If you reside in a hot or humid area, you might be concerned about the lack of insulation in an RV.
As a result, it could appear as though you’re living in an unventilated, hot box. While a portable RV air conditioner can easily solve such issues, why bother with window air conditioners?
For the time being, go for a portable air conditioners rather than attempting to install a large roof-mounted unit.
Although a roof-mounted air conditioner is standard in many RVs, having a portable unit has a number of benefits.
Without the requirement for pricey installation, a portable air conditioners can be utilised to replace or supplement a roof-mounted unit.
These little RV A/C units are designed to cool your RV and are much easier to carry (since they are on wheels).
Allowing you to use them in locations other than your RV and removing the need to climb onto the roof when your A/C needs maintenance.
The best portable RV air conditioners will make your space more comfortable by carefully directing cool air where you need it in your camper.
For RVers who live in humid regions, certain portable air conditioners may also function as a dehumidifier.
Knowing how these systems work and what is needed for your specific RV is essential when selecting a portable air conditioning unit for your vehicle.
We’ve produced a list of the six best RV portable air conditioners, along with a buying guide to help you choose the best one for your motorhome or camper trailer, to assist you in making the best decision possible.
The 6 Best Portable AC Units For RVs In 2022
In my opinion, these are the top six small, portable air conditioners for RVs. To help you focus your search even further, I’ve organized each by its most useful use or feature.
The best portable RV air conditioner overall is the Black + Decker BPACT10WT.
If you’re looking for a portable RV air conditioning unit that balances performance and pricing, the Black + Decker BPACT10WT Portable Air Conditioners is the best option.
It is a tiny 10,000 BTU air conditioner that has the capacity to cool 250 square foot rooms.
This suggests that it works best for RVs that are smaller than 31 feet in length. Yet, for these settings, it offers exceptional cooling power at a reasonable cost.
Also, you can regulate the fan speed on this portable RV air conditioner, and it features a Sleep Mode that allows you to keep the air moving in your RV while you sleep without having to endure noisy buzzing.
Personally, I appreciate that this gadget has three settings. Among the choices are a cool setting, a fan setting, and a dehumidifier setting.
If dehumidification or air conditioning aren’t necessary on a given day, you can still use it to improve air flow. You might be able to reduce your power costs as a result.
But, this device is powerful enough to cool or remove moisture from the air in your RV.
This dehumidifier does not require you to empty a water bucket like other dehumidifiers do.
It has a hose adapter that connects to the back of the unit and enables water to drain out the window as opposed to accumulating within.
The Things We Love
10,000 BTUs are used in this air conditioner.
Adjustable Fan Speed: Ensures air circulation all night long without making a lot of noise.
This product fits a range of window styles and is easy to install.
Container-less Design:
You won’t need to bother about emptying a bucket of water from the machine like you would with other dehumidifiers.
We Don’t Appreciate These Things
This unit’s square footage is limited to a maximum of 250 square feet.
Size: It would be challenging to live in an RV with this unit’s size.
#2. The Best Budget-Friendly Alternative Is The JHS 8,000 BTU 3-In-1 Floor Portable AC Unit.
RVers seeking for a high-performance portable air conditioners have a cost-effective option in the JHS 8,000 BTU portable air conditioners.
This appliance can offer air circulation, cooling, and dehumidification for areas up to 170 square feet and has an 8,000 BTU capacity.
For RVs or trailers that are shorter than 22 feet in length, this is a fantastic tiny and compact A/C unit. One of its standout features is the remote control for wireless operation.
For instance, if you keep the remote by your bed, you may set the air conditioner to run at night without getting out of bed.
A number of crucial settings are clearly confirmed by the machine’s front LED display.
This portable rv air conditioner has settings for temperature and humidity in addition to mode, timer, and speed. The display will notify you when the onboard water tank of the device is full.
It is impossible to emphasize the significance of the conclusion. In contrast to the first air conditioner on our list.
This one has an incorporated water tank for storing the moisture it removes from the air while it is in the dehumidifying mode.
Since you won’t be dependent on a window installation, you’ll have to remember to empty that tank on a regular basis, but you’ll also have more freedom to move it around your RV.
