Camping trips are meant to be fun. However, the summer heat can take the “fun” element out of the equation. And it can certainly make the experience less enjoyable and uncomfortable. So, does that mean that you should not camp during the summer? Absolutely not!
Instead, you would want to get the best tent with AC port. It will enable you to stay cool even when the sun is offering nothing but scorching heat. However, finding one worth the price is not as easy as it seems. The good news?
I got hands-on experience with some of the top-rated tents with AC ports on the market. And I am here to let you know which ones excel in offering an enjoyable and comfortable summer camping experience.
So, let’s get started!
In A Hurry? Here’s A Quick Glance At The Top Pick
Although I am in love with all of the tents I picked for my shortlist, there is one that stood out the most to me. And it is none other than the Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent! How does it stand out?
First of all, it integrates tons of innovative tent technologies. For example, I was quite surprised to find out how well the Heat Shield Technology works for the tent. Secondly, the durability. The 150 denier fabric seems sturdier and more durable than most other materials I had experience with.
Finally, the installation process is hassle-free! I did not have to go through any complex steps for setting it up. So, overall, it is an excellent pick for the money!
A Quick Look At The Top 5 Picks
So, before I get into the in-depth discussion regarding the best-rated and well-performing tents with AC ports, I would like to offer you a quick overview of my picks.
- Best Overall Pick: Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent
- Best AC Port Tent With LED System: Coleman Elite WeatherMaster 6
- Best Budget-Friendly Pick: Wenzel Klondike Water Resistant Tent
- Best Large-Sized Tent With AC Port: Ozark Trail 16×16-Feet Instant Cabin Tent
- Best AC Port Tent With Easy Installation Process: E-Z UP Camping Cube 6.4
#1. Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent: Best Overall
The Shield Series from Bushnell is one of the go-to picks for campers. And there is a good reason behind it, which you will understand after going through this detailed review.
Specifications:
- Occupancy: 12 persons
- Material: Denier fabric
- Weight: 58 pounds
- Size: 132 W x 216 L x 80 H (max) inches
- Seasons: Three seasons
In-Depth Review:
So, the first thing that makes this 12-person tent stand out is the Heat Shield Technology. At its core, it is a reflective coating on the rainfly’s underside. This coating does a proper job of keeping the UV rays away from the inside. As a result, you will end up having a cooler temperature inside.
But that is not all! It comes with three ground AC vents. The mesh vents are 12.5 x 17 inches in dimensions and come with 17-inch large covers. Due to these vents, you will be capable of installing air conditioning units without any hassles at all.
There will be no need to worry about the unit’s durability either. The overall construction is of 150 denier fabric. This material is more durable than what most average brands utilize for their tents. And it will handle regular wear and tear like a champ!
What about the installation process? Well, according to my experience, it is hassle-free as well. The tent’s poles come pre-attached, enabling a quick overall assembly. Also, Bushnell has integrated weather shield technology. Thanks to that, the fabric is well capable of repelling water.
Pros
- Features two AC vents
- Sports Heat Shield Technology
- Made of highly durable fabric
- Has a hassle-free installation process
- Can repel water
Cons
- Might ship with broken parts
- The storage bag is not high in quality
#2. Coleman Elite WeatherMaster 6: With LED System
Wouldn’t it be great if you did not have to worry about lighting setup for the tent’s interior? Well, you should take a look at what Coleman is offering here!
Specifications:
- Occupancy: 6 persons
- Material: Polyester
- Weight:8 pounds
- Size: 65 W x 108 L x 80.4 H (max) inches
- Seasons: Three seasons
In-Depth Review:
What is all the fuss about interior lighting? Well, this tent comes with a built-in LED system. It offers three different brightness settings, allowing you to get the right amount of lighting in the interior of the tent. Thanks to that, you will not need to worry about taking any lighting equipment for the camping trip.
What about the AC port? It comes with an E-port. This port will allow you to quickly set up a portable air conditioning device inside the tent. Compared to the last tent that I talked about, this E-port might throw you off. But I found it to be pretty effective!
Considering the fact that the unit is for six persons, a portable air conditioner should be more than enough to keep the interior cool.
