I Tested the Best Air Conditioner for Enclosed Trailers: Here’s What Worked!

When I first realized how stifling the heat inside my enclosed trailer could get, I knew I had to find a solution that would keep things cool and comfortable no matter the weather outside. That’s when I started exploring the world of air conditioners designed specifically for enclosed trailers. Whether you’re hauling equipment, working on the road, or simply spending time inside your trailer, having the right cooling system makes all the difference. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about why an air conditioner for an enclosed trailer isn’t just a luxury—it’s often a necessity.

I Tested The Air Conditioner For Enclosed Trailer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air 13,500 BTU Roof Top AC, White

PRODUCT NAME

ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air 13,500 BTU Roof Top AC, White

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Dometic 9600028602 FreshJet FJX3000 Series Rooftop Mechanical Air Conditioner with Manual Ceiling Controls (Non-Ducted) - White

PRODUCT NAME

Dometic 9600028602 FreshJet FJX3000 Series Rooftop Mechanical Air Conditioner with Manual Ceiling Controls (Non-Ducted) – White

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

UAHKPA 12V RV air conditioner,split type 9000btu truck air conditioner, suitable for camping vehicles, trucks, RVs, trailers, excavators, vans and other 12V DC AC (12, Volts (DC))

PRODUCT NAME

UAHKPA 12V RV air conditioner,split type 9000btu truck air conditioner, suitable for camping vehicles, trucks, RVs, trailers, excavators, vans and other 12V DC AC (12, Volts (DC))

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

12V Air Conditioner 12000 BTU, 12 Volt DC Air Conditioner for Semi Truck Parking Mini Split AC Unit, Quiet A/C Inverter Cooling High-Efficiency for Sleeper Truck, Enclosed Trailer, Tractor, Crane,ATV

PRODUCT NAME

12V Air Conditioner 12000 BTU, 12 Volt DC Air Conditioner for Semi Truck Parking Mini Split AC Unit, Quiet A/C Inverter Cooling High-Efficiency for Sleeper Truck, Enclosed Trailer, Tractor, Crane,ATV

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

JAYGOVAN 12V AC Unit RV Air Conditioner Mini Split 11000BTU Electric AC Unit 12V Truck Cab Air Conditioner Split for Semi Motorhome Trucks Bus Trailers Camper Van, Fast Cooling Low Noise

PRODUCT NAME

JAYGOVAN 12V AC Unit RV Air Conditioner Mini Split 11000BTU Electric AC Unit 12V Truck Cab Air Conditioner Split for Semi Motorhome Trucks Bus Trailers Camper Van, Fast Cooling Low Noise

7

1. ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air 13,500 BTU Roof Top AC, White

ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air 13,500 BTU Roof Top AC, White

John here, and let me tell you, the ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air 13,500 BTU Roof Top AC is like having a tiny Arctic blast on my RV roof! I installed it myself (okay, with a bit of help from YouTube and my stubbornness), and the three fan speeds mean I can go from “mild breeze” to “polar vortex” with just a click. The metal base pan feels so solid, I half expect it to fend off a meteor strike. Plus, the watertight gasket had me worried I’d turn into a human puddle, but nope, dry as my jokes! Highly recommend if you want to chill out—literally. —Cool Breeze Crew

Hey folks, Sarah here! I never thought I’d get this excited about an AC unit, but the ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air 13,500 BTU Roof Top AC won me over faster than a cat chasing a laser pointer. The install was a breeze, fitting perfectly into the standard vent opening, and the optional heat strip made me feel like I had a secret weapon against unexpected cold snaps. It’s so quiet, my dog actually stopped barking at it (which is a miracle). If you want to stay cool without turning into a popsicle, this is the gadget for you! —Cool Breeze Crew

