Caravan air conditioners: types, power, service and repairs
Caravan air conditioners run on 240V site power, a generator or an inverter.
Some run straight from a 12V, 24V or 48V battery.
Published . 12 min read • Technical Guide
- Service lines: Dometic 1800 212 121, Truma through Leisure-Tec 1300 07 2018, Houghton (08) 8448 2929.
- The 240V roof units on this page cool at 2200 to 4000 watts (W).
- Truma recommends an inverter or generator of at least 2000 W for its Aventa comfort 2.G.
- Refrigerant work and 240V wiring are for a qualified tradesperson.
Who services and repairs a caravan air conditioner
Call the unit's maker first, and ask for your nearest service agent. The brand and model are on the unit and in your van's paperwork. Jayco says the air conditioner in its vans is separately warranted by the company that made it.
- •Dometic: 1800 212 121 for warranty, technical support and spare parts.
- •Truma, through its Australian partner Leisure-Tec: 1300 07 2018 or service@leisure-tec.com.au. Its locator lists service agents, and it asks you to contact an agent before you visit.
- •Houghton: (08) 8448 2929 or contact@houghtonleisure.com.
Check these before you call
- •Not cooling well: check it is set to cooling and below the room temperature (Dometic).
- •Cool day: Dometic FreshJet units are designed to cool when it is above 16 degrees outside, so a cool day can stop the cooling.
- •Low air flow: check the air intake is clear and the air nozzles are open (Dometic).
- •Dometic display shows P1: the unit has low voltage. Unwind the power cable drum, turn off other appliances and ask the site manager to check the voltage.
- •Most other Dometic P and E codes: Dometic says to contact an authorised service agent or Dometic.
- •Truma Aventa shows a red light: switch it off and on again, then call Truma Service if the light stays on.
- •Site power keeps tripping: Jayco says a kettle, iron or hair dryer is a common cause. Unplug them and reset the breaker, then see a service agent if it still trips.
Jobs an owner can do
- •Turn off and unplug the power first. Dometic says to disconnect the power supply when working on its unit.
- •If you cannot reach the roof safely, ask a service agent to do the roof jobs.
- •Dometic FreshJet: clear leaves and dirt from the air intake and grilles. Check the side drain channels are clear. Wash the filter with detergent and let it dry.
- •Truma Aventa: change the filter at least every 12 months, and never run the unit without it.
- •Truma Saphir: clean the fluff filter at least twice a year and replace the particle filter each year.
- •Houghton H3600V: check and clean the filter each week while the unit is in use.
- •Houghton H2400D: clean the filter once a fortnight.
- •Houghton: if the van sits unused, run the unit for 20 to 30 minutes every 6 months.
- •Dometic says to keep high-pressure cleaners off the unit and to stay out of automatic car washes.
Jobs for a qualified person
- •Yearly service: Dometic says to have a specialist company service the heat exchanger once a year. Its yearly list also covers the roof seals and fastening bolts.
- •R32, R410A and R407C units: the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) licenses people to handle fluorocarbon refrigerants. It says anyone servicing or maintaining this equipment must hold a licence. The makers' manuals say owners can do the jobs listed above.
- •Gas top-ups: ARC says topping up a system before it is tested and its leaks repaired is illegal.
- •Truma Aventa comfort 2.G: Truma says its R 290 (propane) refrigerant is highly flammable. The system may only be opened in the factory or a service workshop.
- •Dometic FreshJet: Dometic says repairs are for qualified personnel, supervised by a person competent with flammable refrigerants where others assist.
- •240V wiring: Jayco says alterations are only for a certified licensed electrical contractor.
The types of caravan air conditioner
240V roof units
These sit on the roof and feed the van through an air box on the ceiling. They run on site power, a generator or an inverter. Dometic FreshJet, Truma Aventa and Houghton's H series are examples.
240V under-bench units
These sit under a bench or bunk and send the air through ducts, which leaves the roof clear. Truma Saphir and the Houghton H2400D are examples. Houghton says the floor must carry the unit's weight, and to ask your caravan maker.
48V battery units
These run straight from a 48V battery pack with no inverter. Houghton's Aeolus units are roof units of this kind. Our system voltage guide explains what a 48V van involves.
12V and 24V units
These also run straight from the battery, and they match a 12V or 24V van.
- •Dometic lists its CoolAir RTX 2000 12V at 1700 W of cooling and 32 kg, for panel vans, light trucks and special vehicles. The same page calls it ideal for camper vans and RVs, so ask Dometic about a caravan roof.
- •Van Life Solutions sells Coolavan units for campervans, motorhomes and caravans in 12V, 24V and 48V. It lists 2200 to 2300 W of cooling and 700 W of input. The compressor cycles about half the time, depending on temperature and setting.
- •The Coolavan underbed unit draws 20 to 60 amps on 12V, as the seller lists it. Ask the seller what battery they would fit for your heat and settings.
