
When choosing the best AC unit for your travel trailer, consider the size of your rig. A larger unit is needed for bigger trailers.
A 13,500 BTU AC unit is sufficient for travel trailers up to 25 feet in length. This size is ideal for trailers with a smaller living space.
When selecting an AC unit, also think about your power source. A 30-amp RV electrical system is the minimum requirement for most AC units.
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Choosing the Right AC Unit
Choosing the right air conditioner for your travel trailer is crucial to ensure effective cooling and optimal comfort during your outdoor travels. The size of the air conditioner should be carefully selected to meet the diverse needs of your recreational vehicle.
Consider the square footage and specific layout of your travel trailer when selecting the size of the air conditioner. Larger trailers with multiple rooms or compartments may require air conditioners with higher cooling capacities to effectively cool the entire space.
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A small rooftop AC unit installed in a large travel trailer can take too long to cool the entire space, and it might never get the job fully done. On the other hand, if you have a small camper van, you don't need the biggest rooftop air conditioner you can find.
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Choose the Right Size
Choosing the right size of air conditioner for your RV is crucial to ensure effective cooling and optimal comfort during your outdoor travels.
The size and layout of your RV play a significant role in determining the appropriate air conditioner size. Larger RVs with multiple rooms or compartments may require air conditioners with higher cooling capacities to effectively cool the entire space.
You want to look at the BTU output of a unit, as this is what will help you understand its cooling performance. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, and it's a measurement for energy.
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A small rooftop AC unit installed in a large travel trailer or fifth wheel can take too long to cool the entire space — and it might never get the job fully done. Buy too small of a unit and it could run constantly, creating an unnecessary draw on your power resources.
The biggest factor in determining how powerful your RV AC unit needs to be is the size of your recreational vehicle. It takes more power and energy to cool a larger space.
Getting an RV AC unit that's appropriately-sized for you rig can save you money in the long run. This is especially true if you have a small camper van, as you don't need the biggest rooftop air conditioner you can find.
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Split
Split air conditioners are a great option for RVs, offering several advantages over traditional HVAC systems. They provide zoned cooling, allowing you to adjust the temperature independently in different areas of your RV or van.
The compact design of split air conditioners is another major benefit, freeing up valuable interior space by placing the bulkier components outside the vehicle. This is especially useful for RV owners who need to make the most of their interior space.
Dometic's split air conditioners are known for their quiet operation, incorporating noise-reduction features to ensure minimal disturbance. This is a huge advantage for RV owners who value a peaceful living environment.
Split air conditioners are also designed to be energy-efficient, helping you save on power consumption and reducing your carbon footprint. This is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment while still staying cool and comfortable on the road.
By opting for a split air conditioner, you can enjoy a more comfortable and efficient cooling experience in your RV.
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Types of AC Units
Traditional rooftop AC units, like the Dometic, are a common choice for RVs, but they have some significant drawbacks.
They take up valuable space on the roof, which could be used for solar panels or skylights.
Most mini-split AC units, on the other hand, offer a more compact design that frees up space for other features.
Mini-split systems are also more energy-efficient, reducing power consumption and extending your battery life.
Some mini-split systems offer dual zone capabilities with remote control, allowing you to cool or heat different areas of your RV.
Dometic's rooftop air conditioners, by contrast, are designed to be mounted on the roof and offer powerful cooling capabilities.
These units are also engineered for quiet operation, ensuring minimal disturbance while you relax or sleep.
Their compact design makes them easy to install, but you'll need to consider the space they'll take up on your roof.
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Dometic AC Units
Dometic AC Units offer a range of options for travel trailer owners. Dometic's rooftop RV air conditioners come in different sizes, including 13.5K and 15,000 BTU models.
You can choose from standard profile or low profile designs, depending on your travel trailer's layout. Dometic's under-bench air conditioners are a great option for discreet and space-saving cooling solutions.
These units are designed to be compact, flexible, and whisper-quiet, making them perfect for travel trailers.
