Your RV roof air conditioner is likely one of the most necessary home equipment for local weather management, particularly when you camp within the spring or summer season. It’s the rationale most campers in the end improve from tent tenting to RVing. Whether or not you’re seeking to exchange, add, or improve your RV air conditioner, we’re right here to assist.
Study the whole lot it’s essential learn about RV air conditioners, from selecting the best dimension to making sure you will have all the proper elements.
Forms of RV Air Conditioners
The preferred sort of air conditioner is an overhead unit put in on the roof. This kind blows air down straight into the RV or distributes it by way of a ducting system. In recent times, we’ve seen an emergence of window and wall-mounted items, particularly in smaller RVs. Whereas much less frequent, moveable RV air conditioners may also be present in fashionable RVs.
Need assistance figuring out which is finest for you? Let’s evaluate one of the best RV air conditioners.
RV Roof Air Conditioners
The preferred, and for good motive, RV roof air conditioners don’t take up any area contained in the RV. They’re the best at distributing air, particularly in a ducted system. These items present essentially the most environment friendly cooling and lots of also can ship warmth when you have a mannequin with a warmth pump or strip.
Though main the charts in efficiency, in addition they lead the charts in energy draw and alternative value.
| Execs | Cons |
| Highly effective | Costly to Exchange |
| Doesn’t Take Up House Inside RV | Giant Energy Draw |
| Warmth Possibility |
RV Window A/C Items
It wasn’t till the Coleman Lantern LT collection that I actually seen the emergence of window or wall-mounted items inside RVs.
One difficulty with utilizing an overhead unit on a small camper is the potential to freeze you out. Most producers think about a small RV air conditioner to be 13,500 BTU, which is an excessive amount of for a small RV, even on the bottom setting. With a smaller RV, you additionally seemingly have a extra restricted energy provide, and window items draw about half as a lot energy as an overhead unit, on common.
| Execs | Cons |
| Gained’t Freeze You Out | Takes Up Wall House |
| Smaller Energy Demand | Ugly |
| Much less Environment friendly Cooling |
Moveable RV Air Conditioner Items
The most definitely use for a transportable air conditioner in an RV is to complement a roof or wall-mounted unit. Their downsides embody lowered cooling capability, added setup time, and lowered space for storing. Nevertheless, there are additionally positives, equivalent to quiet operation and fewer pressure in your pockets.
Moveable air conditioners are additionally an choice for RVs with out an air conditioner or a short lived A/C alternative. The most effective half is that including one doesn’t require vital modifications, like slicing into the roof or partitions.
| Execs | Cons |
| Straightforward Set up | Poor Effectivity |
| Moveable Straightforward to Transfer Design | Requires Setup |
| Price Efficient | Takes Up Storage House |
What Are the Completely different Rooftop Air Conditioner Parts?
RV roof air-con programs are a group of elements that work collectively to ship cool air all through your camper. The principle element is your roof-mounted unit, adopted by the distribution field, a management module, and the thermostat. Some items come as a equipment with all of the wanted gadgets, whereas others require you to buy them individually. Right here’s how every element within the system capabilities:
The A/C Unit
The principle element of an air conditioner for RV roofs is the unit itself. The unit accommodates all the interior air-con elements, such because the coils, condenser, compressor, and so forth.
Distribution Field
The distribution field is mounted contained in the RV to the ceiling straight beneath the A/C unit. It distributes air all through the RV by way of one or a number of vents.
Management Module
The management module is mounted to the distribution field or contained in the unit. It controls all of the settings, equivalent to air pace and temperature. It’s the system’s mind that communicates with the A/C unit, distribution field, and thermostat.
Thermostat
The thermostat tells the A/C unit when to activate/off. It may be mounted on the wall (electrical) or to the distribution field (handbook).
Shroud
The shroud protects the interior elements of the A/C unit. Sometimes constructed of polypropylene, these covers are sturdy and weather-resistant.
Air Filter
The air filter is put in contained in the distribution field in entrance of the vent. It blocks allergens, equivalent to mud, pollen, mildew spores, and extra, from coming into the RV.
Ducted versus Non-Ducted RV A/C Items
There are two sorts of roof-mounted A/C items: ducted and non-ducted. In a ducted system, ducts run by way of the RV’s ground, partitions, or ceiling, and vents ship the air all through the floorplan.
A non-ducted system has just one vent on the distribution field. Air blows straight down from the unit into the RV. Non-ducted programs are normal for small RVs, whereas ducted programs are frequent in bigger RVs with a number of rooms.
Distribution packing containers are often particular to ducted or non-ducted RVs, so that you’ll must know which sort you will have earlier than deciding on one.
How To Select an RV Air Conditioner
The selection of an RV air conditioner may be overwhelming. There may be an countless checklist of choices and loads of compatibility considerations. Let’s go over some frequent deciding components that can assist you make an appropriate selection.
Model
There are two faculties of thought behind selecting the best RV air conditioner model. The primary is selecting the identical model you will have now to make sure compatibility. The second is selecting a distinct model, with the expectation that you could have to exchange a number of elements to make sure the whole lot works collectively. It’s a good suggestion to take a look at every model and decide one that provides a system with the options you want. Some prime RV air conditioner manufacturers have been connected beneath on your comfort.
