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In the market for a reliable Air Conditioning unit for your RV? Here are five of the best ones available in the market today.
An effective air conditioning unit can make or break your summer journeys. People who are making the shift to stationary RV living will also want to invest in a powerful unit. Unfortunately, there are many variables to consider when purchasing an air conditioning unit. The wrong decision may mean compatibility issues, inefficient gas mileage, and mediocre cooling. The right cooling unit needs to strike a balance between efficiency, weight, and a high BTU per hour. Here are five handpicked dependable air conditioners to choose from for your RV.
Dometic Brisk II ( Best For Smaller RVs )
The Brisk II is the go-to choice for anyone on a budget weighing in at $799. This lightweight yet powerful air conditioning unit has gained popularity for its value for money. The Brisk II weighs in at 77 pounds which is significantly lighter than its competitors. Despite being a small RV air conditioner, it still manages to produce a respectable 13,500 BTUs of air. These are the driving factors that push people to purchase this unit over others.
Compatibility
Ducted
Ductless
115V/60Hz
Pros
Affordable
Lightweight
Easy Installation
Cons
Noisy
Not Powerful enough for larger RVs
Recpro RP-AC2801 ( Best Noise Reduction )
This particular unit is well known for its quiet cooling capabilities available at $1099. This unit is designed to be installed on the roof of your RV and can be controlled with a remote. It produces over 9500 BTUs and is praised for its compact design. Users of this RV roof air conditioner have also stated that it is particularly less noisy than its competitors. Tests show that this unit produces around 50 to 55 decibels of sound.
Compatibility
Ductless
115V/60Hz
Pros
Extremely Quiet
Fits Comfortably at the top of the RV
Easily Controlled via remote
Cons
Not as powerful as competitors
Compatibility issues with Ducted Systems
Expensive
Coleman Mach 15 ( All Season Unit )
The Mach 15 is considered by many to be the most powerful mainstream cooling unit. Mach 15 comes equipped with 15000 BTU of cooling power at 90 Pounds. This Coleman RV air conditioner is also heavily regarded for its heating capabilities as well. People who tour their RVs in various climates will appreciate the 5600 BTU of heating power too. This makes the Mach 15 unique from its competitors and offers both cooling and heating.
Compatability
Ducted
Ductless
115V/60Hz
Pros
More powerful than most competitors
Provides both heating and cooling
Reliable Brand
Cons
Expensive
90 pounds may be heavy for smaller RVs
Advent ACM 150 ( Best Value for Money )
The ACM 150 is by a less recognized brand yet offers competitive specifications at sub $700. This unit comes packed with 15000 BTUs of cooling effect and weighs an impressive 68 pounds. The ACM 150 also includes support pads to reduce the vibration produced by the base. The lightweight nature of this unit makes it the ideal choice for smaller RVs and makes it easy to install. Remember, lighter weight equals better gas mileage for your RV.
Compatability
Ducted
Ductless
115V/60Hz
Pros
Very Lightweight
Affordable
Reduced Vibration
Cons
Long term reliability questionable
Less recognized brand
Dometic Brisk II B59516 ( Best Balanced Unit )
The more powerful variant of the older Brisk model, this unit is the highest selling air conditioning unit. Specifications include 15000 BTUs of cooling power with the unit weighing 85 pounds. This domestic RV air conditioner is well renowned for its distribution between weight and power. While most units focus on perfecting one aspect, the Brisk II manages to create a balanced package.
Compatability
Ducted
Ductless
115V/60Hz
Pros
Powerful enough for all RV sizes
Reliable Brand
Lighter than most competitors
Cons
Lacks Heat Pump at this price bracket
How do RV ACs Work
RV air conditioning units work by removing heat from the inside of your motorhome or trailer. They don't create cool air, they push cool air into your RV. This is one of the reasons why air conditioners for RVs don't make your space as cool as domestic AC units. According to experts, a good RV air conditioner should output air that is 16-22 degrees cooler than the air coming into the AC unit. So let's say your RV reached a temperature of 90 degrees while out in the sun, a good RV air conditioner should cool that temperature down to 70 degrees.
RV air conditioners require a lot of power to work and they usually take a long time to cycle through all the air in the motorhome. That is why larger motorhomes and travel trailers usually have two AC units installed. Here are some tips on how to properly use your RV air conditioner.
Stay Cool!
Choosing the best RV air conditioner boils down to the size of your RV, your cooling requirements, and of course your budget. No matter which RV AC unit you choose, you will need to regularly service and maintain it for it to keep your RV cool throughout the hot summer months.
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