BougeRV portable air conditioner review: If you’re living the reality of full time RV living with kids, you already know how quickly a small space can turn into a sauna the moment the sun hits. Between keeping the kids cool, managing nap schedules, and trying not to run the main AC nonstop, summer heat becomes one of the biggest challenges of RV life.
That’s why we decided to try the BougeRV PC35.
In this BougeRV portable air conditioner review, I’m sharing our real experience using it in everyday RV with kids life—how it handled the heat, how simple it was to set up for a busy family on the go, and if it truly made RV living more comfortable for all of us.
If you’re new to RV life, our full guide to RV must-haves for beginners covers the essential gear we rely on every day.
RV Life With Kids: Summer Heat Survival Essentials
What RV Life Looked Like Before the BougeRV PC35
Managing summer heat is one of the biggest parts of RV life with kids, which is something we also talk about in our guide to cost of RV life with kids and what daily living really looks like.
Before we added the BougeRV PC35, summer in our RV honestly felt overwhelming at times. Once the sun hit, the entire space warmed up fast, and it didn’t take long for things to feel sticky and uncomfortable inside.
The biggest challenge was the kids’ bunk room. Even with fans running, the heat would settle in and just stay there. At night, it felt muggy and hard for the kids to settle down, which meant longer bedtimes and more tossing and turning.
During the day, we were constantly trying to manage temperatures—opening windows, closing blinds, and running the main AC more than we wanted to. With full time RV living with kids, that kind of heat adds stress quickly. It affects naps, moods, and even how long we can comfortably stay inside during peak afternoon heat.
It really felt like we were always trying to stay one step ahead of the heat.
BougeRV Portable Air Conditioner Review: Complete Overview and First Impressions
The BougeRV PC35 is a compact 3,500 BTU cooling unit designed for RVs, vans, tents, and other small spaces. Unlike a traditional rooftop AC, this RV portable air conditioner provides targeted cooling exactly where you need it most.
It’s portable design makes it easy to move around, If you’re cooling a sleeping area, a bunk room, or your RV’s main living space.
For families like ours living full-time in an RV with kids, having an extra cooling option can make a huge difference during hot summer days.
The BougeRV portable air conditioner is designed to help create a more comfortable environment without the need for a permanent installation.
Our First Impressions
When the BougeRV PC35 arrived, we were surprised by how compact and portable it felt. We also liked that it could be used both inside and outside the RV, making it a versatile option for camping and outdoor activities.
The built-in handle made it easy to move, and the setup components were straightforward.
For a budget portable air conditioner, it felt sturdy and well-built right out of the box.
BougeRV PC35 Specifications
The BougeRV air conditioner features 3,500 BTU cooling capacity, app control, multiple operating modes, and an adjustable temperature range.
It also includes cooling, fan, dehumidifier, sleep mode, and timer functions, making it a versatile option for RVers, campers, and van lifers looking for flexible cooling solutions.
Why We Chose the BougeRV PC35
As a family living full-time in an RV with kids, we’re always looking for practical ways to stay comfortable during the summer.
We were interested in testing the BougeRV portable AC because it offered a compact design, app controls, and cooling power without the cost of adding another permanent air conditioning system.
BougeRV Portable Air Conditioner Review: How It Performed in Our RV
In our RV, the biggest struggle wasn’t the main living space—it was the kids’ bunk room. It would get incredibly muggy and uncomfortable at night, making it almost unbearable for them to sleep during hot summer days. The heat would build up fast, and even with fans running, it just wasn’t enough to keep the space comfortable.
Honestly, I was so happy to be able to leave a positive BougeRV Portable Air Conditioner Review because it genuinely made a big difference in our RV life. Instead of dealing with hot, restless nights, the whole RV felt cooler, calmer, and so much more livable during the heat.
Where We Use the BougeRV PC35 in Our RV Setup
Once we figured out how well it worked in the bunk room, we started thinking more strategically about where it made the most sense in our RV.
During the day, we mainly keep it focused in the kids’ sleeping area so it’s ready for naps and bedtime. That’s where cooling matters most in our daily routine. On especially hot afternoons, we’ll move it into the main living space while we’re all inside together. It helps take the edge off the heat without having to immediately rely on the main AC unit.
