​Air Conditioners

Roam Gear stocks specialized 12V and 24V air conditioning units designed for off-grid travel in caravans and van conversions. Unlike standard 240V household systems, these models run directly from your DC battery bank. This removes the need to plug into mains power or run a generator while you are parked up at a remote campsite.

These units are selected for their ability to handle the high temperatures and vibrations of Australian touring. They provide a practical cooling solution for those who want to stay comfortable in tropical or outback conditions. Explore our current range to find a model that fits your vehicle layout and power capacity.

A 12V air conditioner typically draws between 30 and 50 amps per hour while the compressor is running. This high current draw means you can consume a significant amount of your storage capacity within a few hours of use. Total power consumption depends on the ambient temperature and how well your van is insulated.

To run an air conditioner for extended periods, you should have a high capacity lithium bank and a way to monitor your state of charge. This prevents you from accidentally draining your batteries to a level where your fridge or lights stop working. Check out our Lithium Batteries to build your storage, or see our Battery Monitors to track your live usage.

Yes, you need a high wattage pure sine wave inverter to run the Air Conditioners while you are off the grid. These units operate on 240V AC power, so the inverter is required to convert your battery voltage into the household current the air conditioner needs to function.

Running an air conditioner is one of the heaviest loads a power system can handle. You should use a pure sine wave inverter rated for at least 2000W or 3000W to manage the initial startup surge of the compressor safely. Because of the high amperage draw, a large lithium battery bank is also necessary to maintain the runtime without damaging your cells. This setup allows you to enjoy climate control in remote locations without the need for a noisy generator.

Check out our high performance Inverters to handle the load, or explore our Lithium Batteries to ensure you have the storage capacity required for air conditioning.

You can run a 12V air conditioner off-grid provided your system has a large solar array and a high capacity lithium battery bank. Because these units draw significant power, your solar panels must be capable of replacing the energy used during the day while also maintaining your storage for evening cooling.

Most successful off-grid setups use at least 400W to 600W of solar to support an air conditioner alongside a fridge and lights. This balance allows you to stay cool in remote locations without needing to move your vehicle or rely on a noisy fuel generator. Browse our selection of 12V Solar Panels to find high efficiency input for your rig.