Before traveling to hot areas, you should install the best RV window air conditioner. A portable AC for RV can keep the temperature low. You will feel comfortable, regardless of the hot weather outside.
If you are still up in the air when shopping, we’ve got your back with the RV AC unit reviews. Check it out!
IN THIS ARTICLE
COMPARE PRODUCTS
1  | SCORE: 8.6 Brand: Frigidaire  | |
2  | SCORE: 8.4 Brand: LG | |
3  | SCORE: 8.0 Brand: Midea | |
4  | SCORE: 7.6 Brand: hOmeLabs | |
5  | SCORE: 9.2 Brand: Dometic |
Detail Reviews
#1: FRIGIDAIRE FFRA051WAE 5,000 BTU – Best For Small Room
Specifications
Dimensions (L x W x H): 15.25 x 16 x 12 inches
Cooling capacity: 5000 BTUs
Weight: 35.3 pounds
Power consumption: 450 watts
Voltage: 115V
Warranty: 1 year
Review
The FRIGIDAIRE, with a dimension of 15.25 x 16 x 12 inches, is a great small portable AC for campers. You can rely on it to cool down the room in your compact RV.
Among 5 products on the list, this FRIGIDAIRE model has the smallest size and the lightest weight. It will not take up much space inside the RV.
Regardless of the modest design, this lightweight RV air conditioner can provide cool airflow that covers up to 150 square feet. Just install this machine at your RV window, and it will maintain a steadily low temperature for the entire small room.
You definitely can not give any complaint about the performance of this AC. It features a great cooling capacity of 5000 BTUs and 2 adjustable fan speeds. You can control and switch the temperature between low and high for the comfort that you require.
On the downside, the motor of this portable motorhome air conditioner is very loud. The noise may annoy you while you are driving or relaxing.
Pros
Compact size for space-saving
Lightweight for high portability
Wide coverage of 150 square feet
5000 BTUs for keeping small rooms cool
2 adjustable speeds
Cons
Loud motor
Not suitable for big RVs
#2: LG LW8017ERSM-P 8,000 BTU – Best For Quiet Operation
Specifications
Dimensions (L x Wx H): 19.6 x 19.4 x 12.4 inches
Cooling capacity: 8000 BTUs
Weight: 58 pounds
Power consumption: 660 watts
Voltage: 115V
Warranty: 1 year
The LG LW8017ERSM-P is specially designed to perform a silent operation. You will be able to rest with comfort while this AC is operating at the highest settings.
The cooling capacity of this model is 8000 BTUs. This British Thermal Unit is low for a quiet operation but is also high enough for keeping a comfortable temperature in a medium RV.
There are 3-speed modes that you can adjust. If the motor sounds loud, you can switch this 8000 BTU RV air conditioner to the lowest fan speed to reduce the noise. Of course, even at a low setting, the air conditioner still keeps a 350-square-foot-room cool.
We confirm that it’s worth the hype. All the unnecessary sounds have been reduced to the minimum. On total count, the noise that this AC creates during operation is just 53 dB.
The only complaint is that the cleaning filter light shines continuously and does not turn off, even after the cleaning is completed. Unfortunately, there is no way to turn this light off.
Pros
High cooling capacity of 8000 BTUs for medium RVs
3 adjustable speed modes
Quiet operation with a noise level of 53 dB at a low setting
Mesh filter for fresh and clean airflow
Cons
Can’t turn off the cleaning filter light
Difficult to understand the assembly instructions
#3: Midea MAW10V1QWT 10,000BTU – Best For Energy Saving
Specifications
Dimensions (L x W x H): 21.97 x 19.17 x 13.46 inches
Cooling capacity: 10000 BTUs
Weight: 69.9 pounds
Power consumption: 710 watts
Voltage: 110V
Warranty: 1 year
Review
As the advertisement says, this portable air conditioner trailer model can save up to 35% energy compared to a traditional portable air conditioner for motorhome. And this is a tried-and-true feature.
In conventional ACs, the motor has to switch ON and OFF to adjust the temperature, causing energy wasting. However, the manufacturer has designed this Midea MAW10V1QWT with Inverter technology. It can automatically change the motor speed for temperature adjustment without shutting down the engine.
With Inverter technology, a lot of wasted energy is reduced. But this does not mean that the product does not work efficiently. Believe it or not, the Midea MAW10V1QWT can operate with a high cooling capacity of up to 10000 BTUs. This is more than enough to keep a large room of 450 square feet cool.
When using an extra thermostat, we notice that this 10000 BTU RV air conditioner does not support accurate temperature control. The room in your RV is always a little bit cooler than the actual temperature level that you set for this AC.