What we like most is that it doesn’t feel “fixed” to one spot. It adapts to how our RV life changes throughout the day—if that’s kids napping, family time inside, or trying to stay comfortable during peak summer heat outside.
How the BougeRV PC35 Changed Our RV Life With Kids
This is where we noticed the biggest difference in our day-to-day life, and what really stood out in this BougeRV Portable Air Conditioner Review.
Once the bunk room stayed cooler, bedtime became easier almost immediately. The kids weren’t waking up sweaty or restless, and we weren’t constantly adjusting fans or checking on them throughout the night.
Nap time during the day also improved. Instead of trying to get them comfortable in a warm, stuffy room, they could actually settle down and rest.
And honestly, it made a difference for us too. When the kids are sleeping better, the whole RV feels calmer. There’s less frustration, less overheating stress, and more normal family rhythm—even in the middle of summer heat.
Tthis BougeRV portable air conditioner review really highlighted how much of a difference targeted cooling can make in RV life with kids. It turned what used to be the hardest part of summer RV living into something much more manageable.
What RV Nights Are Like With the BougeRV PC35
At night is when we noticed the biggest difference with the BougeRV PC35.
Before using it, bedtime in the RV often felt like a struggle. Even after the sun went down, the heat would linger inside the bunk room and make it difficult for the kids to fully settle. Fans helped a little, but they just moved warm air around instead of actually cooling the space.
Once we started using the BougeRV PC35 in the evenings, the entire nighttime routine changed. We would turn it on before bed to help cool the bunk room down, and by the time the kids were ready to sleep, the space actually felt comfortable again.
It made bedtime feel less rushed and stressful, and we weren’t constantly checking to see if the kids were overheating during the night. That alone made a big difference in our RV life with kids during summer.
It’s one of those small changes that ended up improving the whole rhythm of our evenings.
Hi, I’m Trisha.
The lens behind Hike Cook Share
We’re a family of five sharing RV life with toddler chaos, cozy moments, and easy family recipes.
I also create SEO-focused content, photography, and Pinterest marketing resources that help businesses connect with their ideal audience.
Setting Up the BougeRV PC35 in Our RV
Getting the BougeRV air conditioner up and running was simple. After connecting the exhaust hose and positioning the unit, we were ready to test it.
The app setup was also super quick, allowing us to adjust settings without constantly getting up to change temperatures.
How Well Does the BougeRV PC35 Cool?
The biggest question we had was if this RV portable air conditioner could actually make a noticeable difference during hot weather.
In our experience, the unit provided fast, targeted cooling in smaller areas of the RV and helped create a more comfortable space during the hottest parts of the day.
While it isn’t designed to cool an entire large RV, it worked well for spot cooling where we needed it most.
BougeRV PC35 Pros & Cons
Pros
BougeRV portable air conditioner review: As a family living in an RV, we found the BougeRV PC35 to be a compact, easy-to-use portable air conditioner that delivers reliable spot cooling without taking up valuable space.
- Compact and portable design
- Easy setup process
- App control for convenient adjustments
- Multiple operating modes
- Effective spot cooling for small spaces
- Great option for RVs, tents, and van life
- More affordable than many larger cooling systems
Cons
While the BougeRV PC35 works well for spot cooling, it is not designed to replace an RV window AC unit and performs best in smaller spaces with proper ventilation and moderate outdoor temperatures.
- Best suited for smaller spaces
- Requires proper venting
- Not intended to replace a rooftop RV air conditioner
- Cooling performance depends on outside temperatures and space size
What We Didn’t Love About It (Honest Thoughts)
While we’ve had a really positive experience overall, there are a few things worth mentioning.
- This unit works best in smaller, enclosed spaces. It’s not designed to cool an entire RV on its own, so expectations matter going in.
- Proper venting is also important. If it’s not set up correctly, you won’t get the best performance, especially in higher heat.
- And like most portable air conditioners, its effectiveness can depend on outside temperatures. On extremely hot days, it performs better as a spot-cooling solution rather than a full replacement for a rooftop AC.
