RV Air Conditioner: The handy guide for RV AC & Camper AC Units

RV Owners

For many, having an RV air conditioner is essential. Camping in the heat of summer is much more enjoyable when you can escape to a cool space each night. Those who head south in cooler months may even enjoy having an RV A/C unit during the winter.

Considering how wonderful it is to have AC while camping, many RVers don’t want to go very long without it! If you’ve made your way to this article, we’re guessing you’re among them.

Whether your RV didn’t come with an RV A/C, or you need to replace a broken camper A/C unit, this article will tell you everything you need to know!

What is the Best RV Air Conditioner?

First, let’s talk about finding the best RV air conditioner. We could just recommend one unit and be done with it. However, the truth of the matter is that no one camper A/C is one-size-fits-all. There are several factors to consider to ensure you get the very best unit for your rig and camping style.

Power

We believe power is the most important thing to look at when shopping for RV air conditioners. RV air conditioner power is measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units. Most units are going to offer 13,500 BTUs of output.

Those who spend a large amount of time in hot places will want units with a higher output. Meanwhile, those who will rarely use their A/C may prefer something with less power at a lower price.

Dual Usage

Another thing to know when shopping for a camper air conditioner is that there are dual-usage units available. These versatile appliances include a heat pump, allowing them to function as heaters as well as air conditioners. This is great because it means you can use your propane furnace less often, saving you fuel and money.

All that said, these air conditioner units are more expensive than most. Additionally, the heat pump will not warm a space in very cold weather.

Kinds of RV Air Conditioners

Motorhomes with multiple ducts in the ceiling use ducted RV air conditioners. The RV ducted air conditioner matches up to the ducts in the RV and distributes cooled air throughout the rig, ensuring consistent cooling. They are generally quieter, more expensive, and provide a more steady overall cooling of your motorhome. Smaller RVs or campers often use a non-ducted RV air conditioner, which blows air out of the bottom part of the unit to cool a room. They don’t hook into the ducting system of your RV. While it’s possible to switch from a non-ducted to a ducted air conditioning setup, the change can be expensive. Also, low-profile air conditioner units may save you money in the long run by reducing drag and improving the gas mileage of your rig.

An RV air conditioner

Where to Purchase an RV Ducted Air Conditioner

You can look for ducted RV air conditioners in several places. Your trusted RV dealer will likely have them available to purchase. You can also look on eBay or other sites for used air conditioners. Finally, you can buy them online. You can purchase them from sites like Amazon, from RV retailers like Camping World, and often straight from the manufacturer’s website.

You can also purchase replacement shrouds if yours is broken or to upgrade the look and feel of your unit.

What’s the Best RV Ducted Air Conditioner?

Dometic RV air conditioners are some of the most popular and highest-quality RV air conditioners. Coleman RV air conditioners also rank very highly!

What Portable RV Air Conditioner Suits Your Style?

Here are four viable options to choose from.

1. Rooftop Air Conditioner

This is a popular choice. Because it sits on the roof of the RV, this air conditioner doesn’t take up extra space inside. Most rooftop air conditioners have between 5,000 and 15,000 BTU/Hour. This is a modest number considering that more than 30% of the energy is consumed through the vents. A single rooftop air conditioner can cool an area of 10 feet by 50 feet.

The unit is cooled by the outside air and is powered through your RV. Depending on the size of the unit it can use a ton of power, so this is not the best choice for those who are conserving energy or like to camp off the grid. Rooftop air conditioners can also be costly to repair. Keeping the air conditioner on the roof exposes it the moist air, leading to rust and possible bacterial growth.

A rooftop AC unit is also hard for the average person to install. Some weigh in at more than 100 lbs, so two people or more are needed to handle the installation. It also has a lot of wires and vents that need to be connected properly. You shouldn’t do this if you lack proper qualifications.

2. A Vent Free Portable Air Conditioner

This unit functions as a portable air conditioner but is smaller in size. A vent-free air conditioner is also called a “swamp cooler” due to its unique moist air ventilation. The air conditioner uses evaporated water that is released in the dry air, quickly chilling the room. It doesn’t consume very much energy since you only have to power the vent, and it doesn’t take up much space. However, you will need to improvise a hose since sometimes the water is not completely evaporated. This can cause water to leak through the device and all over the floor.

