BougeRV PC35
The most affordable portable air conditioner in our campervan selection: no installation, under £450, with a real compressor and eco-friendly R290 refrigerant.
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Key features
- Power: 3500 BTU/h, fast cooling (-10°C in 10 min in High Performance mode)
- Power supply: 100-240V mains only, mains cable
- Weight: 15.5 kg
- The most affordable portable air conditioner in the selection, with a real compressor
In detail: BougeRV PC35, portable air conditioner for campervans
The BougeRV PC35 takes the entry-level spot in our campervan air conditioner selection: a portable unit under £450, with no installation or roof cutting required, simply placed inside the vehicle and plugged into a standard mains supply (100-240V). Unlike the rooftop units in our selection, it needs no work on the vehicle's bodywork; unlike a simple fan or evaporative cooler, it is a real compressor-based air conditioner, capable of genuinely lowering the temperature in a confined space.
With 3500 BTU/h of cooling capacity, the PC35 targets small volumes: a van cabin, a two-person tent, or a converted truck. Its High Performance mode claims a 10°C temperature drop in just 10 minutes, with an adjustable range from 16°C to 32°C. The unit runs on R290 refrigerant, a natural gas with low environmental impact, a notable feature at this price point. Five modes are on offer: cooling, fan, dehumidifying, a 24-hour timer and the High Performance mode already mentioned, all controllable via the BougeRV app up to 10 metres away.
At 15.5 kg and 55.4 x 27.4 x 29.7 cm, the unit remains portable between vehicles, with a built-in handle designed for mobility. Running on mains power only, with no battery or direct 12V option, it differs from solutions like the EcoFlow Wave 2 in our selection, more flexible but noticeably pricier.
Worth knowing before buying: at 55 dB(A), the noise level is higher than the premium models in the selection, and the overall finish honestly reflects its entry-level price bracket. For a first backup air conditioner without a big budget, before potentially investing in a permanent rooftop unit later, the PC35 remains an accessible, functional option.
Technical data
Detailed characteristics
Performance
| Type?General technical category the unit belongs to (portable, split, evaporative...). | Portable air conditioner for campervans and vans, no installation |
|---|---|
| Cooling capacity?The unit's cooling power, expressed in kW or BTU/h (British Thermal Unit per hour). | 3500 BTU/h |
| Energy class?European energy efficiency class (from A+++ to G), showing how the unit's consumption compares with similar models. | B |
| Noise level?Noise emitted by the unit, in decibels (dB(A)). As a reference, a normal conversation is around 60 dB(A). | 55 dB(A) |
| Refrigerant?Gas used in the cooling circuit. R290 and R32 are now favoured for their lower environmental impact. | R290 (natural, low environmental impact) |
Features and connectivity
| Features?Operating modes offered by the unit (cooling, fan, dehumidifying, heating...). | 5 modes (cooling, fan, dehumidifying, 24h timer, High Performance mode) |
|---|---|
| Connectivity?Ways to control the unit remotely (mobile app, WiFi, voice assistants...). | BougeRV app, up to 10 m range |
Dimensions and power supply
| Power supply?Electrical voltage and frequency required to run the unit. | 100-240V, mains cable only |
|---|---|
| Adjustable temperature range?Minimum and maximum temperatures the unit can be set to. | 16°C to 32°C |
| Weight?The unit's weight, an important factor for a portable air conditioner regularly moved between rooms. | 15.5 kg |
| Dimensions (L x W x H)?Width, depth and height of the unit (W x D x H). | 55.4 x 27.4 x 29.7 cm |
Additional information
| Manufacturer?Country where the unit is manufactured. | BougeRV |
|---|
Our tester's verdict: Christophe Delpuech
I tested this PC35 sitting on the floor of a converted van, plugged into a standard campsite mains socket. High Performance mode lives up to its name: within a few minutes, the difference is genuinely noticeable in a space the size of a van cabin or a small tent. The BougeRV app works reliably for adjusting temperature or setting the timer without getting up, a real plus for overnight use. The R290 refrigerant, kinder to the environment than older refrigerants, is a welcome touch at this price point. On the downside, at 55 dB(A) the unit is clearly audible, more than a premium model in our selection, and High Performance mode makes it louder still. Build quality is decent without being outstanding: nothing alarming over the course of my test, but the overall finish clearly reflects its price bracket. For anyone after a first, affordable backup air conditioner before eventually investing in a rooftop unit, the PC35 does the job asked of it. For heavy use or where quiet matters most, the higher-tier models in our selection are the better bet.
Frequently asked questions: BougeRV PC35, portable air conditioner for campervans
No, unlike the EcoFlow Wave 2 in our selection, it runs exclusively on 100-240V mains power via a mains cable, with no battery or direct 12V option.
At a stated 55 dB(A), it is clearly audible, more than a premium model in our selection. This is worth factoring in for overnight use in a confined space.
With 3500 BTU/h, it targets small volumes: a van cabin, a two-person tent or a converted truck, not a large A-class motorhome.
No, it simply sits inside the vehicle and plugs into mains power, with no roof cutting or professional installation, like the other portable air conditioners in our selection.
More products in the "Campervan air conditioner" range
Dometic FreshJet FJX4 1500M
1419.00£
The rooftop air conditioner from Dometic, the market leader, designed to fit a standard 400x400 mm roof hatch opening on a motorhome or campervan.
EcoFlow WAVE 2
1049.00£ (2)
EcoFlow's reversible portable air conditioner with no installation required, able to run on a swappable battery for up to 8 hours.
Truma Aventa Comfort
2359.10£
Truma's reversible rooftop air conditioner, a Red Dot Design Award winner with a 5-year manufacturer warranty: a safe bet for campervans and motorhomes up to 7.5 metres.
Page published on 10 August 2026