Summer is the perfect time to jump in your RV for a relaxing vacation. But, with Summer comes extreme heat. And without a quality air conditioner, even the most luxurious RV can become miserable.
To ensure you stay cool on your next vacation, we reviewed the best RV air conditioner units available, plus tips to choose the best AC for your RV.
Overview
RV AC Comparison Chart
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Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner
- Best Choice
Dometic has become one of the most popular manufacturers in the RV industry in recent years, and they deserve it. All Dometic air conditioners are high-quality, reliable units, so you really can’t go wrong with any of them. With that said, the Dometic Brisk II tops our list of the best RV air conditioners.
This lightweight unit produces 13,500 BTU of cold air per hour. The smart design maximizes airflow and ensures peak performance. Compared to previous models and most of its competitors, this reengineered RV rooftop AC unit moves 15% more air through your motor home.
To make the Brisk II even better, it includes dampening brackets to reduce noise and vibration inside your rig. This ensures you have a smooth-running and quiet RV AC.
Plus, its 2-year warranty will ensure your investment will keep you cool through many travels.
Video Overview
Key Features
- The fan runs without the compressor on for air circulation when you don’t need the full AC
- Easy installation
- Enhanced air circulation
- Black or white color options
- Works with both ducted and non-ducted RVs
Specifications
- Weight: 77 pounds
- Capacity: 13,500 BTUs
- Dimensions: 29 5/8″ long by 27 5/8″ wide by 13 7/8″ high
- Power: 115 volts
Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner
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Furrion CHILL Rooftop Air Conditioner
- Best Value
In the past, RV air conditioning units were known to be noisy, heavy, and extremely energy inefficient. The Furrion CHILL Rooftop air conditioner proves that today’s models have none of those characteristics.
The Furrion Chill AC unit was designed with a 50% higher cooling capacity, 40% more energy efficiency, and 50% quieter than similar models.
Their VibrationSmart technology protects the unit from rough roads, while ClimateSmart technology protects internal components from water, UV rays, heat, and debris.
Plus, to protect your RV’s energy stores, Furrion built in a start capacitor. This feature helps start the AC without the typical large power draw that comes with turning on a unit. You can use this air conditioner even when a campsite hookup or your generator doesn’t have adequate power.
Key Features
- Two fans for ultimate cooling efficiency
- Black or white color options
- Short cycle with a boosting start capacitor
- Quiet design is rated at 80db
- Easy installation
- 2-year warranty
Specifications
- Weight: 82 pounds
- Capacity: 14,500 BTUs
- Dimensions: 34-13/16 long by 27-1/2″ wide by 13-1/2″ high
- Power: 115 volts
Furrion CHILL Rooftop Air Conditioner
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Coleman Mach 3 Plus 13.5k BTU Upper A/C Unit
- Best Choice for Off-Road
For some, their perfect RV getaway does not involve a luxury park with paved spaces and hookups. Many people like to take their rig down dirt roads to far-out, undeveloped places. These adventures require camper components that can handle the bounces and bumps of an unmaintained campsite.
The Coleman Mach Rugged Roughneck rooftop AC unit is designed to handle any road you choose. It has a sealed shaft protected from the elements and an interior design with parts that won’t rattle loose.
Another impressive feature that boosts the Coleman Mach Rugged Roughneck toward the top of our list of best RV air conditioner choices is its use of eco-friendly refrigerant. Most older RV ACs use R-22, a refrigerant that creates more dangerous greenhouse gases to cool your RV. This model uses the R-410A refrigerant safe for your family and the environment.
Key Features
- Eco-friendly refrigerant
- Designed to withstand off-road driving
- Lightweight unit
- Fits a standard 14″ by 14″ vent opening
Specifications
- Weight: 79.5 pounds
- Capacity: 13,500 BTUs
- Dimensions: 38″ long by 26.1″ wide by 13.8″ high
- Power: 120 volts, 50 Hz
Coleman Mach 3 Plus 13.5k BTU Upper A/C Unit
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Dometic Penguin II Low Profile Rooftop Air Conditioner
- Best Low Profile Air Conditioner Unit
Whether you’re in a large RV trying to keep the overall height of your rig as low as possible or a camper van attempting to remain stealthy in the city, choosing a low-profile air conditioner has a ton of benefits. Unlike other low-profile models, the Penguin II doesn’t force you to sacrifice quality and cooling power for space. It has the capacity of units twice its size.
The Penguin II’s sleek design improves your RV’s overall aerodynamic qualities. With increased aerodynamics, you’ll experience an increase in the miles driven per gallon of gas, and it will be easier to maneuver. Plus, this shorter footprint reduces the risk of hitting tree branches or parking structures.