Pros
Saving up to 35% energy thanks to the Inverter technology
High cooling capacity of up to 10000 BTUs
Quiet operation of 42 dB
Smart control with WIFI connection
Flexible window open
Cons
Not dimmable LED display
Not accurate temperature control
#4: hOmeLabs HME030341N 10,000 BTU – Best For Convenience In Use
Specifications
Dimensions (L x W x H): 19.8 x 21.5 x 15.2 inches
Cooling capacity: 10000 BTUs
Weight: 63.93 pounds
Power consumption: 826 watts
Voltage: 115V
Warranty: 1 year
Review
You will get a lot of conveniences when using hOmeLabs HME030341N thanks to its multiple modern features for versatile and efficient operation.
In detail, this small RV air conditioner works in many different modes. You have permission to set up the function as you desire, from dry cooling, steam cold, fan, eco, to sleep mode. All are for the most comfort in use.
The great thing is, you can control this AC at any time, any place you like. The machine comes with a control panel for switching ON and OFF. If you are far from it, you can make adjustments using a remote control!
There is no need to wake up at midnight just to turn the AC off. The timer mode will do the job for you. Just set up the operating period for the machine. When the time comes, it will automatically shut down.
We give a minus point to the control buttons, as they are not so sensitive. You may have to click these buttons multiple times to activate the feature that you want.
Pros
Multiple functions
Control panel for switching ON and OFF
Remote control included for flexible adjustments
Timer for automatic shutting down
High cooling capacity of 10000 BTUs
Wide coverage of 450 square feet
Cons
Hard to use the buttons
Not keeping a steady temperature
#5: Dometic 641816CXX1J0 – Best For Efficiency
Specifications
Dimensions (L x W x H): 29 x 40 x 9.5 inches
Cooling capacity: 15000 BTUs
Weight: 97.8 pounds
Power consumption: 1762 watts
Voltage: 115V
Warranty: 2 year
Review
The Dometic 641816CXX1J0 is the strongest and also the biggest RV air conditioner we have chosen. We give our thumb up for the efficiency of this model.
With a wide width of 40 inches and a long length of 29 inches, the product will fit in any large RV. But due to the lowest height of 9.5 inches, it is still considered a low profile RV air conditioner. You can still mount the AC on the rooftop of a small RV for space-saving.
You definitely will be amazed by the power of this low profile roof mount air conditioner. It offers a high cooling capacity of up to 15000 BTUs. With this capacity, the machine can cover more than 500 square feet in your RV room with strong airflow, the largest coverage on our list.
The manufacturers have installed R410A refrigerant to this machine. This chemical compound can absorb high heat from the environment and provide cold airflow. With the help of it, the Dometic AC can release heat at a higher efficiency.
We dislike the heavyweight of this model. On total count, the components of this machine are 97.8 pounds. You may feel it difficult to carry and install this AC to your RV.
Pros
Large size
Low profile due to low height
High cooling capacity of 15000 BTUs
Wide coverage of 500 square feet
R410A refrigerant for efficient heat-releasing
Cons
Heavyweight
Loud noise during operation
Buying Guide
Cooling Capacity
It is important to look for the cooling capacity. It helps you find AC units for travel trailers with either big rooms or small rooms.
The cooling capacity of an AC is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Of course, the higher the BTUs are, the larger room the AC can support.
For small RV, you should look for low profile RV air conditioning units that have a cooling capacity from 5000 BTUS to 8000 BTUs.
An RV air conditioner 9000 BTUs or 10000 BTUs will serve medium RVs well.
ACs that support a capacity above 10000 BTUs will be suitable for large RVs.
Size
Air conditioners for trailers come in multiple sizes. Each size will fit a specific type of RVs. Some small RVs and campers can get along well with compact RV air conditioners. But for large vehicles, you may require big and portable RV air conditioner units.
It is a real pet peeve if you choose the wrong size. For example, if you install an oversized AC to a small camper, it will take up a lot of space. On the other hand, if you assemble a small one for big RVs, the equipment may not give good results due to the low capacity.
When buying a portable air conditioner for camper trailers, you need to determine how frequently you will use it.
If you spend most of your time in an RV, you should look for a long-lasting camper window air conditioner that features overheating protection.
A small RV rooftop air conditioner may not work as full-time equipment. When the AC overloads, it will break down, and you have to invest in a new one.
In contrast, if you do not drive your RV much, you can install a small window air conditioner for campers. This equipment will give the best support when you drive into a hot area for a short period.
Power Consumption
You surely don’t want your electricity bill to go off the chart, right? Then it is time to look for an energy-efficient AC.
Its power consumption is rated in watts. The higher the wattage is, the more energy an AC will consume during the operation.
A good small rooftop air conditioner has a power consumption from 450 watts to 2000 watts.
Don’t buy an AC with too low power because it may not operate at high efficiency. Also, we don’t recommend you buy a too strong model because it wastes a lot of electricity.
