Guide for Buying Camping Air Conditioner

Want to witness the blazing sun in the desert and enjoy the sparkling sandy grounds but fear the hot weather? Well, buckle up because camping air conditioners are a relief for adventurers like you. Planning your adventurous trips in summer may wreck your mind by thinking about sweat, burning skin, and loss of all the fun.

You only need to buy the accurate camping air conditioner, and you are all set for your adventurous journey. However, buying a camping air conditioner requires you to focus on multiple factors, especially portability and efficiency, which are must-haves in your air conditioner. So, let’s dive into this practical buying guide for camping air conditioners.

Power of Camping Air Conditioner

Your camping air conditioner may require more or less power to cool up your environment, depending on its size and cooling capacity.  The power is measured in watts, while the cooling capacity is measured in BTUs. An air conditioner with a cooling capacity of 8000 BTUs would require a 700-900 watts power.

If it’s confusing to understand, here’s a table to demonstrate.

Of course, you will be putting the camping air conditioner in your camp, so measure the accurate dimensions of your camp to find the exact cooling capacity(BTUs that your AC should have. Once you are clear about your cooling needs, you can select an air conditioner suitable for your purpose. 

It’s preferred to choose an air conditioner having slightly more capacity than your required capacity because this way, you can ensure better cooling. On the other hand, do not select a larger-than-needed unit, as it will consume more power.

Materials of Camping Air Conditioner

Considering the fact that camping air conditioners are exposed to extensive humidity and rough environments, their build material should be focused keenly. The better build quality and material, the better durability and long life your air conditioner will have. Below is a breakdown of the materials used in the manufacture of camping air conditioners: 

Plastic Body

Having a plastic body air conditioner will save it from rust, causing it to last longer. The plastic being used for constructing the AC external layer must be of industrial grade. There are two factors to consider: one is ruggedness, and another is lightweight. 

Metal Components

The inner parts of a camping air conditioner need to be made up of metal for robust functioning. The metal used for making the condenser coils and fan blades is corrosion-free, so even if the humidity of the surroundings makes its way to the inside parts of the camping air conditioner, it can still be saved from being damaged.

Weather-resistant Coating

To protect the unit from external weather conditions like temperature fluctuations, storms, rain, and humidity, it is coated with weather-resistant chemicals. They help to add durability and reliability to the camping air conditioners and it’s parts.

Features and Function of Camping Air Conditioner

All the fun enthusiasts out there do not look for more features in a camping air conditioner; in fact, they focus on the quality of the features. For your guidance, here are some of the most crucial features you must consider before purchasing a camping AC.

Temperature Control

Temperature control in a must, as you’ll be camping at different places with different temperatures. So you can conveniently set the desired cooling temperature. 

Fan Speed Control

The feature to control fan speed enhances the experience by offering more control over air flow. 

Air Purification

During camping, you are exposed to numerous allergens and dust, yet by having an air purification feature in your camping air conditioner, you can clean your camp environment.

Dehumidification

To protect yourself from the unhealthy humid environment, you need to have a dehumidifier in your camping air conditioner.

Efficiency of Camping Air Conditioner

Of course as a camper, away from your home, you would prefer a camping air conditioner that requires less power consumption, and an energy efficient air conditioner can do that. The fun part is, you don’t have to spend more and still you’ll get a cooling and chilled environment to rest.

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) helps to determine the efficiency of an air conditioner. Ideally an EER of above 8.5 rating is better.

Timer

The timer is often disregarded, but it's an essential feature, especially for campers. It reduces the hassle of turning the AC on and off. You can set the timer when hiking or fishing and return to a chilled camp. The timer function also reduces your energy consumption. 

Brand and Price

When it comes to brands and pricing, there's some confusion. Not all brands rip you off in the name of a logo. Some brands value their customers and offer reliable and quality products. When investing in an air conditioner, you should consider brand value. You may have to pay extra, but it'll be worth it. 

