Dometic Brisk Air II RV Air Conditioner
Dometic Air Conditioner
Dometic Penguin II
When living free and taking a road trip in your RV with family, friends, a little of both, or all by yourself, there’s a chance you’ll spend a long time cruising down endless roads in the middle of scorching summer heat, and so the best RV air conditioners are a must.
An RV air conditioner ensures that you stay cool while on the road. Regular car AC units cannot perform well enough, especially with the size of an RV, and winding down the windows doesn’t always cut it. If you want to guarantee comfort while exploring the great wide world around you, a powerful AC unit is a must, and that’s just what we’ve got for you today.
The Best RV Air Conditioner
1Dometic Brisk Air II RV Air Conditioner
Offering both heating and cooling capabilities, the Dometic Brisk Air II is our top pick for the best RV air conditioners around. The inside assembly is simple and straightforward, while the compressor-rated and fan motor-rated load amps provide quality and dependability.
There are variable blower speeds to help you find the perfect level that you and your family can adapt as the temperature changes outside. With 15,000 BTU (British Thermal Units), 110 volts and 2800 wattage, it’s also one of the most powerful options around. For more basic options to keep you cool, check out our selection of the best high-velocity fans.
Inside assembly
Compressor-rated load amps
Variable blower speeds
High-impact polyester shroud
Fan motor-rated load amps
15,000 BTU
- BrandDometic
- ModelB59516.XX1CO AC & 3314851.000 Kit
- Weight75 pounds
2Advent Rooftop RV Air Conditioner
The Advent Rooftop Air Conditioner fits easily on your RV roof and boasts 15,000 BTU with 116 volt AC power for reliable performance wherever you are on the road.
It’s sturdy and durable, with a metal base pan that keeps it secure, while the watertight vent opening gasket protects the parts from rain damage should you get caught in a storm. There are 3 fan speeds to give you some variety, whether that’s keeping cool during the night or making sure you get a slight breeze to wake up to every morning for another day of adventure.
15,000 BTUs
115 volt AC power
Rigid, metal constructed base pan
Watertight vent opening gasket
Six dense foam support pads
Three fan speeds
- BrandAdvent
- Modelacm150 & acdb
- Weight68.4 pounds
3Dometic Polar White RV Air Conditioner
Available with 2 BTU ratings (13.5K and 15K) the Dometic Polar White is a versatile option for both small, medium, and large RV options. It comes with a high-performance motor and fan, and it’s also incredibly easy to install, even if you’ve never done so before.
The dampening brackets provide support and security from damage on bumpy roads, and the streamlined design prevents drag when cruising down Route 66. Should you encounter any issues, there is also 2-year protection plus a warranty that can help out with any repairs you desperately need before your next trip.
2 BTU ratings
2 colors
High-performance motor and fan
Easy installation and maintenance
2 year protection plus warranty
Dampening brackets
- BrandDometic
- ModelB57915.XX1C0
- Weight72 pounds
4Seven Sparta RV A/C Ducted Duo Therm Air Grille
Though not technically an AC unit, the Seven Sparta RV A/C Ducted Duo Therm Air Grille is still useful, and it will certainly come in handy for anyone planning on sticking to the road life for as long as they can.
They fit exactly into the Dometic unit so there’s no need to cut or customize and the high-quality ABS and PP plastic ensure durability. These grilles are easy to clean, too, and all it takes is a clean cloth after a thorough wash with soap and water. You’ll also find it improves air quality, with filters that help you breathe fresh air as you rocked down the highway.
Exact fit
High-quality ABS and PP plastic
Easy to remove and wash
Two filter pads
Filters impurity substance
30-day money-back guarantee
- BrandSeven Sparta
- Weight11.2 ounces
5Airxcel Mach 15 Arctic
There are 3 versions of the Airxcel Mach 15 Arctic to choose from depending on what you need. Each of them is versatile, with 15,000 cooling and heating capacity, while the one-third horsepower motor is reliable and quiet so as not to disturb you during the night.
The streamlined shape is also useful, and it keeps the RV breezing along without interruptions. With plug and play simplicity, it’s also one of the easiest units to install, too. You may also like some of the best cooling tower fans, so be sure to check them out.
3 versions available
15,000 cool/heat capacity
One-third horsepower motor
320 CFM airflow
115 VAC
Streamlined shape
- BrandAirxcel
- Model08-0080
- Weight90 pounds
6ICON Brisk Air Dometic Duo Therm RV Air Conditioner Shroud
If you need a replacement shroud, then the ICON Brisk Air Dometic Duo Therm RV Air Conditioner Shroud is an excellent choice. It fits all old-style Dometic AC units, and the installation is so straightforward, you’ll worry you’ve done it wrong.
The high-impact and UV-resistant plastic adds further protection to your unit, and you can also trust it won’t crack or become brittle with too much exposure to the sun. The condenser coil protection design also adds an extra level of confidence, ensuring everything stays in top condition.
Fits all old-style Dometic AC units
Strong and durable
High-impact UV plastic
Limited lifetime warranty
Easy to install
Condenser coil protection
- BrandICON
- Model01545
- Weight12 pounds
7Furrion Chill White RV Air Conditioner
Working at 14.6 amps, the Furrion Chill White RV Air Conditioner is a decent option that provides superb performance and comes at an affordable price. It’s ideal for those who want to be more sustainable and conscious of their energy usage while also delivering excellent results.
