Few things ruin a camping trip faster than a hot, stuffy RV. A weak rooftop unit leaves the back bedroom warm while the front stays freezing, and a loud one drowns out conversation every time it kicks on. The right RV air conditioner cools the whole rig evenly, runs quietly enough to sleep under, and bolts into a standard 14 inch by 14 inch roof opening without drama.
We compared the most popular rooftop and ducted RV AC units on cooling output, real world noise, weight, and how forgiving they are to install. Whether you are replacing a tired factory unit or adding a second air conditioner to a big fifth wheel, these seven picks cover every common setup from compact travel trailers to large motorhomes.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Dometic Brisk II Air Conditioner 13,500 BTU Best Overall 13,500 BTU rooftop, ducted or non-ducted, fits 14×14 opening |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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RecPro Houghton RP-AC2801 13,500 BTU Low Profile Quietest Cooling 13,500 BTU low profile rooftop, ducted and non-ducted, soft start ready |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Coleman Mach 15+ 15,000 BTU High Capacity Most Cooling Power 15,000 BTU rooftop, 1 HP motor, high capacity for large rigs |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Furrion Chill 14,500 BTU Rooftop Air Conditioner Best for Big Cabins 14,500 BTU rooftop, high efficiency coil, ducted or non-ducted |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Dometic Penguin II Low Profile 13,500 BTU Best Low Profile 13,500 BTU low profile rooftop, aerodynamic shroud, ducted system |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Advent Air ACM150 15,000 BTU Rooftop Unit Best Value Pick 15,000 BTU rooftop, ducted or non-ducted, standard 14×14 fit |
8.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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ASA Electronics Advent Air ACDB Ducted 13,500 BTU Best Ducted Replacement 13,500 BTU ducted rooftop, standard mount, central thermostat compatible |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Dometic Brisk II Air Conditioner 13,500 BTU: Best Overall
The Dometic Brisk II earns the top spot because it does the fundamentals better than almost anything else and parts are available at every RV dealer in the country. Its redundant air paths and larger blower move more air than the unit it replaced, so it pulls down cabin temperature quickly even on a hot afternoon. The EPP foam shroud keeps weight low, which matters both for your roof structure and for the person wrestling it into the gasket during install.
The honest weakness is noise. On high fan the Brisk II is clearly louder than the quiet premium units further down this list, and you will hear it cycle at night. It is also a non-ducted or ducted base unit only, meaning the ceiling assembly that actually blows air into the cabin is a separate purchase, so confirm you are ordering the matching kit. For most RVers chasing reliable cooling and easy service, those tradeoffs are easy to accept.
- 13,500 BTU cooling with improved airflow over the original Brisk
- Lightweight EPP foam shroud reduces total roof load
- Works in both ducted and non-ducted RV setups
Pros: Strong, consistent cooling for most travel trailers; Lighter than older units, easier on the roof and on install; Huge parts and accessory availability nationwide
Cons: Non-ducted ceiling assembly is sold separately; Noticeably louder than premium quiet units on high fan
2. RecPro Houghton RP-AC2801 13,500 BTU Low Profile: Quietest Cooling
The RecPro Houghton has become the favorite of RVers who care about noise above all else. It runs noticeably quieter than the Brisk II and Coleman units, and the airflow feels smooth rather than the on or off blast of older compressors. The low profile shroud sits closer to the roof, which helps with garage and bridge clearance and trims a little wind drag on the highway. It ships with both ducted and non-ducted ceiling assemblies, so it adapts to most rigs out of the box.
The catch is the support network. Houghton and RecPro do not have the dealer footprint of the legacy brands, so if you need warranty service on the road you are more likely to be shipping parts than walking into a shop. It also pairs best with a soft start device if you plan to run it off a portable generator. For boondockers and light sleepers who plan ahead, it is an outstanding unit.
- Low profile shroud cuts wind drag and clearance issues
- Variable speed style operation runs quieter than standard units
- Includes both ducted and ductless ceiling options
Pros: Genuinely quiet, one of the best for sleeping; Low profile design improves clearance and fuel economy; Soft start friendly for running on smaller generators
Cons: Dealer and parts network is smaller than Dometic or Coleman
3. Coleman Mach 15+ 15,000 BTU High Capacity: Most Cooling Power
When the question is pure cooling muscle, the Coleman Mach 15+ answers it. At 15,000 BTU with a one horsepower motor, it is the unit to choose for a large fifth wheel, a desert summer, or any rig where a 13,500 BTU unit just cannot keep up. The big blower pushes cold air down long ducted runs so the back bedroom actually gets cold instead of merely less hot, and the Mach line has a long track record of holding up to heavy use.