The unit can only be used in climates with relatively dry heat. Humid weather will counter the cooling effect and nullify it. For a greater effect, the air conditioner’s evaporation process needs to blend with the dry atmosphere to form the chill effect.

man fixing RV air conditioner

3. The Portable RV Air Conditioner

This device uses one or two holes to ventilate the hot air between the device and the outside. It comes with adjustable frames that are placed under the window to keep the hoses in place. Be careful if you use the single-hose air conditioner since there is a strong possibility that hot air will come inside the room due to improper ventilation.

Portable RV air conditioners can be cheap, but they take up a ton of space. A lot of customers point out that these types of units are not very efficient and can sometimes be extremely costly. Also, the compressor of the conditioner is inside the room so you will have to live with an annoying cooling sound for the rest of your road trip.

4. Window Air Conditioner

Possibly the best choice in portable RV air conditioners, the window air conditioner offers great cooling capacity in a small package. It doesn’t take up indoor space (since it’s easily installed outside of the window), and it’s easy to maintain.

If you search hard enough, you can find mini window air conditioners as small as 14 inches that open horizontally instead of vertically. Plus it houses all the necessary cooling components within one box (compressors, vents, etc) so noise pollution isn’t a problem.

Best RV AC Brand

You will also want to consider the brand when deciding what to buy. Some people are very loyal to a certain brand due to past experiences. Others simply want a brand that will have replacement parts readily available whenever they are needed.

The two most popular RV A/C brands are Coleman and Dometic. Coleman units are generally the least expensive on the market, making them a great budget choice. Dometic air conditioners tend to be a bit more expensive than their Coleman counterparts. However, many people find them to be sturdier, making them a good investment.

Coleman air conditioner models include:

  • Polar Cub — Low profile; low power; low price
  • Mach 8 — Super low profile; more powerful than Polar Cub; higher price tag
  • Mach 15 — Highly popular; high profile; moderate power and price tag

Dometic air conditioner models include:

  • Atwood Aircommand Ducted 15,000 BTU A/C Unit with Heat Pump — The ultimate RV A/C unit
  • Penguin II — Low profile; powerful cooling
  • Cool Cat — Super small RV air conditioner; perfect for vans

Quietest RV Air Conditioner

One of the main concerns many campers have about RV air conditioners is the amount of noise they might make. A noisy fan or AC motor can keep you awake at night, or even disturb your nearby campground neighbors.

The answer to the question, “Which RV AC unit is quietest?” will depend on who you ask. Likely, each camper will give you a different answer. That said, it’s a good idea to go with a high-quality, well-respected brand, like Coleman. You’re more likely to get decent customer service if you do run into any noise reduction issues with your RV air conditioner.

If your RV air conditioner is making noise, check for basic mechanical problems, like a loose vent or screen.

Types of RV Coleman Air Conditioners

There are a variety of Coleman RV roof air conditioners to suit your every need – not to mention the specific model of your motorhome! From folding camping trailers to big, custom buses and everything in between, this company has got you sorted.

The Coleman 13500 BTU RV Air Conditioner

This is the standard RV air conditioner type installed in many RVs. Although it’s a large unit, it can easily be installed on the roof of your RV near the ceiling vent. Coleman RV air conditioner reviews state that it’s long-lasting, durable, and easy to use.

The Mach Series

The Mach series is another type of popular RV Coleman air conditioner, featuring several different models with varying features. These include the Coleman Mach 15 RV air conditioner, the Coleman Mach 8 RV air conditioner, and the Coleman Mach 3 RV air conditioner.

The Mach 3 is one of the most popular and versatile RV Coleman air conditioners, also featuring a lower price. It even comes in a Power Saver (PS) version for those wishing to save on energy, without sacrificing results.

Mach 8, on the other hand, is a lot smaller than Mach 3, measuring just 8 inches tall. With an ultra-low profile shroud, this creates less drag and provides better fuel efficiency than most other models of Coleman RV air conditioners.

Lastly, one of the most powerful Coleman RV air conditioners on the market is the Mach 15. While it has a higher price point, you may decide it’s worth the expense if you travel in more extreme temperatures.

Coleman RV Air Conditioners for Sale

Although you can’t purchase a Coleman RV air conditioner directly from the company’s website, there are third-party RV specialists who sell and install the units. Additionally, you can find them on sites such as Amazon for some great deals. (including whole units or certain Coleman RV air conditioner parts).

When buying your unit, be sure to check the Coleman RV air conditioner specifications first to see if it’s compatible with the size or type of your RV.

RV Air Conditioner Sizes

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices by considering the factors mentioned above, you’ll want to consider the size. While most RV air conditioners are interchangeable in terms of what size hole they require in the roof, they do vary in height.