Under-Bench
The under-bench air conditioner is a popular choice for RV owners. Dometic's under-bench air conditioners are a great example of this, offering a discreet and space-saving cooling solution.
These units are installed under the bench or in a storage compartment, making them virtually invisible. They're perfect for RVs with limited interior space.
Dometic's under-bench air conditioners are designed to be compact, allowing for seamless integration into your RV's interior. They won't compromise on cooling capacity either.
You can customize the installation to fit your RV's layout and configuration. Dometic offers various installation options to ensure a perfect fit.
These air conditioners are engineered to operate quietly, creating a peaceful and comfortable environment inside your RV. You can finally enjoy your RV without the noise of a loud air conditioner.
Dometic's under-bench air conditioners deliver effective cooling performance, maintaining an ideal temperature inside your vehicle even on hot summer days.
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Dometic 3 Series 13.5K
The Dometic 3 Series 13.5K is a rooftop RV air conditioner that's perfect for outdoor adventures. It has a standard profile design.
This unit is equipped with 13,500 BTU of cooling power, which is suitable for most RVs. It can be used for both ducted and non-ducted applications.
The Dometic 3 Series 13.5K is designed for reliability and performance, ensuring a comfortable temperature inside your RV. You can count on it to keep you cool and comfortable throughout your travels.
This air conditioner is a high-quality option from Dometic, a brand known for its innovative solutions designed to enhance your RV or van experience.
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Durability & Reliability
Dometic AC units are known for their durability and reliability, thanks to features like dampeners that reduce vibration and result in quieter operation.
The Furrion Chill, for example, has a sporty design that minimizes drag from air resistance while in motion.
A retrofit design makes it easy to replace industry competitors with Furrion units, which come with 2-year warranties.
VibrationSmart technology ensures your unit holds up to all the rigors of the road, giving you peace of mind on long trips.
Features and Benefits
Dometic's RV air conditioners offer a range of additional features that can enhance your comfort and convenience, such as remote control operation and programmable timers.
These features can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Consider what's most important to you when choosing the best RV air conditioner.
With mini-split AC systems, you have complete control over the climate inside your RV, thanks to features like programmable thermostats and Wi-Fi connectivity. This allows you to set different temperature schedules throughout the day or week, and even control the temperature remotely using a smartphone app.
Personalized Climate Control
With mini-split AC systems, you have complete control over the climate inside your RV. These systems offer a range of features that allow you to customize your comfort level.
Most mini-split air conditioners come with programmable thermostats, enabling you to set different temperature schedules throughout the day or week. This means you can stay cool in the living area during the day while keeping the bedroom slightly warmer.
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Some models even offer advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control the temperature remotely using a smartphone app. This feature is especially useful for RV owners who want to adjust the temperature before they even enter their RV.
A personalized climate, and variable speed control ensures that you can create the perfect indoor environment to suit your preferences, whether traveling during a hot summer day or chilly winter nights. This is made possible by the heat pump functionality of mini-split AC units, which enables them to provide both cooling and heating with high efficiency.
Quiet Operation
Mini Split air conditioning systems are a game-changer for RV owners, and one of their standout features is quiet operation.
The absence of noisy ductwork, combined with the use of quiet compressors and optimized fan design, ensures a peaceful and relaxing environment inside the RV.
Traditional RV air conditioning systems can be quite loud, disrupting conversations, movie nights, and even sleep. But mini splits minimize operational noise, making them a much more pleasant choice.
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The Furrion Chill operates at an impressive 60dB, making it the quietest model in the market.
Dual fans in the Furrion Chill create more comfort with quieter, more efficient operation because they don't have to work as hard.
This means you can enjoy your RV without any disturbance, enhancing the overall RV experience.
Efficiency
Efficiency is a top priority when it comes to RV air conditioners. High efficiency units can save you money on energy costs and extend the life of your RV batteries.
Dometic's FreshJet 5 Series Mechanical High Efficiency air conditioner is a great example of this. It's designed for both ducted and non-ducted applications.