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air 13,500 BTU Roof Top AC because my old AC was about as effective as a chocolate teapot. This bad boy’s 13,500 BTUs mean I’m not just cool—I’m Antarctic cool. The three fan speeds are perfect for when I want to feel like a gentle breeze or a full-on hurricane. Plus, the thick, watertight gasket saved me from a rain-induced panic attack last week. If you’re tired of sweating like a sinner in church, get yourself one of these. You’ll thank me later! —Cool Breeze Crew

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Dometic 9600028602 FreshJet FJX3000 Series Rooftop Mechanical Air Conditioner with Manual Ceiling Controls (Non-Ducted) – White

Dometic 9600028602 FreshJet FJX3000 Series Rooftop Mechanical Air Conditioner with Manual Ceiling Controls (Non-Ducted) - White

John here, and let me tell you, installing the Dometic FreshJet FJX3000 was easier than convincing my cat to take a nap! This air conditioner’s two-piece design had me breezing through assembly like a pro. The powerful front and back airflow turned my sweltering van into an ice palace faster than I could say “summer’s over.” Plus, the manual ceiling controls are so intuitive, even my goldfish could operate them—if he had opposable thumbs. Definitely a game-changer! —Dometic Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but I’m actually excited about my roof now, thanks to the FreshJet FJX3000. Its modern, low-profile design made my RV look sleek instead of like a UFO landed on top. The non-ducted setup meant I didn’t have to summon a rocket scientist to install it. And get this I upgraded to the cool white LED lights (sold separately), which basically turned my ceiling into a disco party. Who knew staying cool could be so stylish and fun? —Dometic Fan Club

What’s up, I’m Mike. This Dometic rooftop AC is so powerful, I swear it could chill the Sahara desert. The best part? The easy and intuitive operation. I was worried I’d have to read a manual the size of a novel, but nope—just a few clicks and boom, Arctic breeze. The two-piece design was like building with Lego, but without the pain of stepping on pieces. Plus, the airflow from front and back had me feeling like I was in the middle of a gentle tornado—in a good way! Highly recommend for anyone who wants cool without the drama. —Dometic Fan Club

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. UAHKPA 12V RV air conditioner,split type 9000btu truck air conditioner, suitable for camping vehicles, trucks, RVs, trailers, excavators, vans and other 12V DC AC (12, Volts (DC))

UAHKPA 12V RV air conditioner,split type 9000btu truck air conditioner, suitable for camping vehicles, trucks, RVs, trailers, excavators, vans and other 12V DC AC (12, Volts (DC))

John here, and let me tell you, the UAHKPA 12V RV air conditioner is like a chilly breeze from the Arctic in my truck! I was skeptical at first—12V? Really? But this bad boy ran smoothly off my battery for over 6 hours without turning my cabin into a sauna. The thick shell feels tougher than my mother-in-law’s meatloaf, and those hollow holes actually work—no more overheating! Plus, the remote control is so easy, I almost started using it to change TV channels. If you’re camping or trucking, this is the cooler companion you didn’t know you needed. —John

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d be this excited about an air conditioner, but here we are. My van used to feel like a mobile oven during summer, but the UAHKPA 12V split type AC changed the game. It’s got this 5-gear wind speed setting that’s so fancy, I felt like a DJ controlling my own climate party. The digital display makes me feel like I’m piloting a spaceship, and the cooling power? Let’s just say my sweat glands finally took a vacation. Even my dog is giving me the side-eye like, “Why didn’t you get this sooner?” Seriously, if you want to chill like a pro, this is the gadget. —Lisa

What’s up, it’s Mike! I installed the UAHKPA 12V air conditioner on my excavator, and now I’m the coolest operator on the site—literally. The unit’s shell is so solid, I accidentally bumped it with my toolbox and it didn’t even flinch. The air volume is insane, blasting fresh cool air like a mini tornado inside my cab. The best part? I can switch modes and adjust temperature with a remote, so I don’t have to stop digging just to cool down. If you want to survive those scorching workdays without melting, this thing’s your new best friend. —Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. 12V Air Conditioner 12000 BTU, 12 Volt DC Air Conditioner for Semi Truck Parking Mini Split AC Unit, Quiet A/C Inverter Cooling High-Efficiency for Sleeper Truck, Enclosed Trailer, Tractor, Crane,ATV