All that capacity comes with real costs. The Mach 15+ is heavy, so you want a roof rated for it and a second set of hands on the roof during install. It also draws a lot of current, which means a solid 30 or 50 amp hookup or a generator with headroom, and it is not the quietest option. If your RV is small or well insulated, this is more unit than you need, but for big and hot it is hard to beat.
- 15,000 BTU output, among the highest in a single roof unit
- 1 horsepower fan motor moves a large volume of air
- Built for big fifth wheels and hot climates
Pros: Best raw cooling for large or poorly insulated RVs; Powerful blower keeps long ducted runs cold; Proven Coleman Mach reliability and parts support
Cons: Heavy unit that demands a sturdy roof and two installers; High power draw needs a strong shore or generator supply
4. Furrion Chill 14,500 BTU Rooftop Air Conditioner: Best for Big Cabins
The Furrion Chill slots neatly between the 13,500 BTU mainstream units and the 15,000 BTU monsters, giving you extra cooling headroom without the full weight and power penalty of the Mach 15+. Its high efficiency coil squeezes solid performance out of each amp, and the shroud is one of the better looking and more UV resistant designs on the market, which matters when it bakes in the sun for years. For a mid to large trailer it hits a sensible balance.
To get the most from it you really want to stay inside the Furrion ecosystem, pairing it with the brand’s ceiling assembly and thermostat for clean control and airflow. Mixing it with off brand controls can work but invites quirks. The parts network is also thinner than Dometic or Coleman, so plan to order online rather than expecting a local shelf. Within its own family, though, it is a polished and capable unit.
- 14,500 BTU with a high efficiency evaporator coil
- Sleek shroud that resists UV and weather fading
- Pairs with Furrion ducted and ductless ceiling kits
Pros: Strong cooling that sits between 13.5K and 15K units; Efficient coil design for the cooling it delivers; Attractive low profile shroud holds up to sun
Cons: Best results require matching Furrion ceiling and thermostat; Smaller aftermarket parts ecosystem than Dometic
5. Dometic Penguin II Low Profile 13,500 BTU: Best Low Profile
The Dometic Penguin II is the pick when looks and aerodynamics matter as much as cooling. Its streamlined shroud sits low and sheds wind, so it produces less highway whistle and a touch less drag than a tall boxy unit, while still delivering a full 13,500 BTU. On a ducted coach it distributes air smoothly through the existing vents and ties into a central thermostat for proper zoned comfort.
The tradeoff for that sleek body is weight. The Penguin II is heavier than the Brisk II for the same BTU rating, so factor your roof structure and install help accordingly. It is also built first and foremost for ducted setups, which makes it less convenient if you wanted a simple non-ducted single room swap. If your RV is already ducted and you want a clean low profile upgrade, it is an excellent fit with the reassurance of Dometic support behind it.
- Aerodynamic low profile shroud cuts wind noise and drag
- 13,500 BTU cooling in a sleek streamlined housing
- Designed for ducted RV roofs with central thermostat
Pros: Lowest profile look reduces drag and clearance worries; Quieter highway wind noise than tall boxy shrouds; Backed by the wide Dometic service network
Cons: Heavier than the Brisk II for the same cooling output; Primarily set up for ducted systems, not a quick ductless swap
6. Advent Air ACM150 15,000 BTU Rooftop Unit: Best Value Pick
The Advent Air ACM150 is the practical choice for RVers who want 15,000 BTU of cooling without paying a premium brand markup. It fits the universal 14 inch by 14 inch roof opening, so it commonly serves as a direct replacement for tired no name factory units, and it comes in ducted or non-ducted ceiling configurations to match your rig. For the cooling it puts out, it represents strong value.
Where it shows its position is refinement. The ACM150 runs louder than the quiet premium units, and the fit and finish of the shroud and controls feel a notch below Dometic or Coleman. None of that stops it from cooling effectively, and for a workhorse replacement or a second unit on a big trailer it does the job honestly. Just go in expecting function over polish.