Power Compatibility
Many RVs come up with different electricity sources. You need to check whether the air conditioner is compatible with the energy supply in your vehicle or not.
The RVs accept different electrical currents, from AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current).
Also, you need to suffice its required voltage. Some small RV air conditioning units operate well on 110 volts, 115 volts, and 120 volts. Some small rooftop AC units only require 12 volts. Several models even require a voltage of 220 volts.
Where You’ll Be Wandering
You should choose window air conditioners based on your destinations.
If you only drive to hot and dry areas, regular rooftop air conditioners for campers can already keep you comfortable.
In case you go to a place, which has high humidity and dangerous heat, such as in the desert, you definitely have to buy a powerful machine. In this case, the AC must have a high cooling capacity above 15000 BTUs, sturdy construction, and high power compatibility. Of course, high power consumption in this situation is acceptable.
Price
You don’t have to pay a lot of money to buy expensive AC units. There are many small RV AC units for sale with basic features that can support you at best.
The price of a high-quality AC unit is from $700 to $2000. The additional cost is due to the advanced features of the model. Your job is to determine which functions are essential and which are not.
You should only buy cheap RV AC units that meet exactly your requirements. For example, if your room is small, you only need a cooling capacity under 8000 BTUs. A higher capacity is not necessary. In addition, if you don’t use the AC regularly, you don’t have to look for the overload protection function.
Installation
Of course, you get no difficulty installing a low profile AC, as it does not have many attachments and components. However, a heavy-duty air conditioner has multiple complex parts. You will have to struggle a lot to complete the installation.
Most products come up with assembly instructions. They will teach you how to install a window unit in an RV. When shopping, make sure that you ask the sellers about these instructions.
There are a lot of things to ask about the instructions. What is the language in the manual? Do the instructions have pictures? You should give questions about everything you expect from an easy-to-understand guide.
In case mounting a window AC unit in an RV is too difficult, even after you have read the instructions, don’t try too hard. You can pay extra money to hire an electrician to do the installation for you.
Warranty
All electrical equipment must come along with a warranty. With a warranty, you can fix the AC or get free replacements whenever a technical issue appears.
The question is, how long does the warranty last? Most manufacturers accept a refund or replacing broken parts within 1- 2 years after purchase. Some companies accept a warranty that is 3 – 4 years long.
The longer the guarantee is, the better.
What Is The Smallest RV Air Conditioner?
The smallest air conditioner for RV on this list is the FRIGIDAIRE FFRA051WAE. It is just 15.25 inches in length, 16 inches in width, and 12 inches in height.
Despite the compact size, the FFRA051WAE still provides all essential features for keeping a comfortable temperature and clean air in a small room.
The high cooling capacity of 5000 BTUs supports a wide airflow coverage of 150 square feet. Also, the filter of the machine will remove all the dust and make sure for clean air inside your RV
FAQs
Q1: How do you install a rooftop air conditioner on an RV?
If you have an old or broken RV window AC unit, you will have to disassemble it before installing the new one. The following steps are for removing all types of RV air conditioners.
Get rid of the shroud on the rooftop
Disconnect the ceiling assembly on your RV rooftop
Eject the wire and get rid of all flange bolts
Put the roof and gasket separate (you can use a knife or a screwdriver to do this job)
Get rid of the roof coating and sealants
Here are the steps for installing a window AC in a camper trailer rooftop:
Attach the duct and assemble all the ceiling flanges
Connect the wires to the ceiling assembly
Get rid of the adhesive strips
Begin trimming the duct to a suitable length
Place the shroud back on your new AC
Q2: Is it cheaper to leave your air conditioner on?
Our answer is yes. If you leave your camper window AC unit on throughout the day, you can reduce the high cost of your electricity bill.
As you turn it off, the temperature and humidity in your vehicle will increase. When you switch the AC back on, the system will require extra energy to remove the hot air inside and reduce the temperature.
Your small AC unit for RV will not waste energy for doing this job if the temperature always stays low. As a result, you can save money.
Q3: Is it better to leave the AC fan on or auto?
We recommend leaving it in AUTO mode.
Technically, if the temperature inside the RV is high, the AC will need extra energy to reduce it. Since the temperature is already low, your air conditioner adjusts its operation level to maintain the comfortable temperature instead of continuing the reduction.
You should keep your mini RV AC unit operating in AUTO mode. In this mode, it can automatically do adjustments to keep the balance between the temperature inside and outside. With this feature, the AC will not waste energy.
Final Thoughts
The 5 models in our RV air conditioners reviews are the best picks on the market. Each product has its own best feature to serve different purposes.
Please consider carefully when buying. We hope that you will find a suitable RV window air conditioner for your requirements.