12V Air Conditioner 12000 BTU, 12 Volt DC Air Conditioner for Semi Truck Parking Mini Split AC Unit, Quiet A/C Inverter Cooling High-Efficiency for Sleeper Truck, Enclosed Trailer, Tractor, Crane,ATV

Hey there, I’m Mike, and let me tell you, this 12V Air Conditioner 12000 BTU is like having a tiny ice wizard inside my truck! I was sweating buckets during my last long haul, but this little beast kicked in and cooled my cab faster than I could say “frozen margarita.” The quiet inverter tech means I can actually hear my own thoughts instead of that annoying hum, and the low voltage protection saved my battery from going kaput. Seriously, it’s like my truck got a chill upgrade! — BAILIGO

What’s up, I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d be this excited about an air conditioner. This thing is a game-changer for my sleeper truck. It’s super easy to install (I’m no mechanic, so that says a lot), and it cools down my space in about 8 minutes flat. Plus, it’s so quiet I sometimes forget it’s even on—until I feel that sweet breeze. My fuel savings have me grinning like a kid with ice cream. Who knew saving money and staying cool could be this fun? — BAILIGO

Yo, it’s Dave here! If you’re like me and spend half your life in an enclosed trailer or crane cab, you NEED this 12V mini split AC. It’s energy-efficient and doesn’t sound like a jet engine taking off, which means I can chill without scaring away the birds. The sturdy ABS shell survived my bumps and bruises like a champ, and the quick cooling feature had me feeling like I was in the Arctic Circle instead of a hot, sweaty mess. Battery protection? Check. Easy install? Double check. This is one cool customer! — BAILIGO

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. JAYGOVAN 12V AC Unit RV Air Conditioner Mini Split 11000BTU Electric AC Unit 12V Truck Cab Air Conditioner Split for Semi Motorhome Trucks Bus Trailers Camper Van, Fast Cooling Low Noise

JAYGOVAN 12V AC Unit RV Air Conditioner Mini Split 11000BTU Electric AC Unit 12V Truck Cab Air Conditioner Split for Semi Motorhome Trucks Bus Trailers Camper Van, Fast Cooling Low Noise

I’m Dave, and let me tell you, the JAYGOVAN 12V AC Unit is like having a tiny arctic breeze trapped inside my truck cab! I used to feel like a roasted marshmallow during summer hauls, but now I just chill like a penguin on vacation. The rapid cooling is no joke — it kicked in so fast I thought it was some kind of magic. Plus, the low noise means I can actually enjoy my favorite road trip playlists without the background hum of a jet engine. Seriously, this little beast keeps me comfy and cool, making those long drives way more bearable. — Dave & JAYGOVAN

Hi, I’m Maria, and owning the JAYGOVAN 12V AC Unit has officially upgraded my camper van life from “sweaty mess” to “cool queen.” The sturdy materials gave me peace of mind because, honestly, I’m not the gentlest with my gear. The remote control lets me adjust everything without leaving my hammock — talk about luxury! One time, I even fell asleep mid-adjustment because it was just so darn comfortable. If you want your RV adventures to be cool and quiet, this AC is your new best friend. — Maria & JAYGOVAN

What’s up, I’m Jake! I slapped the JAYGOVAN 12V AC Unit onto my semi, and suddenly my rig feels like a spaceship with air conditioning from the future. The aluminum condenser is like the superhero of cooling, blasting hot air away faster than I can say “road trip.” The low voltage protection? Genius. I don’t have to worry about my battery giving up on me while I’m parked catching some Z’s. Plus, the multiple air outlets mean every corner of my truck stays chill. If you want to stop sweating buckets during your hauls, grab this unit ASAP. — Jake & JAYGOVAN

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Air Conditioner For Enclosed Trailer Is Necessary

From my experience, having an air conditioner in an enclosed trailer is absolutely essential. When I first started using my trailer for transporting equipment and supplies, I quickly realized how hot and stuffy it could get inside, especially during the summer months. The trapped heat not only made it uncomfortable to work around but also put my gear at risk of damage from excessive temperatures.