Things We Like
Remote control: To switch off the air conditioner before going to sleep, you won’t even need to get out of bed.
LED display: Makes it possible to visually check the device’s temperature and humidity settings.
The least expensive air conditioner on our list is this one.
This device has a dehumidification capacity of up to 31.7 pints per day from the air.
We Don’t Appreciate These Things
Wait 24 hours before using this device if it has been stored or carried in a horizontal position.
This air conditioner has an 8,000 BTU rating.
Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioners, #3 Best All-Rounder
Remove extra moisture from the area if you’re looking for a portable air conditioners that can chill your RV.
The Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioners is a great replacement, or it can just increase air circulation.
Since it can cool and dehumidify spaces up to 500 square feet, this device is especially well-suited for RVers with rigs longer than 40 feet.
In terms of dehumidification, the ARC-14S can remove up to 101 quarts of water from the air in your RV each day.
Before using this air conditioner, you must properly install it in one of your RV’s windows.
You can install it on windows with lengths ranging from 20 to 47 inches thanks to the installation kit it comes with.
The system’s exhaust and intake hoses can be made as long as 60 inches.
Its environmental friendliness is one of my two favorite aspects.
The air that goes through it is filtered using an activated carbon filter, and it is cooled with a refrigerant free of chlorofluorocarbons.
Items We Enjoy
This device has a 14,000 BTU rating and can cool spaces up to 500 square feet.
By choosing Cold, Fan, or Dehumidifier as the option, you can put it to use in a variety of ways.
Can remove up to 101 quarts of water each day from the air through dehumidification.
can use dehumidification to remove up to 101 gallons of water from the air per day.
These things are not appreciated by us.
Size: At 19 inches by 16 inches by 35.5 inches and 80 pounds, this is a larger thing.
By choosing Cold, Fan, or Dehumidifier as the option, you can put it to use in a variety of ways.
#4. LG LP1417GSR Oscillating Discharge Remote Control Portable AC For RV
If you’re looking for a portable air conditioners that can chill and boost airflow in your RV, the LG LP1417GSR A/C unit’s oscillating discharge feature is something you’ll like.
With this feature, the air in your RV is swept and circulated more uniformly, preventing hot spots where warm air accumulates.
For RV owners with trailers longer than 40 feet, this is a fantastic option because it can handle spaces up to 500 square feet.
This is valid whether the setting is for Cool, Fan, or Dehumidifying. If you utilize the latter, you won’t have to bother about emptying a water tank every other day.
The auto-evaporation feature of this unit causes any moisture that it draws from the air in your RV to evaporate inside the unit itself.
As a result, there is no longer a need to regularly shut it down in order to empty an onboard water tank.
It must, however, be installed in one of your RV windows, and it may work with windows that are between 18 and 50 inches in length.
I like the touch controls on this device because so many of us are used to touch displays in daily life.
This makes it easier to use the device and lets you change modes and settings fast when you need to modify the air conditioner’s performance.
Things We Like
An air distribution that is more consistent throughout your RV is made possible by oscillating discharge.
With a 14,000 BTU capacity, this robust appliance can cool spaces up to 500 square feet.
The auto-evaporation system avoids the need to empty the water tank when the device is in dehumidifying mode.
Touch Controls: The touch controls make it easy to change the settings or move between modes of operation.
Observations We Don’t Appreciate
This type of portable air conditioners is more expensive.
The square footage rating could be excessive for trailers or RVs that are smaller.
Number 5 is the Frigidaire FGRC1044T1 10000 BTU Best Energy Star Certified Cool Connect Smart Window Air Conditioner.
If energy efficiency is a top priority for you, take a moment to look over the Frigidaire FGR1044T1 Air Conditioner more closely.
It is an Energy Star certified product with a 12.0 energy efficiency ratio, according to Energy Star’s 2017 ratings (EER).
A higher EER normally denotes more efficiency. The Energy Star label is associated with air conditioner energy efficiency.
RV owners who experience seasonal or year-round allergies might consider this as a great alternative.
The RV’s built-in clean air ioniser removes allergens, pollen, and other impurities from the air.
You won’t be as heated as a result, which will make you more comfortable, and you won’t sneeze as much during allergy season.
