Best RV AC Unit: Stay Cool And Comfortable
Publushed by:
George CummingsLast updated:
November 15, 2021
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner
- Large air openings
- EPP foam housing
- Increased life-span
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EDITOR’S CHOICE
Atwood 15027 Ducted A/C Unit
- V-flow airstream
- Wall-mounted thermostat
- "Sleep" button
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EDITOR’S CHOICE
Airxcel Mach 8 Plus 13.5 Arctic White
- Easy installation
- Enhanced heat transfer
- Fiberglass base pan
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If you’re feeling hot and stuffy in your RV, you’ll want to get your hands on a quality AC unit. This will ensure you can stay comfortable in your RV even on the hottest days of the year.
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you’ll also experience relief from using an air conditioner in your RV.
What is the best RV AC unit? The best RV AC unit will be small and compact, easy to install and provide you with enough power.
By reading our guide, you won’t have to worry about trying to find enough space for your RV air conditioning unit. The ones in our reviews are small and compact, and they also have a variety of essential features to keep you happy on long road trips.
Here’s the best RV AC unit: stay cool and comfortable wherever you go!
Best Overall: Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner
Short summary
This best rooftop RV AC unit took two years to become one of the best AC units on the market. It’s small, light, and very quiet, while being durable.
It makes use of a smart design to maximize space and performance. It is said to provide an increase in airflow of 15 percent and it’s 19 percent lighter than previous models.
This is the best roof mount RV AC unit to get because it offers cooling functions but you can also use it to warm up your RV when required.
This is thanks to its multi-speed blower that you can adjust whether you want cooling or heating options.
You’ll love that this AC unit is designed to be tough and durable, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged during RV trips.
Quick Facts
- BTU: 15,000
- Voltage: 115 volts
- Color: Black or white
Pros
- This small RV AC unit has large air openings. These encourage greater air circulation and cooling when you require it.
- It has EPP foam housing. This decreases its weight and also enhances the unit’s cooling function.
- It has been built with a carbon steel base. This makes it strong and durable.
- This RV AC unit is quiet and doesn’t vibrate, thanks to how the motor, evaporator, and compressor have been bracketed together.
- It has a laminated shroud that’s UV-protected to increase its lifespan.
Cons
- This RV AC unit requires a control unit which is sold separately.
- It’s impossible to remove the unit’s basket fan to clean it, so it can become a target for mold.
- Some people who have purchased this RV AC unit have reported not receiving any instructions on how to install and use it.
Runner-Up: Atwood 15027 Ducted A/C Unit
Short summary
This RV AC unit quickly and efficiently cools a 360-cubic foot area. While it works well to cool down your RV, it doesn’t produce vibrations or noise.
It makes use of a dual-motor so that the blower fan and condenser fan can be run separately. It also has an internal thermostat that switches between the compressor and fan automatically.
It doesn’t use many amps so you will be able to use other appliances in your RV at the same time.
This RV air conditioning system comes with a remote, vent, and wall-mounted thermostat for increased usability.
It’s one of the best RV AC units on the market if you want greater control of your RV’s indoor temperature as it offers many features to enable you to regulate how and when it works.
It’s built with a hardshell shroud that’s durable and ensures protection to the components within.
Quick Facts
- BTU: 13,500
- Voltage: N/A
- Color: White
Pros
- This RV AC unit has a V-flow airstream. This blows out the sides of the unit instead of the front so you get better air circulation.
- It has a wall-mounted thermostat that provides digital displays of the temperature you’ve set.
- For increased convenience, you can use the remote control to change your settings.
- You can set a timer to choose when you want the air con to work or turn off the unit, and you can set this 24 hours in advance.
- It also has a “sleep” button that you can use to save energy in your RV overnight.
Cons
- There have been complaints of people not receiving the accessories with their AC unit.
- Although it works well to cool you down, it doesn’t provide you with any heating functions.
- The fan runs constantly when in AC mode.
Alternative: Airxcel Mach 8 Plus 13.5 Arctic White
Short summary
This small yet powerful RV AC unit will provide you with a maximum airflow of 300 cubic feet per minute when used on its highest fan setting.