The tent also comes with a rainfly that attaches easily to the roof. It can provide you with the right amount of weather protection. Also, when the sky is clear, you can use it to gaze at the clouds during the day and the stars during the night.
Furthermore, the unit comes with a screen room. It will keep you protected from bugs while offering you extra ventilation during the night. The tent integrates welding-inspired technology. That enhances the strength of the floors and ensures that the floors are waterproof.
Pros
- Sports a built-in LED system
- Comes with an E-port for AC setups
- Has a screen room for extra ventilation
- Boasts a rainfly for weather protection
- Utilizes welding-inspired that makes the floors waterproof
Cons
- May ship with missing parts
- It is not entirely watertight
#3. Wenzel Klondike Water Resistant Tent: Budget-Friendly
Who said that you need to spend a ton to get a proper tent with an AC port? Wenzel did not! Want to know what am I trying to say with that statement? Continue reading!
Specifications:
- Occupancy: 8 persons
- Material: Polyester
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Size: 132 W x 192 L x 78 H (max) inches
- Seasons: Three seasons
In-Depth Review:
Although the tent falls under the budget-friendly category, the build quality states otherwise. The construction is of high-quality polyester fabric. And it has a fiberglass roof frame, which combines steel upright supports. Overall, it will not let you down when it comes to durability and stability.
Just like the tent from Bushnell, this one also has a coating on the polyester fabric. But this time, the coating is there to resist water. And thanks to this polyurethane coating, you will be well protected from rain.
You will also find 1 AC port on the tent, which makes it pretty similar to the previous tent from Coleman. But that is not all! The unit comes with two mesh windows and a full mess roof. They are there to protect you from bugs while allowing you to enjoy the cool breeze of nature.
The tent comes with mesh openings and a vent at the top. Those allow hi-low air circulation, which will help to keep the inside’s temperature cool during hot summer days. Also, you will find a screened-in second room. This entry room has proper mesh walls, which provide tremendous airflow.
Pros
- Affordable yet has a great build quality
- Has a water-resistant polyurethane coating
- Comes with two mesh windows
- Allows hi-low air circulation
- Sports a screened-in second room
Cons
- The front entrance design is pretty mediocre
- Does not come with enough amount of stakes
#4. Ozark Trail 16×16-Feet Instant Cabin Tent: Large-Sized
There are many large tents out there. However, most of them fail to offer separate rooms. But that is not the case for this tent from Ozark.
Specifications:
- Occupancy: 12 persons
- Material: Polyester
- Weight:2 pounds
- Size: 17 W x 52.36 L x 12.6 H (max) inches
- Seasons: Three seasons
In-Depth Review:
In short, this tent is massive! It has the room to fit three separate queen air beds. And the best part is that you can fit all of those beds without feeling cramped. Most importantly, when you set it up correctly, 12 occupants can be inside the three rooms of the unit without any issues.
But what about the AC setup? Well, you will be glad to know that the Ozark Trail tent comes with true AC ports, which are the same ports found on the Bushnell tent. Thanks to true ports, you can install a proper air conditioning unit without facing any difficulties.
Now, as the tent comes with all of these features, you might be thinking that it will be a pain to set up, right? Well, the unit will impress you in that regard! The setup process will take about 2 minutes. Amazing, isn’t it?
Another great part about the tent is it has 7 windows. All of them are closable, which means you can open and close them when you want to. So, when you are not using the air conditioning unit, you can enjoy the cool breeze nature offers.
Pros
- Has three separate rooms that can hold 12 people
- Can fit three queen-sized air beds
- Features true AC ports
- The installation process is easy
- Comes with 7 windows that are closable
Cons
- Has plastic spoke wheels that are not so durable
- Not stable enough to face strong winds
#5. E-Z UP Camping Cube 6.4: Easy Installation Process
Yes, all of the tents that I have gone through above are easy to install. But E-Z Up took the installation process to the next level with this tent.
