Base Vehicle & Chassis
What is a Cab Air Conditioning?
Keeps the driving area cool — usually separate from any habitation cooling system.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
The cab's air conditioning works exactly like a car's, cooling and dehumidifying the air for the driver and front passenger, and is entirely separate from any cooling in the living area behind.
How it works
A compressor (driven by the engine) circulates refrigerant through a cycle of compression and expansion, extracting heat from the cab air and venting it outside.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Air blows but isn't cold — usually low refrigerant, needs a specialist regas
- ⚠Musty smell from the vents — pollen filter likely needs changing
- ⚠Compressor won't engage at all — often a fault the garage will need to diagnose electronically
Rough UK cost
£60 – £120 for a regas; £300 – £700 fitted for compressor replacement.
Ballpark only — depends on your van, converter and local labour rates.
Heads up: CamperAutonomy is for general guidance only. Anything gas-related must be signed off by a Gas Safe engineer with LPG endorsement.
More in Base Vehicle & Chassis
Base Vehicle Engine
The same engine principles as any van or car — just working harder, more often, fully loaded.
Swivel Cab Seats
Turns the driver and passenger seats around to face into the living area when parked.
Cab-to-Habitation Bulkhead
The partition (or curtain) separating the driving cab from the living area.