9 Best RV Air Conditioners To Keep You Cool

9 Best Rooftop ACs For RV Comfort

1. Coleman Mach 15+ 48204C866 - Best Overall Choice

Unbridled power always has its own charm.

Those looking for a strong RV air conditioner to create a localized ice age certainly won’t be disappointed with the Coleman Mach 15+.

Boasting 15,000 BTU of cooling capacity, this is one of the most powerful RV AC units on the market.

Although some, like the RecPro, match its BTU rating, Coleman has an ace up its sleeve with this AC.

I seriously felt like I was in a home with central air conditioning, not an RV.

The Mach 15+ features a ⅓ HP fan motor. This powerhouse creates a very strong 320-CFM airflow that can chill down even the biggest RVs.

During my tests, the Mach 15+ easily cooled down an entire 40-foot motor home (with sub-par insulation) — without me even turning it to the highest setting.

In nearly 110°F weather, this RV air conditioner allowed me to lounge in temperatures in the low 70s.

Still, as the late Billy Mayes said, there's more! The Mach 15+ can supply you with heat as well if you purchase the optional heater assembly.

With a 5,600 BTU heat output, it’s not quite enough to keep you warm in the heart of winter, but it takes the bite out of the autumn chill.

Installation is straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions.

Coleman has included a pre-assembled insulation gasket on the bottom, so you can drop the Mach 15+ in place over the 14”x14” roof opening.

Just note that the plenum (indoor ceiling assembly), freeze sensor, and other mounting hardware are sold separately.

On the plus side, this unit has a two-piece shroud that makes maintenance and cleaning simpler.

Still, the hardest part of the installation is getting this thing up on the roof.

This is the second-heaviest unit on my list behind the other Coleman. Guess the heft runs in the family.

Once you do get the Mach 15+ up on the roof, it’s a decently quiet operator.

RV rooftop air conditioners are always a bit loud, but this guy is on the quieter side of average.

The Mach 15+ is a bit power-hungry, with an average 15 amp power draw and 1,800W energy consumption.

Yet, if you’re planning a trip to the Sahara, this beast can keep you cool.

2. Zero Breeze Mark 2 - Best Portable RV AC

The blatant false advertising with this unit is appalling.

Running it doesn’t result in zero breeze — it produces a good strong airflow for such a compact machine.

With its 2,300 BTU cooling capacity, it would be easy to dismiss the Zero Breeze as a weak, poorly performing portable AC unit.

Although it is technically the weakest unit on my list, that would ignore its designed purpose.

Instead of being meant to cool down the entire RV, the Zero Breeze is a personal spot air conditioner.

In this role, its low BTU rating is actually more than enough.

With its dual-hose design, the Zero Breeze provides efficient cooling in small spaces. It’s great for supplementing a low-power rooftop unit, for example.

During my tests, however, it did effectively cool down a small two-person camping trailer.

A big advantage the Zero Breeze has over other units I reviewed is that it’s battery-powered.

That allows it to run without drawing electricity from your RV — even while the vehicle is moving.

The battery lasts around 8 hours on the low setting (4 hours on high), so it can keep blowing through the night.

If the battery runs out, you can also power the Zero Breeze with a power bank, solar panels, or even your RV’s cigarette lighter outlet.

All these options are nice, although I found the required setup somewhat convoluted at times.

Also, some power options need the separately sold Power Dock to work.

The Zero Breeze is a compact unit that lets you position it freely around your RV for ideal airflow.

It's surprisingly heavy with the battery attached (around 30 pounds), so you may not want to put it on the most rickety table, though.

Usability is straightforward through the top panel or with the included remote control. I found the window panel easy to rig up, so installation won’t take long.

As a nice touch, the AC has strong dehumidification (so I recommend setting up a drain line).

The Zero Breeze is very expensive, though, costing more than most of the rooftop units on my list.

That said, those who can stomach the price get to enjoy efficient, highly portable spot cooling.

3. Pioneer 9,000 BTU - Best Under Bench AC for RVing

Out of sight, out of mind. That’s not the official marketing slogan for Pioneer’s under-beach air conditioner and heater, but it might as well be.

Once you have this machine set up, it’ll keep you cool and warm without bothering you unnecessarily.

This unit has a 9,000-BTU cooling capacity, giving it a roughly 350 square feet coverage area.

Despite the output vent consisting of three small, circular holes, I found the airflow surprisingly strong.

