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Best RV Air Conditioners 2024

    Updated January 2, 2024

    Best Air Conditioners for RV 2023

    Dometic Penguin II Black 20 Amp Low Profile Rooftop Air Conditioner 640315CXX1J0

    Dometic Penguin II Low Profile Rooftop Air Conditioner | 13.5k BTU AC with Ducted and Non Ducted Application | Portable Air Conditioner for RVs, Trailers, and Campers-Black
    • LOW PROFILE: With its low-profile design, this rooftop air conditioner adds a sleek and stylish touch to your RV or camper. Its compact size and aerodynamic shape minimize wind resistance and enhance the overall appearance of your vehicle.

    If you are in the market for a caravan low roof air conditioning unit inside your rv, look no further than the Dometic 640315CXX1J0 Penguin II Low Roof Air Conditioner. This air conditioning unit offers a clean design with a height of less than 10 inches. This height minimizes drag and improves the fuel economy of your RV. It also offers a 13,500 british thermal units rating that makes it capable of sufficiently cooling RVs with up to 675 square feet of internal space. It is also designed to be installed in ducted or ducted air conditioning systems. For the latter, you have easily accessible controls on the roof component.

    These controls allow you to adjust the temperature at which the RV air conditioning unit will turn on, as well as the speed of the internal fan motor. But if you want to install it in a ducted air conditioning system, it will connect directly to your wall thermostat so you can set your ideal fan and temperature. This RV air conditioning unit also comes with a pre-installed module plate and heat strip that makes it easy to install on thin RV roofs. And it offers a maximum airflow of 320 cubic feet per minute at the highest fan setting.

    Dometic 640315CXX1J0 Penguin II Air Conditioner is the RV Air Conditioner in 2023 and can fit almost any standard ceiling opening measuring 14 by 14 inches. In terms of appearance, it has a sober design. Such RV air conditioner also comes with R410A refrigerant which effectively cools and accelerates the release of heat within your RV or living space. When it comes to technical specifications and cooling power, the Dometic Penguin II air conditioner is rated at 13,500 BTUs per hour. It should also be noted that the electrical power is 60 hertz of 120 volt single phase alternating current. You will definitely praise it for its design due to the fact that it is so low that it is less than 10 inches tall and has a very contemporary and stylish design for the cover. Also, in fact, this design allows you to reduce drag and give you more mileage on your RV so that you can achieve greater fuel efficiency in the long run.

    Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner, 15,000 BTU – Polar White (B59516.XX1C0)

    Dometic Brisk II 15K BTU White
    • BEST-IN-CLASS PERFORMANCE: With superior air flow, cooling capacity, and weight, the Brisk II Air Conditioner sets the standard for RV rooftop air conditioners; Its smart design and improved materials ensure top-notch performance in any climate, making it ideal for use in extreme conditions

    Fan and motor are the two most significant parts of any air conditioning. The whole performance of the product is dependent upon these. If your ac unit has a low-quality fan, it won’t be able to function properly and won’t give enough coolness to the environment. A pristine quality motor is required for the sake of brilliance in the performance. The portable air conditioner that we have placed on number one contains these two elements of the best quality available.

    Dometic B59516.XX1C0 Polar White has a long-lasting warranty that keeps working for one year. During this time, the company covers any loss or breakdown of the ac unit. Here we will present some features that have brought this portable ac unit at the top place of our list. It has a nominal capacity of 15000 BTU per hour. You can install it in both ducted and non-ducted ways. It has 115 Volt of Alternate current electric rating with 60 Hertz. The most savory factor of this portable ac unit is that you don’t have to put struggle while installing it. It doesn’t ask for hard work in its maintenance thus it can be taken care of efficiently and with small energy consumption.

    The Domestic Polar White Air Conditioner is one of the best robust and lightweight motorhome air conditioners on the market. Most RV owners choose this air conditioner because of its high efficiency, reliability and great quality. With a cooling capacity of 15,000 BTU per hour, it is powerful enough to cool the entire motorhome.

    This AC motorhome has channel or non-channel applications and you have the option to add a control kit or ADB if you wish. The housing is made of EPP foam which is a lightweight rubber material and improves its cooling performance. Its laminated fairing is UV protected, which means it is durable, safe and tough.

    Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner is the Best RV Air Conditioners in 2023

    Honeywell HL12CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner

    Honeywell Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier & Fan with Dual Filtration System for Rooms Up To 400-550 Sq. Ft. Polished & Powerful (Black/White)
    • Stylish, powerful & dependable - cools rooms 450-550 sq. Ft. Thermal overload protection for added safety & peace of mind. Automatic vertical wind motion helps distribute powerful cool air evenly for fast & consistent cooling

    Honeywell is a multi-field company that produces a wide range of consumer and commercial products for both private and government agencies. Portable air conditioners are a line of their products that have gained a prominent place in their market. The Honeywell HL12 model is rated at 12,000 BTU and can cool camps up to 350 square feet using its automatic vertical ventilation capacity. This helps in distributing cool air evenly throughout the desired area.

    The unit is equipped with a dual filter system that traps small dust, animal skins and hairs so that they do not enter the unit and other equipment adversely affects the effectiveness of the compressor. In addition, it cleans the atmosphere of the place and removes impurities that can be easily washed off the filters with water.

    Its dehumidifier is of the highest quality because it can effectively eliminate 80 pints per day. Consider yourself in the middle of a damp place that gives off excess sweat which leads to discomfort and discomfort. HL12 is especially effective in cases where it will evaporate your sweat to soothe you. Also, the automatic evaporation capacity means you are free from the hassle of emptying the bucket, which increases the convenience. In the case of device controls, it has parameters like fan speed, power saving mode, standby mode which is the 10 hour program that detects any discomfort to reduce the temperature most comfortably and quickly when you increase the time temperature.

    Very quiet operation and sliding wheels for portability further enhance the usefulness of the product. When working in full performance, it only gives a sound of 52 decibels which is usually the sound from two people in a quiet conversation. The unit installation is as simple as you attach a fair attachment and a compatible window mount to the motorhome window. For unemployment it is large and heavy which stains the possibility of it being portable. It is available in three color combinations and two AAA battery powered rates.

    Honeywell HL12CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner is the Best Portable Air Conditioner for RV in 2023

    Coleman Mach 15+ A/C Unit 48204C866

    The Coleman Mach 15 (model 08-0080) provides an optimal cooling effect of 15,000 BTUs. As you know, 10,000 BTU would be too low, 20,000 BTU is excessive, 15,000 BTU is correct. Regarding the electrical requirements: The fan motor is powered by 1/3 HP and is wired with a 115 V / 60 Hz network (single phase current). Every RV has this; You don’t have to worry about electrical incompatibilities.

    Coleman Mach 15 is especially popular because it has something that many RV air conditioners lack: the heating function. Mach 15 is essentially a heat pump. If you want to lower the temperature inside the RV, you can turn on 15,000 BTUs of cooling power. However, if you are camping somewhere where it gets a little chilly at night, you can activate a heat function that provides up to ‘5600 BTUs of heating effect.

    That alone makes the Coleman Mach 15 the best RV heat pump capable of both air conditioning and heating. The Mach 15 features a carefully designed aerodynamic shape to help reduce drag. The shape is also designed to maximize cooling efficiency and prevent overheating with side ventilation. The copper tubes, along with the gas flow brazed joints, help protect the unit from the elements.

    Overall, the Coleman Mach 15 is a perfect RV air conditioner for all seasons. The air conditioning is used in summer, the heating can be used on cold nights and even in the middle of winter:

    Maxx Air 00-07500K MaxxFan Deluxe with Remote – Smoke

    Maxx Air MaxxFan Deluxe has the most superlative and invincible features. You can open the electrical lid of this AC through the remote controller and has a fast speed of air intake and good quality exhaust fan. Maxx Air MaxxFan Deluxe has a thermostat within which takes care of the temperature of your surroundings and makes you able to change the room temperature as per your ease. It allows you 900 CFM through which it keeps the environment functional with cooling power, ongoing and full of healthy air. You can install this easily. Even if you keep the windows and rooftop of your van open, it won’t affect the function. These can get operated from remote places. You are ought to stay at long distances and set the precise function of these ac units just through a remote controller.

    Maxx Air 00-07500K MaxxFan Deluxe with Remote is the Best Air Conditioner for RV in 2023

    Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner, 13,500 BTU – Polar White (B57915.XX1C0)

    Dometic Brisk II | 13.5K BTU Air Conditioner | White | Standard Height | 9105304463 | Ducted or Non- Ducted | Quiet AC | Easy Install | Ideal For Campers, Vans, RV or Trailers | Lightweight
    • HIGH-PERFORMANCE DESIGN: The Brisk 13.5K BTU offers larger air openings for improved air flow and cooling. Take it on the road for all weather conditions

    For the whole year after buying this portable air conditioner, you won’t have any worry or tension meddling in your life regarding this product. This ac unit brings along a warranty of 365 days during which the company fixes in case any issue or turbulence appears in the air conditioning appliance. Most of the ac units ask you for hard work in the process of its installation. Even after getting successfully installed they need maintenance from time to time which is also a burden over the people who own them. But here, we come armed with Dometic which provides an ease to the individuals who possess it. It doesn’t ask for a lot of struggle in the process of install and preservation.

