Best RV Air Conditioners of 2025: An Expert Guide From RecPro

Quick Answers

Best overall RV air conditioner: RecPro 15K Quiet AC with Heat Pump (RP-AC3800)

Best for compact RVs and travel trailers: RecPro 13.5K Low Profile AC (RP-AC3501)

Best for off-grid and solar RV setups: RecPro 48V DC 13.5K Low Profile AC (RP-AC48V-H3400-W-KT)

Best Alternative: Dometic Brisk II 15K BTU

Best Airflow: Coleman-Mach 15+ AC Series

Traveling with an RV is all about traveling in comfort, and keeping the interior climate of your RV comfortable can mean the difference between an enjoyable vacation and a miserable one. Having the right air conditioner is of vital importance, whether you're going on a warm summer adventure or traveling to a winter wonderland.

It can be hard to figure out which RV air conditioner is right for your needs, which is why we've come up with this list of the top 5 best RV air conditioners of 2025. We've factored in aspects such as noise production, energy efficiency, cooling and heating capacity, ease of installation, and more when making this list, so we hope you'll find it helpful when selecting your RV air conditioner.

Why Choosing the Right RV Air Conditioner Matters

Choosing the right RV air conditioner isn't just about staying cool on a hot day — it also involves your comfort, power efficiency, and system compatibility.

Consider the following when looking for the right RV air conditioner:

• Energy use – how much power will it use when you're on shore power, a generator, or solar?
• Noise levels – will it be quiet enough for peaceful nights or campground quiet hours?
• Cooling coverage – will the RV AC have enough BTU output for your RV size?
• Durability – will it be durable enough to withstand variable climates?

How We Rated the Best RV Air Conditioners

Top RV Air Conditioners for 2025

1. RecPro 15K Quiet AC with Heat Pump (RP-AC3800)

Best overall RV air conditioner

Why It's Great:

RecPro's 15k Quiet RV Air Conditioner is expertly engineered to provide maximum airflow with minimum vibration and noise production. The heat pump makes it usable year-round — cooling in summer, heating in winter — and the included remote control allows for convenient use.

The RecPro 15k Quiet RV Air Conditioner offers efficient heating and cooling for larger spaces thanks to its 15,000 BTU rating. It produces only 59.1 decibels indoors when operating at its highest speed, making it one of the quietest RV air conditioner models on the market, with the remote control and plenum digital touch controls adding convenient operation.

Best For: Class A/B/C motorhomes, fifth wheels, large trailers.

Purchase the RecPro 15K Quiet AC/Heat Pump

2. RecPro 13.5K Low-Profile AC (RP-AC3501)

Best for compact RVs and travel trailers

Why It's Great:

This air conditioner model is ideal for small trailers or vehicles where roof space and weight capacity are limited. It offers a low-profile, aerodynamic design and excellent energy efficiency while still offering substantial cooling capability.

Similar to the 15k model, the RecPro 13.5K Low-Profile AC offers a low indoor decibel level of 59.7 when operating at high speed. Its 13,500 BTU cooling capacity can efficiently cool small to medium spaces, but may struggle with larger spaces.

Unlike the 15k model, this air conditioner does not include a heat pump. However, the lack of a heat pump and the low-profile design help reduce the weight of the air conditioner, which, combined with its preinstalled gasket, makes this AC unit easier to mount.

Best For: Smaller travel trailers, smaller vehicles, Class B campervans.

Purchase the RecPro 13.5K Low-Profile AC (Ducted)

Purchase the RecPro 13.5K Low-Profile AC (Non-Ducted)

3. RecPro 48V DC 13.5K Low-Profile AC with Heat Pump (RP-AC48V-H3400-W-KT)

Best for off-grid and solar RV setups

Why It's Great:

This 48V model is revolutionary for boondockers, offering an energy efficiency great enough to run on lithium batteries or solar arrays without needing an inverter. The low startup surge makes it widely compatible with smaller systems without needing a Soft Start, all while offering year-round cooling and heating comfort.

Similar to other models, the 13,500 BTU rating of RecPro's 48v RV air conditioner offers exceptional heating and cooling capability without the need for a generator or shore power hookups, making it a perfect air conditioning solution for people who enjoy boondocking or off-grid living.

Similar to the 3400 model, RecPro's 13.5k 48-volt air conditioner also features low noise output of only 52 decibels indoors when operating at high speed, and still comes with all the same features, bells, and whistles as the other RecPro air conditioner models.

Best For: Off-grid vans, solar-powered RVs.

Purchase the RecPro 48V DC 13.5K Low-Profile AC with Heat Pump

4. Dometic Brisk II 15K BTU

Reliable alternative from a legacy brand

The Dometic Brisk II offers RVers solid cooling potential with proven reliability. Its 15,000 BTU rating allows it to cool larger spaces, similar to the RecPro 3800 model 15K Quiet AC. However, the Dometic Brisk II is louder than the RecPro model and draws more current, making it less energy efficient.