This under-bench unit has plenty of cooling power in small to medium-sized RVs and trailers.

In my big-ish trailer, it dropped the interior space temperature by 20 degrees in 20 minutes. A degree a minute is respectable!

This unit can do a decent job even in bigger RVs with good insulation.

I recommend keeping it in a tad smaller ones, though, to maximize its cooling chops.

The integrated heat pump isn’t bad, either. With nearly freezing temperatures outside, the Pioneer kept my trailer at 65°F.

It shouldn’t be your sole winter heater, but it’s a welcome companion for fall RV camping.

I was pretty shocked by this unit’s quiet operation.

At maximum power, I measured only 50 dB of noise, and even that gets muffled somewhat after installation, making this the quietest unit on my list.

Speaking of installation, this unit is a different beast than rooftop ones since you need to cut multiple holes for the intake, exhaust, and drain line.

The intake hole is the most difficult, as the AC “breathes” through the bottom. I suggest rigging up a splash guard to keep wet roads from soaking the AC.

Once the unit is installed, its four operation modes (AC, fan, dehumidifier, heater) are very easy to control, either with the wall thermostat or remote control.

With an EER rating of 8.5 and 8.8 amp power draw, the Pioneer has low power consumption.

Just remember to plug in both the 110V AC and 12V DC plugs for it to work.

The instruction manual isn't that clear about it, and it took me a minute to figure out why my AC wouldn't turn on.

This Pioneer 9,000 BTU unit is an excellent choice for undisruptive, reliable cooling in medium RVs.

4. Frigidaire FFRA051WAE - Affordable Window AC for RV

Window AC units are typically for house use, but they can also be mounted to an RV's side or rear windows.

Frigidaire FFRA051WAE offers RV owners an affordable and lightweight yet fairly powerful cooling solution.

The Frigidaire’s 5,000-BTU cooling capacity gives it a rated maximum coverage area of 150 square feet.

However, I’ve come to find this little beast punches well above its rating.

During my tests, this window air conditioner has made even 300-square-foot areas cool, if not cold.

Despite its relatively low power (although still higher than Zero Breeze's), this model can perform decently even in large, well-insulated RVs.

That said, it really shines in medium-sized RVs and trailers.

With an 11 EER rating, this AC rocks the best energy efficiency out of any unit on my list. It plugs into a regular 115V outlet and draws only around 5 amps.

With an average energy consumption of around 450W, you can run this unit in your RV safely and affordably.

Speaking of which, this is by far the cheapest AC I’ve reviewed here.

If you’re looking for an RV air conditioner on a budget, this model’s affordable price is hard to resist.

The Frigidaire is a very basic and utilitarian machine — in the best possible way.

It has two simple turn knobs for choosing between high and low AC or fan settings and for setting the temperature.

There's no digital thermostat, so I recommend buying a separate one to monitor the temperature.

Thanks to its low weight, the Frigidaire is simple to install — in theory.

In practice, it’s a bit tricky to set up as RV window frames aren’t as thick or sturdy as house windows.

It’s a good idea to support the unit with a wall bracket.

Once you figure it out, the Frigidaire is easy to mount. That's good, too, because you must take it down and set it back up often.

Don't leave it in the window and start driving; it will fall at the first pothole.

Frigidaire FFRA051WAE shows you don’t need to invest in an expensive special RV air conditioner to keep your camper cool.

This window unit makes a value proposition that’s hard to beat.

5. Furrion FACR14SA-PS - Best Budget Rooftop Air Conditioner

So, you’re shopping for RV air conditioners on a budget but would like a more permanent solution than the Frigidaire window model.

It sounds like the price/power value of Furrion FACR14SA-PS is right up your alley.

This 14,500 BTU Furrion machine provides performance on par with the 15,000 BTU Coleman, RecPro, and Dometic models.

Although that trio, strictly speaking, has a higher cooling capacity, in practice, you will barely notice that 500 BTU difference.

Case in point, a single one of these Furrion units was enough to keep a 32-foot RV cool. I’m certain it can adequately cool an even bigger camper.

Another value-adding point about the Furrion is that it features a washable filter.

It might seem like a small thing, but simply rinsing the filter instead of buying a whole new one can save you a decent wad of cash.

As with the other rooftop AC units, the Furrion has a pre-installed insulation gasket.

You just need to haul it up on your RV’s roof and set it in place for easy installation.

