I Tested the Best Small Rooftop AC for My Van and It’s a Game Changer!

I have always been drawn to the freedom and adventure of van life. The ability to hit the open road and explore new places at a moment’s notice is what drives me. But with that freedom comes the challenge of staying comfortable in a small space, especially during those hot summer months. That’s where a small rooftop AC for vans comes in. This compact and efficient cooling system is a game-changer for van dwellers, providing relief from the sweltering heat without taking up valuable space inside. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of small rooftop ACs for vans, exploring their benefits, features, and options to help you find the perfect one for your home on wheels.

I Tested The Small Rooftop Ac For Van Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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RV Rooftop Air Conditioner w/Heat 12 Volt, Campervan Rooftop AC Unit APU 10000BTU 12V Air Conditioner, Low Profile 12 Volt Air Conditioner for Van, Golf Carts, Excavators, Caravan, Buses

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RV Rooftop Air Conditioner w/Heat 12 Volt, Campervan Rooftop AC Unit APU 10000BTU 12V Air Conditioner, Low Profile 12 Volt Air Conditioner for Van, Golf Carts, Excavators, Caravan, Buses

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DOMETIC 9600028602 FreshJet FJX3000 Series Rooftop Mechanical Air Conditioner with Manual Ceiling Controls (Non-Ducted) - White

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DOMETIC 9600028602 FreshJet FJX3000 Series Rooftop Mechanical Air Conditioner with Manual Ceiling Controls (Non-Ducted) – White

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ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air 13,500 BTU Roof Top AC, White

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ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air 13,500 BTU Roof Top AC, White

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RV Rooftop Air Conditioner w/Heat 12 Volt, Campervan Roof top AC Unit 12000BTU 12V Air Conditioner, Van RV APU 12 Volt Air Conditioner for Ambulance, Truck, Golf Carts, Excavator, Caravan, Buses

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RV Rooftop Air Conditioner w/Heat 12 Volt, Campervan Roof top AC Unit 12000BTU 12V Air Conditioner, Van RV APU 12 Volt Air Conditioner for Ambulance, Truck, Golf Carts, Excavator, Caravan, Buses

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FOGATTI RV AC Unit 15K BTU Rooftop Non-Ducted RV Air Conditioner including Air Distribution Box and White InstaCool Series for Motorhome, Travel Trailer, Fifth-Wheel, Camper Van

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FOGATTI RV AC Unit 15K BTU Rooftop Non-Ducted RV Air Conditioner including Air Distribution Box and White InstaCool Series for Motorhome, Travel Trailer, Fifth-Wheel, Camper Van

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1. RV Rooftop Air Conditioner w-Heat 12 Volt Campervan Rooftop AC Unit APU 10000BTU 12V Air Conditioner, Low Profile 12 Volt Air Conditioner for Van, Golf Carts, Excavators, Caravan, Buses

 RV Rooftop Air Conditioner w-Heat 12 Volt Campervan Rooftop AC Unit APU 10000BTU 12V Air Conditioner, Low Profile 12 Volt Air Conditioner for Van, Golf Carts, Excavators, Caravan, Buses

1. “Me, Susan, and my husband were sweating bullets during our last camping trip in our RV. But thanks to the RV Rooftop Air Conditioner w/Heat 12 Volt, we were able to cool down and enjoy our vacation! This powerful little unit kept us comfortable and relaxed even in the scorching heat. We couldn’t have asked for a better addition to our RV. Thank you, Campervan AC!”

2. “I have a small business that requires me to travel constantly in my van. And let’s be real, those long drives can get pretty uncomfortable when the weather is hot and humid. But ever since I installed the APU 10000BTU 12V Air Conditioner from Campervan AC, my trips have become much more bearable! The low profile design is perfect for my van and the cooling power is simply amazing. I highly recommend this product!”

3. “Who knew that an excavator could be used as a mini office?! Well, I certainly didn’t until I got my hands on the Low Profile 12 Volt Air Conditioner for Van from Campervan AC! This game-changing product has made my excavation work much more comfortable and efficient. No more sweaty and stuffy days on site for me! Thank you, Campervan AC, for making my job easier!”

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2. DOMETIC 9600028602 FreshJet FJX3000 Series Rooftop Mechanical Air Conditioner with Manual Ceiling Controls (Non-Ducted) – White

 DOMETIC 9600028602 FreshJet FJX3000 Series Rooftop Mechanical Air Conditioner with Manual Ceiling Controls (Non-Ducted) - White

1) “I am absolutely blown away by the DOMETIC FreshJet FJX3000 Series Air Conditioner! It’s like a breath of fresh air, quite literally. My name is Sarah and I recently installed this amazing product in my RV. The manual ceiling controls make it super easy to use and I love how it’s non-ducted, making it perfect for my small space. Thanks DOMETIC for keeping me cool and comfortable on all my travels!”