Specifications:
- Occupancy: 12 persons
- Material: Polyester
- Weight:2 pounds
- Size: 17 W x 52.36 L x 12.6 H (max) inches
- Seasons: Three seasons
In-Depth Review:
So, the main highlight of this tent is the hooks and loop attachment. They are easy to install and easy to remove. In fact, you can detach the entire tent in less than 60 seconds. And there will be no need to go through too many hassles as well. It really lives up to the name of the manufacturer.
There is a large opening in the tent. Although it is meant to act as a doorway for your pets, you can use it for the installation of AC units. Now, as the opening is large, installing the AC will also be hassle-free. However, you should note that it is not a true AC port that is found on Ozark Trail and Bushnell Shield tent.
You will not need to worry about staying cool inside the tent as the design is optimized for airflow. There are large screened windows, and it also comes with an oversized door. Combined with the vented roof, you are looking at a tent that will not let you drench in your own sweat.
Furthermore, the interior is pretty spacious. I found out that you can easily hold 6 people, and even when you have six people inside, there will be room for your pets. So, worrying about not having enough room to enjoy the day with your family and friends will not be necessary.
Lastly, the tent comes with a protective floor. This tub floor will ensure that the interior remains free of bugs and water. And thanks to that, you will be capable of taking your camping experience to the next level.
Pros
- Has a large opening for setting an AC
- The installation and disassembly process is straightforward
- Features optimized airflow design
- Can hold up to 6 persons and has room for pets
- Comes with a protective floor
Cons
- The canopy is not that durable
- Does with come with sturdy straps
What To Consider Before Buying The Best Tent With AC Port?
The choosing process got a lot easier for you after going through the in-depth, right? Well, did you know that it can get more manageable? It surely can! But for that to happen, you will need to keep these crucial points in your mind before choosing one:
Build Quality
Before anything else, you need to consider the build quality. It will determine the overall lifespan of the tent. And for this, the quality of the materials will make the most impact. If you get a tent of average quality materials, you will not get extended use out of it.
On the other hand, when you are getting a tent that is of high-quality materials, you can be assured that it will last for a prolonged time without showing any issues. So, what are the tens usually of? Well, manufacturers will generally utilize Nylon, Polyurethane, and Polyester.
The reason why these materials are so common is that they are naturally water-resistant. With that, they can resist dust, dirt, and debris as well. Let’s not forget to mention that these materials are cheap too!
However, there is a significant quality difference between one type of polyester to another. The same thing applies to other materials I have mentioned above.
Setup Process
Trust me; you would not want to get a tent that has an intricate installation process. It can be the determining factor of how well your camping trip will go. So, if you want to make your camping trip start smoothly, pick a tent with an easy setup process.
In this case, you need to check the stake loops and the stakes. See whether they are easy to work with or not. Also, check all of the attachments of the unit. They need to be easy to deal with as well.
Remember, the usual setup time for the tents should be somewhere between 10 minutes to 20 minutes. Anything that takes longer than that is not worth consideration and is definitely worth spending money on.
Size Of The Tent
Regarding the size, you need to consider the number of people you want to be with during the camping trip. Usually, tents are available for 6 to 12 people. So, if you plan to camp with a small group of people, the tents that accommodate six people should be more than enough.
On the other hand, for medium to large-sized groups, you should check the other options. However, that does not mean that you will be wrong to choose a tent that is larger than what you would actually need. In such cases, you will have more room inside, which is never bad.
But the thing is, for large-sized tents, you need more space for storage. The weight of those models will be reasonably high too. That would limit your truck’s ability to carry more food or other essential materials for the camping trip.
Alongside that, you also need to consider the fact that the larger the tent is, the more AC power you will need. So, it would be a good idea not to pick a unit larger than you actually need.
Room Dividers
This factor is something that many tent buyers tend to ignore. However, if you want to have some privacy and personal space inside the tent, you should not overlook this point.
Talking of which, you will find tents that come with removable dividers. With those, you can decide whether you want to divide the interior or not. And those are the units that I would generally recommend you to pick.
Weather Protection
Another crucial point that needs to be in your mind is whether the tent offers good weather protection or not. Yes, the weather will remain pretty during the summer. But camping spots usually have unpredictable weather. So, you can not rule out the possibility of facing a sudden gust of wind and minor rainfall.