It’s light to carry and install and has compact dimensions to make it easy to use in small spaces.
For increased convenience, you can choose to purchase this RV AC unit with or without a condensate pump. This accessory makes it ideal for use in humid areas.
This AC unit is easy to install and start using immediately. Since it’s a bit lighter in weight than some other AC units we’ve featured in this guide, it’s easy to get it onto the roof of your RC.
It’s also low on noise as it has a reduced fan noise of five decibels, making it quieter than some other AC units on the market.
Quick Facts
- BTU: 13,500
- Voltage: 115 volts
- Color: White
Pros
- This best RV AC unit has a fiberglass base pan. This makes it strong and durable without being too heavy.
- It’s built with a low design that’s aerodynamic for better air circulation and easy installation in tiny spaces.
- This low profile AC unit for RV comes with a built-in condensation water removal option for increased ease of use.
- Thanks to its two motors, this AC unit provides you with the same amount of BTUs of cooling on low and high speeds.
- It has enhanced heat transfer all across its outdoor coil.
Cons
- Some people who have purchased this AC unit have reported that it battles to tolerate vibrations when used extensively for long periods of time.
- It is a bit larger than other AC units we feature in this guide.
- It’s currently out of stock on Amazon.
Best Portable RV AC Unit: BLACK+DECKER BPACT14WT
Short summary
This is a floor-standing AC unit that gives you consistent cooling for rooms that are up to 350 square feet. Not just ideal for RVs, you can also use this for apartments, offices, and dorms.
This AC unit doesn’t just offer cooling functions. It has three energy-efficient functions as it comes with fan, cool, and dehumidifying modes.
Since it makes use of a bucket-less and self-evaporating operation, this benefits your living space by keeping it cool and dry.
It comes with all the accessories you need to start using it: a hose and window adapter. Once you’ve connected it, you just have to plug it into an outlet.
It conveniently comes with a hose that’s four feet and 11 inches in length.
Quick Facts
- BTU: 8,000
- Voltage: 110 volts
- Color: White
Pros
- This AC unit has an adjustable fan that can cool the air to 65 degrees Fahrenheit on its coolest setting.
- It comes with a convenient sleep mode that makes it very quiet. This is ideal for use at night.
- It’s easy to install, thanks to how it comes with wheels. This makes it the best portable AC unit for RV applications.
- This best RV AC unit is controlled via remote control for increased convenience.
- It has a convenient LED display and 24-hour timer so you can set the temperature that you want.
Cons
- People who have purchased this AC unit have said that it’s quite loud.
- Others have said that the connector pieces to the hose ends and unit don’t lock securely in place.
- There have been some complaints about unpleasant odors being released by this AC unit.
Runner Up: Ukoke WiFi Portable Air Conditioner
Short summary
This is the only RV AC unit on our list that works with Alexa. It enables powerful voice control so you can switch your AC unit on and off, and adjust its temperature, with greater use.
By downloading the Ukoke app from the Android Play Store or Apple App Store you can easily control your AC unit anywhere, with your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
For increased user-friendliness, this RV AC unit also comes with manual controls on the digital LED display of the unit, and it comes with a traditional remote control.
This Ukoke AC unit has multiple functions: it offers heating, cooling, and dehumidifying functions. These provide more comfortable indoor air for areas up to 400 square feet in size.
Quick Facts
- BTU: 12,000
- Voltage: 110 volts
- Color: White
Pros
- This RV AC unit has high, medium, and low fan modes with a swing function so you can adjust the direction of its air flow.
- You can switch from heating to cooling functions in less than 10 minutes.
- This unit contains an eco-friendly R410A refrigerant and compressor that decrease the noise that it produces.
- It comes with wheels included so you can easily move it from one area of your RV or home to another.
- For easy maintenance, this AC unit has a washable filter so you don’t have to spend money on replacement filters.
Cons
- People who have purchased this RV AC unit have reported issues with its WiFi connection not being stable.
