Best Air Conditioning For Campers 2023

Best Overall: RecPro RV Air Conditioner 13.5K Ducted

The RecPro RV Air Conditioner, boasting a cooling power of 13,500 BTUs, is a remarkable addition to any camper or RV. This unit is designed to cater to your needs, offering not only cooling but also the potential to switch to heating when required, making it a versatile solution for year-round comfort.

Measuring 26 3/4" wide by 39 5/16" long on the exterior and 21 1/8" wide by 21 15/16" long on the interior, this ducted air conditioning unit provides a balanced and efficient cooling solution for your RV. It comes in two appealing colors, black and white, allowing you to choose the one that complements your RV's aesthetics.

One of the standout features of this RV air conditioner is its quieter operation, emitting only 80 dB of noise. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value peace and quiet during their camping experiences.

With a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 8.5, this unit not only provides powerful cooling but also does so with efficiency. It runs off 120V power, ensuring that you can use it comfortably in most camping scenarios.

In conclusion, the RecPro RV Air Conditioner is a top-notch choice for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its cooling power, quiet operation, and the option for both cooling and heating make it a versatile and practical investment. If you're looking to enhance your camping comfort and enjoy a pleasant indoor climate in your RV, the RecPro RV Air Conditioner is a strong contender that shouldn't be overlooked.

Best Budget: Ivation 6,500 BTU Camper Air Conditioner

The Ivation 6,500 BTU Camper Air Conditioner stands out as a powerful and versatile cooling solution for campers, RVs, caravans, and other confined spaces. With its compact design and an array of features, it offers a comfortable and enjoyable climate wherever your journey takes you.

Boasting a cooling power of 6,500 BTUs, this air conditioner is not just a cooler but also functions as a fan and dehumidifier. It excels at keeping your motorhome, caravan, or travel trailer cool, dry, and comfortable during your adventures.

The split design of this air conditioner is a remarkable feature. It keeps the compressor portion outside, preserving your window view and maintaining full window functionality. This unique "over the sill" installation offers stability, natural light, and a noise-free experience, making it perfect for recreational vehicles, tour buses, and other elevated settings.

The digital display and user-friendly controls add to the appeal of the Ivation 6,500 BTU Camper Air Conditioner. The large, bright LED screen allows you to monitor temperature and time, providing you with the convenience of adjusting settings for temperature, fan speed, swing, timer, sleep mode, and even choosing between Fahrenheit and Celsius.

Installing this unit is a breeze, and it's portable enough to be used in various settings. It fits snugly in most RV and home windows and comes with a built-in handle for easy maneuverability. The set includes integrated hose connections for both units, brackets, and a hardware kit for a quick, straightforward installation. The removable washable filter ensures that maintenance is hassle-free.

Whether you're on the road in your camper, traveling trailer, or live-in vehicle, or you need a cooling solution for your primary home, apartment, dorm room, tiny house, or houseboat, this versatile air conditioner has you covered.

In conclusion, the Ivation 6,500 BTU Camper Air Conditioner offers an impressive blend of cooling power, convenience, and portability. It's an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and efficient cooling solution for their adventures or living spaces, making it a valuable addition to your mobile or stationary life.

Best Value: Dometic Brisk II Air Conditioner with Heat Pump

The Dometic Brisk II Air Conditioner with Heat Pump is a remarkable and highly efficient rooftop AC unit that sets the gold standard for RV and camper air conditioning. With its exceptional cooling and heating capabilities, durability, and quiet operation, it offers a top-tier climate control solution for your mobile home.

Boasting an impressive 15,000 BTUs of cooling power, this unit is designed to excel in a variety of climate conditions. It's the ideal choice for RVs, trailers, and campers, ensuring that you and your family remain comfortable no matter where your adventures take you.

The Brisk II's design is both smart and innovative. It features larger air openings, which enhance air flow, making it highly effective at cooling and heating. The use of EPP foam in the housing reduces weight while improving cooling performance, ensuring that it remains lightweight without sacrificing performance.

Durability is a key strength of the Brisk II. It's built to withstand the rigors of the road with a custom wrap-around shroud and a robust carbon steel base that adds strength, protection, and longevity. Each component has undergone rigorous vibration tests lasting up to 30 hours, guaranteeing that it can handle even the bumpiest rides.