Low Profile RV AC

A low-profile RV air conditioner is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an air conditioning unit that works just like other RV air conditioners but is a lower profile. This gives you more space on the roof of your rig. This type of RV roof air conditioner is necessary for a taller motorhome. They also produce less drag, improving fuel efficiency, and tend to cost a bit less. That said, low-profile A/C units also tend to offer less power, making them less than ideal for cooling large spaces or traveling to hot places. If you have an RV that is average or low in height, you can purchase a regular profile roof-mounted RV air conditioner, which may save some money.

Higher-profile travel air conditioner units will create more drag by making your RV taller. These units are better suited to cool bigger rigs and keep up in extremely hot temperatures.

A ceiling-installed RV air conditioner

You’ll also want to think about how big your RV is. Many RVers have more than one RV roof air conditioner in their motorhome. It’s important to think about where you are storing your RV and where you’ll be using it most often. If the areas you’ll be spending the most time in are warm places, you’ll want more than one air conditioner. Make sure to place one unit in the front of your RV and the other in the back to keep the entire rig cool.

If you will be using your RV air conditioner sparingly, you can consider buying a unit that uses less than 13,500 BTUs, which can save some money. Otherwise, you will want to buy a unit that uses more than 13,500 BTUs, or as noted above, purchase several air conditioners. 

5 Buying Tips to Find the Best RV Air Conditioner for Sale

Tip 1: Look Online

A simple Google search for RV air conditioners will yield hundreds of results. Online shopping can save money, time, and the hassle of driving from store to store. Another advantage to finding an RV air conditioner for sale online is that you can read reviews from other shoppers. Online reviews often add valuable information that you might not discover in a store.

Tip 2: Save Money With a Low-Profile AC Unit

Are you looking to conserve energy and spend less on power? Then go for a Low-Profile AC unit. Not only are low-profile air conditioners more energy efficient, but they increase the gas mileage of your RV by creating less drag as you drive.

Tip 3: Buy Used

If you are squeezing your budget to go the extra mile, look for a used RV air conditioner. You may be wary, but there are many used air conditioners for sale that are in great shape. Try searching places such as eBay or online RV forums.

Tip 4: Ducted or Not Ducted?

It’s important to know if you are looking for a ducted or non-ducted RV air conditioner. A ducted unit integrates with your airflow system and pipes air through vents around the RV. It is generally the quieter, more expensive option. Smaller RVs often have a non-ducted air conditioner. It does not hook into the ducting system of the RV, and the cold air is expelled directly from the vents in the AC unit. It is possible to switch from a non-ducted to a ducted AC setup, but the change can be costly.

Tip 5: Always Go For Quality

There are times when RV repair can be more costly than the price of a new unit. For this reason, it’s important to ensure you are buying a quality product.

RV Air Conditioner Parts

A duo therm RV air conditioner will come with a few parts. Of course, the most important is the actual duo therm RV air conditioner itself. These units range in cost but are typically about $500 to $800.

You’ll have to purchase a separate vent and control unit, which controls the flow of air and the power switch to the unit. Additionally, any type of air grille or filter is sold separately. If you’re installing a duo therm unit for the first time, you might need to look into a gasket kit. This will affix the unit to the roof of the RV if you are installing one for the first time.

If you want to protect your exposed duo therm RV air conditioner from the elements, consider a cover. Most are made out of vinyl and can keep your RV warmer on days when the unit is not in use. Covers also protect the unit from UV rays and contaminants when it is not being used. Be sure to remove these covers when turning the unit on.

Within the duo therm RV air conditioner itself, you have a fan, a motor unit, and a blower wheel. Replacement parts and cleaning kits are sold for each of these. Aside from that, rewiring your unit might be a job for professionals depending on your skill set.

a hand working on an air conditioner repair

RV Air Conditioner Cover & Accessories

You may need (or want!) a few additional items to help protect and care for your RV air conditioner.

RV Air Conditioner Cover

The RV air conditioner cover is a fabric case that ties around the rooftop shroud of the AC unit when the vehicle or the unit isn’t in use. They’re made from vinyl and reinforced with weatherproof nylon thread and a parachute drawstring at the base to keep the case tight around the air conditioner.

RV air conditioner covers are usually one-size-fits-all, as the parachute drawstring is meant to be secure around the unit. If you have a shroud with a particularly high or low profile, you may want to look for a larger or smaller cover for a more suitable fit. Covers are generally cheap, rarely exceeding $25 in price.

Generator & Air Conditioner Capacitor

You may want to buy a separate generator if you want to use your air conditioner without leeching off the vehicle’s fuel or battery while it’s parked. There are dozens of suitable generators for sale, but you must consider your RV air conditioner amps — how much power it draws, in other words.

