If you’re an RVer, you know that keeping cool in your camper can be challenging at times. But luckily, the best RV ac units have come a long way in recent years. Big names like Dometic and Airxcel/Coleman are producing more efficient RV ACs that are easier to install. In addition to being lighter, they also offer more features that make them more versatile in use. For instance, some of these newer RV ACs offer heating as well as cooling. They are designed to fit standard RV roof vent openings and are compatible with multizone thermostats that are common in many of the latest RVs.
While there are plenty of different options available in the world of RV ac, the best option for most campers is a standard rooftop unit. These roof-mounted units are often referred to as RV air conditioners or camper ac and are the most popular type of RV air conditioning system on the market. These units are typically installed in the ceiling of your RV, though some can be mounted in a window or on the exterior of the rig.
Most of these RV ACs use an electric compressor to cool your RV. The compressor is powered by a small motor that runs on DC current. This current comes from an RV generator, portable power source or the main electrical connection in your rig.
When choosing an RV ac, you’ll want to consider its cooling capacity, which is measured in BTUs. You can determine this by calculating the square footage of your RV. The higher the BTU rating, the more cooling power it will provide. You’ll also want to pay attention to whether the RV ac unit you are considering is ducted or non-ducted. Ducted systems are designed to work with the existing ducting in your RV, which can be located in the ceiling, floor or walls of your rig. Non-ducted systems are not designed to work with existing ducting and require you to install your own ductwork in your rig.
Another thing to keep in mind is that most RV ac units require a special type of refrigerant. These units will not operate if you attempt to add the wrong type of refrigerant. Before heading up on the roof of your RV to install a new unit, check the unit’s instruction manual to determine what kind of refrigerant is required.
You’ll also want to consider the noise level of the RV ac unit you are considering. The noise is largely determined by the size of the fan and the compressor. Larger fans and compressors generate more noise than smaller ones. You can also reduce the noise by making sure that the RV air conditioner filter is clean and there aren’t any obstructions inside of the ducts or vents.
RV ac units take up quite a bit of electricity when they’re running. As a result, they can be very expensive to run on a generator or when you’re connected to a shore power outlet at a campground. Using a propane-powered generator may help you reduce the amount of power that your RV air conditioner uses, but it will still be more expensive than running it on an electrical source.