A remote control is also included so you can set the timer, temperate, and adjust the speed of the ARC-122DS remotely. Its a specification that youll find with any air conditioner sold in the United States, even if it can be somewhat confusing to understand. Portable AC units can be a standalone solution for smaller RVs, but they can also be purchased to supplement the cooling capacity of your existing rooftop or window AC unit in a larger rig. Comes with an 18L (4.7 gallon) water reservoir. ), then wed suggest getting an AC unit with some sort of built-in air filtration system. You can replace almost any part of these systems if something fails, from control boards and capacitors to the shrouds that help protect these units. If you dont have a window that can be used, youll have to cut through the top of your camper to install these systems. Aaron and his wife Evelyn have lived on the road since 2017, traveling the country in their Keystone Fuzion. When you need to measure cooling power in the air conditioning world, the BTU rating is the first thing youll want to look for. BTUs or British Thermal Units is the power rating for AC units, and the larger the number, the more cooling power a system has. This technology protects the AC units internal components from damage caused by excessive vibrations. Nomadic Cooling claims that this rooftop air conditioner has been extensively tested in temperatures over 100F and we believe them (the company is based in Glendale, Arizona). These units are another efficient alternative to rooftop and window AC units because they dont obstruct window views or reduce natural light from skylights. Our Wolf Creek didnt come with an air conditioner when we bought it, yet that was fine with us. Aside from the 1-year guarantee, our only complaint is the airflow compared to other ARC portables from Whynter. When it comes to low amperage use, the Fresair S6 Evaporative Cooler might be the best option for truck campers and vans. This sleek rooftop air conditioner has a slightly different style than the Penguin II, but is almost as small. Many of these units have dehumidification features or heat pumps, and the obvious advantage is you can use portable units in your home as well. This type of air conditioner can be an investment and often require more than just the unit itself for a complete installation. The term RV is used broadly and can encompass a variety of vehicles. Aaron is the co-founder ofRVing Know How,where he shares their experiences and RV-related tips to make life better for other RV owners. Just keep the installation process in mind, along with the type of RV you own if you plan on purchasing a rooftop system. Well, fortunately for you, youve come to the right place today. As these ratings increase, so too (usually) does the units energy consumption. The unit is remote controlled and consumes only 5.8 amps AC (64 amps DC). If youve been unable to beat the heat using a combination of shade and 12 volt fans, then a good, low amperage air conditioner might be in order. In the Boost mode, the unit cools the camper for no more than 20 minutes at maximum power and then switches to the Auto mode automatically. We may receive commissions at no additional costs to you. That being said, the quickest way to determine the right size RV AC for you is to measure the square footage of your RV. It has a dual hose venting configuration on the back with two large outlets and two drainage options with continuous or manual. This is especially true in hot climates and this is the basic essence of how RV AC units work. The latter control method can be easier if you like to set and forget the ideal temperature at which you want the AC unit to come on. But, well also give you some average figures to work with here: A 7,000 BTU AC requires about 1,700 starting watts and 600 running watts. Pop-up campers and are also popular but not suited for a heavy rooftop AC system. That being said, some RV owners dont prefer this type of AC unit because they want to keep the space under the bench clear for storage. While one of the simpler systems on our list, this window AC unit is incredibly easy to use. He holds an HVAC associate degree from Lone Star College and EPA & R-410A Certifications. They do, however, come with a more affordable price tag and some of the nicer models allow you to make remote-controlled thermostat adjustments. Its even harder if you dont have the right technology to keep the space cool when outside temperatures soar. For instance, while it requires 1,560 standard running watts, it may need up to 2,025 running watts when being used in a desert environment. But if youre installing a new unit entirely, youll have to choose your location and then cut a hole in your RVs roof. In addition to portable and rooftop AC units for recreational vehicles, there are two other types commonly