Top Tents that have Built in AC Ports

Camping trips are one of the best outdoor experiences you can have. It doesn’t get better than stripping down all the luxuries of urban living or the comforts of an air-conditioned apartment, grabbing your best hiking backpack and going back to basics to enjoy the great outdoors.

While camping doesn’t have to be extra comfortable, it also doesn’t have to be out-and-out uncomfortable! This is the exact feeling when you sit inside a cramped up hot Tent that you’re sharing with other campers.

The ability of a tent to remain cool and cozy in the hot summer heat is just as important as the amount of space there is inside to comfortably house a certain number of people.

This is where tents that comewith an AC port become such a valuable asset during your camping escapades, especially when the conditions are hot and humid. For this reason, we took the liberty to do extensive research on the internet and review some of the best tents with ac ports!

What tents have AC Ports? + Essential Features to look for

When it comes to finding a camping tent with AC port, you have to know what to look for and what not to look for. There are already so many brands in the market that offer tents with this feature, but not all of them are created equal.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions:

Can you put an air conditioner in a tent?

Yes, as long as your tent has an AC Port you can use an air conditioner in a tent. If your camping site has plug sockets available then you can use whatever air conditioner you have However, for a tent space of 150sq feet you’ll need to make sure your unit is at least 5000BTU rated, to ensure it has the power to cool the tent.

To use an AC Unit, should my Tent be Waterproof?

The major role of a tent is to shield you from the elements, especially the rain and wind, and ensure that your stay in the great outdoors is comfortable all the way. Sometimes, the weather can be so unpredictable that the heavens open in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Even if you are camping in a tropical-like climate, there is no guarantee that it won’t rain. So, to be safe rather than sorry, you want to consider buying a tent with reliable weather-resistance capabilities.

Try to look for models that come with a full-coverage rainfly to offer enhanced protection against the elements. Also, ensure that all the mesh doors and windows feature zippered nylon that will keep any form of moisture at bay. A groundsheet is another crucial accessory that will come in handy when it starts to rain.

This helps to prevent groundwater from entering and damaging your ac unit potentially.

Are Room Dividers Necessary in a Camping Tent?

Room dividers are an often-overlooked feature in a tent but can be pretty practical if you are camping as a group. For a family tent, they are a must-have to separate the parent’s sleeping area from that of the kids. Room dividers also a great job of offering some sense of privacy in a tent.

You can find models with removable dividers, which will conveniently help you to reorganize and restructure your living space according to your preferences.

For instance, you can use the dividers to create a sleeping area with two separate rooms, as well as have a living room where you can sit up and talk when you’re not sleeping. Overall, room dividers help to ensure that everybody enjoys their personal space and some sense of privacy they might need during the camping adventure.

Is it worth buying a portable air conditioner for Camping?

Absolutely, a tent air conditioner in the summer will pay dividends when all your neighbours at the campsite are absolutely roasting in the heat.

What AC Units are best for camping?

When searching for the best tent with AC port, you will have to decide what type of camping ac unit is fit for your tent. There are typically two kinds of units to choose between and each affects the choice of tent you can buy differently.

Window AC Unit

This type of AC unit is not different from the one you might have left at home. Technically, it will only be practical if your tent comes with a proper AC flap. Window AC units generally offer more cooling power, and this is their main advantage. A such, you can a relatively small AC unit in a large tent and still enjoy a reliable cooling effect on the hottest of summer days. Not to mention that they are more affordable and easier to access.

Portable Tent AC Unit

This type of AC unit will be the ideal option for campers with a tent that doesn’t have a dedicated AC flap. To install a portable AC unit in your tent, all you need is an E-port on the tent that can accommodate the unit’s plug cord.

Even though portable AC units are slightly pricier than their window-mounted counterparts, they are more flexible in terms of where you can place them.

It is possible to position them right inside the tent so that you enjoy a more direct flow of air, hence a better cooling effect!

Do portable air conditioners use a lot of power?

It really depends on how much energy your AC Unit consumes, as we will find out in the product reviews below, each one is different. However, if you have a camping pitch where there is a plug socket available to use, then powering it up will not be a problem, simply plug and play!

