Dometic FreshJet FJX4 1500M

The Dometic FreshJet FJX4 1500M belongs to a family of air conditioners quite different from the portable and split units already in our selection: it is a rooftop air conditioner, built specifically for campervans, motorhomes and converted vans. Unlike a portable unit that vents hot air through a hose run out of a window, this model mounts directly onto the vehicle's roof, replacing a standard roof hatch, on a common 400x400 mm cutout found on the vast majority of campervans and motorhomes on the market.

With 1500 W of cooling capacity, the FJX4 1500M is the entry-level model in Dometic's FreshJet 4 range, from a brand that is a long-standing reference in the European campervan and motorhome sector. It targets short to medium vehicles, up to roughly 5-6 metres, and runs exclusively on 230V mains power (2.6 A), whether from a campsite hookup or a generator: it cannot run on the vehicle's leisure battery alone, an important difference from the battery-powered portable units in our selection.

The built-in CleanAir technology filters dust and odours through a reusable, easy-to-remove filter, a genuine benefit after long periods of storage. The unit is controlled via the included remote and is compatible with the Dometic Connect app for remote control. At 28 kg and 702 x 225 x 752 mm, it sits on the lighter end of rooftop air conditioners for leisure vehicles, an important factor for keeping the maximum authorised weight (MTPLM) and fuel consumption in check.

This model is a solid entry point into rooftop air conditioning for campervans: less powerful and cheaper than the 1700 and 2200 W variants in the same range, it suits reasonably sized vehicles well without over-specifying the cooling. For larger vehicles or intensive use in very hot climates, the higher-tier FreshJet models or a more powerful alternative are worth considering instead.