Cooling a camper van comes down to two proven paths: run two roof fans that move a ton of air, or pair a front fan with a rear roof A/C. The right answer depends on where you travel, how you power the van, and how simple you want your system to be. We’ve built and lived with both—from high, dry Colorado to humid coastlines—so here’s a straight-shooting breakdown of what each setup does best, plus a quick comparison between dual fans, dual ventilation with 120V A/C, and dual ventilation with 12V A/C.
Why we started with dual ventilation (and still love it)
For years, our default build used two Maxxair MaxxFan Deluxe (Smoke Tint, 00-07500K) tied into a robust solar + lithium system. These fans sip power and can run all day, every day. With one set to intake and the other to exhaust, you get targeted airflow where you want it—toward the bed while you sleep, or toward the kitchen/lounge when you’re hanging out or cooking (yes, even bacon before a big hike).
Pair that with our Thinsulate® insulation and you’ve got a quiet, efficient system that keeps interiors comfortable in most conditions—especially in the dry Mountain West where we build. Matt lived full-time in a van with this setup for a year across Colorado and multiple cross-country trips, and it just worked. He continues to use this setup while living full-time in Denver for weekend getaways with his wife and for rentals through Outdoorsy.
You’ll still find this configuration in our Essential and Explorer builds.
Why it shines
- Efficiency: Minimal power draw = serious off-grid runtime
- Simplicity: Fewer heavy systems to install or maintain
- Cost-effectiveness: Keeps build price down without sacrificing comfort in dry or moderate climates
- Excellent ventilation: Dual-zone airflow for sleeping and cooking
Where it’s not enough
- High humidity + high heat: Fans move air, but they don’t lower air temperature or remove humidity. In Florida in July or an unshaded asphalt lot, you’ll want true A/C.
Why we added A/C options
As our community grew into humid regions (Florida, Texas, the Northeast), many customers told us that no A/C was a dealbreaker. After extensive testing across hundreds of builds, we added two options so you can match your cooling to your climate, budget, and power plan. Says co-founder Dave Ramsay on this evolution:
After a little over ten years of living in the van, I’ve traveled to all 48 lower states, during all four seasons. I’ve learned that weather is the one factor you can never fully control. For me, an air conditioner has become an essential part of my van and opens up far more possibilities and improves my flexibility. With A/C, I can travel to a much larger percentage of places in the summer without having to limit my trips, and once I’m there, I’m not at the mercy of unexpected fluctuations in temperature or changing weather patterns. The ability to keep my van cool enough to sleep, work, and live comfortably makes vanlife less stressful and a lot more flexible. That flexibility takes the stress out of constant planning and gives me the freedom to enjoy vanlife on my own terms.
Option 2: Dual ventilation + 120V roof A/C (Dometic)
- Power: Our stock 120V unit is very powerful—great for extreme heat and fast cabin cooldowns
- Runtime: On battery, expect about 1–2 hours (varies by capacity/conditions). On shore power, run 24/7
- Best for: Campgrounds and RV parks, hot destinations, quick cooldowns after trail days, travelers who regularly plug in
- Tradeoffs:
- Heavy energy draw off-grid—you’ll lean on shore power for sustained cooling
- Higher cost/complexity/weight than fans alone
Option 3: Dual ventilation + 12V roof A/C (Nomadic Cooling X2, 8,188 BTU)
- Power profile: Purpose-built for efficient, off-grid cooling. Lower BTU than 120V but impressively usable
- Runtime: Designed to run for hours from the house battery—We recommend ~400Ah capacity for best results. Also runs 24/7 on shore power; still needs monitoring while in use
- Form factor: Fits 14″ × 14″ roof openings; ~44 lb; sleek interior shroud preserves headroom
- Controls: Remote with multiple modes, including ECO to stretch battery life
