How to Install a Camper Air Conditioner

The great outdoors are truly great, but some people like to get away from the heat and bugs even while on vacation in the wild. Savvy campers, in order to ensure their camping trip is cool and humidity free, install a rooftop air conditioning unit on their camper. These are fairly easy to install but the job should be done in clear, calm weather (no rain, wind, snow, etc.), and a second person to help may be needed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Screwdriver
Packing material
Camper air conditioner
Generator (if needed)
Mounting bracket

Step 1

Create a vent if needed. If your camper already has a rooftop vent, then you don't have to worry about creating an opening. For those campers that do not have a vent, you will have to see the manufacturer's guidelines about making a vent opening to ensure that it has the correct measurements and doesn't damage the camper itself.

Step 2

If there is already a vent in place, remove the rooftop screws for the vent, and remove the vent and all other materials from the vent area. Clean the area thoroughly to ensure proper installation.

Step 3

Figure out the appropriate power route. Planning out how the camper air conditioner will be powered ahead of time allows you to make sure everything is installed in the right place and that the A/C is able to draw power without causing dangerous electrical issues.

Step 4

Make sure that the air conditioner is unplugged and ready for installation. Carefully place the air conditioning unit on top of the camper. Once you and the air conditioner are securely in place on the roof, you will need to lower the air conditioner into the vent space, making sure to fill any gaps with weatherproofed insulation or other packing materials.

Step 5

Install the mounting frame. Grab the mounting frame that came with the camper air conditioning unit and install it under the air conditioner on the inside of the camper. Bolt the mounting frame in place securely to make sure that the air conditioning unit doesn't fall into the interior of the camper.

Step 6

Once the wiring is finished and the power source has been identified, plug your camper in (either to a standard power source or a generator) to make sure that the air conditioner runs properly. If your air conditioner is cooling the interior of the camper, then you are ready for your camping trip.

Tips & Warnings

The wiring of the air conditioner will depend on the unit. You shouldn't attempt to wire the air conditioner for power unless you are certified to do so. Otherwise, see a professional for this process.

Resources

Article Written By Kelsey Childress

Kelsey Childress runs a freelance creative business called Awen Creative that specializes in SEO Web content, social media marketing and blogging. She has been writing for online and in-print publications for over six years, and has a bachelor's degree in English literature and creative writing from Kansas State University.

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