Even with those limitations, it still fit well into our RV setup and daily routine.
How It Compares to Running Our Main RV AC
Before using the BougeRV PC35, we relied heavily on our main rooftop AC to manage heat throughout the RV.
The difference now is flexibility, and that’s something we didn’t fully expect when we started this BougeRV Portable Air Conditioner Review.
Instead of cooling the entire space all the time, we can target specific areas—like the bunk room—where cooling actually matters most for our daily routine.
It also gives us more control during different parts of the day. We don’t have to blast the main AC constantly just to keep one room comfortable.
For us, it became less about replacing our main system and more about supporting it in the spaces we need most, which is a big takeaway from this BougeRV portable air conditioner review.
Power Usage and What We Noticed in RV Life
One of the things we were paying attention to in this BougeRV Portable Air Conditioner Review was how the PC35 would fit into our RV power setup.
Compared to running our main rooftop AC all the time, using this portable unit in specific areas felt more flexible. Instead of cooling the entire RV, we could focus on just the space we actually needed.
We didn’t have to run it nonstop all day either. Using it in short bursts—especially during nap time or bedtime—was usually enough to make a noticeable difference.
For our RV lifestyle, that kind of targeted cooling felt practical. It gave us more control over comfort without relying entirely on the main system all day long.
Who Should Buy the BougeRV PC35?
The BougeRV portable air conditioner is a good fit for RV owners, van lifers, campers, and families looking for additional cooling in small spaces.
If you’ve been searching for a budget portable air conditioner that offers flexibility and portability, the BougeRV PC35 is worth considering.
Tips for Getting the Best Cooling Results
After using the BougeRV PC35 regularly (and sharing our experience in this BougeRV Portable Air Conditioner Review), we picked up a few things that really help it work better in an RV setting:
Keeping doors closed in the area you’re cooling makes a big difference. It helps the unit focus on one space instead of trying to fight the whole RV heat.
We also noticed it works best when we run it before a room gets too hot, especially in the bunk room before bedtime. Pre-cooling the space helps it stay comfortable longer.
Using a small fan alongside it helps move the cool air around more evenly, especially in tighter RV layouts.
And of course, proper venting is key. Once everything is set up correctly, it performs much more efficiently and consistently.
Is the BougeRV PC35 Worth It?
In this BougeRV PC35 review, we found it to be a practical cooling solution for RV life with kids. It offers convenient portability, useful features, and reliable spot cooling when temperatures start to rise.
If you’re looking for a BougeRV portable AC that can help make summer camping and RV living more comfortable, the PC35 is worth it!
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Are portable air conditioners good?
Yes, portable air conditioners can be a great option for cooling small spaces, especially when you need flexibility. Unlike permanent air conditioning systems, a portable unit can be moved where it’s needed most, making it useful for RVs, tents, vans, home offices, and other compact areas.
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Can you recharge a portable air conditioner?
Yes, but most don’t need recharging. If refrigerant is low, it usually means there’s a leak and a technician is required. Learn more about how refrigerant systems work
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Can you regas a portable air conditioner?
Yes, but only if there’s a refrigerant leak—and it should be done by a qualified HVAC technician. Portable ACs are sealed systems, so they don’t normally need regassing.
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How to best use portable air conditioner?
To get the best cooling, keep the unit properly vented, close doors and windows, clean the air filter regularly, and use it in a well-insulated, appropriately sized space.
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What is best portable air conditioner?
The best portable air conditioner depends on your space and needs, but the top models are energy-efficient, properly sized for the room, and offer strong cooling with good ventilation. For RVs and small spaces, compact low-BTU units like the BougeRV PC35 are often a popular budget-friendly option.
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Are portable air conditioner energy efficient?
Portable air conditioners can be moderately energy efficient, especially in small spaces, but they typically use more energy than window units. Efficiency depends on the BTU size, insulation, and how well the space is sealed and ventilated.
We hope this BougeRV portable air conditioner review helped you decide whether the PC35 is the right portable AC for your RV adventures and camping needs.