    No one would like to bear discordant loud noises in the environment as an extension to a cool ambiance. Where people would prefer chilly atmospheres, at the same time, they will want to noise pollution to haunt them. In a world where many ac units don’t take care of the noise aspect, this ac unit allows you a dramatic feature that lessens the unwanted noise and makes your surroundings peaceful as it comes with dampening brackets.

    RV air conditioner stands out among the rest with a nominal capacity of 13,500 BTU each hour which allows it a more efficient performance making it the foremost air conditioning selection for you. It can be installed in two ways, deducted and not deducted, giving you more options for effective install. It has a voltage of 115 AC and a frequency of 60 Hertz.

    Dometic has a capability of spreading coolness and subtle comfort to the environment. The sole factor which makes us able to select which air conditioning unit is a better selection and which is not is its cooling capacity. This product allows ISO 5151 at 3953 Watt cooling capacity which is a far better rate than many others.

    Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner is the Best Air Conditioner for campervan in 2023

    Maxxair 00-05100K MaxxFan Ventillation Fan with White Lid and Manual Opening Keypad Control

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    Maxxair 00-05100K MaxxFan Ventillation Fan is composed of an efficient 3-speed fan which propagates enough breeze to the atmosphere and is the sole basis over which the whole performance of the fan depends. Even if you place this portable ac at the ceilings, it will keep on functioning effectively and brilliantly from there.Within it, a thermostat is present which allows it to detect what sort of temperature the surroundings have so that it can function efficiently concerning the requirement.

    In addition, this air conditioner has a rain shield that obstacles the water content from ruining the machine from inside. Now if you keep this product in direct contact with rain, no negative consequences will be witnessed upon it. It has an expedited intake of air and the capability of air exhaustion. It has a pristine sort of ventilator engrossed within it which gives sufficient protection to the interior no matter how turbulent the weather conditions get. It has a remarkable built and availability in the color white. If any insect gets inside the machine, you can easily remove that easily from it by shifting the knobs bringing more subtle cleanliness.

    Maxxair 00-05100K MaxxFan Ventillation Fan is the Best Air Conditioner for RV in 2023

    Furrion FACR14SA-PS RV Air Conditioner

    If lowering noise output is your primary priority, the Furrion Chill FACR14SA-BL RV Rooftop AC is our top pick for the best quiet and vibration resistant air conditioner for RVs. This is one of the few RV AC units on the market that features VibrationSmart Technology. This technology protects the internal components of the AC unit from harm caused by severe vibrations.

    However, because it minimizes vibrations generally, it also lessens the total noise production of the device when it is functioning. This quiet RV air conditioner also features Furrion’s unique ClimateSmart Technology, which enables it to work efficiently in more harsh conditions. Furthermore, it is 40% more energy efficient than other leading single-fan versions. The Furrion Chill has a 14,500 BTU rating, which means it can cool spaces up to 725 square feet. And because this is a full-height rooftop AC unit, it produces less than 80 dB of noise output.

    Whynter ARC-143MX 14,000 BTU

    Most portable air conditioners are built for tiny places, but some are intended for bigger areas. Whynter’s ARC-143MX, a high-powered system suitable for spaces up to 500 square feet, is a perfect solution for large mobile homes.

    This stylish RV air conditioner would look excellent in any room of your house, yet it is small enough to fit inside travel trailers and recreational vehicles. It is 35.5”H x 19”W x 16”D, so it is taller and broader than the TOSOT, but it has a lot more power. This rooftop air conditioner is rated at 9,500 BTUs under the new DOE guidelines.

    You may use the fan, air conditioner, or dehumidifier because this is a 3-in-1 system. There is a modest set of digital controls on the front with an LCD display, but this system may also be adjusted by remote control. While this portable air conditioner is really simple to use, there is no pump for the dehumidifier, so you will have to rely on gravity for continual drainage while this feature is activated.

    This unit’s venting is designed to suit practically any window and features two hoses for greater efficiency. A programmable 24-hour timer and an auto-drain mechanism that exhausts condensate while the AC is operating are among the features. It also features two filters: a washable pre-filter and a 3M antimicrobial filter.

