be power-hungry, so knowing your campervan battery bank and solar setup is key. Understanding the power requirements of these units is crucial for van lifers who want to maintain comfort while being energy-conscious. Each portable air conditioner has a specific wattage that can significantly affect your energy consumption, especially when running on limited battery power. To avoid draining your battery too quickly, you should calculate the total energy output of your solar panels and ensure it can support the AC unit along with other appliances in your van.
Typical Energy Draws:
- Zero Breeze Mark 2: 240W on max
- EcoFlow Wave 2: 500–700W depending on mode
- Dometic RTX 2000: ~19A at 12V (~228W)
Pro Tip: Pair your AC with a decent lithium-ion battery system and solar set-up. Check out our complete lithium battery guide here
Noise Levels: Sleep Friendly or Fan Noisy?
Here’s how the top units stack up on sound:
- Zero Breeze Mark 2: 52 dB – noticeable, but fine for daytime use.
- EcoFlow Wave 2: Around 55 dB – similar to a box fan on medium.
- Dometic RTX 2000: Quietest option (~50 dB in night mode) – ideal for overnight use.
Anything below 60 dB is generally considered suitable for use in confined spaces like a camper van, especially while sleeping.
Other Honourable Mentions
BougeRV Portable AC
- 2899 BTU, under $600
- Good for budget builds, but louder and less efficient
TOSOT Portable AC Units
- Higher BTUs but designed for shore power hookups
- Great if you’re staying in campgrounds with hookups regularly
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best AC for campervans depends on your space, power setup, and lifestyle. When living the van life, it’s essential to consider how much room you have available for installation, as well as the power sources you plan to use, such as a generator or solar panels.
🔍 Choose based on your travel style:
| Type of Vanlifer | Best AC Unit |
| Weekend Warrior | Zero Breeze Mark 2 |
| Digital Nomad – Regular Use | EcoFlow Wave 2 |
| Full-time Off-Grid Explorer | Dometic RTX 2000 |
Helpful Resources:
🔗 Zero Breeze Mark 2 Review – Dream Big Travel Far
🔗 EcoFlow Wave 2 Official Product Page
🔗 Dometic RTX 2000 Specs & Install Guide – Vanlife Outfitters
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