Can I use an evaporative cooler with my RV?

RV life is about getting to see and enjoy the great outdoors in relative comfort and convenience. One big part of that is keeping cool in and around your RV or travel trailer, wherever your adventures take you. Whether you travel to the deserts of Texas, wine country in Sonoma, or the dustbowls of the Midwest, evaporative cooling can protect you from heat and dry skin. Thanks to Portacool’s innovative technology and portable solutions, you can now use an evaporative cooler for RVs to stay comfortable all summer long—and beyond.  

Why should I get an evaporative cooler for my RV? 

Portable evaporative coolers are a great and effective RV cooling system. Unlike traditional air conditioning units that require refrigerants, installation, and heavy power usage, Portacool portable evaporative coolers are plug-and-play. Just plug your evap cooler into a standard 120V three-pronged outlet, add water to the tank, and turn it on for immediate cooling relief. 

Benefits of using evaporative coolers in RVs  

Evaporative coolers are reliable cooling systems designed to work inside and outside your RV. They provide: 

• Cool, comfortable temperatures 

• Targeted air flow in hot areas 

• Energy and cost savings 

• Humid air in dry environments 

• Easy maintenance 

• Great for boondocking, tailgating, and outdoor RV activities 

• A reliable cooling solution for years to come 

What if I already have an AC in my RV?  

An evaporative cooler is a standalone cooling system, but it can also work alongside your RV’s existing AC system as a back-up or when you’re hooked up.     

However, you may find yourself running your evaporative cooler more often than your AC. Portacools provide whisper-quiet performance so you can cool your RV and enjoy your peace and quiet at the same time. It’s also more cost-efficient, operating on as little as a $1 a day of electricity. And unlike your AC, an evaporative cooler humidifies the air as it cools, protecting your mouth, throat, skin, and lungs from dry air.    

This hack for your RV will make you ditch your AC 

You’ve spent time and money traveling to your dream destination, but it’s too hot outside. If only you could bring some of that cool air inside your RV to the great outdoors… Yet your AC unit isn’t portable, and leaving the door open to circulate the air would consume a lot of power and run the risk of burning out your AC.  

Meanwhile, a portable cooler can bring relief to the heat around your RV on as little as $1 a day in energy usage. You can leave the RV door open, worry-free, and enjoy being outside. Portacools can reduce ambient air temperatures by up to 30°F, and even our smallest unit, the Portacool APEX™ 500 can cool air up to 55ft. away.  

Imagine a midday picnic with your family, tailgating with friends, or playing volleyball without battling the heat.  

Best Portacool models for cooling RVs 

Portacool APEX™ 500 – Ideal for small RV setups 

The APEX 500 is a compact unit that offers powerful cooling capacity. It cools up to 500 sq. ft., making it ideal for an RV or patio that accommodates 2–4 people. Equipped with our CoolSync™ Technology, Portacool syncs directly to your phone for on-demand temperature control. Additionally, HydroTek™ Evaporative Media ensures efficiency and durability, while the quick refill hatch, low-water shutoff and sturdy wheels make the APEX 500 easy to use in any environment.   

Portacool APEX™ 700  – Ideal for larger RVs

The APEX 700 is a step up in our compact units, bringing cool relief to spaces as big as 700 sq. ft. Perfect for class A motorhomes, group tailgating, or extended stays at large campgrounds. Like the APEX 500, the APEX 700 features CoolSync™ Technology, HydroTek™ Evaporative Media, a quick refill hatch, and more. All while delivering an impressive 1,400 CFMs of airflow reaching 60 ft. 

Choose a quality evaporative cooler 

If you’re looking for the best evaporative cooler for your RV, you need a cooler that’s rugged and built to last through all of your adventures. Whether you’re camping in a dry desert, tailgating on game day, or relaxing by the lake, our portable evaporative coolers will keep you cool and comfortable. That’s why Portacool is synonymous with quality. As the leader in evaporative cooling, Portacool has been keeping families cool and comfortable for over 30 years. We produce all of our coolers at our Center, Texas, manufacturing facility. They’re tough enough to weather the heat anywhere you take them. We continue to back them up with the best-in-class warranty. 

To learn more about the benefits of using Portacool evaporative coolers with your RV, visit a local or online retailer or contact us directly.