Best Tents with AC Ports – Reviews

Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent

The Wenzel Klondike is one of the cheapest camping tents on the market that offers a ground ventilation system that is large enough to accommodate the application of a window AC unit.

It is the ideal camping gear for families or groups of campers looking for some bit of luxury during the outdoor expedition.

The Klondike features a main room, paired with a screen room that may also serve as a second room. In short, there is more than enough space to fit up to eight people.

Its two front panels, as well as the two side panels, can be zipped up completely to protect you from the rain or a cold breeze. You can choose to use one room as a sleeping area with the other as a living room. A proper groundsheet on both rooms offers a comfortable stepping-on platform, although the screen room doesn’t have ceiling hooks or the headroom in the main room.

Wenzel positioned the AC port at the back of the tent, behind the main room. This is large and goes all the way to the ground, which allows you to fit in the AC unit effectively.

You get storage pockets in the screen where you can safely stow away your camping gear while the ceiling hooks in the main room will comfortably hold any lights in case you want some form of illumination.

On the downside, the Wenzel Klondike is not an instant set-up tent. Pitching takes the traditional approach. Although the process is relatively easy, it will take you quite a bit of time to get the structure up and ready to go.

This is especially true when you’re doing it for the first time. Otherwise, it is a functional tent with AC port that will make for a memorable camping adventure. The best part is that it won’t cost you an arm and a leg!

Bushnell Shield Series 6 / 9 / 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent

An AC port is not the only feature that will appeal to you on this tent, there are more practical features that will bring the best out of your camping trip. The Bushnell Shield Series offers two tent models with AC ports.

One of them can accommodate 6 people while the second one is spacious enough to house 9 to 12 campers. Overall, Bushnell is a reputable brand in camping tent manufacture, and the Shield Series stacks up well against the best in the industry.

This tent is designed with Weather Shield Technology to provide you with convenient weather protection.

It is fitted with high-grade 150D tent fabric, which has double the thickness of standard tent fabric. This should hold up well against rainfall and strong winds in case of a storm. The rainfly is also large and offers great awning to keep your camping gear protected from the weather.

Another useful feature of the tent is the utility port, which offers access to an electrical cord without having to unzip the tent door.

This allows you to run electricity for the AC inside through a different hole as opposed to running it through the AC’s port. You’ll also appreciate the Heat Shield technology used on the tent to keep you comfortable when camping in the hot summer heat.

This features a special reflective coating underneath the rainfly to block out harmful UV rays from the sun. It not only keeps the tent environment cooler but also darker for when you want to kick back and enjoy an afternoon nap. The tent material is water-repellent to shield against moisture and reinforced by fully taped seams that offer no opportunity for moisture to get inside.

Furthermore, a strong frame structure is paired with heavy-duty tie-downs to offer strong performance in the face of strong winds. Meanwhile, the tent poles come pre-attached to offer a speedy setup process. Overall, this is a dependable camping tent with AC port that should cover you for the entire adventure.

Ozark Trail 16×16-Feet 12-Person 3 Room Instant Cabin Tent

The Ozark Trail Instant Cabin tent is among the best camping tents with AC port if you’re in the market for a large family shelter for camping.

It comes with three huge rooms which will come in handy when you want to separate the older siblings from the younger ones. It also features an instant setup process, so it shouldn’t be too long before you have it up. Another nice feature is the large family awning for when you want to enjoy a cool breeze outside the tent.

An E-port is integrated into the design of the tent, allowing for handy access to an electric cord without the need to unzip the tent door. This ensures that electricity can be run for the AC inside the tent via a separate hole.

Pitching the tent only requires two minutes, and this will probably be less if you have extra pairs of hands helping you out. The poles of the tent come pre-attached, all you need to do unfold and extend them to start installing.

The Ozark Trail is split into three rooms with huge windows on all sides to make for plenty of ventilation. There is enough headroom for an adult to stand up straight inside the tent while the front awning offers a nice spot for chilling under the shade. Furthermore, there is enough space to fit three queen-sized mattresses, meaning up to 12 people can squeeze into the Ozark Trail.