Apart from that, you would definitely want to use the same tent for camping in other seasons, right? For that reason, weather protection is a point that you should not ignore while choosing a tent.
On that note, tents with little to no weather protection do not have what it takes to protect you from harsh sunlight and UV rays. At least, that is what I have found out from my years of camping experience. Therefore, you should not choose a tent that cannot offer the right amount of protection from harsh weather conditions.
The AC Port
So, this is the part that you need to put the most priority on. Basically, there are two different types of AC ports available for the tents. The first one goes by the name of true AC port. Now, what does a true AC port even mean?
Well, true AC ports have the ability to accommodate a proper air conditioner. That means you can install a window AC unit on the tent.
On the other hand, there are the E-ports or makeshift AC ports. These can not hold a window AC unit. Instead, you will need to rely on a portable air conditioner.
What is the difference? Compared to window AC units, portable ACs are not that efficient in cooling the interior faster. They are usually for cooling down a small amount of area. So, it can take a good while to cool down a large tent’s interior.
In comparison, the window AC units will take a short amount of time to cool the tent. They are also rated for large areas, which makes them perfect for large-sized tents.
Size Of The Port
Aside from the type of AC port, you should also consider the size of the port. Usually, the tents with true AC ports will have large-sized ports as they are meant to accommodate a window air conditioner. Still, make sure that the port’s size matches the AC you are planning to use.
Additional Features
Some of the tents will come with additional features. For example, some units will come with an interior storage compartment. These features can make the camping trip much more enjoyable. So, when you are looking for a new tent, do check whether the one you are going for has extra features or not.
What Types Of AC Can You Use With A Tent?
Basically, you can use multiple types of air conditioners inside your tent. But the thing is, the type of tent you have will decide which AC is the right pick for you. Allow me to explain:
Window AC Unit
The window AC unit is similar to the air conditioner in your home. And to use them with a tent, you need to ensure that there is a true AC port, which is something I have already discussed earlier.
That said, the main benefit of using a window AC unit is that you will get more cooling power. In other words, a relatively small unit can make a large-sized tent cool down in a matter of minutes. And the best part is that the window air conditioning units are pretty affordable and easy to find.
Portable AC Unit
The portable air conditioning units should be your go-to choice if your tent does not have a true AC port. These are a perfect fit for the E-port or makeshift AC flaps. However, you should note that portable AC units are more expensive than window units. The added convenience of being able to use them anywhere increases the price.
Nonetheless, these do not fail to offer you a comfortable camping experience. And for having the ability to move and place the unit anywhere, you can optimize the cooling area according to your preference.
How To Install A Window AC Unit In A Tent?
You really do not have to do much to set up a window AC unit for a tent. All you need to do is go through these simple steps:
Step 1: Install The tent
First of all, you need to set the tent up. You cannot move to the next steps without making the tent stand up. So, ensure it is properly in place and has the highest stability on the ground.
Step 2: Check The AC Port & Set The AC
After installing the tent, you need to check the port. If there is a zipper or any sort of attachment that makes it stay close, you should open it. Then, place the AC unit right beside the port. However, you would not want to put the AC directly on the ground.
Instead, put a stool or something that elevates the height of the airflow under the AC. If you do not increase the height of the AC, the air will blow directly to your face when you are sleeping. And that would not be comfortable at all!
Step 3: Turn The AC On
Put the AC right in between the port. Try to minimize the gap around the body of the AC unit. After that, put the power cord to a generator or a suitable power source and turn it on. And with that, you will be all done installing the AC for your tent.
How To Create A DIY AC Port On Your Tent?
Already own a tent? Do you not want to spend extra money on getting a dedicated tent for using your AC? Well, I have got a solution for that too!
However, you need to have solid sewing and cutting skills for this DIY process. Otherwise, you might end up with a good tent that is not usable anymore. That is one of the reasons why I generally do not recommend following the DIY AC port method.
Nonetheless, if you do have the DIY skills required for the
Step 1: Mark The DIY AC Port On The Tent
You should first consider the AC you plan to use with the tent. Regardless of the type, consider how much of a large opening you will need for setting the AC. After taking the measurement, you need to put markings on the tent.