    Whytner is well-known in the appliance industry, but not necessarily in the field of air conditioning systems. Although they do not have the most impressive portable unit portfolio, the ARC-143MX is certainly worth a look. Because of its size, it is a little louder than comparable products, but it is guaranteed to keep your RV cool and also functions as a high-powered humidifier. However, keep the power draw in mind with this one or you may trip a breaker.

    RecPro RV Air Conditioner Low Profile 9.5K Non-Ducted

    RecPro RV Air Conditioner Low Profile 9.5K Non-Ducted | Quiet AC | 110-120V | Cooling Only | Easy Install | All-in-One Unit | For Camper, Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Food Trucks, Motor Home (White)
    • - Low Amp Draw - The RecPro RV Air Conditioner is designed to use less energy than other models, allowing you to run more appliances at one time. Its low amp draw lets you keep your AC running while still having power for other activities.

    A low-profile air conditioner may be the ideal option for you if you need to optimize the clearance above your RV’s roof. The roof of the RV is only 9 inches higher than the RecPro model. A remote control with a timer allows you to simply control the unit’s operation. Users claim that this RecPro is quieter than other models, emitting only 51 to 55 decibels depending on fan speed. A two-year warranty is included.

    How to buy RV air conditioner

    Profile Design

    When you opt for air conditioning, you need to keep the height of your vehicle in mind. Those with lower profile designs are present for you which have a higher aerodynamic tendency and thus are more suitable for installation in your vans.
    Where low profile designs are inconspicuous, at the same time their efficiency level is slightly on the downside too. It happens due to the less area that they have for expelling heat. There are many rv ac unit with low profile designs which too have a horizontally shaped compressor which tends to reduce the level of efficiency a bit.

    BTU Rating

    If you know how ac unit work, you must like be well acquainted regarding the connection between the AC unit and the BTU rating. The capacity through which you measure the heat transfer is called BTU, an acronym for British Thermal Unit. In scientific terminology, it is the required amount of heat which allows one pound of water to be raised due to one degree Fahrenheit. If the number of BTU is higher, the ac unit becomes more adept in cooling the atmosphere. One tantalizing factor which you should always consider while buying an AC is BTU. It depends upon the temperatures of outdoor spaces, the interior of your place and the excellency of insulation in your RV.

    Easy to install

    Most of the individuals out there won’t comprehend it to be like a big issue if the air conditioner installation becomes messy as they would already have professionally hired to get this task done. But an intimation for you, if the task of air conditioner installation asks you for loads of efforts there are always chances that you will miss one or another mandatory part required for the sake of installing these.

    It is a prerequisite that the air conditioner has to be properly and perfectly installed, otherwise you will have to face severe consequences with respect to its performance. Only an accurately installed air conditioner can allow you safety and security when used, convenience and comfort and remarkable efficiency. Before you try your luck in the feat of installing an air conditioner, you are advised to read and comprehend the user manual that comes with the product. In it, you will see all the instructions that you must want to learn with before you make a purchase the units.

    Climates

    There is a direct relation between the performance of your air conditioner and the outside temperature of your environment. Venturing to Sahara or Gobi deserts where you will find only harsh hot climates might affect the functioning capability of your AC in like a lot of ways. Only a very efficient and exceptional air conditioner would be able to bestow you with cool breezes in such harsh climatic factors. So, you have to keep your eyes open while selecting the appropriate AC for yourself.

    Always opt for a unit that can bear humid conditions and can work phenomenally regardless of how bizarre the atmospheric conditions get like. Choose an air conditioner that can accommodate all sorts of climatic swings. A lot of the AC units present in the market work in the form of heaters too. These heaters are supposed to provide you comfort when the cold weather arrives. If your habitat is in extremely cold regions, then you should contemplate the efficiency of your machine to provide you the serene temperature in those low temperatures too.

    Noise

    This is a bit more difficult to determine because user preferences are thematic. A unit that is too noisy for some is just fine for others. And the soundproofing layer of your RV will play a role because it will affect you.

    Price

    As with any decision, budget will be a major factor in the unit you go to. Consider the size of your RV, the type of comfort you want in terms of temperature control, and the circumstances under which you will use it. If you use an AC unit in “normal” weather, you won’t need to spend that much – especially if you have smaller units. If you need it for a more serious condition, you will pay more. On the other hand, higher prices do not indicate quality. Think about the features you absolutely need, what you want and what you can’t.

    Types of available air conditioners

    Here we are going to assemble a few types of air conditioners that are present for you in the market. You are ought to select the one that benefits you remarkably!