An oversized ground vent is included to keep you cool when it gets hot and a carry bag for easy transportation of the tent. On the downside, the shape of the tent makes it vulnerable to strong winds and extreme weather.

This means it will make the ideal choice for fair-weather expeditioners looking for a comfortable tent with AC port. Furthermore, it is pretty easy to set up, ensuring that you have all the time to enjoy yourself in the great outdoors.

E-Z UP Camping Cube Tent with AC Port

The EZ-UP camping cube tent is one of the best camping tents with AC port you can buy. It is highly rated on Amazon and boasts stellar reviews because of the level of quality it brings to the table.

The tent delivers amazing airflow and can support almost any type of AC unit through its massive ground-level tent. It also comes with a host of practical features that will make for an unforgettable experience in the wild.

This tent uses an unusual cube design that stands out from the rest of the field. A big opening on the tent will serve as a nice entrance for any pets that you bring along or a port where you can insert an AC unit.

There is enough space inside the tent to house as many as six people, as well as a couple of camping gear you’re carrying. Large screened windows on the tent ensure that you get optimal and uniform ventilation all around the shelter.

The roof is also vented to enhance airflow inside the tent. Heavy-duty clip hooks have been paired with loop closures and a plus s-hook to give you an easy time when erecting the tent structure.

You also get high-grade polyester flaps and a zipper to secure the fabric in place. The EZ-UP camping cube does a great job of protecting you from the sun. The tent fabric blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays.

Each window features a polyester that allows for some privacy when you need it.

Furthermore, a nice fully sealed tub-style groundsheet is included to keep you protected from groundwater, as well as any insects and crawling bugs at night.

The only grievance on the E-Z UP camping cube is that it can’t be used on its own. This is because the tent wasn’t designed to be self-standing, hence you’ll need to get an E-Z Up straight leg frame shelter to hold the structure up. Nevertheless, it does not pass as a deal-breaker.

Coleman Elite Montana 8-person Tent

Our last featured tent that has a built in ac port is the Coleman Elite Montana, but it’s not in any way the least when it comes to performance.

The Coleman impresses right from first glance with its elegant design featuring a charming blue color frame. You can be sure to stand out from the crowd with its imposing looks.

The tent fabric is made up of polyester, which offers great waterproofing abilities to keep you dry and warm in wet conditions.

Additionally, the tent uses a WeatherTec System with patented inverted seams and patented corner welds to keep out the water. Thanks to plenty of ventilation spread around the tent, you won’t have to struggle with the heat when you go camping in the summer.

You get uninterrupted airflow for a satisfying cooling effect. You also get plenty of space inside the Coleman Elite with an AC port where you effortlessly install an AC unit when you go camping in the middle of summer. Another impressive feature is the hinged door, which acts as a great entry or exit point.

Furthermore, the tent comes with an LED light with three settings. You can adjust the lighting between high, low, and nightlight mode to affect the mood inside the tent for an amazing camping experience.

Overall, the tent will fit in up to 8 campers comfortably while an included carry bag comes in handy when you have to pack up and transport it. On the downside, setting up the tent will take you about 15 minutes, which is not the shortest time for many!

Conclusion

So, the next time you want to go camping in summer, you don’t need to struggle with the heat if your tent doesn’t offer adequate ventilation. A tent that is designed with an AC port goes a long way to ensure you stay comfortable in hot and humid conditions. Be sure to choose from any of the products above when searching for the best tent.

FAQ

Is It Safe to Use a Camping Tent with an AC Port?

There is no harm in sleeping under a camping tent that comes with an AC port, as well as an AC unit. However, you want to keep the wiring intact at all times and take caution not to use any flammable materials or objects around it.

How Long Should My Camping Tent with AC Port Last?

Ultimately, the shelf life of your tent will depend on how well you take care of it and how often you use it.

If the camping conditions do not harm the fabric of the tent, you can expect between 8 and 10 years of usage on average.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_conditioning