found in these types of vehicles. With two motors, the Mach 8 Cub delivers the same BTUs of cooling on both high and low speed operation. This unit requires a 115-volt AC power supply and it is available with or without a condensate pump for more humid environments. This is one of the few RV AC units out there with VibrationSmart Technology. The drawback to portable systems, aside from space is capacity, and larger units will leave a bigger footprint behind. In general, AC units can produce a wide range of noise outputs. Its capable of producing a maximum airflow of 325 cubic feet per minute and it also requires a 115-volt AC power connection. RV Air Conditioner Frequently Asked Questions, 1: Best Overall RV AC: Dometic Brisk II (B59516.XX1J0) 15000 BTU Rooftop RV AC, 2: Best Vibration Resistant AC: Furrion FACR14SA-PS RV rooftop RV Air Conditioner, 3: Largest Fan Motor: Airxcel 08-0080 Arctic 15.0 Rooftop AC, 4: Best Low Profile Rooftop AC: Dometic Penguin II 20 Amp Low Profile Rooftop AC, 5: Best small RV air conditioner: Airxcel 472038876 Mach 8 Plus AC, 6: Best Portable RV AC: Honeywell MN12CESBB Portable Multipurpose AC, 7: Best For Multizone Use: Dometic Blizzard Nxt 15,000 BTU Rooftop RV AC With Heat Pump, 8: Best For Dual Use: Dometic Penguin II 651816 AC with Heat Pump, What I like about a portable RV air conditioner, 4 Recommended Suspension Modifications for Truck Camper Rigs, The 8 Best RV Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) In 2022, Best RV Leveling Blocks To Level Your Camper Trailer Like A Pro. The A/C is loaded with features and includes a dehumidification mode, which removes humidity from the air, and an easy-to-operate air distributor that allows the air flow to be aimed downward and to the sides. Finding a more energy-efficient AC unit will save you money in the long term because it wont consume as many watts when its running. This can be really important for longer rigs because a single AC unit just might not be powerful enough to cool the entire space. Large fixed vents on the front of this AC unit allow for ample airflow, but it only has one outlet on the back. And heres a quick breakdown of the BTUs you should look for depending on the size of your RV: This process obviously changes depending on the type of RV AC unit youre talking about. If reducing noise output is your biggest priority, you should check out the Furrion Chill FACR14SA-BL RV Rooftop AC, which is our choice for the best quiet and vibration resistant air conditioner for RVs. The unit operates at 56 db in the low mode, which is relatively quiet, and features three cooling and fan speeds. Mello Mike is an Arizona native, author, and the founder of Truck Camper Adventure. It would be great to see it updated as new options are brought on the market. But it does offer quieter operation than some other AC units because the motor, compressor, and evaporator are all bracketed together to reduce vibrations when its running. turbokool is half the price of the Fresair. So a low-profile unit is a must-have if your rig is already on the taller end of things. All in all, this AC unit can cool campers of up to 400 square feet. So you wont have to worry about moving it around, storing it when your RV is in motion, or re-installing it when you get to a new location like you would with some other types of RV AC units. You might need several wrenches of different sizes to complete the job, so bring more than you think you need so that you can avoid going up and down your RV ladder several times. Its also worth noting that this AC unit will draw just under 15 amps when cooling on its high setting. With either style or capacity, youll get a 2-year warranty from Dometic. Some may last even longer if seldom used or maintained diligently. Replacement parts can also help ease your mind when it comes to systems with a short warranty. Its this kind of smart design that puts the Harrier Lite in a league of its own and allows RV goers to enjoy cool and fresh air at the touch of a button. You wont find many with portable air conditioners, but its a different story with rooftop models. If minimizing the noise output of your AC unit is a higher priority than its overall cooling capacity, then you should look for a unit with a noise output between 40 and 60 decibels. The lightweight design keeps the weight to manageable 53 pounds, and its one of the smaller portable systems at 27H x 14.6W x 13.8D. Travel Trailers and Campers A travel trailer is essentially any type of trailer that can be pulled behind an SUV or truck. The LED displays are easy to read and understand. Better yet, the Fresco 9000 Maxx consumes between 25 and 55 amps DC, a surprisingly low amount even for a parking cooler. While the approach of the Fresco 9000 Maxx is unconventional, the advantage of going this piecemeal route is significant in that it frees up roof top real estate for more important things like solar panels plus it keeps the weight in the camper down low, which is great for off-roading. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Some types of portable RV air conditioners can cost as much as a rooftop model, but most are considerably cheaper and come with more features. Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. For the latter, it has easy-to-reach controls on the ceiling component. We have also aimed to provide helpful insights on the best way to choose a new RV AC in our Buying Guide section, so we wish you the best of luck replacing or upgrading your RV AC unit! If youre a full-time RVer, theres no way you can go year-round in your rig without a functioning AC unit. Portable AC units are smaller than a rooftop system, but you will lose valuable storage space inside your camper with this type of system. (15, 30 or 50 Amps). About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy| Cookie Policy| Terms of Use| Do Not Sell My Info. The non-ducted nature of this air conditioner will rule it out for some, but it has plenty of pop with an airflow rating of 375 CFM. While theres no substitute for a rooftop air conditioner if you want to keep your RV cool for extended periods of time, they arent exactly small or low-key. An RV thats Class A is large and can accommodate multiple rooftop systems in some cases, while a Class B recreational vehicle is the smallest and Class C are mid-sized vehicles. This might be contrary to what you feel when your AC unit is running. If [read more]. The name of these units automatically suggests their largest benefit. And its also versatile enough to be installed on RVs with ducted or non-ducted ventilation systems. We like the features found in this unit. Record high temperatures have been set across the country this summer. A variety of AC units will work with these campers, including rooftop systems. Sells for about $1,000, a bargain compared to other higher-priced options. With the right refrigerant in hand, head up onto the roof with a socket wrench. Powered by WordPress. We may or may not be compensated for purchased you make as a result of our recommendation. RV AC units pretty much all run on alternating current, which is usually supplied by your RVs generator or shore power (i.e. I see Cruise-n-Comfort did not make the list, bummer. They are designed to be installed outside one of the windows in your rig to pull hot air out of your rig and push it outside. At A Glance: Our Top Picks For The 8 Best RV Air Conditioners Of 2022, 8 Best Air RV Conditioners Reviewed In 2022, 1:Best Overall RVAC: Dometic Brisk II (B59516.XX1J0) 15000 BTU Rooftop RV AC, 2:Best Vibration Resistant AC: Furrion FACR14SA-PS RV rooftop RV Air Conditioner, 3:Largest Fan Motor: Airxcel 08-0080 Arctic 15.0 Rooftop AC, 4:Best Low Profile Rooftop AC: Dometic Penguin II 20 Amp Low Profile Rooftop AC, 5:Best small RV air conditioner: Airxcel 472038876 Mach 8 Plus AC, 6:Best Portable RV AC: Honeywell MN12CESBB Portable Multipurpose AC, 8:Best For Dual Use: Dometic Penguin II 651816 AC with Heat Pump, Things To Consider When Choosing The Best RV RV Air Conditioner, Low Profile Vs Full Height RV Air conditioner Design, Energy Efficiency Of Your RV Or Camper Air Conditioner. Its lightweight, resistant to UV-rays, and aerodynamic to reduce drag. Like the other AC-powered air conditioners in this article, you will need to power this unit with a lithium battery bank of at least 300 amp hours along with a 2,000 watt inverter at a minimum though a 3,000 watt inverter would be better. Ducted units are the preferred type for longer rigs because they have the ability to more evenly distribute cool air over the entire length of your RV, travel trailer, or 5th wheel. This pump is designed to remove excess water from the AC unit itself and can also help to reduce the humidity level inside your RV. The ACs unique fiberglass base pan also provides excellent strength and durability while reducing the units overall weight. For example, some come with condensate pumps, heat pumps, and air filtration systems. Heres a little more on each category: Most of the RV AC units that are priced under $200 are portable or window-mounted units. The air then passes through vents that you can manually alter to direct the air to your desired part of your RVs cabin. And while it works best with ducted ventilation systems, it can also adapt to non-ducted installations as well. But those of you in search of a portable option for smaller rigs, or for supplementing your existing rooftop AC unit, should check out the Honeywell MN12CESBB Portable AC unit. The company recommends using lithium batteries, and we absolutely agree. This is a full-height rooftop RV AC unit that offers quiet operation and it also comes with a heat pump so that you can use it for heating