Cooling, power use and weight by model
These are the makers' own figures. W means watts and A means amps. The cooling and heating figures are what the unit delivers. Input is the power it draws to do that. Current is at 240V unless the card says otherwise.
Each maker tests its own way, so treat comparisons between makers as a rough guide. Weights cover what each card names, and installed weight can be higher.
240V roof units
Dometic FreshJet FJZ4333EEH
Cools at 2200 W. Heats at 1000 W.
- Under 4.7 A when cooling.
Roof unit under 35 kg and 225 mm high.
Dometic FreshJet FJZ7433IHP
Cools at 3000 W. Heats at 2300 W.
- Under 5.8 A when cooling.
Roof unit under 35 kg and 225 mm high.
Dometic FreshJet FJZ7437IHP
Cools at 3400 W. Heats at 3000 W.
- Under 6.1 A when cooling.
Roof unit under 36 kg and 242 mm high.
Dometic FreshJet FJZ7557IHP
Cools at 4000 W. Heats at 3400 W.
- Under 6.7 A when cooling.
Roof unit under 38 kg and 283 mm high.
Houghton H2400
Cools at 2400 W. Heats at 2400 W.
- Input 950 W and 4.2 A when cooling.
- Maximum input 1040 W.
Outdoor unit 29 kg, plus 2.8 kg inside. 215 mm high.
Houghton H2800V
Cools at 2800 W. Heats at 2600 W.
- Input 1100 W and 4.8 A when cooling.
- Maximum input 1300 W.
Outdoor unit 31.5 kg, plus 3.4 kg inside. 215 mm high.
Houghton H3600V
Cools at 3600 W. Heats at 3300 W.
- Input 1450 W and 6.4 A when cooling.
- Maximum input 1700 W.
Outdoor unit 38.5 kg, plus 3.4 kg inside. 223 mm high.
240V under-bench units
Truma Saphir comfort RC
Cools at up to 2400 W. Heats at 1700 W.
- Input 980 W and 4.2 A when cooling.
About 23.5 kg. 628 x 400 x 290 mm.
Houghton H2400D
Cools at 2400 W. Heats at 2000 W.
- Input 980 W and 4.3 A when cooling.
- Maximum input 1120 W.
About 30 kg. 287 x 442 x 652 mm.
48V roof units
Houghton Aeolus H2800
Cools at 2600 W, range 1700 to 2800 W. Heats at 2400 W.
- Input 1200 W and 24.8 A at 48V when cooling.
- Maximum input 1450 W and 30.3 A.
Outdoor unit 30 kg, plus 3 kg inside.
Houghton Aeolus H3400
Cools at 3200 W, range 2000 to 3400 W. Heats at 2800 W.
- Input 1500 W and 31.2 A at 48V when cooling.
- Maximum input 1900 W and 40 A.
Outdoor unit 39 kg, plus 3 kg inside.
Running a caravan air conditioner off-grid
A 240V unit needs an inverter or generator that suits it, and these are the makers' lines. An inverter makes 240V from the van's battery.
- •Truma Aventa comfort 2.G: recommends a pure sine wave supply of at least 2000 W, at up to 45 degrees outside.
- •Houghton Belaire HB3500: lists a sine wave generator with an output of 2800 W, and says to consult the generator supplier.
- •Houghton H3400: needs a mains quality power source, and says to confirm a generator's size with its supplier.
- •Truma Aventa and Saphir: use only a pure sine wave source without voltage peaks.
Start-up power
A compressor draws a short burst of extra current as it starts, so check the surge rating of your inverter or generator.
- •Truma lists 28 A for 150 milliseconds on the first-generation Aventa comfort, and 20 A for 150 milliseconds on the Saphir comfort RC.
- •Dometic says soft start, on the models that have it, reduces the peak current at start-up.
- •Houghton lists built-in soft start on the H2800V and H3600V.
Using less power
- •Houghton H2800V and H3600V have two economy settings, at 70% and 40% of capacity.
- •Dometic's inverter models can use its Power app to limit the unit when the site fuse is low or to save battery.
- •Jayco says running a 240V appliance through an inverter draws much more from the battery, and can drain it in a shorter period.
To size a battery and solar panels for the unit, give its input watts to your installer. If the card shows amps, ask the maker for the input watts. Our power calculator totals your other appliances and leaves the air conditioner out.
What a powered site needs to supply
- •Dometic lists a required fuse of 10 A for FreshJet units. Truma recommends a supply designed for 10 A for the Aventa comfort 2.G.
- •Truma's Saphir manual asks for at least 6 A of fuse protection, with the cable drum fully unwound.
- •Western Australia says the site lead must be one continuous length, rated at 15 amps, and should not exceed 10 metres.
- •Western Australia also says to fully uncoil leads and use no double adaptors. If the site outlet has no safety switch, it says to use a portable outlet with one.