You should get one or two additional pairs of hands to lift the thing up, though.

The Furrion isn’t quite as heavy as the 15,000-BTU Coleman, but you still get plenty of AC for your money.

In line with Coleman and Dometic, this AC doesn't include the indoor ceiling assembly.

Fortunately, the plenum isn't pricier than other manufacturers', so the total costs are still lower.

Drawing around 14-15 amps of power, the Furrion energy efficiency is mediocre.

It's also somewhat loud, but that's a sacrifice we make with budget units.

Furrion does have one design flaw. Due to the plenum not allowing sufficient airflow, the AC tends to freeze up if you set it to 63°F or lower.

You can resolve this with a plenum from a different manufacturer or by drilling a few extra ventilation holes in the Furrion one, as I did.

Then again, you’ll rarely have to set the AC that low (unless you’re secretly a polar bear).

Overall, Furrion is comparable to rooftop AC units that cost several hundred dollars more.

For its price, it does an excellent job of providing cool air for your camper.

6. RecPro RP-AC3800 - Premium Rooftop Air Conditioner

You need the latest bells and whistles for a truly luxurious glamping experience.

RecPro RP-AC3800 lets you relax in your RV in comfort, no matter the weather outside.

In terms of cooling power, the RecPro rivals the best of them. Like the Coleman, it carries a 15,000 BTU rating.

The RecPro’s cooling capacity isn’t quite on par with its Coleman competitor, but that’s a bar virtually no machine reaches.

Nonetheless, even this AC’s lowest setting was too cool for me in a 21-foot RV.

It goes without saying that it will perform more than adequately in much bigger campers.

Unlike the Coleman, though, this model comes standard with a built-in heat pump. 

It’s a supplementary one and won’t be enough on its own in the middle of winter, but you’ll be glad it’s there during chilly fall nights.

In a break from all other rooftop units I reviewed, RecPro supplies not only the insulation gasket but also the plenum with the unit.

It’s a welcome addition that makes for easy installation since you can be sure all the parts are compatible.

In addition, the RecPro is the only rooftop RV AC here with a remote control.

Granted, the remote range is fairly short, and it only works from one direction. Nonetheless, I was happy to have it.

Since it has a remote control feature, the RecPro has electronic controls.

That means it has a digital thermostat and a display showing the current temperature. It takes the guesswork out of cooling your AC.

Thanks to the electronic controls, you also get a programmable timer and a sleep mode that raises the indoor temperature overnight by a couple of degrees.

This useful feature can help you save energy and sleep better.

As a final highlight, the unit is quieter than even the Coleman.

About the downsides, well, this unit only supports ductless installation.

The supplied insulation gasket is also pretty hard, so you may need to buy a separate one if your RV has a curved roof.

Some primitive camping fans might scoff at the RecPro for making your RVing too luxurious.

But to each their own — if you like camping in comfort, this machine won’t disappoint.

7. Dometic FreshJet 3 - Rooftop RV AC with Easiest Installation

Does the thought of wrangling a heavy and cumbersome AC into its place on your RV's roof fill you with dread?

Worry no more — Dometic FreshJet 3 low weight makes installing a rooftop RV air conditioner about as easy as it can get.

Frankly, this unit is shockingly lightweight and compact for its cooling capacity.

FreshJet 3 weighs less than 70 pounds, making it the lightest rooftop AC unit on my list.

Being so light and small, it’s much easier to lift it on top of your RV and position it correctly than the Coleman or RecPro.

You also get the pre-installed sealing gasket, so mounting this machine onto your RV is a breeze comparatively.

As is tradition, though, you’ll have to buy the ceiling plenum separately.

The compact form factor doesn’t compromise the FreshJet 3’s cooling ability.

Its 15,000 BTU rating is on par with the Coleman and RecPro units. In terms of airflow, this Dometic beats the very strong Coleman marginally.

Those numbers turn into reality quite well, too. Despite the stronger airflow, it's not quite on the level of the 15K BTU Coleman.

Nonetheless, this AC brought the temperature in a 38-foot RV down to 72°F, all on its own.

The FreshJet 3 draws less power than its strong competitors. I measured a max draw of 13 amps, so the unit shouldn’t overload your RV’s power supply.

This unit performed admirably in the noise department as well. The actual indoor decibel level is about the same as RecPro.

Still, the FreshJet 3 has nice rubber feet that reduce vibration, which reduces certain types of noise.