On average, a standard 13,500 BTU unit draws 11.5 amps, which means it can run off a standard small-sized generator with some exceptions. It may have trouble upon start-up and occasionally power down due to a lack of current. This happens primarily in hot and humid conditions, when the AC compressor requires so much current to start it may overload your generator or generators.

For instances like these, you’ll want to purchase an RV air conditioner capacitor. Some units may come with the hard-start capacitor kit you need, but for others, you’ll need to purchase it from retailers who normally sell such pieces for anywhere from $10 to $30. Most, if not all, AC units work with a hard-start capacitor, and your schematic should detail where it can be attached.

Air Conditioner Filters

You will likely have to purchase RV air conditioner filters at some point to keep your unit running clean without issue. These stop dirt and other unwanted elements from going through your air conditioner and into your RV, but they inevitably, of course, get dirty.

A dirty filter reduces the efficiency of your air conditioner. Many are washable and reusable, though they tend to deteriorate after several washes. Make sure the filter is completely dry after washing before replacing it. You should check and wash the filters roughly once a month. If it needs to be replaced, you can find more filters for $30 or less, designed for specific models or made for universal usage.

Heat Pump

Those who want to get the most out of their AC unit no matter what the season should consider purchasing an RV air conditioner heat pump. Models like the Coleman HP2 will heat as well as cool, thanks to a unique reversing valve that converts the cooling powers into an efficient and powerful heating system. These heat pumps must be bought as a full unit, rather than as add-ons. Therefore, the units are uniformly expensive, generally exceeding $600 in price.

How to Install an RV Air Conditioner?

Of course, purchasing an A/C for your camper is only half the battle. The next step is the RV air conditioner installation. Luckily, it’s pretty simple to install RV air conditioner units and can be done with basic hand tools.

taking apart an RV air conditioner

Removing the Old Air Conditioner

Begin by turning off the air conditioner and unplugging your RV from all power sources. You might also want to put down blankets to protect the roof surrounding the A/C. Carefully climb onto the roof, remove the screws around the shroud of your old unit, and pull the shroud away. Using a putty knife, carefully scrape away any old adhesive.

Head back inside and remove the ceiling assembly from the ceiling. Remove the four long bolts that hold the A/C in place, and the metal retaining flange should drop down. At this point, you should be able to disconnect the A/C wiring and unscrew or loosen the ducting from the unit.

Go back onto the roof and separate the old unit from the roof using the putty knife if necessary. Carefully lift the old unit out of the duct hole and clean the area well, making sure no adhesive or putty is left behind.

RV Air Conditioner Installation

To install the new unit, remove the shroud and place the unit over the duct hole, making sure the rubber gasket lines up with the hole perfectly.

Head back inside and connect the wiring and ducting. Install the metal flange, ensuring it is turned the correct way before placing and tightening the four long bolts that hold the unit in place. Finish by installing the ceiling assembly and replacing the shroud.

Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before installing your new unit, because each unit is slightly different.

Main Systems of an RV Roof Air Conditioner

  1. The Sealed System: This contains the inner workings of the air conditioner. Here you will find the compressor, condenser & evaporator. These all important components work together to cool the cool air.
  2. The Air Moving System: Here you will find a motor and two fans. One fan moves the air across the condenser and one moves it across the evaporator.

How Do You Maintain an RV Air Conditioner?

Of course, you’ll want to keep your new unit up and running for as long as possible. So how do you maintain an RV air conditioner? Well, it’s pretty simple. However, before doing any maintenance on your air conditioner, be sure to shut off the power to the unit.

Filter Changes

The most important (and easiest) part of RV air conditioner maintenance is changing the air filter. This is as easy as removing a piece of the ceiling assembly, pulling out the dirty filter, and cleaning it or replacing it with a new one.

You should do this at least once a month while the air conditioner is in use, and at the beginning and end of each camping season.

Checking the Coils

While the filter is out, you should be able to see up into the unit. Shine a flashlight up there and check for any dirt or dust buildup. If you see any, pull out your vacuum and use a stiff bristle brush attachment to clean up that debris.

Cleaning the Exterior

Finally, you will want to head out onto the roof once each year to clean the exterior of your A/C unit. Remove the shroud and use compressed air to blow out any debris that may have built up in the condenser coils.