One of the standout features of this unit is its quiet and vibration-free operation. Dampening brackets reduce noise and vibration, while the motor, compressor, and evaporator are bracketed together to provide a tranquil living environment. Copper lines and dual rubber bushings further minimize noise and vibration.

What makes the Dometic Brisk II truly versatile is its year-round comfort. It offers both cooling and heating functions, ensuring that you're comfortable in any season. The optional heater function is perfect for cool evenings, and the multispeed blower allows you to tailor your cooling or heating experience. Installation is a breeze thanks to its standard 14-inch roof vent openings.

In conclusion, the Dometic Brisk II Air Conditioner with Heat Pump is a fantastic choice for RV and camper enthusiasts who prioritize performance, durability, and comfort. Its superior cooling and heating capabilities, quiet operation, and sturdy construction make it a valuable addition to your mobile home, ensuring you can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing environment on all your adventures.

Editor's Choise: RecPro RV Air Conditioner 15K Non-Ducted

The RecPro RV Air Conditioner with Heat Pump is a versatile and efficient solution for campers and RV enthusiasts who seek both cooling and heating options. With a non-ducted design and a sleek black finish, this unit offers a combination of power, temperature control, and energy efficiency that's sure to enhance your mobile living experience.

Measuring 26 3/4" in width by 39 5/16" in length and 13 11/16" in height on the exterior of your RV, and 21 1/8" in width by 21 15/16" in length and 1 11/16" in height on the interior ceiling assembly, this air conditioner is thoughtfully designed to provide both style and functionality.

One of the standout features of this unit is its remarkable sound performance. It operates with significantly less noise compared to many other air conditioners on the market, ensuring a quieter and more peaceful environment inside your RV.

In addition to being quieter, this air conditioner is also more energy-efficient. With lower amperage (amps), it draws less electricity, which translates to savings on your power bill. This not only benefits your wallet but also allows you to allocate more power to other appliances and devices in your RV.

The inclusion of a heat pump adds a versatile heating option, ensuring that you can maintain a comfortable climate in your mobile home throughout the year. The black finish adds a touch of elegance and durability to the unit, making it a valuable addition to your RV.

In conclusion, the RecPro RV Air Conditioner with Heat Pump combines practicality, style, and energy efficiency to deliver a reliable solution for mobile climate control. Its capacity to provide both cooling and heating, along with its reduced noise levels and energy-saving features, makes it a strong contender for those seeking year-round comfort and convenience during their travels.

Variety of Air Conditioning
When making your initial decision, you must determine which form of air conditioner best meets your requirements. Rooftop air conditioners and portable air conditioners are the two primary options.

Rooftop air conditioners: These are affixed to the roof of your camper permanently. They are more potent and can efficiently cool the entire space. Nevertheless, professional installation may be necessary.

Portable air conditioners lack the need for installation and are designed to be moved easily. Although they offer greater flexibility, their cooling capacity might be inferior to that of rooftop units.

Cavitation Capacity
The unit of measurement for the chilling capacity of an air conditioner is the British Thermal Unit (BTU). To determine which air conditioner is most suitable for your camper, determine the area in square footage and then choose one with the corresponding BTU rating.

Energy Conservation
A high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) or Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is preferable in an air conditioner. It is essential to minimize energy consumption while remaining calm, especially when traveling off-grid or with limited power.

Which sort of air conditioner is most suitable for a camper?

The type of air conditioner that best suits your requirements will vary. Portable units are more adaptable, whereas rooftop units provide more electricity.

How do I ascertain whether my camper requires refrigeration capacity?

Determine the square footage of your camper in order to select an air conditioner that possesses the requisite BTU rating. For larger spaces, a higher rating is mandatory.

When camping, are portable air conditioners a viable option?

As they are simple to transport and install, portable air conditioners are an excellent option for smaller camping areas. Nevertheless, their chilling capacities might be inferior.

May I personally install an RV rooftop air conditioner?

Although DIY installation of a rooftop air conditioner is possible, it is strongly advised to seek professional assistance in order to guarantee a secure and correct installation.

How do I maintain the air conditioner in my camper?

To ensure optimal performance, clean the filters and coils on a regular basis and adhere to the maintenance instructions included in the user manual.
 

Selecting the best air conditioning for your camper is a crucial decision to ensure comfort during your camping adventures. Consider the type, cooling capacity, energy efficiency, and portability that suits your needs. With our top recommendations and maintenance tips, you'll be well-prepared to beat the heat and enjoy your camper trips to the fullest.