Best Small Air Conditioner for RV of 2024: Top 6 Picks

Getting a small air conditioner for RV is one of the most essential to make your rig serve as a second home.

To help you, we picked all best small air conditioners in most common needs of customers, such as low-profile, budget-friendly, high CFM, and so on. Keep reading!

Here are the best small air conditioners for RV (Nov 2024 Update):

• Rooftop - Best Overall: Dometic Polar White B57915.XX1C0
• Rooftop - Low Profile Option: Dometic 640315C
• Rooftop - High CFM: AIRXCEL 08-0080
• Rooftop - Budget-Friendly: ASA Electronics ACM135
• Portable - Best Overall: Honeywell HL14CESWB
• Portable - Budget-Friendly: BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT

Best Overall: Dometic Polar White B57915.XX1C0

Top Pick

Dometic Polar White B57915.XX1C0

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Out of multitudinous RV air conditioners with small capacity, the Dometic B57915.XX1C0 gets my highest scores due to its ultra-quiet operation, energy-saving features, and top technologies.

It features one of the strongest motors for 15% starting increased airflow 15% while keeping the lightest and most compact silhouette. The straightforward design also offers an easier installation that beginners with little to no experience can handle like a breeze.

My most favorite is the new base pan and more structure which makes this Dometic very reliable for recreational vehicle owners.

The heavy-duty components are another big bonus to help it keep up with harsh conditions, like shocks or regular vibrations while driving.

Low Profile Option: Dometic 640315C

Dometic 640315C

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What draws me to the Dometic 640315C in the first place is its R410A refrigerant – the latest technologies in air conditioning with an emphasis on higher efficiency and better heat releasing. For that reason, it’s also eco-friendly.

The ultra-low profile is another highlight in this model (with under 10” height). It allows significant minimizing drag while on the move, hence, giving you extra miles from your gas.

Additionally, the RV air conditioner features a high-quality fan that offers an impressive and powerful cooling performance – 13,500 BTU – suited to any types of RVs, especially for medium to small space.

High CFM: AIRXCEL 08-0080

AIRXCEL 08-0080

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The ducted AIRXCEL 08-0080 RV air conditioner comes with numerous features that I adore. With 15,000 BTU - higher rating than the other two, it’s ideal for larger vehicle spaces while the HP fan motor delivers 320 CFM for faster air spreading than any other models on the market.

While covering every base that an RV owner might need, the unit also comes with some extra features.

Such as the condenser coils with large evaporation and raised LANCE fins to deliver decent performance in heat dissipation. Or, the optional heater assembly that can provide heat up to 5,600 BTU.

I also appreciate the all-copper tubing and gas-flux brazed joints. They leverage the durability of the AC itself, giving a few more years to last.

Budget-Friendly: ASA Electronics ACM135

ASA Electronics ACM135

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I bet many year-round RV-ers also want a versatile AC that also features some heating capabilities to survive in punishing cold weathers, right? With a plug-in heat strip, the ASA Electronics ACM135 meets nicely that need with full satisfaction.

I’m also intrigued by the three-speed fan setting as it allows me and my partner to adjust the airflow in certain conditions.

Plus, there’s a foam gasket kit already included that you don’t need to spend time to research and buy it separately.

Best Overall: Honeywell HL14CESWB

Honeywell HL14CESWB

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What attracts me the most to this portable AC is a pre-assembled installation kit right out of the box that a person who doesn’t be good at setting up things like me can put it together easily.

Featuring 14,000 BTU, its power is perfect for 550-700 square feet of RV space and there’s also thermal overload protection to keep you rest assured with added safety.

Fans of Honeywell HL14CESWB also commented for the powerful fan. It features automatic vertical wind motion and a three-speed setting that can cool down a 400-sq. ft. room by 15 degrees in 30 minutes.

And if you suddenly want to adjust it at night, it’s when the remote control comes into place. While working so quietly, especially when adding the sleep mode, I also appreciate that the unit provides a 24-hour energy-saving timer.

Budget-Friendly: BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT

BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT

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The BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT is the most multifunctional unit under $280 that I’ve found.

While taking the majority of cooling down 100-150 square feet, it can circulate air to help you stand up the punishing hot temp and importantly, dehumidify your living space pretty well. Many customers found this unit was like a lifesaver for their narrow RV space.

It’s more budget-friendly and portable than the Honeywell. While operating, the noise is measured at 59 dB while other brands at this field usually over 68 dB, which means it’s fairly quiet.

The remote control works well with all options respond immediately. It can pick up strong signals even when you don’t face to the air conditioner.

How To Choose A Good Small Air Conditioner For RV?

Frequency of RV use

• First off, ask yourself this question: “Are you going to use your RV all-season or only for winter/summer?” The more frequency of RV use, the more versatile the AC.

• For example, if you’re a year-round RV owner, you need an air conditioner that not only cools down the hot temp during summer but also helps you survive during winter nights. That’s when an AC with a heat pump/heat strip should come into places.

Your RV space and BTU ratings

• While an RV air conditioner featuring a lower BTU makes you waste energy as it has to run longer to reach your cooling need, the one with a higher BTU will not only waste energy but also your money.

• To find out the exact number of BTUs that your RV needs, determine these elements:

  • The area that needs cooling
  • Number of regular people inside
  • Ceiling height
  • Insulation condition
  • Climate
  • Sun exposure

• You can consult the results from some online BTU calculator websites and besides, I’ll give you a hint. The most common cooling capacity of RV ACs on the market nowadays is 13,500 BTUs and under good insulation condition, hot temp, and average sun exposure, it’s good for 450-650 square feet of spaces.

Types

• For RV use, two common types of air conditioners are:

  • Rooftop: They are usually placed over an RV roof’s window. You should choose a lightweight and compact model to avoid causing bulk and height to the vehicle.

  • Portable: This type is usually for an RV with a weak ceiling. They are usually equipped with an adjustable frame placed beneath the window to keep its hose in place and mostly, you should vent it through a window. For easier mobility, consider attached wheels and built-in handles.

• If you’re not brilliant at installing things, find a model with pre-assembled installation kit.

Which Brands Make The Best Small Air Conditioner For RV?

Dometic

• You’ll find Dometic as a top-picked in many collected review articles about small air conditioners for RV and that’s not surprising because this is a 100-year company that great Albert Einstein is impressed. Their products are reliable for a great warranty, quality, and performance.

AIRXCEL

• Unlike Dometic, AIRXCEL is a holding company of quality brands. Their products are mainly in house appliances and recently, expanded to RV furniture. Thanks to the applications of creativity and innovation, their RV ACs are commented for phenomenal performance and durability.

ASA Electronics

• Founded in 1977, ASA Electronics is another well-known brand with a long-standing history. Their products are the most favorite option of worldwide customers with a tight budget when it comes to rooftop ACs for their RV due to the top-notch quality.

Honeywell

• I bet that everyone has heard at least once about this brand, right? While being a trustful brand in many industries, such as buildings & cities, chemicals & materials, they also earn great success in RV air conditioners.

BLACK+DECKER

• The last Mr. Giant in this list is BLACK+DECKER – a renowned brand for innovative tools for builders, protectors, makers, and explorers since 1843. In terms of small ACs for RV, their products highlight the multifunction and durability while keeping a competitive price range that anyone can buy.

FAQs

Conclusion

There’s nothing more terrible than getting stuck in a confined box of unrelenting heat for hours traveling, right? That’s why you should spend time and effort to consider a suitable small air conditioner for RV.

Hope this article help you find your best one. Thanks for reading!