Established brands like BLUETTI offer good post-sale customer care and have wide service networks. Besides that, warranty coverage and claims are better and more manageable with established brands than with newer ones. 

Can I Use a Camping Air Conditioner Without Electricity?

Yes, you can. But how? When you do not have the grid supply during your adventurous trip, you’ll need to add in some alternate power supply. This can be battery power, a generator, or a solar energy system. Considering the pros and cons of each power option, you can use any of them to supply power to your camping air conditioner and enjoy your trip.

Confused about how will you use the camping air conditioner without electricity? Well, here’s your answer

Battery Power

Camping air conditioners are usually DC powered to make it easier for campers to use them. Battery power can supply enough power to run a 12-volt DC air conditioner, but you’ll also need an inverter for converting the battery’s AC power to DC. 

Solar Energy

Solar energy is a good and reliable power source when you are not at your home. But for using solar energy you’ll require solar panels, battery, inverter, and converter. Once you arrange all these, you are ready to turn on your camping air conditioner.

Conventional Generators

Generators are also a good source to provide enough power to run your camping air conditioner. But you’ll need to buy a generator that fits with the required power of your AC. If you travel in your RV, then having a generator can also help to supply power to other devices and appliances. 

Can I Use Solar-Powered Generators to Power Camping Air Conditioner?

Solar-powered generators are better than conventional fuel generators as they save on cost, do not ruin your environment, and have free solar energy to run for as long as you want. Plus, what can be better than reducing your carbon footprint?

Here's how a solar generator kit powers a camping air conditioner. 

• Solar Panel

Solar panels contain specialized cells that capture solar energy from sunlight and convert it to DC. Different solar panels have different conversion rates, so be sure to buy solar panels that offer a high conversion rate for maximum power. 

• Battery Packs

To store the solar energy, you’ll need a battery, and most of the solar generator kits have battery packs. When solar energy isn’t available at night or due to weather conditions, this stored power helps power your camping air conditioner. 

• Inverter/Converter

The current produced by a solar generator needs to be converted to AC or DC, depending on your camping air conditioner. The inverter and converter do the job for you professionally. From the different types of inverters available, it’s suggested to choose the pure sine wave inverters.

If you’re considering buying a solar generator kit to power your camping air conditioner, BLUETTI is the best option. It is offering a full-fledged power solution to get you complete energy independence. 

BLUETTI AC300 + 1*B300 Home Battery Backup is an ultimate power solution that can run air conditioner units and other AC/DC appliances. It has a 3072 Wh capacity, which can be expanded to 12288 Wh. The device has built-in advanced LiFePO4 batteries known for their efficiency and longevity. It also has a pure AC sine wave inverter with a 6000 wave surge capacity. 

The device has a multi-recharge facility and supports dual fast recharge. You can power it through multiple power sources and with grid supply and solar power simultaneously. For added convenience, the device can be controlled using a smart mobile app. Moreover, the portability and usability are both next-level. 

This power station is completed with a BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel. The solar panel has a high conversion rate and efficiency. It has an easy-to-carry design and enhanced portability. The panel is foldable and highly space-saving. Moreover, the panels are durable and water resistant to withstand rough and tough use. 

BLUETTI AC180 Solar Portable Power Station is another BLUETTI masterpiece to enhance your camping experience. Although it can run a 12-volt DC air conditioner, it is more suitable to be used as an additional power source. The device has an 1152 Wh capacity to power your electronics and a few appliances. 

The device has a multi-recharge facility, and it supports fast recharging. Your power station will be charged and ready to use within 45 minutes. The device's portability is next level; it is lightweight with a convenient handheld design. The BLUETTI AC180 Solar Portable Power Station is a must-addition to the camp gear. 

Related article: Tips for Choosing Portable AC for Car Adventures

Final Thoughts 

When considering an outdoor adventure in hot temperatures, a camping generator will change your experience. Selecting the power source that is affordable, reliable, and well-matched with your camping air conditioner will change the whole scenario. By the way, you can try out BLUETTI power solutions if you plan to invest in high-quality equipment.