An evaporative air cooler works brilliantly if there is low humidity. If humidity is medium or high, they don't work, and indeed will cause mould to start growing in places where you may not be able to properly access and clean it up. Since most caravans get used down the coast somewhere (at this time of the year - when A/C is needed), evap coolers would be useless.

Hi Cowboy7307,

I have the refrigeration type air conditioner - Jabiru. This is great if 240v power is available and as said, if there is a humid climate. I wouldn't be without it. Remember it is also a fan, heater, dehumidifier and refrigeration air conditioner type cooler.

I have just bought a Aust made Transcool Evaporative Cooler. It is lightweight, portable, runs on12v or 240v, and as I'm presently in a climate with 10% humidity it works to cool (not refrigerate) the van. I find the air conditioner still is needed and works in the heat of 35* - 42*C.  This dry climate dries my eyes and they had become quite sore BUT using the Transcool AND air conditioner AT THE SAME TIME during the day has worked wonders. The van is cool at 23* AND the Transcool adds humidity to the air which has cured my eye problem.

Mainly I bought it to cool my Purr Baby when I free camp (no 240v) or when I have to leave her in the van when I go shopping in hot weather and are traveling. But have found  it great for overnight to get a comfortable sleep with the windows open when it is slightly cooler but the refrigeration air conditioner is overkill. I think I will get a lot of use from it.

I hope this info is of some use to you............Stay COOL

http://www.transcool.info/product/12-volt-evaporative-cooler/ 

-- Edited by Panther on Wednesday 30th of December 2015 09:12:52 PM