Air conditioning is a must-have for RVs, especially during the summer. The ability to stay cool and cozy in your RV is a luxury that all RVers like to enjoy at all times.
How can you enjoy the comfort of power-hungry AC while living off the grid? There’s an option to use the conventional 110-volt aircon and plug it into shore power. Traditional air conditioners would also require you could carry a diesel generator.
But, imagine being cool in your RV without needing to fire up a diesel generator to power the aircon. That’s where 12 Volts Aircon units for RVs step in to address a major concern for RV owners.
If you are thinking about acquiring an aircon system for your RV, this article will provide you with information about 12 volts aircon systems and why they are your best bet for your RV.
What is a 12 Volts Aircon
12 volts aircon is an aircon that requires 12 volts of direct current (DC) electricity, which you can find in your RV’s main battery, a portable power station, a home backup battery, or a solar generator kit.
12 volts aircon systems are designed to provide powerful and energy-efficient cooling for your RV. The energy-efficient compressors are designed to run even when the RV’s engine is not running.
These features make them a must-have for RV owners who want to keep their RVs cool and cozy during trips and at campsites.
How Do 12 Volts Air Conditioners Work?
The main function of the 12 volts air conditioner is to maintain the circulation of cool air within your RV. Its main parts include a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and heat exchanger.
A 12 volts aircon works by blowing hot and dry air through a damp cooling pad. The wet pad absorbs heat from the air thus cooling the RV. The compressors in the aircon units are powered by 12 volts DC, which can be drawn from the RV’s battery.
The 12 volts aircon can also be powered by an auxiliary power source such as a portable power station, portable solar panels, or an all-in-one backup power station.
Pros of 12 Volts Aircon for RV
- 12 volts aircon units for RVs are smaller and more compact in comparison to traditional AC units. The smaller footprint of 12 volts aircon means that they can be used without taking up much of the limited space in RVs
- 12 volts aircon systems are energy-efficient and can be run even with the engine is off. By using a portable power station, you can run the 12-volt aircon system for extended periods without having to worry about running out of juice. This means that you can enjoy a cool cabin in remote sites where you don’t have access to shore power.
Limitations of 12 Volts Aircon for RV
- The main limitation of 12-volt aircon for RVs is their high current draw. The high current draw is needed to power the compressors, which gives rise to some inefficiency and voltage drops. 12 volts aircon systems use thick wires to handle the higher currents, which contribute to energy inefficiencies and voltage drops.
- 12 volts aircon systems are also limited in the cooling power they can deliver. In comparison, 120-volt AC aircon systems can deliver higher levels of cooling power. However, 12 volts aircon systems provide sufficient cooling power for all RVs.
- The high current needs of 12 volts aircon for RV means that you will need sufficient battery capacity to run them for extended periods. To power the 12-volt aircon system, you need a high-current portable power station. BLUETTI portable power stations can suit all RV applications and ensure that you can run the 12 volts aircon at all times.
- First, you should consider what size of aircon is best suited for your RV. You should consider the size of your RV and the space available for the installation of the aircon system. The general rule is that you need 12000btu/h per 1000 sq ft. This should act as a guide when selecting a suitable aircon.
- You also want to consider the climate of where you live or want to travel to. For example, if you live in a hot and humid area, then you should ideally consider choosing an aircon unit that has a higher cooling capacity. This way, you can have an aircon unit that is not undersized or oversized for your RV.
- Finally, you should consider the ease of installation. This aspect is important for RV owners, especially those who lack experience in installing aircon units or those who prefer to do their own modifications and installations. BLUETTI portable power stations are portable and can easily be setup to power your RV’s 12 volts aircon.
Comparison with Traditional RV Air Conditioning
12 volts aircon systems have several similarities and differences with traditional RV air conditioning.
The main difference between the two is that the 12 volts aircon runs on 12 volts DC, while traditional RV air conditioning runs on 110 volts AC. The traditional RV aircon is more inefficient due to the conversion of electricity from 12 volts DC to 120 volts AC. On the other hand, the 12 volts aircon can plug directly into your RV’s electrical output and is more efficient.
Another difference is that the traditional RV air conditioning requires you to plug into shore power or to run a diesel generator, while the 12 volts aircon runs on battery power. This means that with the help of portable power stations, you can enjoy cool aircon in remote areas that don’t have access to shore power.
12 volts aircon units allow you to access off-the-grid air conditioning, which traditional RV aircon systems are unable to provide. By choosing a 12 volts aircon, you can also capitalize on alternative sources of clean energy such as solar panels and portable power stations to keep your RV cool at all times.
How to Choose the Right 12 Volts Aircon for RV?
How can I choose the right 12 volts aircon for my RV? Well, there are some factors to consider when choosing a 12 volts aircon system for your RV.
Installation and Maintenance of RV’s 12 Volts Aircon
Installing a 12 volts aircon for an RV is quick and easy to install especially if you have some basic skills and equipment. The majority of 12 volts aircon systems are mounted on the roof of the RV such as above the sleeping area or the living area. The air conditioner should be installed on a flat surface to create a perfect seal and prevent water ingress. The aircon packages often include an adapter kit that helps create a perfect seal with the roof of your RV.
Ensure that the aircon is situated in a suitable area to maintain the required temperature while driving or resting. The positioning of the aircon also ensures that cool air can be distributed optimally throughout the RV.
The electrical installation for 12 volts aircon is also easier compared to the traditional aircon because it does not require the installation of an additional inverter.
Inspect the aircon system regularly to ensure that there are no leaks. Make sure to check for dust that could clog the compressor and greatly increase its energy consumption. As a rule of thumb, follow the maintenance schedules that are outlined in the owner’s manual.
BLUETTI Portable Solar Generator Power Your RV Adventure
For a 12V RV air conditioning system, a portable power station can provide a convenient source of backup or off-grid power. Before choosing a power station, check your air conditioner's running wattage, startup power requirements, and connection type to ensure compatibility.
1. BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station
The BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station is a compact portable power solution suitable for lighter RV power needs. Its portable design makes it convenient for powering compatible electronics and smaller devices while camping or traveling. It also supports multiple charging methods, including solar charging, providing greater flexibility when you're away from the grid.
2. BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 Portable Power Station
For higher power demands, the BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 Portable Power Station provides greater capacity and output for RV appliances and other power-intensive devices. It supports flexible recharging options, including solar charging, and can be monitored and managed through the BLUETTI App. Before using it with a 12V RV air conditioner, compare the air conditioner's rated and startup power requirements with the power station's supported output.
Final Thoughts
A 12 volts aircon system is a must-have for your RV especially if you plan on going off-grid. They are easy to install and can be powered from multiple sources including portable power stations, and solar generator kits. Better yet, they are more energy-efficient and you can run them for long periods without the engine running.
With BLUETTI Portable Solar Generators, you can power your 12 volts aircon and enjoy a cool and comfortable adventure in your RV. Simply choose a generator that matches your equipment and one that fits your budget to meet all your energy and aircon needs.
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