The fact that you can link your smartphone to this air conditioner is pretty cool. Like the previous air conditioner that had a remote control.
You can change the mode or settings on this air conditioner from anywhere inside your RV.
Thanks to Wi-Fi compatibility, you’ll also be able to turn on the air conditioning from your phone if you need to cool things off before you return while you’re away.
Last but not least, this air conditioner works wonders for RVs that are longer than 40 feet. It has a 10,000 BTU capacity and can heat and cool 450 square foot rooms.
Its lengths, which range from 24 to 40 inches, will need to be fitted in one of your RV’s windows.
Things We Like
Energy Efficiency: This appliance is Energy Star-certified and has a 12.0 energy efficiency ratio.
Wi-Fi capable: You may operate the appliance from your smartphone using the Frigidaire mobile app.
The Clean Air Ionizer purifies the air by removing contaminants and pollen.
This appliance can heat up to 450 square feet and has a 10,000 BTU rating.
We Don’t Appreciate These Things
Compatible with windows that are 18.167 inches tall, this device is made to work with them.
Product Weight: To prevent it from slipping out of your RV window, this 70-pound device must be properly installed.
#6. The Best AC For RV With A Large BTU Rating Is The Homelabs 14,000 BTU Dehumidifier Feature.
If you’re searching for a portable RV air conditioner with one of the highest BTU ratings available, the HomeLabs 14,000 BTU unit is a good solution.
With a powerful unit like this, you can circulate air, cool, or dehumidify spaces that are between 450 and 600 square feet in size.
While being among the heaviest on our list, it has wheels so you can easily transport it around your RV. It can fit windows up to 48 inches wide and functions well with double-hung windows.
It does include a dehumidifying drain line, but it needs to be connected before water can exit your RV or enter the drainage system.
In contrast to other models with built-in air filters, this machine’s filter can be taken off and cleaned.
This implies that when your filter runs out, you won’t need to replace it.
The maker advises cleansing the filter every two weeks to encourage cleaner airflow and extend its lifespan.
I really appreciate the Eco-Friendly Sleep feature of this product. You can sleep better because the unit uses less energy and produces less noise throughout the night.
You may control this item’s settings from your bed using the remote that comes with it.
Favorite Things
RVs up to 600 square feet in size can be heated or cooled with this 14,000 BTU unit’s capabilities.
Washable Air Filter: You can clean and replace your existing filter rather than purchasing a new one.
Quick to Install: According to the majority of users, installing this device takes no more than eight minutes.
Eco-friendly Sleep Feature: When used at night, this feature consumes less power and emits less noise.
We Don’t Appreciate These Things
The unit needs a reachable drainage system because it leaks water while it is operating.
The machine leaks water while it is functioning, thus it needs a reachable drainage system.
How To Choose A Portable Air Conditioner That Is Appropriate For Your RV
Each RV (and each RV owner) has a unique set of worries. To help you order your needs while searching for a portable air conditioners for your RV, I’ve put together this buying guide.
RV Portable Air Coolers of Many Types
There are many different portable air conditioners types from which to choose. Let’s start with some of each kind’s most significant advantages and disadvantages.
No vents on the air conditioner
The most mobile alternative is an air conditioner without vents. To pull heated air from your RV and push cooler air out the other side, all they need is an AC power source.
These essentially operate similarly to a swamp cooler and consume very little electricity.
On the other hand, these gadgets are only practical in places with dry heat.
If you don’t use an external hose for drainage, they might lead to a pool forming beneath the unit because they don’t function as well in humid environments.
Some of them do feature a tank of water to soak up moisture, but you’ll need to empty it frequently.
HVAC system with vents
Using a hose, this type of RV air conditioner ventilates the air from inside to outside (or hoses).
For the purpose of securing the hose in a frame beneath the glass, many of them work well with windows that swing open upward. The fact that these air conditioners are cheaply priced is a plus.
There are a few drawbacks, though. It is necessary to have enough ventilation during the installation of these devices.
It’s ideal to buy a model with at least two ventilation hoses because improper ventilation might allow hot air to return into your RV.
Due to the fact that their compressors will be functioning inside your RV, these units may produce more noise than many RV owners would want.
