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Camping in an RV is arguably the most luxurious way to enjoy the great outdoors. Of course, many people will argue that RV camping isn’t camping because RVers bring with them all of the luxuries of home, including air conditioning (AC). But nothing lasts forever, and with the heat of summer bearing down upon us, now is an excellent time to look at the best RV AC units. 

Best RV AC units

RVs parked outside with potentially the best RV AC Units.
RVs parked outdoors | Getty Images

Whether you’re looking to replace your RV’s worn-out rooftop airconditioner or thinking of installing a new unit on a new conversion build or retro remodel, it’s essential to know your options before making an expensive decision. So the team at Camper FAQs published a list of their picks for the best RV AC units. 

Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner

Camper FAQs picked the Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner as the “Editor’s Choice” in rooftop RV AC units. They note that, in general, Dometic is a leading manufacturer in the RV industry and that all Dometic air conditioners exhibit high-quality craftsmanship. In addition, the 13,500 BTU Brisk II features a design that “moves fifteen-percent more air” than previous designs and “most of its competitors.” 

Other benefits of the Dometic Brisk II include its quiet operation. The Brisk II uses dampening brackets to minimize noise and vibration throughout your RV. The Brisk II also features a two-year warranty for peace of mind anytime you reach for the thermostat on a hot summer day. 

Furrion CHILL Rooftop Air Conditioner with manual control

Furrion is another name that is familiar to anyone with an RV. Furrion manufactures various quality RV components, and its 14,500 BTU CHILL Rooftop AC earned Camper FAQs’ “Best Value” award. The Furrion CHILL uses two fans, whereas other RV rooftop AC units use one to “make it twenty-five-percent more energy efficient. The CHILL also features a short working cycle to maintain a constant temperature inside your camper. Rooftop RV AC units often require the installation of an additional capacitor to enable use with smaller generators, but the CHILL comes equipped with a start capacitor from Furrion. 

Coleman Mach 3 Plus Rugged Roughneck

Listed as Camper FAQs’ “Best Choice for Off-Road,” the Coleman Mach 3 Plus provides 13,500 BTUs of cooling comfort inside your RV and heat when using the entire assembly. The unit’s design includes a sealed motor shaft and interior parts to handle the bumps and vibrations of off-road driving. Suppose something rattles loose or breaks, causing the refrigerant to release into the air. In that case, you’ll be glad to know that Coleman uses a new refrigerant that’s safer for the environment and your family. 

Dometic Penguin II Low Profile Rooftop Air Conditioner

Camper FAQs pick for “Best Low Profile Air Conditioner Unit” is the Dometic Penguin II Low Profile Rooftop Air Conditioner. Low-profile units are best suited for van camper conversions trying to stay incognito and taller RVs that don’t need to add height. But in the case of the Penguin II, its smaller size doesn’t mean lower quality or efficiency. 

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