RV Air Conditioners

What size RV air conditioner do I need?

Match BTU output to your RV's length and climate. A 13,500 BTU unit handles most travel trailers up to 32 feet in moderate conditions. For longer rigs, fifth wheels, or hot-climate use (desert Southwest, Gulf Coast summers), step up to a 15,000 BTU unit like the Coleman Mach 15 or Dometic FreshJet 3. Rigs over 35 feet often run two units, one forward and one aft, on a multi-zone ducted system.

Ducted or non-ducted, which should I choose?

Check your roof opening and existing ceiling assembly before ordering. Non-ducted units blow air directly through a ceiling assembly into one zone, common in trailers under 28 feet. Ducted units push air through interior ductwork to multiple vents, standard on larger fifth wheels and Class A motorhomes. If you are replacing an existing unit, match the configuration: see the FreshJet 5 non-ducted ceiling assembly, the Furrion Chill R32 single-zone assembly, or the Dometic Brisk II multi-zone ducted assembly for compatible components.

Will a 15,000 BTU AC run on a 30 amp service?

Yes, a single 15,000 BTU rooftop AC runs on 30 amp shore power, but startup current can trip breakers on older pedestals or generators. A soft start kit reduces inrush current by up to 75% and is the standard fix for boondockers running a 2000-watt inverter generator. If you have two ACs, you need 50 amp service or have to alternate units.

Can I replace just the ceiling assembly or shroud?

Often, yes. If the compressor and fan motor still run but the plastic shroud is cracked from UV exposure or the ceiling assembly thermostat has failed, replacement components are available separately. Confirm your AC model number (printed on the rooftop unit nameplate) before ordering, since shrouds and ceiling assemblies are model-specific. The Coleman Legacy ceiling assembly and Furrion Original ceiling assembly cover the most common legacy installations.

How long does an RV air conditioner last?

With annual coil cleaning and gasket inspection, most rooftop units run 10 to 15 years. Failure points are usually the capacitor, fan motor, or roof compression gasket, not the compressor itself. If you are seeing weak cooling, check the return air filter and evaporator coil before assuming the unit needs replacement. Need help diagnosing? Text or call 817-984-1852.

What is the best RV AC for hot climates?

For sustained 95 to 110 F ambient temperatures, choose a 15,000 BTU unit with a heat pump delete or dedicated cooling-only design, since heat pump models lose some cooling capacity to reversing valve hardware. The Coleman Mach 15 (38204-066) and Dometic FreshJet 3 are the workhorses for desert and Gulf Coast use. Pair either with a soft start kit and clean the condenser coil monthly during heavy use.