Energy efficiency is also about maximizing the life of your RV batteries. Air conditioners with energy-saving features like variable speed compressors and smart thermostats can optimize energy consumption without compromising cooling performance.
A higher EER rating means an RV AC unit is more energy efficient. For example, Furrion's 15k BTU AC uses the same or less power than many 13.5k BTU ACs.
The Furrion Chill is up to 40% more efficient than competitors. This means you get more air-cooling power while saving on energy draw.
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Considerations and Tips
When choosing an AC unit for your travel trailer, consider the size of your unit and the power requirements of the AC. A 13,500 BTU AC unit is a good starting point for most travel trailers.
A smaller AC unit can save you money on energy costs, but it may not cool your unit as efficiently. For example, a 7,000 BTU AC unit is better suited for smaller travel trailers or those with insulation.
Consider the installation process and ensure the AC unit is installed correctly to avoid any safety hazards.
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Travel location matters
Travel location matters, and it's essential to consider the climate and temperature range of the regions you plan to visit. If you frequently travel to areas with extremely high temperatures, you may need an air conditioner with a higher cooling capacity.
Sticking to milder climates? You might not need a powerful appliance, but if you're planning to head to warmer climates, such as the Grand Canyon or the Everglades in Florida, you may want a more powerful AC on the roof.

In climates with temperatures of 100 degrees F or greater, look for the true cooling capacity rating, not just the standard 13.5k or 15k BTU. Furrion Chill, for example, has up to 50% greater cooling capacity than leading competitors.
Humidity is another factor to consider, especially in very humid areas like the Everglades. A more powerful air conditioner unit can help keep the moisture and mugginess out of the air, and Furrion Chill can produce up to 25% dryer air than leading competitors.
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Tip #1: Call Manufacturer
Calling the RV AC manufacturer before making a purchase can save you time and trouble.
They can inform you if the new unit is compatible with your existing thermostat, as we learned from our own experience.
This is especially important if you're not replacing the thermostat, just the rooftop AC unit.
Don't assume compatibility - it's better to check with the manufacturer first.
Portable AC Units
Portable AC units are a game-changer for travel trailers, and it's essential to understand how they work.

A compressor is the heart of any portable AC unit, pushing refrigerant gas through a series of heat exchangers to cool the air.
The condenser heat exchanger is where the magic happens, with a fan blowing air through the fins to cool the refrigerant gas, causing it to condense into a liquid.
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How Portable A/C Works
Portable A/C units are a convenient and effective way to cool down small spaces, and understanding how they work can help you make the most of their benefits.
A portable A/C unit uses a compressor to push refrigerant gas into a condenser heat exchanger.
The compressor is the heart of the unit, responsible for compressing the refrigerant gas.
A fan blows air through the fins of the condenser heat exchanger to cool the refrigerant gas, causing it to condense into a liquid.
This liquid is still under high pressure.
The high-pressure liquid passes through a thin capillary tube or an expansion valve, which reduces its pressure.
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This is a critical step in the cooling process.
The low-pressure liquid is then squirted into a second heat exchanger called the evaporator.
Here, the liquid evaporates into a cold gas.
The cold gas cools the air flowing past the tubes in the evaporator, effectively cooling the surrounding space.
This is the moment when the magic happens, and you start to feel the cooling effect.
The gas, now warmer, passes back to the compressor where it is compressed once again.
This completes the cycle, and the unit is ready to start another cooling cycle.
Coolzy vs. Other Portable Devices
Coolzy stands out from other camping portable air conditioners, which can range in price from $999 to $1499.
Unlike traditional camping portable air conditioners, Coolzy is highly efficient with a CoP of 3.
Coolzy doesn't mix cool air with room air, instead focusing the cool air directly at the user's face and upper body.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to install an AC unit in a travel trailer?
The cost to install an AC unit in a travel trailer can range from $700 to $1,400, depending on the type and features of the unit. Installation costs may vary, so it's best to consult a professional for a more accurate estimate.
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