Why shop with us
Trusted by UK campers, caravan owners and van life travellers. Shop quality gear with clear product guidance, secure checkout and friendly support when you need it.
Learn more
Split Airconditioning Units
Split air conditioning systems separate the noisy compressor (mounted externally) from the indoor cooling unit, making them the quietest, most powerful option for caravans, motorhomes and static caravans. If you find rooftop units too loud — particularly at night — a split system is the upgrade worth making.
How split systems work
Two separate units are linked by insulated refrigerant lines. The outdoor unit (the noisy half — compressor + condenser) typically mounts in a locker or on the back of the van. The indoor unit (just a quiet fan and evaporator) sits inside, dispensing cool air with minimal noise. The result is whisper-quiet cooling that won't disturb sleep, even in the height of summer.
Where split systems shine
- Static caravans and holiday lodges — where noise matters and there's room for the outdoor unit
- Larger A-class motorhomes — where cooling requirements exceed what rooftop units can deliver quietly
- Long-term touring — where you'll be running the unit overnight repeatedly
Installation considerations
Split systems are more complex to fit than rooftop or portable units — you'll need a competent installer who can route the refrigerant pipework and electrical connections. Allow a half-day for fitting, and budget £200–£400 for installation in addition to the unit cost. We ship from UK stock and can recommend a fitter local to you if needed — just ask.
The Mestic SPA range leads this category in the UK; see also our Mestic SPA-5100 review.
Split air conditioning systems separate the noisy compressor (mounted externally) from the indoor cooling unit, making them the quietest, most powerful option for caravans, motorhomes and static caravans.
All Filters
to
Original price
£449.00
-
Original price
£449.00
Original price
£449.00
£449.00
-
£449.00
Current price
£449.00
Mestic Split Air Conditioner Spa-3100
MesticMestic Split Air Conditioner SPA-3100 Looking for a compact, quiet and efficient cooling solution for your caravan or camper? The Mestic SPA-3100 s...
View full details
Original price
£449.00
-
Original price
£449.00
Original price
£449.00
£449.00
-
£449.00
Current price
£449.00
Original price
£506.99
-
Original price
£506.99
Original price
£506.99
£506.99
-
£506.99
Current price
£506.99
Mestic Split Unit Air Conditioner Spa-5100 Uk
MesticSplit unit air conditioner SPA-5100 Looking for a split unit air conditioner that can cool, ventilate, and dehumidify your caravan or camper? Then...
View full details
Original price
£506.99
-
Original price
£506.99
Original price
£506.99
£506.99
-
£506.99
Current price
£506.99
Sold out
Original price
£598.99
-
Original price
£598.99
Original price
£598.99
£598.99
-
£598.99
Current price
£598.99
Mestic Split Unit Air Conditioner SPA-3000
MesticThe Mestic SPA-3000 Looking for a split unit air conditioner that can cool, ventilate and dehumidify your caravan or motorhome? Then the Mestic spl...
View full details
Original price
£598.99
-
Original price
£598.99
Original price
£598.99
£598.99
-
£598.99
Current price
£598.99
Sold out
Original price
£49.99
-
Original price
£49.99
Original price
£49.99
£49.99
-
£49.99
Current price
£49.99
Mestic Bracket Seitz Spa-3000/3100/5000/5100
MesticThe Mestic Seitz bracket is a deeper, taller version of the standard Mestic split aircon bracket. This version allows the bracket to pass over a...
View full details
Original price
£49.99
-
Original price
£49.99
Original price
£49.99
£49.99
-
£49.99
Current price
£49.99
Sold out
Original price
£982.99
-
Original price
£982.99
Original price
£982.99
£982.99
-
£982.99
Current price
£982.99
Mestic BA-2600 Under Bench Air Conditioner – Caravan AC Unit
MesticProduct Information The Mestic BA-2600 Bench Air Conditioner delivers powerful climate control for caravans and motorhomes, providing efficient c...
View full details
Original price
£982.99
-
Original price
£982.99
Original price
£982.99
£982.99
-
£982.99
Current price
£982.99
Sold out
About Split Airconditioning Units
Split vs Rooftop Air Conditioning Units
Compare features to find the perfect AC solution for your vehicle
| Feature | Split System | Rooftop Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Caravans & motorhomes with internal wall space | Motorhomes & large campervans with roof load capacity |
| Noise while sleeping | Very quiet (compressor outside) | Medium – noise is outside, but above the bed |
| Cooling power | Efficient, great for long stays | High output, ideal for larger/open spaces |
| Interior space used | Requires an indoor unit | Zero interior space taken |
| Installation | More involved (indoor + outdoor) | Simple swap if roof already has an AC, or roof light |
| Weight impact | No roof weight | Adds roof load — check vehicle limit |
| Cost | Medium–High | Medium–High |
| Energy use | Very efficient | Medium |
| Maintenance | Easy indoor access | Needs roof access |
| Ideal trip type | Long stays / quiet nights / energy-saving | Road trips / hotter climates / large vehicle layouts |
Caravan & motorhome air-con guides
24 October 2025
Why a Combi Air Conditioner Heater is Worth the Investment
Discover why a combi air conditioner heater is the ultimate year-round comfort upgrade for caravans and motorhomes. Efficient, compact, a...
