Ready to take the heat off your motorhome trips?

Air Conditioning

Really impressed with Bristol Caravans.

Great service and customer care.

Absolutely tip-top staff.

Extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

This company is excellent to deal with.

Great team, great experience.

Couldn't recommend this company enough.

Excellent service.

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.

Personal on-site assessment
Peace of Mind: A well-maintained air con keeps your journeys cool and comfortable.
Advice on questions relating to other services
Qualified, experienced, approved & trusted technicians
12v air blog HERE

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Air Conditioning Explained

Do motorhome air conditioners actually work in hot weather?

Yes, motorhome air conditioners are effective in hot weather when correctly sized and used with good insulation and closed windows.

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.

Can I run air conditioning while driving?

Cab air conditioning can be used while driving, but habitation air conditioning usually cannot.

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.

How much power does a motorhome air conditioner use?

Motorhome air conditioners use a large amount of power and are usually designed to run on mains electricity.

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.

Will air conditioning drain my batteries?

Yes, air conditioning will drain standard leisure batteries very quickly.

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.

Can air conditioning be fitted to any motorhome?

No, not all motorhomes are suitable for air conditioning installation.

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.

Is air conditioning worth it in a motorhome?

Air conditioning is worth it for some owners, depending on how and where they travel.

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 of Bristol Caravans

Oakleigh Wood

Director

Eliot Carey, Manager at Bristol Caravans

Eliot Carey

Manager

Tracey Allen, Service Advisor at Bristol Caravans

Tracey Allen

Service Advisor

Kas Press

Customer Service Advisor

Nick Marshall, Caravan Technician

Nick Marshall

Senior Habitation Technician

Andy Carter

Habitation Technician

Joe Wonnacott

Senior Mechanic

Simon Bennet

Automotive Accessory Technician

Nick Clifford

Valeter

Rob Housham

Driver

Jasmine Williams

Marketing

“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