The biggest issue with this unit isn’t how it works — it’s the packaging.

My AC arrived in pristine condition, but I’ve seen people complaining about banged-up boxes and broken units.

The blame lies mostly on careless delivery personnel, although more cushioning in the box would be welcome.

I’ve also seen some reports that people are getting the black or white unit seemingly at random.

Fortunately, the color has no impact whatsoever on the unit’s performance.

Delivery problems aside, Dometic FreshJet 3 is a reliable rooftop RV air conditioner that won’t take long to install.

8. Dometic Brisk II - Low Profile RV Air Conditioner

If your RV is on the smaller side, it may be a waste of money to buy a turbocharged 15,000 BTU rooftop RV air conditioner.

Dometic Brisk II B57915.XX1C0 provides plenty of cold air for smaller RVs at a lower price point.

The Dometic Brisk II rooftop AC has a 13,500 BTU cooling capacity, squarely matching the Coleman Mach 8 unit.

It definitely has what it takes to chill down RVs up to medium size. In a 26-foot RV, the Brisk II kept the living space cool using only the medium setting.

I was even able to achieve livable temperatures in a 36-foot RV, but I am naturally chilly and don’t mind a bit higher temps.

Heat-averse owners of big RVs may want to look elsewhere.

Although the Brisk II isn’t as light as its FreshJet 3 sibling, it still upholds the Dometic tradition of making light RV ACs.

This unit weighs less than 80 pounds and has the most compact form factor out of any rooftop machine here.

Combine that with the pre-attached sealing gasket, and the Brisk II is about as easy to install as its brother with the higher BTU rating.

Once again, though, you’ll have to buy the plenum separately.

In terms of noise, the Brisk II is about as average as you can get. It’s louder than the other Dometic, but it’s not obnoxious.

It certainly didn’t bother me during my tests.

This unit really shines in terms of power consumption.

Among the rooftop models, the Brisk II is the most energy-efficient RV air conditioner, with a 12.4-amp power draw on average.

The Achilles’ heel here is packaging, as with the other Dometic.

There was nothing wrong with my test machine, but it’s not hard to find people with complaints about cracked shrouds and busted connection points.

Fortunately, the unit comes with a decent two-year warranty.

Even if a clumsy delivery person happens to break your AC, the manufacturer is ready to make things right.

The Dometic Brisk II serves up much of the same as the FreshJet 3 sibling, just for smaller RVs.

If you're looking for efficient cooling for medium RVs, this small RV rooftop air conditioner makes a great value proposition.

9. Coleman Airxcel Mach 8 Plus - Small RV Rooftop Air Conditioner

It can be challenging to find a good rooftop air conditioner for an RV with a high roof — adding extra height might prevent you from driving under bridges, for example.

Coleman Airxcel Mach 8 Plus is a low-profile RV AC that resolves your problem.

This is the slimmest RV AC unit on my list. It’s only roughly 8.5 inches tall, so you won’t have to worry about excess height.

Sure, the unit is at the same time longer than the others. But hey, Coleman had to fit the air conditioning components somewhere!

Those components do a good job, too. With a 13,500 BTU rating, the Mach 8 Plus is on the same line in terms of power as the Dometic Brisk II.

It generates a 300-cfm air flow, which isn’t as strong as the other Coleman or FreshJet 3, but it’s not even trying to be.

The Mach 8 Plus packs plenty of punch for medium-sized RVs, cooling the indoor air quickly and efficiently.

With the standard pre-attached bottom insulation gasket, installation is as straightforward as the other rooftop units.

The biggest issue is the weight, as this is the heaviest RV air conditioned I’ve reviewed here.

On the plus side, you won’t have to hit the gym after hauling this thing up to the roof.

The energy efficiency of the Mach 8 Plus is middle-of-the-road.

I measured a maximum power drain of 15 amps — not on the level of the Dometics, but it beats its Mach 15+ sibling and the RecPro.

The noise level of the compressor itself isn't that loud, but due to its weight, the Mach 8 Plus tends to rattle unless very tightly installed.

That also makes it vulnerable to component damage stemming from vibration.

You can reduce the risk of damage by installing additional vibration dampening between the roof and the unit. However, that adds a bit to its height.

That’s not a huge problem, though, since Mach 8 Plus is so slim. For medium-sized but tall RVs, it offers plenty of cooling without adding much height.