Bristol Caravans and Motorhomes

Ready to take the heat off your motorhome trips?

Looking to stay cool and comfortable on every trip?

A well-maintained motorhome air conditioning system makes all the difference on hot days, ensuring your cabin stays pleasant no matter how high the temperature rises. From checking filters and airflow to keeping refrigerant levels optimal, a little preparation can prevent warm, stuffy interiors and keep your journeys enjoyable. With the right care and guidance, you can relax, unwind, and make the most of every adventure — without worrying about sweaty nights or uncomfortable trips.

Call us to get a Free personal assessment and quotation.

Air Conditioning Explained

Motorhome air conditioners can significantly reduce interior temperatures, even during hot weather, provided the unit is suitable for the size of the vehicle. Their performance is influenced by outside temperature, sun exposure, insulation quality, and how well the motorhome is sealed.

To get the best results, windows and doors should remain closed while the system is running, and additional measures such as parking in shade or using thermal blinds can greatly improve cooling efficiency and comfort.

The air conditioning fitted to the vehicle cab is powered by the engine and is designed to operate while driving, keeping the driver and passengers comfortable on the move.

In contrast, habitation air conditioning systems for the living area generally require mains electricity or a generator, meaning they are intended for use when parked rather than while travelling.

Air conditioning systems draw considerably more power than most standard motorhome appliances, which is why they are typically used when connected to electric hook-up at a campsite.

Power consumption varies by model, but in most cases it exceeds what a standard battery setup can comfortably supply, making air conditioning one of the most energy-demanding features in a motorhome.

Air conditioning places a heavy load on a motorhome’s electrical system, and traditional leisure batteries are not designed to support that level of demand for extended periods.

Without substantial upgrades such as large lithium battery banks and high-capacity inverters, running air conditioning from batteries alone is usually impractical for most owners.

Fitting air conditioning depends on several factors, including roof strength, available space, electrical capacity, and remaining payload allowance. Roof-mounted units in particular require suitable structural support.

Some motorhomes may be better suited to under-bench or alternative systems, while others may not be practical candidates at all without significant modifications.

For motorhome owners who tour during peak summer months or travel regularly in hotter climates, air conditioning can greatly improve comfort, sleep quality, and overall enjoyment of trips.

However, for those who mainly travel in cooler conditions or within the UK, good ventilation, roof fans, shading, and smart parking choices may provide enough comfort without the added cost, weight, and power requirements of air conditioning.

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Our Team

Welcome to the team here at Bristol Caravans and Motorhomes. We’re really proud of the team, and over the years it’s been our pleasure to provide advice and services to our ever-growing loyal customers.

Thank you for trusting us with your investment.

Oakleigh Wood
Director
Eliot Carey
Manager
Tracey Allen
Service Advisor
Nick Marshall
Caravan Technician
Andy Carter
Caravan technician
Nick Clifford
Valeter
Joe Wonnacott
Senior technician
Rob Housham
driver

“We arrived at Llanfyllin, and it was raining so hard it was difficult to find our plot. Once parked up, it took just 90 seconds as we let our automatic levelling system get us level. Thank you, Bristol Caravans, for fitting our amazing levelling system.”

Jake and Carol Smith