Dimension (BTU Score)
When most individuals speak about an RV air conditioner’s dimension, they’re referring to its BTU ranking. British Thermal Items, often known as BTUs, are basically a measure of energy. The upper the BTU ranking, the extra cooling capability the unit has. Most producers supply a smaller 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner and a bigger 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner. There are some oddball scores as nicely, equivalent to 11,000 BTU for smaller RVs.
A number of components, equivalent to the scale of the RV, insulation properties, and variety of rooms, should be thought of when selecting the proper dimension (AKA BTU ranking) on your RV. We advocate sticking with the producer’s suggestion, which you may get by calling the producer straight along with your automobile identification quantity (VIN).
In case your unit didn’t include an air conditioner and also you wish to add one, you should utilize the final dimension chart beneath as an estimate.
| RV Size | BTU Requirement |
| <20 | 13,500 |
| 20-30 | 15,000 |
| >30 | 27,000-30,000 |
Handbook or Electrical
A handbook system is managed by way of the distribution field, which implies you should modify settings straight on the ceiling unit. This may increasingly pose a difficulty when you’re shorter or have a excessive ceiling.
An electrical system makes use of a wall-mounted thermostat for operation. Though most want a wall thermostat, handbook programs are simpler to put in since you don’t must run wires by way of the partitions and ceiling.
Options
There are various options to think about, however not all manufacturers supply the identical choices. It’s necessary to pick out solely what you want, because the extra encompasses a unit has, the costlier will probably be. A couple of examples of ordinary options are listed beneath:
- Warmth Pump – Gives further warmth in colder months. Works finest above 40 levels Fahrenheit.
- Warmth Strip – Designed to take away the coolness, it shouldn’t be a major warmth supply.
- Comfortable Begin – Reduces start-up power calls for, permitting for a smaller generator.
- Condensate Pump – Channels condensation away from the roof and out a drain tube.
5 Finest RV Air Conditioner Fashions to Contemplate
Are you feeling overwhelmed by all of the A/C fashions on the market? Our prime 5 RV A/C items will show you how to get a dependable system to maintain you cool this summer season.
Dometic FreshJet 3 Sequence RV Air Conditioner
Essentially the most progressive rooftop air conditioner on the checklist is a Dometic RV air conditioner, the FreshJet 3. The FreshJet provides upgraded effectivity, quieter operation, and e-coated coils for added sturdiness.
15,000 BTU Mannequin Examined
| Noise Degree (dBa) | Weight (Lbs) | Energy Draw (Amps) |
| 59 | 65 | 13.6 |
Furrion Chill HE RV Roof Air Conditioner
The Furrion Chill is a extremely environment friendly rooftop air conditioner with sturdy options like vibration safety and a thermal-insulated shroud.
15,500 BTU Mannequin Examined
| Noise Degree (dBa) | Weight (Lbs) | Energy Draw (Amps) |
| 80 | 84 | 15.4 |
Coleman-Mach 15 Air Conditioner
One of the vital tried-and-true RV rooftop A/C items on our checklist is the Coleman Mach. This high-performance air conditioner provides superior cooling and unmatched sturdiness.
15,000 BTU Mannequin Examined
| Noise Degree (dBa) | Weight (Lbs) | Energy Draw (Amps) |
| Not Rated | 85 | 15.3 |
Dometic Penguin II Excessive-Capability Air Conditioner
What’s distinctive concerning the Penguin is its low-profile design, which improves aerodynamics and helps minimize down on gas prices. Pair this with a high-performance motor for max cooling energy, and you’ve got a superb rooftop choice.
15,000 BTU Mannequin Examined
| Noise Degree (dBa) | Weight (Lbs) | Energy Draw (Amps) |
| Not Rated | 99 | 11.4 |
GE Exterior RV Air Conditioner
The GE air conditioner is cost-effective and dependable. It has rubber grommets to scale back vibrations, a shiny shroud to extend aesthetics, and easy-to-maintain coils for cleansing.
15,000 BTU Mannequin Examined
| Noise Degree (dBa) | Weight (Lbs) | Energy Draw (Amps) |
| Not Rated | 80 | 20 |
What Dimension Generator Do I Want for My Air Conditioner?
Usually, most 13,500 BTU RV air conditioners would require not less than 3,500 beginning watts, and 15,000 BTU RV air conditioners will want upwards of 4,000 beginning watts.
When tenting off-grid, there’s no entry to shore energy. Air conditioners draw an excessive amount of energy on your batteries, forcing you to make use of a generator. Sadly, generator sizing may be tough. Resulting from area, weight, and gas considerations, you’ll often wish to use a generator that’s as small as attainable.
Like turbines, most air conditioners have operating and beginning wattage necessities. Beginning watts characterize how a lot energy the unit requires on startup, and operating watts characterize how a lot energy it wants to remain operating. The beginning watts may be nearly double the operating watts. You possibly can scale back the facility beginning necessities with a smooth begin.
Study extra on this generator sizing information.
Do I Want An Air Conditioner Cowl?
If you happen to don’t have an RV cowl, a rooftop air conditioner cowl is noteworthy for shielding the meeting when your RV is in storage. Use an air conditioner cowl to maintain mud, particles, moisture, and different doubtlessly damaging substances from negatively impacting your air conditioner’s very important elements.
Selecting an air conditioner is necessary, so we hope you discovered this information useful. Whether or not it’s a rooftop unit, wall mount, or moveable system, protecting you and the household cool throughout hotter months is the last word aim.
Tell us what RV air conditioner unit you like or when you have any questions within the feedback beneath.