Additionally, the Dometic Brisk II uses a heat strip instead of a heat pump like the RecPro model, which may cause it to struggle to heat larger spaces. The Dometic Brisk II features manual knob controls on the plenum that make it easy to adjust the settings of the AC, but it does not come with a wireless remote.

It should also be noted that the Dometic Brisk II is currently being phased out in favor of Dometic's newer "Freshjet" series of air conditioners, which may make it difficult to acquire replacement parts or support in the future.

5. Coleman-Mach 15+ AC Series

Great airflow, higher amp draw

The Coleman-Mach 15 AC offers a low-profile design with outstanding airflow, with a 15,000 BTU rating that allows it to cool large spaces quite easily, which makes it a good fit for ducted systems. However, the increased airflow, which is due to its ⅓ horsepower fan motor, comes at the cost of significantly higher noise production at around 72 decibels, making it one of the loudest models on the market.

The enhanced airflow also comes at the cost of an amp draw as high as 17 amps, making it less power efficient than other models. With that in mind, the Coleman-Mach 15 AC may not be an ideal solution for modern solar or generator setups.

Despite its shortcomings, some users have expressed that it works well in climates with consistently high temperatures and low humidity, such as Arizona, which may make it a good choice for people who frequently travel or camp in such areas.

Comparison Table: 2025's Best RV Air Conditioners

How to Choose Based on Your RV

Installation & Maintenance Tips

Check Your Roof Space

Check the owner's manual for any height restrictions and the roof dimensions of your RV make and model - including the thickness of your roof - to make sure that the air conditioner you want will be compatible. If you frequently travel under low bridges or your vehicle does happen to have height restrictions, a low-profile RV air conditioner may be a better option. If you are replacing an old AC unit, measure the dimensions of the existing cut-out opening. RecPro units fit standard 14" × 14" openings.

Seal The RV AC Properly

Some air conditioners, such as RecPro's 15K Quiet AC, come with a preinstalled gasket. If your air conditioner doesn't come with a gasket, make sure you use a compatible gasket kit and RV sealant.

Check The Power Requirements

Power usage and requirements vary from one model to another, so confirm that your vehicle is able to support the required amps before you purchase. If you have limited power, then air conditioners with a lower amp draw will be a better solution for you.

Routine Maintenance

Routine care and maintenance will help your RV air conditioner stay at peak performance and extend its lifespan. You should clean the filters, vacuum the vents, and inspect the coils monthly. Inspect the gasket and sealant of your AC unit once every six months.

Winterizing

The best way to winterize your RV AC (assuming you're storing it away for the winter) is to simply remove your rooftop AC unit and store it somewhere warm. However, that can be quite a pain in the rear to do.

To winterize your RV air conditioner while keeping it on the roof of your vehicle, start by disconnecting power to it, then removing the air conditioner cover. Vacuum any dust or debris from the AC coils, and use insulation sleeves or foam insulation to protect any pipes or hoses connected to the AC from freezing, then put the AC cover back on.

Use weather stripping or foam tape to seal up any AC vent openings. This will prevent cold air from getting inside and moisture from building up. Inspect all seals around the air conditioner and seal any gaps you may find, which will also help prevent cold air and moisture from getting inside.

Inspect any ducting for signs of mold or mildew, and clean it up as needed.

Lastly, remove and clean or replace any air filters your air conditioner may have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How loud is the RecPro 15K Quiet AC?
A: The Recpro 15k Quiet AC produces around 59.1 dB indoors when operating at high speed and 55.4 dB indoors when operating at low speed, making it quieter than most other air conditioners on the market.

Q: Can I use a RecPro AC off-grid?
A: Yes, you can use RecPro air conditioners off-grid. The 48V DC model in particular is well suited for off-grid and boondocking, as it is designed for solar and battery systems.

Q: What size AC do I need for my RV?
A: For RVs under 24 ft. it is recommended to use an air conditioner rated at 13.5k BTUs. A 15k BTU rated unit is recommended for 24 ft. to 30 ft RVs. For RV’s larger than 30 ft, a dual unit setup is recommended.

Q: Does RecPro offer ducted options?
A: Yes, both the 13.5K and 15K models have ducted / non-ducted versions.

Q: Do RecPro ACs include a heat pump?
A: The 15K and 48V models feature integrated heat pumps for heating and cooling.

Final Recommendation

For a balance of quiet operation, efficiency, and performance, RecPro's 15K Quiet AC with Heat Pump remains the best overall RV air conditioner in 2025, while the 13.5K Low-Profile mode is ideal for smaller rigs. For boondocking and off-grid setups, the 48V DC models offer the best utility and power efficiency. The Coleman-Mach 15+ AC Series may be a good fit for hot and dry climates, and the Dometic Brisk II 15K BTU is a decent alternative to some of the RecPro models.

But, when it comes down to it, RecPro continues to set the standard for modern RV air comfort.