A window-mounted air conditioner
This type of air conditioner is installed in one of your RV’s windows. They often offer superior cooling in a tiny package.
Also, they occupy a lot less space than a unit that is supported by the floor. In comparison to their equivalents, these machines are frequently quieter and easier to maintain.
This type of air conditioner’s drawback is that it can require some modification in order to be placed properly.
Because you won’t need to take your air conditioner out and put it back in as frequently, they are a better option for RVers who want to spend a lot of time in one spot.
Finding Your Needs for Square Footage
Most RVs have a width of eight or nine feet. Of course, lengths differ everywhere around the globe.
Notwithstanding the fact that all rigs must fit beneath the shortest overpasses and underpasses possible, the heights vary widely.
All of this is to imply that you should measure the living space in your RV before selecting a portable air conditioners. For instance, my RV is 8 feet wide and 36 feet long.
The overall area is 288 square feet. But, given that it’s an outdated model with inadequate insulation, I’d choose an air conditioner with a minimum 350 square foot capacity.
It’s also important to consider the sort of RV you’re driving. For example, Class A motorhomes might have much less headroom than a 5th wheel with higher ceilings.
If you want to effectively cool all that extra head room in a 5th wheel, you’ll need a more potent air conditioner than your simple square footage calculation suggests.
Installing Procedures
Since the majority of these air conditioners are “portable” devices, permanent installation is not usually required.
Yet, a few of them worked best when temporarily mounted in a window of your RV. Others are made to be set on the floor and plugged into an RV wall outlet.
If you frequently move your RV to different locations, look for an air conditioner that doesn’t require window installation.
This shows there isn’t a hose exiting the back that needs to be drained outside.
If you intend to spend a lot of time inside your RV, you might want to think about placing an air conditioner in the window.
You’ll save up space on the floor while also getting better overall cooling and airflow.
Make sure you are familiar with the installation procedure for the gadget you have chosen before you make your final choice.
If not, you’ll have to spend additional money on hiring a professional to help you with the air conditioner installation.
Capabilities for Many Uses
Thankfully, the majority of the best portable air conditioners for use in RVs have a range of settings and modes.
In the event that they don’t, you should often search for a model with several uses.
A good RV portable air conditioners should have at least three settings: fan, chill, and dehumidifier.
This gives you the option to change the mode in accordance with the most pressing needs in your current location, which is especially helpful for RVers who frequently switch between different sites.
The Most Frequently Asked Questions
Before you select the best portable air conditioners for your RV, let’s go over some of the most often asked questions about them.
These questions will cover details like installation, maintenance, and technical specifications.
Precisely What Is A “BTU Rating”?
Simply explained, “BTU” stands for “British Thermal Units”. The heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit is measured using this unit of heat.
What Are Some of the Best Practices For Maintaining A Portable Air Conditioner?
To make sure that your portable air conditioners lasts as long as possible, regular maintenance is imperative. Start by routinely cleaning the exterior of the unit.
It’s not excessive to check and clean the filter once per week, but you should do so at least every two weeks, so you might as well include outdoor cleaning in your agenda at that time.
Further recommended maintenance procedures include checking the condenser coils, making sure your exhaust pipe is straight.
Cleaning the area around the air conditioner, and scheduling regular check-ups with an HVAC specialist.
How Do I Put A Portable Air Conditioners In My RV?
Depending on the model you select, the exact response to this question will change.
Some can be linked to the closest power outlet and placed on the floor in an appropriate location.
For the hose from the back to drain outside, other items must be placed in your RV’s windows.
Conclusion
A portable air conditioners is a great choice for RVers who intend to spend a lot of time inside their vehicles.
If so, you’re probably aware of how uncomfortable your RV may become as the weather warms up.
These units are excellent holdovers if you decide to put off replacing the onboard air conditioning system in your RV until the following season.
The best portable air conditioners for RV use include cooling capacities and features that are comparable to those of standard built-in RV air conditioners.
Yet, because they are portable, they are typically easier to maintain and have a variety of uses.
We sincerely hope that our air conditioner reviews have been useful to you, and we wish you luck as you look for the ideal unit for your RV.