Read more →
22 October 2025
Summer vs Winter – Getting the Most Out of Your Combi Air Conditioner
Your caravan’s air conditioner isn’t just for one season. With the right care and settings, it can cool you down in summer and keep you w...
Read more →
22 October 2025
Combi Heaters Explained – The Ultimate Guide to Heating & Cooling in One
Say goodbye to juggling separate heaters and fans. Caravan combi heaters keep you comfortable in every season, combining efficient heatin...
Read more →Air Conditioner FAQs
Can I run a caravan air conditioner on a campsite hook-up?
Yes, most caravan and motorhome air conditioners are designed to run on a standard 6A or 10A UK campsite hook-up. Compressor air-cons typically draw 4-8 amps in normal operation. If your unit is rated above 1500W (most rooftops sit around 850-1700W), check the site's amp limit before you arrive - some smaller sites only offer 6A, which can trip the breaker if you're also running a kettle or microwave.
What's the difference between a split unit and a rooftop air conditioner?
Split units have an outdoor compressor (mounted in a locker or rear bumper) connected by refrigerant lines to an indoor evaporator unit - this gives the quietest interior noise since the noisy part is outside the living space. Rooftop air conditioners are self-contained units mounted on the caravan roof, simpler to fit (often a like-for-like replacement of an existing rooflight) but the compressor noise is heard from above. Splits cool more efficiently for the wattage drawn; rooftops are quicker to install and cheaper.
How many BTU do I need for my caravan or motorhome?
As a guide: 5,000-7,000 BTU suits campervans and compact caravans up to 5m, 8,000-10,000 BTU covers most touring caravans and small motorhomes (5-7m), and 12,000+ BTU is for larger A-class motorhomes or full-time touring. Going bigger than needed wastes battery/hookup current and runs noisier. Insulation, sun exposure and roof colour also affect required output - dark-roofed caravans in direct sun need 20-30% more cooling capacity than average.
Can I install a caravan air conditioner myself?
Rooftop replacements (swapping an old air-con for a new one in the existing opening) are within reach of a competent DIYer with a weekend free and a second person to help lift. New roof installations require cutting a 360mm × 400mm or similar opening through the roof - we'd recommend a professional fitter unless you've cut motorhome roofs before. Split-system installs need refrigerant pipework that should always be done by an F-Gas certified engineer. Budget £200-£450 for professional fitting depending on complexity.
How noisy are caravan air conditioners at night?
Modern caravan air conditioners run between 42-55 dB at the indoor vent on quiet mode - that's quieter than a normal conversation, comparable to a fridge. Premium brands like Truma Aventa Comfort and Dometic FreshJet 2200 sit around 42-45 dB, while budget portable units can hit 55-60 dB. Split systems are typically the quietest (38-42 dB inside) because the noisy compressor is outside. If sleeping with the unit running matters, look for a "night mode" or "sleep mode" setting which lowers fan speed and noise further.
Will an air conditioner drain my leisure battery?
That depends on the unit and your battery setup. Pure 12v air conditioners (like the Indel B Plein-Aircon) draw 30-50 amps while running - a typical 100Ah lithium leisure battery would manage 2-3 hours before needing recharge. Standard 230v rooftop units only run from hookup or a generator/inverter and don't directly affect your leisure battery. If you tour off-grid frequently, a 12v unit paired with 200Ah+ lithium and 200W+ of solar is the realistic minimum for overnight cooling.
Can air conditioners be used as heaters too?
Many modern caravan air conditioners are reverse-cycle heat pumps, meaning they can heat as well as cool. Truma Aventa Comfort, Dometic Combi units and Kronings K2400 all offer this. Heat pumps are efficient down to about 0-5°C ambient temperature - below that, they struggle and a gas-fired heater (like Truma Combi 4 or Propex HS2000) is more reliable. For year-round touring, a combi unit (heating + cooling in one) usually works out cheaper than two separate systems.
How do I clean or replace my air-con filter?
Air-con filters should be cleaned every couple of trips and replaced every 12 months. Most rooftop units have a removable plastic grille covering a foam filter - pop the grille, lift out the filter, vacuum it or wash in warm soapy water, let it air-dry fully, then refit. Replacement filters cost £5-£20 depending on brand. A clogged filter is the most common cause of weak cooling output and musty smells - it's a 5-minute job that makes a huge difference. See our filter cleaning guide for step-by-step instructions.
Delivery & dispatch
Free mainland UK delivery on orders over £40. Fast dispatch on stocked items and transparent delivery options at checkout so you can plan with confidence.
Delivery infoTrusted brands
We stock leading camping, caravan and motorhome brands – chosen for real-world touring reliability. Browse by brand to match parts and accessories to your setup.
Shop by brandFAQs
Not sure what you need? Explore our FAQs and guides for sizing, compatibility and setup advice across awnings, tents, accessories and touring essentials.
Read FAQsTrusted by UK campers, caravan owners and van life travellers. Shop quality gear with clear product guidance, secure checkout and friendly support when you need it.
Learn moreFree mainland UK delivery on orders over £40. Fast dispatch on stocked items and transparent delivery options at checkout so you can plan with confidence.
Delivery infoWe stock leading camping, caravan and motorhome brands – chosen for real-world touring reliability. Browse by brand to match parts and accessories to your setup.
Shop by brandNot sure what you need? Explore our FAQs and guides for sizing, compatibility and setup advice across awnings, tents, accessories and touring essentials.
Read FAQs