Best RV Air Conditioners For 2022

Hitting the open road in comfort is what an RV is all about. And that includes having a good air conditioner to keep the interior cool and comfy on hotter days. For this review, we looked at a range of rooftop units, which are the most versatile type and don’t take up your valuable interior space. They can be plugged into a standard electrical outlet while you’re parked or run off of a generator

Best Overall

Coleman Mach 15+

Why We Picked It

The Coleman Mach 15+ has all the bases covered. This powerful unit churns out a strong 15,000 BTUs, which should be plenty to cool down even large RVs. Capable of moving 320 cubic feet per minute (CFM), the 15+ can be used with ducted ventilation systems. And it can accept an optional heater unit that will output 5600 BTUs of warm air, for insurance against colder nights..

Pros & Cons

High 15,000 BTU rating
Can be installed in a ducted system
Will accept an optional heating unit

More expensive than other models here
Kit doesn’t include a thermostat
Only available in white

Best Value for a Smaller RV

Dometic Brisk II

Sale

$799.00

(-$49.01) (6%)

Why We Picked It

The Dometic Brisk II is an ideal choice if you want to cool a smaller RV without spending a lot of money. It produces 13,500 BTUs of cooling air, which should also handle a large RV in moderate conditions. And, at only 77 pounds, it’s one of the lighter models we researched, which makes installation easier. All of this has helped make the Dometic Brisk II the best selling RV air conditioner on Amazon. Two-year warranty.

Pros & Cons

One of the least expensive models we researched
Its light weight helps make installation easier
Available in white or black

Not as powerful as some larger units
Not designed for cooling larger RVs in hotter conditions
Some users say it’s loud

Best Value for a Larger RV

Dometic Brisk II (B59516.XX1J0)

Why We Picked It

This is essentially the same model as the 13.5K Dometic Brisk II, above, with a more powerful motor, capable of delivering 15,000 BTUs. That should be enough to keep larger RVs cool, even in hot conditions. With its strong performance, affordable price, and light 74-pound weight, this Brisk II makes an especially appealing package. Two-year warranty.

Pros & Cons

A great price for a model with this level of performance
With 15,000 BTUs, this model should cool larger RVs even in hot conditions
Can be used with a ducted or non-ducted ventilation system

More expensive than the 13,500-BTU version
Some users complain about the noise level
Not designed to accept a heating unit

Best If You Need a Heater on a Budget

Coleman Mach 3+

Why We Picked It

The Mach 3+ may be a better option if you want an optional heating unit, but don’t need the higher performance of our overall recommended model, the Coleman Mach 15+. The Mach 3+ is rated at 13,500 BTUs (vs the Mach 5+’s 15,000 BTUs) and is priced a couple hundred dollars less. Otherwise, it’s a very similar model to our top pick, delivering the same 320 cubic feet of air per minute. And all this supports why it’s also one of the best selling air conditioners for RVs.

Pros & Cons

Can deliver 5600 BTUs of heat with optional heater assembly
Accessible price for a unit that accepts an optional heater
Can be used with a ducted or non-ducted ventilation system

With a 13,500-BTU rating, it isn’t as powerful as some other models
At 90 pounds, it’s a little heavier than other budget models
Some users say it’s loud

Best Low-Profile Model

RecPro RP-AC2801

Why We Picked It

If you need to maximize the clearance over your RV’s roof, a low-profile air conditioner could be the best solution for you. This RecPro model sits only 9 inches higher than the RV’s roof. A remote control lets you easily control the unit’s operation and includes a timer. Emitting only about 51 to 55 decibels, depending on fan speed, users say this RecPro is also quieter than other models. Two-year warranty.

Pros & Cons

Low-profile design gives you extra clearance on top of the RV
Users say it’s quieter than competitive models
Available in black or white

9500 BTU rating is lower than the other models here
Not designed for use with ducted systems
Doesn’t work with other brands’ thermostats.

Best-selling RV Air Conditioners on Amazon

Sponsored

SaleBestseller No. 1

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

Your purchase includes One Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner, 13,500 BTU - Polar White B57915.XX1C0 model, One Warranty card and One Registration card
Air conditioner dimensions: 29 5/8” W x 13 7/8” H x 27 5/8” D. Weight 77 lbs
Performance: 13,500 BTU/h. Input voltage (AC): 115V. Does not include Heat Pump

Bestseller No. 2

RecPro RV Air Conditioner 15K Non-Ducted | With Heat Pump for Heating or Cooling Option | RV AC Unit | Camper Air Conditioner (Black)

Measuring 26 3/4" wide by 39 5/16" long by 13 11/16" high on the outside of your RV and 21 1/8" wide by 21 15/16" long by 1 11/16" high on the inside ceiling assembly. The air conditioner is non-ducted and comes in black and white.
Attractive and durable, it runs off of 115V power. With this model, the sound level is much lower than many of the other air conditioners on the market and the quality of the temperature is better.
In addition, the amperage (amps) on the model is lower than other air conditioners. While this might not mean a whole lot, it means that it draws less electricity, saving you power and money to use for other appliances or RV devices.

