Best RV Air Conditioner - Top Units Compared for 2026
Texas summers hit 100°F regularly. An RV AC that can’t keep up turns your camper into an oven. The right unit keeps it comfortable without draining your electrical system or deafening you with noise.
Top RV Air Conditioners
Dometic Brisk II 15,000 BTU
- BTU: 15,000
- Weight: 72 lbs
- Noise: 67 dB
- Price: $600-$750
The industry standard. Powerful cooling, reasonable noise level and fits standard 14x14 roof openings. The Brisk II handles Texas heat without struggling. No frills but dependable.
Coleman-Mach 15 15,000 BTU
- BTU: 15,000
- Weight: 95 lbs
- Noise: 65 dB
- Price: $650-$800
Slightly quieter than the Dometic, slightly heavier. Coleman’s heat pump option adds heating capability for cooler months. The 15 series has been around for decades — parts availability is excellent.
Furrion Chill 14,500 BTU
- BTU: 14,500
- Weight: 65 lbs
- Noise: 60 dB
- Price: $700-$900
The quietest rooftop AC on this list. Lighter weight is a bonus for trailers near their GVWR. Modern design looks better on the roof than traditional boxy units. Newer brand with less long-term reliability data.
Dometic Penguin II 13,500 BTU (Low Profile)
- BTU: 13,500
- Weight: 83 lbs
- Noise: 63 dB
- Price: $800-$1,000
Low-profile design sits only 10 inches above the roof. Better aerodynamics, less wind noise while driving and clears low-clearance situations. Ideal for truck campers and rigs that park in garages.
RecPro 15,000 BTU
- BTU: 15,000
- Weight: 78 lbs
- Noise: 68 dB
- Price: $500-$600
Budget pick. Gets the job done in Texas heat at the lowest price. Louder than the competition and the shroud plastic feels cheaper, but the cooling performance matches units twice the price.
Sizing Guide
| RV Size | Recommended BTU | Units Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Pop-up / Teardrop | 9,200 BTU | 1 |
| 16-24 ft trailer | 13,500 BTU | 1 |
| 24-32 ft trailer | 15,000 BTU | 1 |
| 32+ ft trailer | 13,500 BTU | 2 |
| 5th Wheel | 15,000 BTU | 2 |
Texas Heat Factor
Standard BTU sizing assumes moderate climates. In DFW’s 100°F+ summers, go one size up or add a second unit. A single 13,500 BTU unit struggles to cool a 28-foot trailer when it’s 105°F outside.
Soft Start Kits
A standard RV AC draws 40-60 amps on startup for a fraction of a second. This surge can trip 30 amp breakers, damage generators and prevent running two units on 50 amp service.
A soft start kit reduces startup draw to 20-30 amps. Cost: $75-$120. Installs on the AC’s control board in 30 minutes.
Top picks:
- Micro-Air EasyStart 364 (most popular, proven reliability)
- SoftStartRV (slightly cheaper, good performance)
With a soft start, you can run a single AC on a 2,200W generator or two ACs on 30 amp service.
Installation Tips
DIY Roof Installation
- Remove the old unit (4-6 bolts from inside, disconnect wiring)
- Clean the roof opening gasket area
- Apply new gasket material
- Lift the new unit onto the roof (get help — 70-100 lbs)
- Bolt through the roof from inside
- Connect wiring (match wire colors)
- Install the inside ceiling assembly and thermostat
- Seal all roof penetrations with Dicor sealant
When to Call a Pro
If you’re uncomfortable on the roof, working with 120V wiring or lifting 80+ lbs overhead, hire an RV tech. A botched AC installation that leaks water causes thousands in water damage.
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