- The fan doesn’t come with slower speeds, so even on the lowest setting it blows quite hard.
RV AC Unit FAQ
If you want to install an AC unit in your RV, you should first know some important things, such as how many watts you’ll require and if a portable AC unit is a viable option for keeping your RV cool and comfortable. Let’s answer these and more questions.
How many watts is a typical RV air conditioner?
If you want to install an air conditioner in your RV, you’ll want to know how many watts it needs to operate. It’s important to note that how much power an AC unit needs will vary depending on the unit’s BTU (British Thermal Unit).
It will also have two-watt ratings, the start-up watts which are required, and the watts that it uses during its operation. The generator you’re using to power the AC unit should have a higher amount of watts than the start watts which the AC needs for comfortable use.
Generally, an AC unit with 15,000 BTUs will require approximately 3,200 to 3,500 watts to start up, while a unit with 13,500 BTUs will need around 2,700 to 2,900 watts. By comparison, an air-con with 7,000 BTUs will need 1,600 to 1,800 watts to start up.
As for running costs, an air conditioner with 15,000 BTUs requires approximately 1,200 to 1,700 watts to run, while an aircon with 13,500 BTUs needs between 1,000 to 1,300 watts. By comparison, a unit that has around 7,000 BTUs will require approximately 600 watts.
Can an RV AC unit be recharged?
When we talk about recharging RV AC units, we’re basically referring to how these units contain refrigerant to cool the air when it moves over the unit’s evaporating coil. If the refrigerant runs out, the AC unit needs to be recharged.
Here’s how to do it.
- Find the electrical breaker in the panel box to decrease the amount of power that is being supplied to the AC unit. This ensures you can recharge it safely.
- If you’re not sure what refrigerant to use, check the RV AC unit as it should provide this information.
- Remove the AC unit’s lid carefully. Make sure you move it straight up to prevent causing damage to the unit’s coils.
- Add refrigerant to recharge the AC unit. To do this, unscrew the unit’s port with a wrench.
- When adding the refrigerant, check the temperature of the air inside the unit and the RV’s air as both have to be monitored. You should ensure that the difference between the two is about 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once you’ve done that, you can restore power to the AC and check the temperature to ensure that it’s working properly.
- When you’re satisfied, replace the AC unit’s lid and ensure it’s secure.
How can I make my RV air conditioner work better?
There are important things you should do regularly to maximize the efficiency of your RV AC unit. These include the following:
- Keep your AC unit’s filters clean. You should clean them regularly, by putting them in lukewarm water with a mild detergent before letting them dry overnight.
- Check the air return to the unit to ensure it’s not filled with dirt or debris.
- Also, check the condenser coil on the unit. Make sure it’s not pinched or obstructed.
- Inspect the AC’s plastic cover for any cracks. The cover prevents rain and dust from entering the unit and damaging it. If the cover’s damaged, it needs to be replaced.
- Clean underneath the plastic cover. Try to clean into the ductwork, such as with the use of a vacuum cleaner.
- Park in shady spots. A roof AC unit is only able to cool the indoor temperature by around 20 degrees, so try to keep your RV cool as much as possible. It’s also useful to keep your RV windows closed and blinds down.
Can you use a portable AC in an RV?
You can use a portable AC unit in your RV. This is a convenient way to cool down your RV’s interior when the temperature is high. However, you must purchase a portable AC unit that has enough power to cool down your entire RV.
To ensure this, you will have to check the RV’s square feet. A table, such as this one, provides the BTUs to look for in an AC unit according to its square feet.
So, for example, you’ll require approximately 14,000 BTUs for an RV that’s 600 square feet, while 12,000 BTUs will be adequate for an area of 400 square feet.
Conclusion
An AC unit for your RV is an essential item that will help you stay cool during the summer, but some of these units also offer other features, such as dehumidifying and heating functions.
After reading our reviews, you now have a better idea of which is the best RV AC unit to buy. We’ve also featured FAQs to give you additional information on the best ways to keep your RV indoor air cool and dry.
Resources:
Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner
Large air openings
EPP foam housing
Increased life-span
