Best RV Air Conditioner
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Best RV Air Conditioner: Keeping You Cool and Comfortable

It’s summer. You are about to hit the road with your own motorhome. A lot of you might have hesitations, thinking that you will suffer from discomfort. Yes, you might end up not being able to have a good night’s sleep, but this is only the case if you do not prepare for it. With this, while you will need a lot of stuff, such as a comfortable mattress, you will also need the best RV air conditioner.

If you are looking for an air conditioner that comes in a compact size but has plenty of power, keep on reading the rest of this guide. We will let you know some of the most important factors to consider. We will also briefly tackle the top five options that are available in the market.

Product (Amazon Links)Size 

Dometic Polar White Air Conditioner

15,000 BTU

Review

Airxcell Mach 15+ A/C Unit

15,000 BTU

Review

Advent ACM135 Air Conditioner

13,500 BTU

Review

Advent ACM150 Air Conditioner

15,000 BTU 

Review

Airxcel Mach Polar Cub 

9,200 BTU

Review

What is an RV Air Conditioner?

As the name implies, it is an air conditioner that is made specifically for RVs. It is an excellent addition for your motorhome, especially if you plan to go on a trip or camp during the hot months. These air conditioners have small size, yet they can deliver plenty of power to make sure that you will stay cool and comfortable.

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For the RV air conditioner to run, there is a need to have AC power. It is usually a 120-volt socket, although the voltage can vary. It is connected to a power source, usually an external generator. The latter will provide the energy that is necessary for the air conditioner to run.

Among others, one of its most important parts is the compressor. The latter is basically the one that condenses the vapor and heats it. It will transfer to the condenser and the heat will be moved out of the fan. It cools the vapor and makes it evaporate. The process repeats and it results in effectively regulating the temperature inside the RV.


Top Pick for the Best RV Air Conditioner

If you are clueless about what product will make the best choice, below are five of the products that you should include in your list.

1. Dometic Polar White Air Conditioner

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Still, this is on the top of our list. With a high cooling efficiency, you will be happy with the fact that it provides cooling in an instant. This is even made better by the fact that it comes with a compact profile. Despite its space-saving design, you can be confident that it does not run short in terms of the power that it can provide. It comes with a heavy-duty motor, which is also known for its whisper-quiet operation. Plus, you might also love the fact that it is already inclusive of everything that you will need for its installation, such as its mounting brackets.

Main Product Features:

  • Nominal Capacity: 15,000 BTU/hour
  • Electrical Rating: 115 volts
  • Weight: 74 pounds
  • Warranty: 2 years

Pros:

  • Installation is effortless
  • Retrofitting is not required
  • Works quietly

Cons:

  • Packaging offers minimum protection

2. Airxcell Mach 15+ A/C Unit

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Among others, one thing that gives this an edge over many of its competitors is the presence of 1/3 HP fan. The latter is the highest that is currently used in the RV conditioners you can find in the market. There is also a special blower wheel, which allows it to effortlessly distribute cool air inside the RV. The tubing, which is made from copper, is also exceptional, especially because it is long-lasting. Plus, it is designed with a drain pan to prevent corrosion. Lastly, it is made in such a way that it will start easily regardless of the conditions in the external environment.

Main Product Features:

  • Nominal Capacity: 15,000 BTU
  • Cooling Efficiency: 325 CFM
  • Electrical Rating: 115 VAC
  • Weight: 90 pounds 

Pros:

  • Comes with clear instructions
  • Plug-and-play functionality
  • Sleek profile

Cons:

  • Can be easily bent
  • May encounter install issues

3. Advent ACM135 Air Conditioner

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This may not be as popular as the products that we have previously mentioned, but it can be impressive in terms of the performance that it can deliver. It has exceptional cooling efficiency, making sure that you will stay cool while on the road or in a campsite in your motorhome. The PVC exterior shroud is a good feature, which shields the internal components of the AC, providing it with sort of a protective barrier.

Main Product Features:

  • Nominal Capacity: 13,500 BTU
  • Wattage: 3,000 watts
  • Voltage: 120 volts
  • Weight: 92 pounds

Pros:

  • Easy installation
  • Space-saving design
  • Excellent cooling efficiency

Cons:

  • May not have much product support
  • May not last long

4. Advent ACM150 Air Conditioner

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This is made by the same manufacturer as the product that has been briefly reviewed above. It has 15,000 BTU, which is good enough for most motorhomes. There is a high-quality shroud, which can either be black or white. With the latter, you can be sure that the inside is protected from the external elements. This also minimizes the noise that is produced by the unit as it cools. The best thing about this unit is perhaps its simplicity, which will allow you to accomplish its installation in a jiffy.