    Ducted RV air conditioners

    This is the kind of portable rv ac unit that makes use of pipes in order to bestow you with a chilly and cool atmosphere and to keep the air of your environment inflow and necessary circulation. You need to select the destination of placing these pipes by yourself. Few suggestions are to bury them under the floor, allow them to pass through walls and ceilings. A lot of units come with ducts that are from before built well into RV.

    Under Bench Air conditioners

    These air conditioners are allowed to be installed at all the places irrespective of how less space there is available. They can get fitted even below a chair as well like as at any compartment or section that you choose. These air conditioners should be your preference if your RV doesn’t have enough height. A negative consequence in mind that comes along these is that with these you will have to compromise on storage space.

    Non-ducted air conditioner units

    As it is very apparent from the name that these ac unit lack ducts. On the other hand, they happen to be consolidated units that allow a massic circulation of cool breeze just through the blower. Internally, they resemble ducted air conditioners a lot. We personally assume that for RVs non-ducted appliances are ought to be an appropriate pick

    Rooftop air conditioner

    Ducted or non-ducted air conditioners, both of them will be suitable for you if the place where you want them to be installed is your rooftop. These rooftop ac are the best pick if you want to have a majority part of the storage space. These machines can add to the height of your automobile and tend to reduce the options available for parking.

    Portable air conditioner

    These products allow subtle and befitting usage if you prefer to have localized cooling. In case the destinations that you want to get cooled down belong to your outdoor spaces, nothing would be better for you than portable air conditioners. These AC are not subjected to give you an efficient performance in closed and covered spaces and are developed to aid you in an open environment.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is an RV air conditioner?

    You may be shocked to hear that RV air systems haven’t altered much since the RV’s inception. The air conditioner, you see, runs on AC power, which comes from a 120-volt outlet plugged into a generator or shore electricity. These gas generators, however, can be rather costly. As a result, RV owners have turned to alternative sources of power for their air conditioning systems. Many people have begun to use solar energy to power their air systems via solar panels mounted to their RVs.

    In terms of how the air conditioner works, RVs typically have air conditioner vents on the roof (nine times out of 10). This positioning allows the air conditioner to provide great cooling power while also ensuring that it can function even during long travels.

    Why do you need an RV air conditioner?

    Let’s face it: the best time to RV is during the summer. After all, there’s so much free time and stuff to do during the summer. In the summer, though, an RV can frequently feel like a gigantic sweatbox. It is critical that you purchase a high-quality air conditioner for your RV, or your RV vacations will be quite uncomfortable for everyone involved.

    Keeping everyone from going mad isn’t the only reason any RV owner should invest in an RV air conditioner. Some of you may believe you can use your home air conditioner, but these models cannot withstand the vibrations you’ll experience when driving.

    Are RV Air Conditioners Universal?

    Most RV air conditioners will fit through a normal 14′′ by 14′′ vent hole. Some, on the other hand, have a more stringent opening criteria. Check to see if your motorhome can accommodate the model you want.

    Older RVs may be unable to support the weight of a large AC unit. Setups with a weaker generator or solar power may not be able to run less efficient generators continuously.

    How does an RV AC work?

    Alternating current (AC) is typically supplied by your RV’s generator or shore power (i.e. when you’re plugged into a power stand at a campsite). Most of these AV systems cannot be operated by your RV battery or solar panels because they consume a significant amount of power. The intricacies of how they work vary depending on the type of AC unit you’re looking at.

    However, all RV air conditioners extract heat from your vehicle and expel it outside. This may be contradictory to how you feel while your air conditioner is on. It may appear that your air conditioner is pushing cool air into your unit at times. However, removing hot air from space to cool it down is considerably easier than bringing in cool air from outside. This is especially true in hot regions, and it is the foundation of how RV air conditioners work.

    How Long Does An RV AC Last?

    This will obviously depend on how frequently you use your RV AC and how well you maintain it. In short, most of the top RV AC units will last between five and ten years. Some may live much longer if they are rarely used or well-maintained.

    The frequency with which an RV AC unit is used, the outside air temperatures when the AC is turned on, and the initial construction quality of the AC unit you purchase are the key aspects that will determine its lifespan.

    What Size RV AC Do I Need?

    When we talk about an RV AC unit’s “size,” we usually mean its cooling capacity or the amount of energy it consumes per hour. This energy use is typically quantified in British Thermal Units (BTUs). That being stated, measuring the square footage of your RV is the quickest approach to decide the proper size RV AC for you.