It’s compatible with both ducted and non-ducted systems, and this makes it one of the most versatile options available. With a 14,500 BTU capacity, it also delivers superb power that means you’ll never wake up soaked in sweat again and everyone can enjoy their morning coffee and a donut with a refreshing breeze whipping around them.
Cools unit at 14.6 amps
Superior performance
Greener consumption
Compatible with ducted and non-ducted systems
UV resistant cover
14,500 BTU capacity
- BrandFurrion
- ModelFACR14SA-PS
- Weight88.2 pounds
8Dometic Penguin II
Arguably the best of the best RV air conditioners if you’ve got a larger vehicle, the Dometic Penguin II boasts two capacity sizes and is available in 2 colors to mix and/or match with your RV’s design. The universal fit makes it perfect for any existing unit, while the futuristic look ensures sleek aerodynamics to prevent wasted energy.
Besides this, it’s durable, and it’s also easy to install and the plug and play setup gets it working immediately. The gasket kit comes on the bottom of the unit, too, which saves you another purchase and adds another level of convenience to what is already a very impressive model.
Two capacity sizes
2 colors
Universal fit
Sleek, futuristic look
Reduced drag
Durable
- BrandDometic
- Model641816CXX1J0
- Weight110 pounds
9MaxxAir Tuff/Maxx Replacement Air Conditioner Shroud
An excellent option if you’re looking to upgrade your original shroud, the MaxxAir Tuff/Maxx Replacement Air Conditioner Shroud fits over Coleman Mach 11K, 13.5K and 15K BTU covers and also comes complete with a built-in rear fin guard to ensure durability and keep the airflow consistent, hopefully with minimal maintenance.
It is built using tough UV plastic that further ensures durability, while the thermal testing is done beforehand means it won’t melt or warp when out in the sun for too long or even if the unit gets too hot to operate. The style helps to deflect wind and branches, which also keeps your RV roof in excellent condition and prevents debris from scratching or damaging the surface.
Replaces Coleman Mach 11,000, 13,500, and 15,000 BTU covers
Built-in rear fin guard
Extra tough UV plastic
Thermal tested
Deflects branches and wind
Easy to mount
- BrandMaxx Air
- Model00-325001
- Weight13.2 pounds
10Dometic Air Conditioner
Our final and best value pick is the Dometic Air Conditioner, which is an adjustable and small RV air conditioner perfect for those who only have space for one more passenger as they take their cross-country voyage.
It’s suitable for non-ducted appliances and despite its size, it provides powerful air distribution. It is also heat strip ready, while the versatile compatibility means it can work alongside larger units with ease, and this is easy to set up. The knobs and switches are clearly marked and easy to use, and if it gets a little cold out there in the desert, there’s also an option to crank up the heat for some cozy all-night comfort.
Easy to use
Adjustable
Suitable for non-ducted appliances
Powerful air distribution
Heat strip ready
Versatile compatibility
- BrandDometic
- Model3314851.000
- Weight10 pounds
RV Air Conditioner FAQ
Q: What is an RV air conditioner?
A: An RV roof air conditioner is an AC unit that you install in your RV. It works like any regular air conditioning unit. The only difference is that it is portable and operates when driving your RV or taking a break by the side of the road or at the campsite at the end of a long day of driving.
Unlike standard air conditioners, though, you fit RV ACs to the roof of your vehicle, although you can purchase under bench options as well, and therefore you need to find options that are streamlined, as it prevents drag and allows the RV to move smoothly along the road. An RV air conditioner that is too blocky could affect the dynamics of the RV, and while it may seem minor, it can contribute to wasted energy, petrol, and weight, which is not what you want when aiming to be fuel-efficient during your road trip.
RV air conditioners help keep the interior of your vehicle cool and livable, especially on summer road trips where you’ve nothing but blue sky and scorching heat above you. They help make you and your family more comfortable and can also ensure any left-out food and drink doesn’t spoil too quickly, especially if you don’t have space in the portable cooler.
With an AC unit, you can relax in the cool air, and it will also make sleeping more enjoyable, preventing sweat and stickiness that can make grumps out of the most enthusiastic and experienced campers.
Q: What are the different types of RV air conditioners?
A: There are two primary types of portable RV air conditioner that you will encounter during your search. These are:
Roof Top - As the name suggests, rooftop AC units attach to your roof. They are streamlined and because of the placement, they will not take up additional storage space in your vehicle, which is ideal for those who prefer to pack their whole house when on the move.
They can obstruct natural light, though, but you can work around this by purchasing a model with a built-in light. This is perhaps the only drawback, though. There are both boxes and ducting systems available depending on your preferred method of air distribution. The unit may also add height to your RV, but this can be negligible.
As hot air rises, they are not ideal for providing heat to the vehicle compared to other model options, but if you’re taking a summer road trip, this may not be a concern.
Under Bench - An under bench AC unit fits inside the vehicle, typically, you guessed it, under a bench or stowed in another compartment. This isn’t ideal for those short on space, but it still has its benefits.
There is no light obstruction, and because the unit is fitted at foot level, it can also double as a heater, making it useful for road trips through cold climates.
These units are always fitted as ducting systems, which provides a steady stream of fresh air to whichever room in the RV you want, so if there are any rooms that get particularly hot (or cold), you can target them with specific settings.
Sources:
- Air Conditioning BTU’s: What Are They & What Do They Mean? - Compact Appliance
- How To Find the right air conditioner for your caravan - Truma
- RV Air Conditioner Buying Guide - Dometic