RV Air Conditioner Buying Guide

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Whether you’re looking for a large or small RV air conditioner, buying a new AC unit is an undertaking that should be taken seriously. Due to the high investment cost of many RV AC units, time-consuming research is imperative in the process of selecting a new unit. 

Read on to learn more about the best RV air conditioners or get in touch with Kirkland RV to speak with an RV enthusiast about the most efficient units on the market.

best rv air conditioner

5 Best RV Air Conditioners

There are two primary types of RV air conditioners, ducted and ductless. While both will help you cool down, one might work better for your particular RV than the other. 

A ducted AC unit allows you to control the temperature in more than one area of your RV. The unit itself is usually placed on top of the roof and operates moving air through the walls, ceiling, and floor of an RV. 

A ductless AC unit can be placed either on top of your RV, beneath a bench, or in a wall cubby. This type of air conditioning unit operates by forcing cool air through vents that are placed around the RV. Some ductless AC units have a dual design which allows them to heat your RV as well. 

Five of the best RV air conditioner models include: 

  • Dometic Penguin II
  • Coleman Mach 1 PowerSaver
  • Airxcel Mach 3
  • Whynter ARC-143MX
  • Furrion CHILL

How to Choose an RV Air Conditioner: 6 Tips 

The AC unit that you choose will directly affect your life on the road, which is why it’s important to choose a unit that enhances your road-trip experience, instead of making it more stressful. 

Below are six tips for choosing the right RV air conditioner for you: 

  1. Decide on what type of AC unit you want (ductless or ducted). 
  2. Figure out if you want a multi-purpose unit (one that also acts as a heater). 
  3. Figure out how much space you have for a unit (use a measuring tape to determine how big your AC unit can be). 
  4. Figure out your budget (some AC units can be over $1,000, so knowing your price-point is essential).
  5. Find out the BTU that is needed to run an AC unit in your RV.
  6. If you plan on installing your own unit, choose an air conditioner that is easy to install. 

Things to Keep In Mind When Choosing an AC Unit

  • The shape of your AC unit matters, it determines how aerodynamic your RV is and can affect its operation. 
  • The cost of the unit itself isn’t the grand total — you may also have to pay for installation if you aren’t planning on installing it yourself. 

Get in Touch With Local RV Enthusiasts Today

Need help choosing the best AC unit for your RV? Here at Kirkland RV, we have a team of RV specialists who are ready to answer any of your RV questions. 

We’d be happy to discuss the different options for RV AC units with you in order to help you find the right one for your needs.