Bestseller No. 3

RecPro RV Air Conditioner Low Profile 9.5K Non-Ducted | Quiet AC | Cooling Only | RV AC Unit | Camper Air Conditioner (Black)

The remote that is included with the model allows you to control the temperature and settings of the unit from the comfort of your couch.
Unlike other models that are made of cheap plastic that has been molded to shape around the unit, these are made from high-quality, tough plastic built to withstand what life throws at it.
The small size allows you to take full advantage of the air conditioner while not sacrificing as much in the way of roof space or interior ceiling space. Because it fits a 14" by 14" space, it can directly replace a 14" by 14" fan

Bestseller No. 4

RecPro RV Air Conditioner 15K Ducted | Quiet AC with Heat Pump for Heating or Cooling | RV AC Unit | Camper Air Conditioner (White)

Includes remote control with cooling, heating, fan, dehumidifying, auto, temperature display, clock, timer, temperature set, sleep, lock, and fan speed control functions
Heat pump provides excellent heating and cooling performance in any climate
Perhaps the most important features of this unit are the noise level, the power draw, and the size. One of the biggest concerns with RV air conditioning units is how much noise they make. Because of the ones that come straight off the lot, RV AC units get a bad rap for being loud and annoying. This model, however, only creates 59.1 decibels of noise inside on the high setting.

Bestseller No. 5

6 Reviews

DOMETIC AIR CONDITIONERS 640310CXX1J0 Standard Dometic Penguin II Low-Profile Upper Unit RV Air Conditioner-11.000 BTU, Black

Aerodynamic low profile reduces wind drag, saves fuel
Quiet power: Delivers the optimum balance of air flow
Easy-to-reach, easy-to-use controls - three-speed blower

Bestseller No. 6

3 Reviews

Coleman 48208C969 RV Air Conditioner

Cool/Heat Capacity: 13,500
Electric Heat Element Capacity: 5,600
Electrical Rating: 115 VAC, 60HZ

Bestseller No. 7

6 Reviews

RecPro RV Air Conditioner Low Profile 13.5K Non-Ducted | Heating or Cooling Option | RV AC Unit | Camper Air Conditioner | (Black)

This RV air conditioner is significantly quieter than most RV AC units, leaving you cooler without the noise. It also uses fewer amps, saving you energy and money. Finally, with the high-quality skill and manufacturing put into this unit, you get great temperature quality to keep you comfortable and cool all throughout the summer season.
This RV air conditioner measures 33 1/2" wide by 8 13/16" high by 44 3/16" deep for the outdoor unit and 20 5/16" wide by 1 15/16" high by 22 5/8" deep for the ceiling assembly. Using 115V power, it weighs about 99 pounds and has a maximum airflow of 318 CFM.
Non-ducted to allow for easier setup and use, this RV AC unit comes with a remote control that allows you to change the settings and speed of the unit from the comfort of your couch. With other models, you would have to climb up to your AC unit and manually adjust the knobs and buttons. With this remote, though, you can say goodbye to that task. And the comfort doesn't stop at the remote either. One of the big drawbacks to a lot of AC units is that they are loud and annoying.

Bestseller No. 8

Coleman 48204C869 RV Air Conditioner

Cool/Heat Capacity: 15,000
Electric Heat Element Capacity: 5,600
Electrical rating: 115 VAC, 60HZ

Bestseller No. 9

1,044 Reviews

ICON Brisk Air Dometic Duo Therm RV Air Conditioner Shroud, Old Style

Overall Dimensions: 35.5" x 29.5" x 12 5/8"
Fits all Old style 11000, 13500, 15000 BTU Brisk Air by Dometic
Molded of High impact UV resistant material

Bestseller No. 10

Dometic Brisk Air II 15,000 BTU Rv Ac Complete ND System W/Heat

Dometic 15K BTU RV AC Air Conditioner System
Complete w/Non ducted ceiling Kit & Heat Strip
Free S&H; w/purchase

Methodology

Forbes Wheels compared the specs, features, and pricing of the most popular rooftop-mounted air conditioning units for RVs. We also checked expert and user reviews to identify where people have had problems with their units. Here, we’re recommending the five best overall values for people with different needs.

What size air conditioner do I need for my RV?

You don’t want to get a unit that’s inadequate for your needs, but you also don’t want to overpay for more capacity than you need. (Too-powerful A/C chills the air without removing moisture.) A model with 13,500 BTUs will probably be enough for most RVs in moderate conditions. But if you have a larger RV and plan to be driving in particularly hot or humid areas, look for a unit with more cooling capacity: about 15,000 or more BTUs per hour. For smaller RVs driven in moderate conditions, you can often save a few bucks by getting a unit with less cooling capacity.

How do I power the A/C unit?

All of the models we looked at can be plugged into a standard electrical outlet, which is ideal for parking at an overnight campsite. If you want to run the unit while you’re driving or in an area that’s “off-grid,” you can also power it through an onboard generator; look for one that produces about 3,000 watts. For more info, check this article from Camper Report.

Can I install the A/C unit myself?

All of the models we researched are designed to fit into a standard 14” x 14” opening, and they either come with the necessary installation hardware or you can readily buy it separately. Because the weight of the models we saw typically ranged from about 70 to 110 pounds, the challenge often comes in getting the A/C unit up onto the RV’s roof. With a helper, you could simply use a rope and a ladder as shown in this video, or devise a winch system that lets you do it single-handedly; one example is shown in this video.

Can an A/C unit be used to heat my RV?

On their own, RV air conditioners are only designed to cool the air. But some higher-priced models either include a heat pump or will accept an optional one to warm the interior during colder conditions. Keep in mind that adding a heating unit also adds weight, which can make installation more challenging and ding your RV’s fuel economy. With many air conditioners, you can alternatively add an electrical heat strip, which is a less expensive but less efficient solution. For more info on the options, check out this article from GlampingorCamping.com.

Best Air Conditioners For Your RV For 2022

Methodology