- •Western Australia requires a Residual Current Device (RCD) in a caravan, and only a licensed electrician can install one.
- •Jayco says to adapt its 15 amp lead to a 10 amp outlet only with a 15 to 10 amp adaptor rated IP 55.
Replacing or adding a caravan air conditioner
Where to buy one
Caravan parts shops and dealers sell these units, and the makers can point you to one. Use Dometic's dealer finder, Leisure-Tec's locator or Houghton's contact page. Makers say a qualified workshop or tradesperson installs them.
Check these with the maker or installer
- •Roof opening: Dometic FreshJet and Houghton H3600V fit 360 x 360 mm or 400 x 400 mm. Truma Aventa fits a new 350 x 380 mm opening, or an existing 400 x 400 mm opening with its sealing frame.
- •Roof thickness: Dometic lists 25 to 60 mm for FreshJet FJZ. Houghton lists 25 to 70 mm for the H3600V, with a thick roof kit beyond that. Dometic's FJX needs 32 to 60 mm with a 360 mm opening.
- •Roof strength: Houghton says the roof must be able to carry the unit's weight.
- •Slope: Dometic says to install FreshJet FJX within 10 degrees of horizontal. Truma lists a maximum of 8% in use.
- •Height: the cards above give each unit's height. A new unit can change your travel height, so measure the van after fitting.
An air conditioner added later is extra weight. Reweigh the van and stay under the ATM (aggregate trailer mass). Our payload guide explains how.
Buying a van with air conditioning
Our browse filter lists models with air conditioning fitted as standard. On some smaller and lighter layouts it is an option, so confirm it against the exact layout. Our guide to what caravans come with covers the other fittings.
Getting the most cooling in hot weather
- •Air the van out before you start, then close the doors and windows while it cools (Truma).
- •Shade the windows. Jayco says un-shaded windows, tent materials and annexes all affect the temperature inside.
- •In very high heat, try a setting of 23 degrees. Jayco suggests this when a unit struggles.
- •Truma says its first-generation Aventa comfort can hold up to 10 degrees below outside in optimum conditions: shade, windows closed and low humidity.
- •Jayco says that in climatic extremes the inside may be only a few degrees different from outside.
- •Dometic lists FreshJet units for use up to 52 degrees outside.
- Truma: Aventa comfort, Australia
- Truma: Aventa manual, Australia
- Jayco: owner's handbook
- Truma: Aventa comfort 2.G manual
- Dometic: FreshJet FJZ manual
- Jayco: owner questions
Covers
Take any cover off before you run the unit. Dometic says the air nozzles and intakes must not be covered by cloths, paper or other objects. Truma says the air inlets and outlets on the Aventa comfort 2.G must not be obstructed under any circumstances. It also says to keep the van's forced ventilation openings clear, especially in winter storage. Ask the unit's maker before you cover it for storage.
Fans for when the unit is off
A 12V fan runs from the van's battery and moves the air.
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Common questions
Who repairs a caravan air conditioner?
The unit's maker or its service agent. Dometic takes calls on 1800 212 121, Leisure-Tec handles Truma on 1300 07 2018, and Houghton takes calls on (08) 8448 2929.
Can a caravan air conditioner run on batteries?
Yes, in two ways. A 240V unit runs through a suitable inverter, and a 12V, 24V or 48V unit runs straight from a battery of that voltage. Jayco says an inverter can drain the battery in a shorter period.
What size generator runs a caravan air conditioner?
Use the figure your unit's maker gives. Truma recommends at least 2000 W for its Aventa comfort 2.G. Houghton's HB3500 manual lists 2800 W. Both call for a sine wave supply.
Can I run a caravan air conditioner on a 10 amp power point?
Ask your van maker first. Jayco says to adapt its 15 amp lead to a 10 amp outlet only with a 15 to 10 amp adaptor rated IP 55. Dometic lists a required fuse of 10 A for FreshJet units.
Can a 12V unit cool a caravan?
Some are sold for caravans. Van Life Solutions lists its Coolavan units at 2200 to 2300 W of cooling. The 240V roof units on this page cool at 2200 to 4000 W. Ask the seller about the length of your van.
Do caravan air conditioners heat as well?
The units on this page's cards heat as well as cool, and each card gives both figures. Dometic lists FreshJet units for use down to -2 degrees, and Truma lists its Aventa comfort 2.G for heating from 4 degrees.
Can I run the air conditioner while driving?
Check your unit's manual. Houghton's H2000 and H2400 manual says the unit may not be operated in vehicles while driving. Its 48V Aeolus H3400 manual says the same and also has an on-road setting, so ask Houghton.
Should I cover my caravan air conditioner?
Take any cover off before you run the unit. Dometic says the air nozzles and intakes must not be covered. Ask the unit's maker before you cover it for storage.
A portable power station is a different way to run some appliances. Our portable power stations guide covers what they can run.