Dometic products come built to last. This air conditioner has a rib-reinforced base pan to ensure it will handle many years of use. If anything were to happen, the company’s comprehensive warranty has you covered.
Video Overview
Key Features
- Uses environmentally friendly coolant
- Works for single or multi-zoned thermostats
- Low profile
- Perfect for ducted or ductless cooling systems
Specifications
- Weight: 99 pounds
- Capacity: 13,500 BTUs
- Dimensions: 29 3/4″ long by 41 1/2″ wide by 12″ high
- Power: 115 volts, 60 Hz
Dometic Penguin II Low Profile Rooftop Air Conditioner
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How Do I Choose an RV Air Conditioner?
Here’s how to pick the right RV air conditioner so that you can enjoy a cooled and dehumidified rig!
Understanding Your Needs
Size and Capacity
First off, you need to consider the size of your RV. Air conditioners are measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which are thermal units indicating the cooling capacity of your unit. The rule of thumb is the larger your space, the more BTUs you need.
Generally, a compact RV less than 200 square feet will be happy with a unit of about 5,000 to 7,000 BTUs, while larger campers and motorhomes with over 350 square feet may need around 13,000 to 15,000 BTUs.
Power Supply and Consumption
When selecting an RV air conditioner, it’s crucial to consider your vehicle’s power supply and the energy consumption of the AC unit. Air conditioners typically run on electricity supplied by an external source when your RV is parked or by a generator if you’re off-grid.
The air conditioner’s energy consumption plays a significant role in the overall energy efficiency of your RV. The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) rating of an air conditioning unit can give you insight into how much cooling capacity the unit can provide per unit of power consumed. Therefore, selecting an AC unit with a high EER can help ensure that your air conditioner is energy efficient, reducing the drain on your power supply or generator.
If you frequently use a generator for your power needs, be mindful that a high-consumption air conditioner might require you to run the generator more frequently, which could indirectly affect your fuel consumption. Thus, balancing your cooling needs with energy efficiency is key to enjoying your RVing experience without undue stress on your energy resources.
Types of RV Air Conditioners
Rooftop Air Conditioners
Most RVs come with rooftop air conditioners as a standard feature. These models, like the popular Coleman Mach series, are installed on the roof, offering a blend of robust cooling capacity and efficient space utilization. They can function as a single unit for smaller RVs or multiple units for larger recreational vehicles.
Portable Air Conditioners
Don’t fancy a rooftop installation? Portable air conditioners are an excellent alternative. These standalone units, like the RecPro model, come with a hose for easy installation in any window and can be moved around based on your cooling needs. Remember that their cooling capacity is generally less than rooftop models, but they offer more flexibility.
Non-Ducted vs. Ducted
Air conditioners can also be classified into non-ducted and ducted types. Non-ducted application means the cool air is blown directly from the unit, usually installed on the roof or window. Ducted models distribute air via ducts installed throughout your RV, ensuring a more evenly-cooled space.
Extra Features to Consider
Heat Pump
Consider an air conditioner with a heat pump feature if you expect to use your RV during colder months. This mechanism provides both cool and warm air, doubling up as a heating system for chillier times.
Noise Level
Also, don’t forget about noise levels. Nobody wants to enjoy the soothing sounds of nature over a loud A/C unit humming away. When evaluating noise level, you’re looking at how many decibels (dB) an air conditioner unit emits while operating.
Some models are designed to be ultra-quiet, operating at noise levels as low as 50 dB – that’s quieter than the average conversation at home! Others may produce sound around 60-70 dB, which is about as loud as normal conversation or background music.
While a low-noise level air conditioner is often more comfortable, remember that it can sometimes come at the expense of power. This is because to reduce noise, manufacturers may have to downsize the fan or compressor, key components in the cooling process. A balance between noise level and cooling capacity should be sought based on your specific needs and tolerance for noise.
Regular Vs. Low Profile AC Units
Choosing between regular and low-profile air conditioners for your RV comes down to understanding your specific needs and preferences.
Regular AC Units
Regular AC units, with their larger stature, typically offer a higher BTU rating and robust cooling performance. They’re ideal for larger RVs or extremely hot conditions. Although their larger size may impact vehicle aerodynamics, their cooling power and durability often compensate for it.
Low Profile AC Units
Low-profile AC units sit closer to the roof, offering improved aerodynamics and the ability to easily pass under low clearance areas. They may not offer the same cooling capacity as regular units, but they’re an excellent choice for smaller RVs or travelers prioritizing fuel efficiency and sleek design.
Remote Control
To top it all, some RV air conditioners offer a remote control feature. This allows you to easily adjust the temperature, fan speed, and more without moving an inch from your comfy camper couch.