- 15,000 BTU cooling at a value friendly position
- Drops into the standard 14×14 roof opening
- Available with ducted or non-ducted ceiling assemblies
Pros: High BTU output without a premium brand markup; Straightforward standard size install; Good replacement choice for older non branded units
Cons: Louder operation than premium quiet units; Build finish feels a step below the top tier brands
7. ASA Electronics Advent Air ACDB Ducted 13,500 BTU: Best Ducted Replacement
The ASA Electronics Advent Air ducted unit exists for one clear job, restoring cooling to an RV that already runs a ducted system. Rather than blasting from a single ceiling grille, it pushes cold air through the coach’s existing duct network so every room gets a share, which is what you want in a longer trailer or motorhome. It mounts in the standard roof opening and plays nicely with common central thermostats, making it a tidy like for like replacement.
Because it is ducted only, it is the wrong tool for a compact non-ducted rig where a single room ceiling assembly would be simpler and cheaper to fit. Support also leans on online ordering rather than a dense dealer network. But if your existing ducted air conditioner has died and you want even, whole coach cooling without redesigning the system, this unit slides right in and gets the job done.
- Ducted design distributes cold air through existing vents
- Fits standard RV roof openings for easy swaps
- Compatible with common central thermostat setups
Pros: Clean integration with existing ducted RV systems; Even cooling across multiple rooms; Affordable way to restore a dead ducted unit
Cons: Ducted only, not suited to single room non-ducted rigs; Smaller support network than legacy major brands
Frequently Asked Questions
How many BTUs do I need to cool my RV?
For most travel trailers and smaller motorhomes a 13,500 BTU rooftop unit is the standard and cools well in normal summer heat. If your RV is over about 30 feet, poorly insulated, or you camp in very hot climates like the desert Southwest, step up to a 15,000 BTU unit such as the Coleman Mach 15+ or run a second air conditioner. Large fifth wheels often use two units, one for the living area and one for the bedroom, so each zone stays comfortable.
What is the difference between ducted and non-ducted RV air conditioners?
A non-ducted unit blows cold air directly out of a single ceiling assembly in one room, which is simple and effective in small rigs. A ducted unit feeds air into the RV’s built in duct network so cold air reaches multiple rooms through several vents, giving more even whole coach cooling. Many units, including the Dometic Brisk II and RecPro Houghton, can be set up either way, but you must buy the matching ceiling assembly for your chosen configuration. Check what your RV already has before ordering.
Can I install an RV air conditioner myself?
Many handy RVers do install rooftop units themselves since most use the universal 14 inch by 14 inch opening, which makes replacements largely a bolt in job. You will need a helper because the units are heavy and awkward on a roof, a way to safely get the unit up there, and basic comfort with 120 volt wiring and the gasket seal that prevents leaks. If you are not confident working on the roof or with the electrical connections, have a dealer or mobile RV tech handle it to avoid water intrusion and wiring mistakes.
Why is my RV air conditioner so loud, and can I make it quieter?
Older and budget rooftop units are loud because the compressor and blower sit just inches above your head with little sound insulation. If noise bothers you, the biggest improvement comes from choosing a quiet focused unit like the RecPro Houghton, which is engineered to run softer than legacy designs. You can also reduce noise by keeping the unit serviced, making sure the shroud and gaskets are seated properly, and adding a soft start device that smooths the harsh startup surge of the compressor.
Can I run my RV air conditioner on a portable generator?
Yes, but the air conditioner’s startup surge is the challenge, not its running draw. A 13,500 BTU unit typically needs a generator in the 2,800 to 3,500 watt range to start reliably, and 15,000 BTU units need more. Adding a soft start device dramatically lowers that startup spike and can let a smaller inverter generator, even a 2,000 watt class unit in some cases, start the AC. Always check your specific unit’s starting requirements and your generator’s surge rating before relying on it in the heat.
Our Verdict
Our top pick is the Dometic Brisk II for its dependable cooling, manageable weight, and unmatched parts availability, which makes it the safest choice for the widest range of RVs. If quiet operation is your priority, the RecPro Houghton RP-AC2801 is the standout runner up, running noticeably softer for better sleep while still delivering full cooling, and for big or desert bound rigs the 15,000 BTU Coleman Mach 15+ brings the most raw power. Match the unit to your roof, your climate, and your ducted or non-ducted setup, and you will stay cool wherever the road goes.
