Let’s face it, you invested in an RV for tenting reasonably than a tent since you type of just like the comforts of dwelling when you’re exploring this lovely nation. Conserving your RV cool on scorching, humid nights might be one of many creature comforts on the high of your checklist. In case your present air conditioner simply isn’t fairly chopping it, it is perhaps time to put money into a high quality AC unit.
Preserve studying for our high picks of the most effective RV air conditioners that can assist you hold cool on the street, together with an possibility that isn’t technically an RV AC unit.

Our High Picks
Finest General
Dometic Penguin II
Funds Possibility
ASA Creation Air
Finest for AC Energy
NEKPOKKA 12-volt
Finest General
Dometic Penguin II
Dometic is a trusted title within the RV neighborhood, and the Penguin II is one in every of their best-selling AC models, making it our high choose for the most effective RV air conditioner.
This low-profile AC unit is simply 10” tall, so that you don’t have to fret about knocking off your AC unit if you encounter a low-hanging department, or unmarked bridge for that matter. The low profile additionally means much less drag, which interprets to higher gasoline mileage.
This unit works for each ducted and non-ducted RVs, and single and multi-zone purposes.
Professionals
- Low-profile
- Works with ducted and non-ducted
- Single and multi-zone purposes
Cons
- Could be noisy when operating
Funds Possibility
ASA Creation Air
Should you’re on the lookout for a finances possibility on your RV air conditioner, the ASA Creation Air is a superb selection.
One benefit the ASA Creation Air has over different RV air conditioners is that it solely weighs 50 kilos, versus 100 kilos or extra.
That’s an enormous distinction if you’re attempting to get your air conditioner onto the roof! That additional weight financial savings additionally means extra room for enjoyable issues you possibly can take with you.
One drawback to the ASA is that it’s only for ducted purposes. Nevertheless, they do promote a non-ducted ceiling meeting unit.
Finest for AC Energy
NEKPOKKA 12-volt
Should you wish to boondock, or in the event you use solar energy, take a look at the Nekpokka 12-volt AC unit.
This RV air conditioner runs off your battery so there’s no have to plug right into a pole or use your generator.
It’s light-weight, simple to put in, and doesn’t require you to drill new holes in your roof.
One other bonus with the Nekpokka unit is that it heats in addition to cools.
Nevertheless, take into account that as a result of this can be a 12-volt RV air conditioner, it’s not going to be as chilly as your customary 120-volt unit.
It additionally doesn’t come pre-charged so that you’ll want a vacuum pump (out there to hire from Auto Zone) and a number of cans of Freon.
Cons
- Doesn’t come pre-charged
- Not as chilly as customary RV air conditioners
Finest Mini Cut up
Cooper Hunter
In search of an environment friendly different or complement to your present RV air conditioner? Look no additional than the Cooper Hunter mini-split.
Though it’s not formally an RV air conditioner, it’s value contemplating to assist decrease your electrical prices. Merely set the thermostat in your mini-split a level or two decrease than your rooftop AC unit.
Remember that a part of the unit must be put in exterior your RV. It is a pretty simple set-up and there are many YouTube movies to assist. A wall mounting bracket will permit you to connect the mini-split to your RV with ease.
One other nice characteristic of the Cooper Hunter mini-split is that along with being a fantastic possibility for an RV air conditioner, it additionally heats. And, as a result of it doesn’t use propane to warmth, it helps minimize down on the dreaded winter condensation.
Cooper Hunter has a dry mode, which is basically a built-in dehumidifier.
Professionals
- Vitality environment friendly
- Heats and cools
- Digital thermostat and distant management
Cons
- Requires drilling holes for out of doors unit
- Extra sophisticated to put in
Finest for Heating and Cooling
RecPro
Just like the Cooper Hunter, the RecPro RV air conditioner each cools and heats. However, this unit is put in in your ceiling like a standard AC unit.
The RecPro is a non-ducted unit that makes use of much less power than a ducted RV air conditioner. That additionally means it’s quieter.
One criticism with the RecPro, which might be annoying for some, is that the fan runs repeatedly.
Professionals
- Simple to put in
- Heats and cools
- Digital thermostat and distant management
Cons
- Bolts are a bit brief for some set up purposes
- Fan runs repeatedly
RV Air Conditioner Purchaser’s Information
Profile
When searching for the most effective RV air conditioner, you’ll see phrases like excessive, mid, and low-profile when describing the peak of your air conditioner.
You want to know the peak of your RV earlier than selecting your air conditioner, protecting in thoughts that you just need to keep underneath 13’6”.
One different factor to think about is that the low profile RV air conditioners have been recognized to be noisier than the excessive profile.
Ducted or Ductless
Figuring out whether or not your RV wants a ducted or ductless air conditioner substitute can also be essential.
A non-ducted RV air conditioner blows air from overhead instantly into the room. Then again, a ducted unit blows the air all through the RV by way of vents – like an air conditioner in a sticks and bricks.
Unsure which one you might have? Check out your ceiling. In case your RV has vents, you might have a ducted RV air situation system. In case you have a unit with controls on it, you might have a non-ducted system.
Usually talking, ducted programs are put in in bigger RVs.
RV Air Conditioner Steadily Requested Questions
Can I simply put a conveyable air conditioner in my RV?
Completely. The truth is, the Shinco moveable air conditioner is a superb possibility. It’s small, highly effective, and may be managed with a distant from the consolation of your recliner.
How do I preserve my RV air conditioner?
The best, and most necessary, step in sustaining your RV air conditioner is to wash the filter.
Should you’re a full-time RVer, having a schedule to do that month-to-month is a good suggestion. With most RV air conditioners, you possibly can merely take away the filter and rinse it off with heat water.
Whilst you have your filter out, verify it for any tears or holes. That will be a sign that it’s time for a substitute.
That is the place your RV guide goes to turn out to be useful. It is going to inform you how you can change your specific filter and what measurement you want.
Remember to add checking the RV shroud and seal to your typical roof upkeep schedule.


Wrapping up the Finest RV Air Conditioners
As you’ve most likely seen, other than the mini-split, all of our greatest RV air conditioners are roof-mounted. Though some rigs do have basement air conditioners, roof-mounted models are extra standard so we selected to focus our consideration on them.
Now that which RV air conditioner will hold you good and funky throughout your time on the street, it’s time to check out your surge protector. In spite of everything, investing in a brand new AC unit isn’t going to do you any good if there isn’t any energy.
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Melissa Goins is a lifelong resident of Indiana and at the moment resides on a 15-acre homestead together with her household the place she has lived full-time stationary in a 2000 Journey Supreme fifth wheel for the previous two years.
She has all the time beloved touring and in 2000 she and her husband bought a completely self-contained semi truck and hit the street with their two youngsters, visiting all 48 contiguous United States and studying about our superb nation alongside the best way.
Melissa has discovered so much about residing full-time in an RV over the previous two years and loves sharing ideas and tips with others — which is why she loves writing for Past the Tent. From staying cool in the summertime to making ready for winter, to cooking Thanksgiving dinner for 12 in an RV, there’s a lot to study, take pleasure in, and share Past the Tent.
When she’s not writing or having fun with the nice outside, Melissa likes to spend time together with her household. She is a proud spouse, mother, and grandma to 3 lovely grandbabies.