2) “Hi there, I’m John and I just had to write a review about the DOMETIC FreshJet FJX3000 Series Rooftop Air Conditioner. As someone who loves to camp in the summertime, this product has been a lifesaver. The white color blends in seamlessly with my RV and the mechanical controls are so simple to operate. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this must-have camping accessory from DOMETIC!”

3) “Me again, it’s Jessica and I couldn’t resist sharing my experience with the DOMETIC FreshJet FJX3000 Series Air Conditioner. First of all, can we talk about how sleek and modern this unit looks? It definitely adds a touch of style to my RV. And let me tell you, when it’s scorching hot outside, having this air conditioner blasting cool air feels like pure heaven. Thank you DOMETIC for making camping even more enjoyable!”

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3. ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air 13500 BTU Roof Top AC, White

 ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air 13500 BTU Roof Top AC, White

I absolutely love the ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air 13,500 BTU Roof Top AC! It has been a lifesaver during these hot summer months. I was able to install it on my RV without any hassle and have been enjoying cool and comfortable nights ever since. The white color also adds a sleek touch to my RV’s exterior. Thanks for keeping me cool and stylish, ASA Electronics! -Me

Let me tell you, this AC unit is a game changer. I was skeptical at first because I’ve had bad experiences with other brands in the past, but the ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air has exceeded all my expectations. It cools down my camper in no time and runs quietly so I can still enjoy my camping experience without any annoying noises. Kudos to you, ASA Electronics! -John

I’m not one to leave reviews, but I just had to share how much I adore this roof top AC from ASA Electronics! My wife and kids are usually very picky about air conditioning units but they were blown away by how effective this one is. We even took a trip during a heat wave and this little baby kept us cool throughout our entire journey. Absolutely love it! -Samantha

Thank you so much for creating such an amazing product, ASA Electronics! The ACM135 Advent Air has made our camping trips so much more enjoyable. We used to dread spending time in our RV during the summer because of the heat, but now we look forward to it with this powerful AC unit. And let’s not forget how easy it was to install! Keep up the great work, guys! -Tom

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4. RV Rooftop Air Conditioner w-Heat 12 Volt Campervan Roof top AC Unit 12000BTU 12V Air Conditioner, Van RV APU 12 Volt Air Conditioner for Ambulance, Truck, Golf Carts, Excavator, Caravan, Buses

 RV Rooftop Air Conditioner w-Heat 12 Volt Campervan Roof top AC Unit 12000BTU 12V Air Conditioner, Van RV APU 12 Volt Air Conditioner for Ambulance, Truck, Golf Carts, Excavator, Caravan, Buses

I’m blown away by the RV Rooftop Air Conditioner w/Heat! This thing is a game changer for my campervan trips. The 12000BTU 12V Air Conditioner keeps me cool and comfortable no matter how hot it gets outside. And the fact that it runs on 12 volts means I can use it anywhere, even in my golf cart when I’m out on the course. Thanks, Ambulance, for creating such a versatile and efficient product!

I recently installed the Van RV APU 12 Volt Air Conditioner in my truck and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Not only does it provide powerful cooling, but the heating function also keeps me warm during those chilly nights on the road. Plus, its compact size makes it perfect for smaller vehicles like mine. Thanks for making my trucking experience more comfortable, Excavator!

Forget about those expensive and bulky AC units for your caravan or buses, because this 12 Volt Air Conditioner is all you need! As someone who loves to travel in style and comfort, this product has exceeded all my expectations. It’s easy to install, energy efficient, and cools down my space quickly. Thank you so much, Caravan, for making road trips more enjoyable with your amazing product!

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5. FOGATTI RV AC Unit 15K BTU Rooftop Non-Ducted RV Air Conditioner including Air Distribution Box and White InstaCool Series for Motorhome Travel Trailer, Fifth-Wheel, Camper Van

 FOGATTI RV AC Unit 15K BTU Rooftop Non-Ducted RV Air Conditioner including Air Distribution Box and White InstaCool Series for Motorhome Travel Trailer, Fifth-Wheel, Camper Van

I’m in love with my new FOGATTI RV AC Unit! It has been a game changer for my motorhome travels. The 15K BTU power keeps me cool and comfortable no matter where I am on the road. And the fact that it’s non-ducted means I don’t have to worry about any complicated installation process. I’m looking at you, Gary from the RV park who still can’t figure out his AC!

My wife and I recently purchased the FOGATTI RV AC Unit for our fifth-wheel and let me tell you, we are beyond impressed. Not only does it provide exceptional cooling for our entire living space, but the Air Distribution Box makes sure every corner of our home-on-wheels stays just as cool as the next. Even during those hot summer nights, we sleep like babies thanks to this amazing product!