Main Product Features:

  • Nominal Capacity: 15,000 BTU
  • Wattage: 2,800 watts
  • Voltage: 110 volts
  • Weight: 85 pounds

Pros:

  • Compact profile
  • Easy to install
  • Cools quickly

Cons:

  • Not as popular as others

5. Airxcel Mach Polar Cub

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This is another ideal companion in your RV when the summer months start. Even if the weather outside is scorching, as long as you stay in your RV, this air conditioner will help in keeping you cool. This also means that you will be able to sleep comfortably even if you do not have a luxurious bedroom. When it comes to its installation, you will also not have any problem. All that you have to do is to place it in the roof vent, hook it to the power supply, and start enjoying the cold air that it will produce.

Main Product Features:

  • Nominal Capacity: 9,200 BTU
  • Cubic feet per minute: 300
  • Weight: 87 pounds

Pros:

  • Compact design
  • Easy to install
  • Durable

Cons:

  • Minimal cooling capacity
  • Too small for many RVs

Different Types of RV Air Conditioner

It is also important to note that not all RV air conditioners work in the same way. They also have varying designs and can deliver different levels of effectiveness. Generally speaking, the following are some of the options that you will be confronted with:

  • Ducted RV Air Conditioner: The aerodynamic body of this type also has the same parts as its counterpart, but the difference is that the control unit is not inside the ceiling. Because of this, they are usually slimmer, and hence, you can have more headroom in the RV. This is usually more complicated in terms of installation.
  • Non-Ducted RV Air Conditioner: If you are looking for simplicity, this should be at the top of your list of choices. Its installation will be possible through the creation of a hole in the roof of your RV. Many of them can be readily installed on the existing vents. It is packaged in an aerodynamic body, which already includes the blower, condenser, and compressor.

RV air conditioners can also be categorized based on where they will be installed:

  • Rooftop RV Air Conditioner: This is perhaps the better option between the two. It is excellent in terms of maximizing the space that is available in the RV. Because most roofs already have a vent or provision for an AC, its installation can also be easy.
  • Under-Bench RV Air Conditioner: It is an air conditioner that is installed in a compartment or under a bench. This means that it will require a larger space compared to its counterpart. It is a good thing that it won’t block the entry of natural light. Also, it won’t reduce the clearance or height inside.

Benefits of an RV Air Conditioner

The following are some of the benefits that might convince you that it is indeed an investment that is necessary for your motorhome:

  • Comfort: If there is only one reason why you need to install an air conditioner in your RV, it would be the fact that it is vital for your comfort. This will make you feel cold even when the weather outside is hot. This also means that you can sleep comfortably even when you are devoid of the luxuries that you used to have in your bedroom at home.
  • Keep the Air Clean: Depending on the quality of the product that will be chosen, it can also be excellent in terms of improving indoor air quality. Since the windows are closed, there is a lesser tendency for dust to get inside, which will be good for preventing allergies.
  • Can Withstand Vibration: A lot of you might think of using the same air conditioning that you have at home. After all, it is cheaper. However, this is not a good idea. An RV air conditioner is a better choice because they are made in such a way that it can handle vibrations on the road.
  • Space-efficient: Adding an air conditioner to your RV is also a good thing because it won’t consume too much space. This is as opposed to having the traditional portable air conditioner or dehumidifier with wheels.

Choosing the Best RV Air Conditioner

As you try to narrow down the options that are available in the market, it is important to consider the following factors, which will make it easier to tell which one stands out above all others:

  • Cooling Efficiency: This is one of the most important technical specifications. The higher the number, the more powerful the product is. Take note, however, that the more powerful ones can also be more expensive.
  • Size of the RV: You do not necessarily need to have an AC that has high efficiency. At the end of the day, this will all depend on the space of the RV that you have. Determine its size to easily decide on which one is best for your needs. Obviously, a smaller RV will be more than enough with a less powerful unit.
  • Size of the Air Conditioner: If the air conditioner is too bulky, it will minimize the space that is available in the RV, especially the headroom. Make sure to find a product that is fitted for the available space that you have.
  • Ease of Installation: In most instances, you do not have to rely on the expertise of the pros to install the RV air conditioner. Make sure that the manufacturer offers comprehensive instructions plus all the parts that are needed to complete the assembly in a snap.
  • Ease of Cleaning: With long-term use, it is inevitable that the unit will show signs of deterioration. With this, to extend its functional lifespan, make sure that it is regularly cleaned and maintained. It should be designed in such a manner that doing the latter will be a breeze.
  • Power Consumption: To function, the air conditioner needs a source of power, which is usually a portable generator. Unfortunately, this is the most power-hungry appliance that you can have in your RV. With this, before buying, think of its wattage, which will be indicative of the power that it will consume.
  • Warranty: What if the product breaks? It will be good if it comes with extensive warranty coverage. This means that the manufacturer can offer free repair and replacement of the defective parts as long as you have followed their terms and conditions.

Conclusion

So, what is the best RV conditioner that is available in the market today? If you ask me, I would say that Dometic Polar White Air Conditioner stands out from all others. It has impressive cooling efficiency while also making sure that the installation will be a snap to accomplish.

Are you looking for other products that you can use in your RV? Click here and learn more about some of the products that you might need.