or cooling. This RV ac unit features a high-performance motor and fan and it has an electrical rating for 115-volt AC power. That makes it the most powerful air conditioner on our list, and despite the somewhat delicate-looking design, the shroud and other external components are built to last. Not only that, but the Fresair S6 requires maintenance with replacement of the injection and return water pumps and the pine filter once a year. By current standards, the SLPAC8 is rated at 8,000 BTU, which puts it a step ahead of the Elite, although it cant cover as much area. All rights reserved. Rooftop units are the most common type of ACs for RV use. This type of unit doesnt really allow you to target the distribution of cool air throughout your rig, which is essential for larger RVs, travel trailers, and 5th wheels. This AC unit offers a streamlined design with a height of fewer than 10 inches. What Size AC Do I Need for my RV (18-40 ft Class A, B, C, camper & trailer)? This system has a solid set of features with a 24-hour timer, washable filter, and sleep mode, which lowers the speed while you slumber. If youre looking to beat the heat in your RV, our list of the best small RV air conditioners will ensure youll stay cool no matter where you roam in your caravan or camper. But youll want to pay close attention to what we liked and didnt like about each of these models so you can start narrowing down your choices! But even if you only travel in your rig part-time, the ability to cool the air inside your RV is going to make your travels much more comfortable. Join over 10,000 VIP members to get practical, entertaining, and inspiring resources and step by step articles about RV travel Destinations, RV Gear, and full-time RV living to live Stress-Free Life In Your RV. The Penguin II has a slightly lower profile and is a few pounds lighter than this system, but doesnt provide nearly as much bang for the buck. This will NEVER affect our opinion of a product or service! Unlike other rooftop AC units, the RecPro AC3400 comes with several extras out of the box. This RV AC unit will work with ducted or non-ducted installations but is a base model with no interior controls. Portable air conditioners are great to use as supplemental cooling in your home and in tight spaces like server rooms. When youre spending $1,000 or more for an air conditioner, its a good idea to make sure its going to last for more than one season. And finally, certain RV AC units come with a built-in condensate pump. Well answer these topics (and a few more!) in our frequently asked questions about the RV AC units section. If youre looking for Aaron, chances are youll find him either pedaling the backroads or hiking to sunset spots. While you will have the purchase the ceiling assembly and controls separately to complete the installation of this unit, it does include a pre-installed multizone control board. The foot print of the floor is 6 wide X 14 long, ( 84 Sq ft.) with 7 of headroom. You can also choose between a 13,500 or 15,000 BTU unit, although we went with the latter as the current price difference is minimal. Dometic has struck a balance between utilizing a lightweight, compact design, and an impressive heating and cooling performance. What we were looking for was simple. Rooftop RV air conditioners are usually sized at 13,500 up to 15,000 BTU. There are trailers designed for camping and ones that haul goods or equipment, but both styles are easy to cool. Learn how your comment data is processed. Because of how they are meant to be installed, youll need to find a unit that perfectly matches the dimensions of the window you intend to put it in. But how do you tell how much power a given AC unit will consume before buying it? The Coleman Mach 8 9200 Plus Cub is a popular option for those in need of a basic, rooftop air conditioner. Youll find the Whynter Elite ARC-122DS in both of those locations, but its also an excellent system for larger RVs and campers as well. But all RV AC units actually pull heat out of your rig and push it outside. This energy consumption is usually measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which we covered in greater detail in our Buying Guide. These kinds of features allow an otherwise single-purpose AC unit to serve more than one function for your RV space. Dometic Harrier Lite (HL36H401RI, HL36H401RIY), Harrier Plus (HP36H401RI, HP36H401RIY) - Installation Manual APAC(en), Dometic HL36H401RI, HL36H401RIY (Harrier Lite); HP36H401RI, HP36H401RIY (Harrier Plus) - Operating Manual APAC(en), Dual-cylinder inverter compressor reduces vibration and is highly efficient. The units dimensions measure 15.2 x 18.1 x 29.3 (length x width x height) and it weighs just over 69 pounds. And the best part is that you wont have to go into an outlet store or showroom and ask a salesperson all of these questions.