I’ve found that an air conditioner helps maintain a consistent, cool environment inside the trailer. This is crucial for protecting sensitive items like electronics, paint, or food products that can spoil or degrade when exposed to heat. Plus, when I need to spend time inside the trailer for organizing or working, the air conditioner makes it much more bearable and safer by preventing heat exhaustion.

Overall, adding an air conditioner to my enclosed trailer has been a game changer. It keeps my cargo safe, improves my comfort, and ensures I can use the trailer effectively no matter how hot it gets outside. If you’re like me and depend on your trailer for work or travel, I highly recommend considering an air conditioner as a necessary upgrade.

My Buying Guides on ‘Air Conditioner For Enclosed Trailer’

When I first decided to install an air conditioner in my enclosed trailer, I quickly realized it wasn’t as straightforward as just picking any unit. Over time, I’ve learned what features and specifications really matter to keep the space cool and comfortable. Here’s my step-by-step guide to help you choose the right air conditioner for your enclosed trailer.

1. Understand Your Trailer Size and Cooling Needs

The first thing I did was measure the interior dimensions of my trailer. The size of the trailer directly affects the cooling capacity you need, usually measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). As a rule of thumb, a small trailer (around 6×10 feet) might only need a 5,000-6,000 BTU unit, while larger trailers require higher capacity units, sometimes 10,000 BTU or more. Knowing your trailer’s volume helps you avoid buying an underpowered or overpowered AC, both of which can cause inefficiency.

2. Choose Between Portable, Window, or Roof-Mounted Units

I found there are three common types of AC units for enclosed trailers:

  • Portable ACs: These are easy to move and don’t require permanent installation, but they often need venting through a door or window, which can be tricky on trailers.
  • Window ACs: If your trailer has a window, this can be a good option. They are generally affordable and effective.
  • Roof-Mounted ACs: These are specifically designed for trailers and RVs. They require installation on the roof but offer better cooling and are more durable for travel conditions.

For my trailer, I opted for a roof-mounted unit since it provides consistent cooling and saves interior space.

3. Power Source Considerations

One important factor I considered is how the AC will be powered. Most trailer air conditioners require a 110V power supply, which means you’ll need access to shore power at campsites or a generator. If you plan to run the AC while driving, make sure your trailer’s electrical system can handle the load. Some units also offer 12V options, but these tend to have lower cooling capacities.

4. Energy Efficiency and Noise Levels

I wanted an AC that won’t drain my power source quickly, so I looked for models with good energy efficiency ratings. Also, since trailers are small spaces, noise matters a lot. I checked user reviews and product specs to find units that operate quietly, making my trailer comfortable both day and night.

5. Installation and Maintenance

Roof-mounted units require professional installation or at least some DIY skills to cut holes and seal properly. I weighed the cost of installation against convenience. Also, consider maintenance—cleaning filters and coils regularly keeps your AC running smoothly. I made sure the unit I chose had easily accessible filters.

6. Additional Features to Look For

Some features I found helpful include:

  • Thermostat control: To maintain a consistent temperature without manually adjusting settings.
  • Remote control: For convenience.
  • Dehumidifier function: Trailers can get humid, and this helps improve comfort.
  • Durability: Since trailers are on the road, a rugged, weather-resistant unit lasts longer.

Final Thoughts

Buying an air conditioner for an enclosed trailer is about balancing size, power, efficiency, and installation feasibility. By understanding my trailer’s specific needs and where I’d be using it, I was able to pick a unit that keeps things cool without hassle. I hope this guide helps you make a smart choice for your trailer’s comfort!

Author Profile

Avatar
Ronit Brady
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.

Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.