An RV’s main purpose is to allow you to hit the road in comfort. The interior must be cool and comfortable during the hottest days, which includes good air conditioning. Here we reviewed ceiling units, which are the most versatile and don’t take up valuable interior space. You can plug them into an electrical outlet or run them off a generator while you drive to supplement your in-dash air conditioner.
One of the key considerations is a unit’s cooling capacity, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour; 13,500 to 15,000 should be enough for most RVs, depending on conditions. Also, if your RV has a ducted ventilation system, make sure you get an air conditioning unit designed for that use. And if you want the unit to do double duty, providing heat in colder conditions, get one that has a built-in heating unit or is designed to accept an optional one. Here we have chosen the best models for people with different needs.
Coleman Mach 15+
All bases are covered with the Coleman Mach 15+. The powerful unit produces 15,000 BTUs, which should provide enough cooling for even the largest RVs. A ducted ventilation system can use the 15+ because of its ability to move 320 cubic feet per minute (CFM). In addition, for protection against cold nights, it can be equipped with a heater that will output 5600 BTUs.
Dometic Brisk II (B59516.XX1J0)
The Dometic Brisk II is similar to the Dometic 13.5K Brisk II above, except that the motor delivers 15,000 BTUs. A larger RV should be able to stay cool even in hot conditions with that capacity. Brisk II is an especially appealing package given its affordable price, strong performance, and light 74-pound weight. A two-year warranty is included.
Dometic Brisk II
A Dometic Brisk II air conditioner is an excellent choice for cooling a smaller RV on a budget. In moderate conditions, it should also handle a large RV with 13,500 BTUs of cooling air. It is a lightweight model, weighing only 77 pounds, which makes installation easier. Due to all this, Dometic’s Brisk II RV air conditioner has become Amazon’s best-selling model. The warranty lasts for two years.
Coleman Mach 3+
If you don’t require the higher performance of the Coleman Mach 15+, but want an optional heating unit, then the Mach 3+ might be the best option. A few hundred dollars cheaper than the Mach 5+, the Mach 3+ provides 13,500 BTUs. In other words, it delivers the same 320 cubic feet of air per minute as our top pick. The fact that it’s also one of the top selling RV air conditioners illustrates why it’s so popular.
RecPro RP-AC2801
If The best option for you may be a low-profile air conditioner if you need to maximize the clearance over your RV’s roof. There is only 9 inches of space between the RecPro model and the roof of this RV. The unit is controlled by a remote control that includes a timer that allows you to control its operation easily. In addition, users report this RecPro to be quieter than other models, emitting 51 to 55 decibels, depending on fan speed. The warranty period is two years.
