Teardrop Camper Air Conditioning - 2024 Complete Guide

Camping is fun. It’s relaxing and rejuvenating. But camping in hot weather without air conditioning can be miserable. Even more so when you’re in a small rig like a teardrop camper.

Whether you have a camper already and want to learn how to keep it cool in the summer with the addition of an air conditioner, or you’re in the market for a teardrop camper that comes with AC included, this article will explain everything you need to know about teardrop camper air conditioning.

Do Teardrop Trailers Have Air Conditioners?

Air conditioning units are either built into teardrop campers by the manufacturer, or can be installed by yourself after you buy it. If your teardrop camper doesn’t have an air-conditioning system, it’s quite easy and affordable to install one yourself.

You’ll only need a very small unit, even a 5,000 BTU AC might be overkill in a small camper like a teardrop.

How Can You Stay Cool in a Teardrop Trailer without AC?

Use window covers – If you have windows on your teardrop, keep them covered with Reflectix.
Have good ventilation – You can stimulate airflow and improve ventilation with air vents. One open window along with a roof vent will help create a more comfortable space.
Park the camper in shade – You can either park it in a shaded area, or create shade using any kind of awning or tarp.
Use a swamp cooler – A swamp cooler uses moisture to cool air. In a swamp cooler, warm outside air is pumped through wet evaporative cooling pads, effectively cooling the air. The cooled air is then blown into the camper by a blower motor through a vent.
Electric fans – even though they don’t produce evaporative cooling, electric fans improve air circulation and help create a cooler interior.
Switch to breathable bedding.
Keep windows open at night, closed during the day.
Cook outside – Most teardrop campers have an outdoor kitchen anyway, but if you’re in a larger teardrop camper with interior amenities, cooking outside will help regulate the interior temperature.
Take a lukewarm shower – Lukewarm showers actually cool you down better than cold showers, as a cold shower will cause the body to create a rebound effect of your body overcompensating.
Cool down areas with high blood flow – An alternative to cooling down the air, is to cool down your body. Put ice packs on areas such as your neck, wrists and feet.

Do You Need an Air Conditioner in Your Teardrop?

This all depends on where and when you will be camping, and on your own tolerance to heat.

Some people can’t camp without AC, and others find even if they install it, they don’t use it as much as they expected.

In most camping locations, it will be cool enough to sleep at night with good ventilation and not require AC.

And during the day, you’re not likely going to want to be cooped up inside the camper anyway, you will be out taking part in activities and doing other things.

If you’re already a seasoned camper, you’ll know your own situation and whether AC is or isn’t something you need.

If you’re new, I would suggest you take a trip or two in a camper without AC before deciding.

It’s quite simple to have an AC retrofitted to any teardrop camper later.

What Size AC Unit is Suitable for a Teardrop Trailer?

The smaller, the better. You don’t want anything over 5,000 BTU, and even an AC that size could be overkill for some of the smaller teardrop trailers.

As a general rule, an air conditioner needs 20 BTU for each square foot of living space. That would mean a 5000-BTU air conditioner will be good to cool an area up to 250 square feet.

However, that number is calculated for standard buildings, it is more generally accepted among campers that a 5,000 BTU air conditioner window unit is sufficient for a camper up to 150 square feet.

Best Air Conditioner for Teardrop Campers

The ClimateRight CR2500ACH 2,500 BTU Mini Portable Outdoor Air Conditioner and Heater is the perfect solution for heating and cooling microstructures up to 400 cubic feet. The unit sits outside your camper, which means it is out of sight, out of mind, and not taking up precious space inside your teardrop trailer.

The unit is peacefully quiet, powerful, and portable. It heats, cools, and dehumidifies to ensure your camper remains comfortable day and night. Even better, it features a standard, quick-connect hose system, making installation a breeze.

4 Teardrop Campers with Air Conditioning

Vistabule

The Vistabule’s beautiful design will bring a smile to your face and become a best friend on your bold adventures. Whether your bucket list includes iconic national parks, off-grid wilderness, or snatching a spontaneous weekend getaway, your custom-built Vistabule delivers simple yet sophisticated features inside and out.

Vistabule offers a 5000-BTU air conditioner in any of their campers for $565.

MyPod Little Guy

Teardrop Camper Air Conditioning — MyPod

The MyPod is a 100% fiberglass molded body on a sturdy frame. With a dry weight of 840 lbs. and tongue weight of just 110 lbs., the MyPod is perfect for small cars and still packs a ton of great features. Choose from white, silver, black, blue or red. Includes Full/Double Size Bed and comes with AC unit installed.

Tag XL – nuCamp

The TAG is lightweight and easy to tow, making it the perfect option for someone looking to take their camping experience to the next level. This trailer allows you to bring some of the comforts of home when you hit the road. You’ll enjoy being surrounded by nature as you use the well-equipped rear galley. At night, you’ll climb into a warm and cozy interior — complete with a large window for stargazing. No matter where you go, the TAG teardrop trailer is ready for adventure.

TimberLeaf – Classic

Bringing you only the finest details, and quality craftsmanship that can only come from years of fine woodworking, we are proud to present to you a product that we are truly enthralled to create.

Featuring a fully insulated cabin to keep the wind, heat, and cold at bay. Comes with AC and available in a multitude of colors with stead-fast enamel-baked aluminum siding, and clear anodized top, your trailer can be as unique as yourself.

How Much Does Teardrop Air Conditioner Cost?

Expect to pay between $450 and $700 for a brand-new air conditioning unit for your teardrop trailer.

Can You Install the AC Unit Yourself or Should You Get it Installed Professionally?

Installing the AC unit yourself isn’t too difficult, if you’re comfortable using a drill and a saw, it is easily within your ability.

You can always hire a technician if you aren’t comfortable installing the air conditioner yourself. The extra cost will be worth it, as you’ll ensure your AC is set up correctly from the start.

How to Install an Air Conditioner in Your Teardrop

The video below shows you how to install AC in a larger RV, but will give you an idea of what you might need to do when installing in your teardrop.

Are There Any Downsides to Having an Air Conditioner?

This depends, the cost of powering the AC has to be taken into consideration.

Teardrops are already pressed for storage space, and an AC unit will add to that somewhat.

You may need to consider weight distribution regarding where you install the RV, so it doesn’t negatively affect your ability to tow safely.

And the final thing you might call a downside is the maintenance that may be involved in keeping the unit running smoothly.

I’d say all these are a small price to pay for the comforting modern convenience of an AC unit in your camper.

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Gary Michaels

After traveling Europe for a year in a self-built van conversion, Gary took his adventures through Asia to experience new cultures and the 'digital nomad' lifestyle. With 10 years experience of full-time off-grid living and camping, Gary started OffGridSpot to inspire other RV and off-beat adventurers.