- Best for: Summer travelers, digital nomads, and pet owners who need real cooling without hookups. Don’t expect the inside of your van to be “cold,” but certainly safe and comfortable for both humans and our furry friends
- Tradeoffs:
- Less raw cooling than the 120V option—pre-cooling, shade, and window covers matter more in extreme heat
- Higher cost/complexity than fans alone (but lighter draw than 120V A/C)
Quick “choose this if…” guide
- Mostly dry climates / winter powder chasers / shoulder seasons / higher-elevation campers → Dual fans: efficient, simple, budget-friendly
- Frequent hookups / extreme heat / want the coldest cabin fast → 120V A/C + dual fans: campground comfort and rapid cooldowns
- Off-grid summers / pets aboard / long battery-powered cooling windows → 12V A/C + dual fans: balanced, efficient cooling without shore power
Comparison chart
| Feature | Dual Ventilation (2× Maxxair) | Single Vent + 120V A/C (Dometic) | Single Vent + 12V A/C (Nomadic X2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary strength | Ultra-efficient airflow & ventilation | Maximum cooling power; fastest cooldown | Off-grid-friendly A/C with smart efficiency |
| Cooling type | Ventilation only (no active cooling) | Active A/C (highest output) | Active A/C (8,188 BTU) |
| Off-grid runtime | All-day fans on minimal draw | ~1–2 hrs on battery* | Hours on battery* (~400Ah recommended) |
| Shore power | Not required | 24/7 continuous A/C | 24/7 continuous A/C |
| Humidity handling | Moves air; doesn’t dehumidify | Good (A/C dehumidifies) | Good (A/C dehumidifies) |
| Ideal climates | Dry/Mountain West, shoulder seasons, winter trips | Hot & humid regions, extreme temps, campground stays | Hot & warm climates where you boondock often |
| Noise | Quiet | Louder than fans | Typically quieter than many 120V units (varies) |
| Weight/complexity | Lowest | Highest | Mid-low (≈44 lb) |
| Cost (relative) | $ | $$ | $$$ |
| Kitchen ventilation | Excellent (dual-zone airflow) | Excellent (fans still handle steam/odors) | Excellent (fans still handle steam/odors) |
| Best for | Simplicity, budget, low-humidity comfort | Humid areas with shore power hookups | Long off-grid stays, pet safety without hookups |
*Actual runtimes vary with battery capacity, state of charge, ambient temperature, insulation, shading, and usage mode (e.g., ECO).
Field-tested comfort tips (works with any setup)
- Insulation & sealing: Our Thinsulate foundation does heavy lifting, but definitely still recommend keeping the doors/windows closed during peak heat
- Window covers & shade: Reflective covers and parking strategy can drop perceived temps dramatically. Point the windshield away from the sun
- Pre-cool / pre-vent: Run A/C or fans before the heat spikes so the interior never climbs into the danger zone
- Cross-breeze smartly: With two fans, set one to intake and the other to exhaust toward where you are. With only one fan and an A/C unit, leave your fan off but open to help exhaust heat accumulation
- Cook strategically: Use the kitchen-side fan to yank out heat and steam fast
- Install divider curtains to section off the front cabin from the living space. A simple double-layer blackout curtain separating the front from the back can help keep the living area 10–20°F cooler
- Use a portable USB fan to add extra ventilation within the van without sacrificing extra battery power. This can also help extend the reach of your A/C unit’s fans without using max power on the unit
- Safety: Never leave people or pets unattended without appropriate monitoring and failsafes
Bottom line
There isn’t a single “best” answer—there’s the right answer for how and where you travel. In dry or moderate climates, dual fans deliver outstanding comfort, simplicity, and value. In hot, humid regions or for travelers who want true cabin cooling, choose the A/C path that matches your power plan: 120V for maximum cooldown on hookups, or 12V for longer off-grid cooling windows.
Ready to dial in your build?
We’ll help you match climate, routes, and battery capacity to the perfect setup—no fluff, just clear guidance from a team that’s lived it.
→ Start with our Van Finder or book a quick consult with a DM Vans specialist.