What You Need to Know Before Buying an RV Air Conditioner
When you’re on the road in summer, a reliable RV air conditioner can make the difference between a miserable trip and a comfortable adventure. RV-specific AC units are designed to handle mobile environments, compact spaces, and the unique power constraints of recreational vehicles. Some points to consider when choosing your unit:
BTU Rating- Determines cooling power; larger RVs and hotter climates require higher BTUs (13,500–15,000 BTU is common).
RV Size - Match the unit’s capacity to your RV’s square footage and layout.
Ducted vs.Non-Ducted - Ducted systems distribute air through vents; non-ducted units blow air directly into the cabin.
Power Requirements - Most rooftop units run on 115V–120V shore power; confirm compatibility with your setup.
Heat Pump Option - Provides both cooling and supplemental heating for extended-season camping.
Know Your Air Conditioner Types
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Standard Rooftop RV Air Conditioners
The most common RV AC units. Mounted on the roof and designed to fit standard 14” x 14” openings for straightforward replacement or upgrade.
Best For: Most travel trailers and motorhomes needing reliable, direct cooling.
Pros: Widely available • Easy replacement • Strong cooling performance • Space-saving design.
Cons: Adds height to RV • Can be louder than ducted systems • Airflow may be centralized. -
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Ducted Rooftop RV Air Conditioners
Designed to connect to existing ductwork and distribute air evenly throughout the RV.
Best For: Larger RVs with multiple rooms or pre-installed duct systems
Pros: Even airflow distribution • Quieter inside living space • Cleaner ceiling appearance
Cons: Higher cost • More complex installation • Requires compatible ductwork -
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Low-Profile RV Air Conditioners
Sleeker rooftop units that reduce overall RV height and wind resistance.
Best For: RVs with clearance concerns or owners wanting a streamlined look
Pros: Reduced wind drag • Lower overall vehicle height • Modern appearance
Cons: May offer slightly lower max BTU options • Still roof-mounted height addition -
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Heat Pump RV Air Conditioners
Dual-function rooftop systems that provide both cooling and electric heat.
Best For: Extended-season campers who want heating and cooling in one unit
Pros: Year-round comfort • Reduces need for separate heater • Efficient in mild cold weather
Cons: Higher upfront cost • Less effective in freezing temperatures • Slightly more complex setup -
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High-Capacity / Non-Ducted RV Air Conditioners
Powerful rooftop units designed to deliver strong, direct cooling without connecting to ductwork.
Best For: Larger RVs or extremely hot climates where maximum cooling power is needed without a ducted system
Pros: Strong cooling performance • Simple installation • Ideal for high heat loads • No ductwork required
Cons: Louder inside than ducted systems • Airflow may be less evenly distributed • Adds rooftop height and wind resistance
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Learn MoreHow to Choose the Right AC Unit for Your RV
Dometic
Dometic FJX3473MBKAS 13500 BTU Refrigerant Cooling Air Conditioner
$854.99Unit price /Unavailable-
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7 Tips to Maximize RV Air Conditioner Performance
There's nothing worse than being stuck in a hot, stuffy RV for miles on end—which is why a well-functioning air conditioning system is crucial to keeping your travels pleasant and enjoyable.
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Troubleshooting Common RV Appliance Issues
We’ve all been there—halfway through a camping trip, out in the middle of nowhere, and suddenly the fridge won’t cool or the water heater won’t heat. Broken RV appliances aren’t just inconvenient; they can derail an entire vacation.
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How to Choose the Right AC Unit for Your RV
While most RV owners don’t have control over what kind of AC unit gets placed into their rig during the manufacturing process, there is usually an option to upgrade at purchase or make a change later during ownership.
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Running Your RV A/C Without Blowing a Breaker
RV A/Cs are a must for staying comfortable in the summer, but they can also lead to some frustrating electrical issues—like low voltage, power surges, and overloaded circuits. If your camper’s A/C keeps tripping the breaker, it’s probably pulling more power than your setup can handle.