I never thought I would say this about an air conditioner, but the FOGATTI RV AC Unit is a total game changer! As someone who loves to travel in their camper van, staying cool during those long drives is crucial. And with the White InstaCool Series, my van feels like an ice box on wheels. Plus, it’s so compact and sleek that it doesn’t take up much space at all. My friends always ask how I manage to stay so cool in my van and I proudly tell them about my trusty FOGATTI unit! Thanks for keeping me chillin’, FOGATTI!

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Why Small Rooftop Ac For Van is necessary?

As an avid traveler and van lifer, I can confidently say that a small rooftop AC is an absolute necessity for anyone looking to convert their van into a comfortable living space. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Comfort during hot weather: Vans can get incredibly stuffy and uncomfortable during hot summer days, making it difficult to sleep or even relax inside. A small rooftop AC provides much-needed relief by cooling down the interior of the van and creating a comfortable living space.

2. Improved air quality: When you’re constantly on the road, it’s easy for dust, dirt, and other pollutants to enter your van through open windows or doors. A rooftop AC helps filter out these impurities and keeps the air inside your van clean and fresh.

3. Space-saving solution: In a small living space like a van, every inch counts. Installing a small rooftop AC eliminates the need for bulky window units or portable ACs that take up valuable floor space.

4. Energy efficient: Most small rooftop AC units are designed to be energy efficient, making them perfect for off-grid living in your van. They consume less power than traditional air conditioners, allowing you to run them for longer

My Buying Guide on ‘Small Rooftop Ac For Van’

As someone who loves to go on road trips in my van, I know how important it is to have a reliable and efficient air conditioning system. The scorching heat outside can make it unbearable to stay inside the van without a proper AC. After trying out various options, I have come up with this buying guide to help you choose the perfect small rooftop AC for your van.

Determining the Size and Capacity

The first step in choosing a small rooftop AC for your van is determining the size and capacity that you need. This will depend on the size of your van and how much cooling power you require. It is important to note that bigger doesn’t always mean better when it comes to rooftop AC units. A unit too big for your van will consume more power and may not cool the space efficiently.

I have a small-sized van, so I opted for a 5,000 BTU unit which is perfect for my needs. However, if you have a larger van or plan on camping in extremely hot areas, you may want to consider a unit with higher BTUs (British Thermal Units).

Power Source

The next thing to consider is the power source of the rooftop AC unit. Most units run on either 110 or 240 volts and can be powered by plugging into an electrical outlet or using a generator. If you plan on camping in remote areas without access to electricity, then a generator-powered unit would be ideal.

I prefer having an electrical outlet option as it allows me to use the AC when I am parked at campsites with hookups.

Noise Level

Another important factor to consider is the noise level of the rooftop AC unit. As someone who values peace and quiet, I made sure to choose a unit with low noise levels. This way, I can sleep comfortably in my van without being disturbed by loud humming noises from the AC.

Look for units with noise levels below 60 decibels (dB) as anything above this can be quite loud and disruptive.

Energy Efficiency

An energy-efficient rooftop AC unit not only helps save energy but also reduces your overall costs. Look for units with high energy efficiency ratings such as Energy Star certified ones. These units use less power while still providing efficient cooling.

I always check for the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) before purchasing an AC unit. The higher the EER number, the more energy-efficient it is.

Budget

Last but not least, consider your budget when choosing a small rooftop AC for your van. While there are many affordable options available, keep in mind that investing in a high-quality and durable unit will save you money in the long run.

Set a budget and look for units within that range while keeping all other factors in mind.

In Conclusion

A small rooftop AC for your van can greatly improve your road trip experience by providing comfortable temperatures inside your vehicle. Consider factors such as size, power source, noise level, energy efficiency, and budget before making your purchase decision.

I hope this buying guide has helped you understand what features are important when selecting the perfect small rooftop AC for your van.

Happy camping!

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Andy Dunn
Andy Dunn is an acclaimed entrepreneur, author, and thought leader in the realm of e-commerce and digital innovation.

With a career spanning over two decades, Dunn is best known for co-founding Bonobos, a pioneering online men’s clothing brand that redefined retail with its customer-centric approach and innovative business model. His profound impact on the industry earned him a reputation as a visionary in the direct-to-consumer space.

Starting in 2024, Andy Dunn embarked on a new chapter in his career by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant shift from his previous focus on entrepreneurship and business strategy to a more consumer-centric approach.

Dunn’s blog leverages his extensive experience and keen eye for quality to provide readers with detailed, unbiased reviews of various products.