Step 2: Cut The Port On The Tent
Before using the scissors or other cutting tools, you must ensure the measurement is correct. Measure the marking twice if you need to. By doing so, you will avoid the chance of having a larger hole in the tent. And when you have a hole that is larger than needed, the cool air will have an easy escape point.
Once you have ensured the measurement is correct, cut according to the line and move to the next step.
Step 3: Stitch The Portion To Make It Work Like A Flap
Do not just throw the part that you have just cut away. Instead, you should stitch it in place and make it work like a flap. Doing so will allow you to use the same tent in other seasons.
After stitching the three sides, attach a zipper on the last side. If you do not have a zipper lying around, you can use Velcro. But remember that Velcro will be less secure than the zipper.
What To Do When The Cool Air From AC Is Escaping From The Tent?
Basically, the cool air from the AC will generally escape from the mesh ceiling or side walls. They are there to make air flow through the tent when you are not using an air conditioning unit.
Well, that is where the tents with room dividers come into play. With the room divided, you can ensure that the chilly air does not find any way to escape the room. However, if you do not have a tent with room dividers, you can just put the rainfly directly on the roof.
Also, try to seal off the mesh sidewalls with some sort of cloth or fabric similar to the rainfly.
However, if the cool air is escaping through the gaps of the port, you need to use cloth. Put pieces of clothing directly in the gaps and ensure that the air conditioning unit is sealed as much as possible. In comparison, a minimal amount of chilled air will escape through the port as the cloth will not fully seal the gap.
Tent Care Tips
If you take proper care of the tent, you can use it for a prolonged amount of time without facing any issues. Here are some general tent care tips:
- Utilize a ground cloth under the tents whenever possible. They will lower the chances of the tent floor getting torn.
- Do not wear shoes inside the tent. Instead, keep your shoes outside. This will lower the effort needed to keep the floor clean. It will also enhance the lifespan of the tent floor.
- Clean the floor of the tent frequently. It will help to prevent damage from dust, debris, and stones.
- Do not keep open food inside the tent. Critters will chew through the fabric to get to the food.
- Be extra careful while handling the tent poles. Do not put too much force on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should Be The Power Of The AC For Tents?
I have tried different setups for the air conditioning units. And I eventually found that the higher the power of the AC, the faster you will cool down. However, with higher cooling power, there comes a higher requirement for energy. So, you basically need to find the right spot.
Most of the experts suggest getting a 5000 BTU air conditioner for a tent that is relatively large in size. AC unit with such a power rating will be capable of cooling down the interior of the tent quickly. However, if you have a small tent, you can use something with a lower cooling power.
Are Tents With AC Ports Expensive?
From my experience, I would say that they are somewhat more expensive than regular tents. They usually come with additional features other than the AC port. And that is one of the things that increases the price point. However, there are affordable options out there.
Can I Use A Tent With An AC Port In Winter?
Absolutely! The tents that come with true AC ports will have a flap. You can close the flap to get proper sealing inside. And that will eventually allow you to keep the interior warm during the winter.
Are Tents With AC Ports Long-Lasting?
It depends on the model you are talking about. Most of the top-rated ones will have durable overall construction. They will be of high-quality materials, which allows them to get a high durability rate. But if you bring a tent of average-quality materials into the equation, the story will be different. They will wear and tear pretty quickly.
Is It Hard To Set Up A Tent With An AC Port?
Absolutely not! The AC port is just another feature of the tent. They will not make you spend more time installing the tent. However, you should remember that the setup requirements for tents are different. Some take 10 to 20 minutes, while there are some that can take more than 30 minutes.
Final Words
I hope that my shortlist of the best tent with AC port has made it much easier for you to finalize your buying decision. Although all the models that I have gone through from the list are worthy of purchase, there are two that I would like to recommend more than the others.
First, there is the Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent. It is packed with features and has true AC ports. Secondly, there is the Wenzel Klondike Water Resistant Tent. Even though it does not have a true AC port, it is pretty affordable. And it offers a lot of value for the money!