Air Purification
If you have allergies, travel is hard. You’ll often find yourself exposed to pollen and other allergens. If you have an older RV with mold or mildew buildup, you might also find yourself with symptoms inside your rig.
To avoid health issues and allergy symptoms on your camping trips, find a model compatible with air purification filters to help reduce pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens.
For example, here’s an air purification filter for the Coleman Mach 3.
FilterTime RV FT-616 Allergen RV Air Filter
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Warranty
Finally, consider the product warranty. Extra peace of mind can go a long way in ensuring your summer travel is all about fun and zero about worry.
How to Maintain an RV Air Conditioner
Preventative maintenance guarantees your air conditioner remains in top shape and works efficiently.
- Every few months, clean and check the components of the AC. Simply add these tasks to your regular RV care routine for optimal results and minimal extra work.
- When you’re cleaning the roof of your camper, check for damage to the unit. Repair any cracks from accidental impacts with tree branches or other objects. Clean the rooftop covers to prevent any mold or mildew growth. If your RV air conditioner leaks when it rains, you’ll know there’s been damage where the unit connects to the roof.
- Your air filters also require regular cleaning or replacement. How often these chores must happen depends on your frequency of use. The general recommendation is to clean the air filters after two weeks of camper use. Check out our guide on how to clean an RV air conditioner filter for more information.
- Once every year, you must clean the components inside the unit itself. The AC coils, evaporator, and condenser can all experience buildup on their surfaces. A soap, scrubber, or specialty cleaner will get the job done.
- If you run into issues with your unit, check out our extensive RV Air Conditioner Repair guide for tips to troubleshoot and fix your A/C.
FAQs
We understand that purchasing a new RV air conditioner is a big decision. That’s why we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the process.
Feel free to contact us with any questions that aren’t answered here.
What Size RV Air Conditioner Do I Need?
The size of the air conditioner you need for your RV will depend on the size of the RV itself. A general rule of thumb is to have 50-60 BTUs per square foot of living space. So, for example, a 30-foot long by 9-foot wide RV would typically require a 15,000 BTU air conditioner, while a 20-foot long by 8.5-foot wide RV would require a 10,000 BTU air conditioner.
However, this is just a rough estimate, and it’s best to consult an RV dealer or a professional HVAC technician to determine the appropriate size for your specific RV.
How Long Does an Air Conditioner Last on an RV?
The lifespan of an RV air conditioner can vary depending on usage, maintenance, and the quality of the unit. On average, an RV air conditioner can last anywhere from 8-15 years, but with proper maintenance and care, it can last even longer. It is important to keep the unit clean and to have it serviced regularly by a professional to ensure it is in proper working condition.
Are RV Air Conditioners Universal?
Most RV air conditioners fit in a standard 14″ by 14″ vent hole. However, some have a bigger opening requirement. Check to be sure your motor home can handle the model you want. Older RVs might not be able to handle the weight of a hefty AC unit. Setups with a weaker generator or solar power might not have the capacity to run less efficient generators around the clock.
Do Portable Air Conditioners Work in RVs?
Portable air conditioners do work in RVs, but you need to consider power requirements, ventilation options, space constraints, and efficiency. Make sure your RV’s electrical system can handle the unit’s load, that you have a proper way to vent the hot air outside, and that there’s sufficient room for the unit.
Also, note that portable air conditioners are generally less efficient than built-in units but can be handy if your built-in unit fails or doesn’t cool your RV effectively. Regular maintenance, like emptying the condensation reservoir, is also essential.
Is It Ok to Run Your RV AC All the Time?
Yes, it’s generally okay to run your RV AC all the time as long as your power source can handle the continuous load. However, to extend the life of the AC unit and to save energy, it’s often advisable to turn it down (or off) when the temperature drops or when you’re not in the RV.
Is It Difficult to Replace an RV Air Conditioner?
Replacing an RV air conditioner is not overly difficult, but it does require some mechanical skills and potentially a helper due to the weight and size of the unit.
Here are the basic steps:
1. Unplug the Power Source: Disconnect the RV from any power sources for safety.
2. Remove the Inside Shroud: Inside your RV, remove the inner shroud or cover of the AC unit.
3. Disconnect Wiring: Locate and disconnect the AC unit’s wiring.
4. Remove the AC Unit: On the roof, remove the bolts holding the AC unit in place. With a helper, lift and remove the unit.
5. Install the New AC Unit: Place the new unit into the hole and secure it with bolts. Back inside, reconnect the wiring, and replace the shroud.
6. Check the Function: Reconnect the power and check the new AC unit’s function.
However, if you’re uncomfortable with these steps or dealing with electrical systems, it’s best to hire a professional. The complexity can also increase if the new unit is a different size or type than the old one, requiring additional modifications to the RV.