Manage Your Thermostat Settings

While the whole idea of an RV air conditioner is to keep the air cool, make sure you don’t overload the capacity of your RV. Instead of setting it at a low temperature, try simply turning the fan to “on.” This way it will adjust the temperature when it gets to the desired heat/cold and distribute the cool air in your RV. The advantage of keeping your temperature at a moderate setting is that your AC unit will perform better and have a longer life.

rooftop air conditioner

Open The Roof Vent

If you’re spending time outside and don’t need the air conditioner to be running, open up a roof vent and let the moisture evaporate. This simple trick can prevent damage to your AC unit.

Check the Condenser At Least Twice A Year

If you have a blocked condenser coil due to dirt or leaves, it wouldn’t cool the inside of your RV. Prevent by checking it regularly. If it still isn’t cooling, it might need to be replaced.

Oil the Fan

The fan inside the AC unit works hard to keep the air circulating. To keep it in good working order be sure to keep it well-oiled.

Cover the AC unit in the off-season

Prevent costly repairs by purchasing an inexpensive cover for when your RV is not being used.

Tips for Common AC Problems

You went outside to set up a grill, and when you go back into the RV the air conditioner won’t even turn on.

Begin by checking the power supply to the RV by plugging something into a 110v outlet. All good? Okay, how about checking the breaker? Chances are good you tripped the breaker. Invest in a multi-meter and test the voltage coming into the RV.

It’s a hot day outside. After several hours of cool air, you notice that the air inside the RV has gotten hotter.

There are several potential causes for the AC not keeping the air cool in your RV.

  • The AC unit could be old. It’s not unusual for RV AC units to not cool as well after a few years of use.
  • It could simply be too hot outside for your AC to keep up. Depending on the size of your RV, you may need to install an additional unit to keep up on hot days.
  • The air filters, fins, and coils are dirty!  A build-up of grime can dramatically decrease the efficiency of your AC unit.

Troubleshooting Duo Therm RV Air Conditioners

Depending on the time of year, a problem with your duo therm RV air conditioner can be an actual emergency. Learning how to troubleshoot common problems can help you fix a dire situation quickly, and might even save you some money.

Your main interior parts include a fan, motor unit, and blower wheel. If you’re experiencing low airflow, you might have a problem with one of these features. Check for any animal nests that might be in the unit from the outside of the RV. Make sure all vents are clear and the filters are clean.

Another common problem with units is the power supply. Be sure your power is live and the source is working. Then make sure your breakers are on. If you have insufficient power for your unit or multiple units, you might not be able to serve your unit. You’ll need at least 30 amps per unit; anything less can damage your AC compressor. And if your unit is new, you might not be able to run it alongside your other appliances such as your microwave, at the same time.

Sometimes a problem with your duo therm RV air conditioner can be chalked up to user error. Make sure you know how to operate your unit before assuming it’s broken. And as always, consult your manual for specific problems regarding your unit.

Making Repairs on Carrier RV Air Conditioners

Many campers have a fondness for Carrier RV air conditioners. Unfortunately, the brand no longer makes RV A/C units and pulled out of the RV market quite some time ago. This leaves many people wondering what to do when their Carrier RV air conditioner breaks. 

Fortunately, there are options. The first thing to know is that aside from the control board found in some models, Carrier A/C units differ very little from any other RV A/C unit. This means you can replace most Carrier RV air conditioner parts with parts made by other brands. 

Carrier units with ceiling controls can be replaced by almost any other brand with ceiling controls without issue. 

Carrier A/Cs that are controlled by a remote and share a control board with a furnace are trickier, but not impossible. If you’d like to keep the remote control feature, your unit can be replaced with a Coleman A/C using a Carrier-to-Coleman conversion kit. It’s also possible to put in a unit with ceiling controls and wire the furnace to a thermostat on the wall. This second option is your best bet if your control board is out, as the other option requires a working control board.

man repairing an air conditioner

How Long Do RV Air Conditioners Last?

How long an RV air conditioner lasts is dependent on 1) how often it is used, 2) how hot the weather is when the A/C is in use, and 3) how durable the unit your purchase is. However, when maintained correctly, your RV air conditioner should last for several years, and in many cases will last for a decade or more.

Best Generator for RV Air Conditioner

If you’re not going to be hooked up to shore power, you’ll need a generator to run your AC. As Gone with the Wynns discovered, it is technically possible to run your AC off solar power… but it’s certainly not sustainable!

However, your RV’s air conditioner is a powerful piece of equipment, and it draws a lot more power than, say, a hair dryer. So make sure the generator you have on board will create enough power to run your AC properly.

*This post contains affiliate links. RVshare may receive compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on a product link.

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