Rooftop or Under-Bunk: What's the Ideal Caravan Air Conditioner

-

 Travelling Australia by caravan offers freedom, adventure, and waking up somewhere new each day. However, when the heat cranks up, comfort quickly becomes just as important as the view. When temperatures push past 40°C and sticky humidity becomes a problem, having a dependable way to cool your space can make or break the journey. That’s why choosing the right air conditioner matters. This unit helps you sleep well at night, enjoy downtime inside your van and travel without constantly battling the heat. I’ll take a closer look at the two most popular options: rooftop and under-bunk systems, to help you decide which one best suits your setup.


Rooftop Unit

man installing air conditioner
source: caravanairconditioning.com.au



Many Aussie travellers prefer a caravan roof top air conditioner from top brands. Options like Furrion, MyCoolman, Dometic, and Truma have built a reputation for reliability. They deliver powerful cooling while making smart use of the space on top of your caravan or RV. These units can withstand Australia’s harsh summer heat, providing consistent comfort no matter how high the temperatures rise.

These units are straightforward but effective. Caravan roof air conditioners draw in air from outside, cool it through a refrigerant system, and then push it into the van through ceiling vents. With multi-directional airflow and adjustable fan speeds, these systems ensure that cool air reaches every corner of your living space. The top-down cooling method is naturally efficient, as cooler air sinks to fill the space below. The caravan roof aircon is often reverse cycle, offering heating during cooler months. This versatility makes it ideal for travellers who want a single solution for year-round comfort, whether you’re camping in the outback heat or a breezy coastal spot.

Benefits


-Space-saving: Thanks to its positioning, the caravan roof top air conditioner keeps the interior free from bulky equipment. This leaves more room for cupboards, benchtops, and storage, which is especially valuable in smaller vans where every bit of space matters.

-Cooling: These systems take advantage of the natural tendency of cool air to sink, allowing your caravan to reach a comfortable temperature faster and more evenly than other types of air conditioners.

-Central placement: Caravan roof air conditioners are usually installed in the centre, ensuring the airflow reaches all corners of your living space. This central positioning maintains consistent cooling throughout the cabin.

-Compatibility: Most vehicles with a structurally sound roof can accommodate this type of unit, making it a flexible choice for a wide variety of vehicle layouts and sizes.

Best Uses


The caravan roof top aircon is particularly well-suited to full-sized caravans and RVs that have strong, reinforced roofs. They shine in the hotter regions of Australia, like the Northern Territory or inland Queensland, where reliable and high-capacity cooling is essential for comfort and safety on long drives. For travellers planning extended road trips or even living on the road full-time, these units provide the most effective climate control. They keep the interior cool even under intense heat. They can also be adapted for off-grid setups, though it’s important that your battery, inverter, and solar system can handle their higher energy needs. Brands like Dometic and MyCOOLMAN have models specifically designed to withstand harsh Australian conditions.

Under-Bunk Unit


In pop-top vehicles, camper trailers, or compact RVs, under-bunk units offer a clever and space-saving alternative. Sitting beneath a bed or bench, these systems use ducting to distribute cool air efficiently throughout the interior without taking up valuable living space. They draw in outside air through a floor-mounted vent, expelling heat, and then circulating cooled air via a compact duct system. Because they sit inside the van, under-bunk units help keep the roof height lower, which is handy for garage storage or navigating low-clearance areas. Lightweight and compact, they’re well-suited for smaller caravans or RVs.

Benefits


-Perfect for small vans and pop-tops: Under-bunk systems are ideal when the roof can’t support the weight of a traditional AC unit.

-Frees up roof space: By keeping the top clear, you can make room for solar panels, racks, or skylights.

-Compact and energy efficient: These units are lightweight and efficient, making them well-suited for both on-grid and off-grid setups without overloading your power system.

-Improves vehicle stability: Installing the air conditioner low helps maintain a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling and towing stability while on the road.

Best Uses


For owners of pop-tops, camper trailers, or compact caravans, under-bunk units often make the most sense when a rooftop unit isn’t an option. They provide effective cooling without raising the van’s height, making them ideal for those storing their vehicle in garages with limited clearance or wanting to avoid costly structural changes. If you’re looking for a discreet, low-profile system that still delivers reliable performance, an under-bunk unit can be a smart and practical choice.

Bottom Line


So, what's the best type of caravan air conditioner? Choosing the right AC unit depends on your caravan type and travel style. If you have a full-size RV or vehicle with a strong roof, a rooftop unit is hard to beat. It cools efficiently, covers larger spaces, and can even double as a heater in cooler months. On the other hand, if you’re in a pop-top, camper trailer, or a smaller van, an under-bunk system is often the smarter choice. It keeps the roof clear, fits compact spaces, and avoids the need for structural modifications. Essentially, it comes down to balancing space, cooling needs, and how you plan to travel. Both options can keep you comfortable on the road, but picking the right style ensures you get the most out of your caravan’s interior.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Beyond a Piece of Paper: How University Frames Commemorate Achievements

-
Image
Graduation. A word that evokes a whirlwind of emotions, immense pride, a sigh of relief after years of hard work, and a touch of bittersweetness of a new chapter. Your diploma, that crisp sheet of paper, embodies this journey. It's more than just a document, it's a real reminder of your dedication, late nights fueled by coffee, and countless achievements along the way. But where does this symbol of your achievement stay after the confetti settles? Tucked away in a folder, it feels almost hidden, a whisper of the accomplishment it represents. University frames offer a chance to elevate your diploma beyond its physical form. They transform it into a centrepiece, a constant source of pride displayed for all to see.
Read more

13 Types of Door Latches and How They Work

-
Image
Doors date back to 3000 BC when Ancient Egyptians had the idea of doors to the afterlife where they were part of tomb paintings. The earliest doors were made by Europeans and Chinese with doors in Europe being made of wood while those in China were made of stone. In the region that belongs to modern-day Iraq, there were also doors found from stone. Today doors are primarily made from metal and wood but you can also find  PVC  doors and stone ones. But it's not just doors that have progressed over time, one simple part that makes them work as they should has as well while they also come in different designs.
Read more

The Evolution of the LGBTQ Flag and What It Stands For

-
Image
 In the early hours of June 28, 1969, a series of violent confrontations began between the police and the gay rights activists in New York City, outside the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in the Greenwich Village. In honour of this event known as the Stonewall Riots, June has been recognised as LGBTQ Pride Month worldwide. On June 25, 1978, the first versions of the LGBTQ rainbow flag were flown for the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day parade.
Read more