Portable AC for Van

What counts as a portable AC in a van

Portable AC for van setups usually fall into two categories. Wheeled floor units that vent through hoses, and compact window style units adapted to a panel or window insert. Floor units are easy to move but need careful venting and condensate management. Window style units can be more efficient but require a sturdy mount and a weather tight seal.

Single hose floor units pull air from inside the van to cool the condenser, then exhaust hot air outside. That creates negative pressure and draws outside air back in through cracks, which hurts efficiency. Dual hose models use one hose for intake and one for exhaust, reducing pressure loss and improving cooling. If you must choose between them, a dual hose design generally cools a van more effectively with the same watt draw.

Evaporative coolers are not air conditioners. They add moisture and can help in very dry climates, but in typical summer humidity they make the cabin clammy. For most travelers seeking real temperature drops, refrigerant based AC is the target.

Right size BTUs for a van

Vans differ from homes. They have more sun load, thinner walls, and many air leaks. A common window unit around 5000 to 6000 BTU can cool a compact, well insulated cargo van at night. For a mid size high roof in summer sun, many owners see better results with 7000 to 8000 BTU. Oversizing can short cycle and waste power, but undersizing never catches up at 3 pm in July.

As a rough guide, a 144 wheelbase high roof with good insulation and window covers does well in the 6000 to 8000 BTU range. Add big windows and desert sun, and you may need more capacity or plan to pre cool and keep shade on the van all day.

Power math without the guesswork

Portable AC for van comfort hinges on watts and hours. A 5000 BTU window unit often draws 400 to 600 watts while running. Many 8000 BTU portable floor units draw 900 to 1200 watts. The compressor’s startup surge can briefly spike to two to three times the running draw, so your inverter must handle that peak. Check the unit’s Energy Efficiency Ratio. A higher EER means more cooling per watt.

Translate watts into battery needs. Watt hours is watts times hours. If your AC averages 600 watts over five hours, that is 3000 watt hours or 3 kWh. On a 12 volt system, 3 kWh equals roughly 250 amp hours used. Because you should not drain batteries to zero, plan for a larger bank. For lithium, many use 80 to 90 percent of nameplate; for AGM, closer to 50 percent. A 400 amp hour lithium bank at 12 volts stores about 4.8 kWh, enough for a night at modest draw if other loads are light.

Alternator charging through a DC to DC charger, shore power, solar, and even a small generator can extend run time. Solar is helpful but expects reality. A 400 watt array under full sun might yield 1.6 to 2.0 kWh over a long day, which may not cover an eight hour AC run by itself. Many van travelers pre cool on shore power, shade park, and run batteries for the hottest stretch.

Inverter and surge planning

Select an inverter with continuous power above the AC’s running watts and surge capacity that covers compressor startup. For a 600 watt running load, a 2000 watt pure sine inverter is a common choice. Short, thick cables and proper fusing reduce voltage drop and heat.

Venting, moisture, and noise

Every refrigerant based portable unit must dump heat outside. Use insulated hoses for portable floor units and keep runs short. Long or crushed hoses increase back pressure and cut capacity. Seal around the hose outlet with a rigid insert in a window, floor port, or temporary panel. Avoid routing exhaust near fresh air intakes.

Condensate is the water pulled from humid air. Some units evaporate a portion over the condenser but most still need draining. A continuous drain line routed through the floor is cleaner than emptying a tank at night. Add a trap or valve to prevent dust and insects from entering.

Portable units make sound. Expect 50 to 60 dB for many models. Vibration pads, soft mounts for panels, and well sealed window inserts help keep sleep friendly noise levels. Dual hose units often sound steadier because the condenser loop is isolated from the cabin.

Placement matters in a van

Place the unit low and near the hottest wall to curb radiant heat. Aim the discharge toward the bed and allow a clear return path for cabin air. Keep soft items away from intake screens and allow space behind the condenser side so air moves freely.

Make the cold air count

Even the best portable AC for van cabins will struggle if the vehicle works against it. Insulate walls, ceiling, and floor. Use tight fitting window covers with reflective cores. Seal air leaks at rear doors and sliders. Park under trees, deploy awnings, and face glass away from the sun. Run a ceiling or desk fan on low to mix air and erase hot spots without adding much load.

At night, pre cool before bed and reduce internal heat sources. Cook outside, charge devices earlier, and dim lights. In dry climates, crack a roof vent slightly to reduce stuffiness while the AC runs. In humid climates, keep the cabin as closed as practical so the AC can dehumidify efficiently.

Safety and care

Secure the unit so it cannot tip during driving. Use correct wire sizes, fuses, and thermal protection for all electrical work. Clean intake filters often and check drain lines for clogs. If you use a generator outside, place it downwind and far from the van, and never run it inside.

Professional integration for real world travel

When you want silent nights, steady wiring, and clean venting, a professional install pays dividends. A builder can size the battery bank and inverter to your climate and travel style, craft a sealed window or wall insert, and tuck drains and ducts out of sight. The result is simple to use cooling that matches your van and the miles you plan to drive.

OZK Customs designs and installs complete systems inside custom van builds and partial upfits. Our team sizes BTUs to your cabin volume and sun load, right sizes electrical for surge and endurance, and integrates insulation, window covers, and ventilation so the AC does less work. If you need a full conversion with cooling from day one, we can build that package into your plan.

Based in Fayetteville Arkansas, we serve travelers nationwide who want dependable comfort without guesswork. Bring us your goals and we will map a cooling plan that matches your routes and seasons, then deliver a rig that sleeps cold and wakes ready to roll.

Next steps

Tell us how hot your summers get, how long you want to run the AC off grid, and whether you will use shore power on travel days. We will translate that into BTUs, wiring, venting, and weather ready details that make heat waves a non event.

Get started by exploring our services and planning your build below.

Recreational vans Custom build van Financeable mainstream vans

Ready for quiet, dependable cooling in your van build. Share your travel style, climate, and power goals. OZK Customs will engineer and install a full solution inside a complete custom build or partial upfit so you can sleep cold, drive further, and enjoy the road.