Air conditioners are a must-have in the summer, but they can be expensive and take up a lot of space. However, there is an alternative to traditional air conditioning that will allow you to enjoy all the benefits without the drawbacks. The small RV air conditioner and heater are perfect for those who want something affordable, versatile, and easy to install!
The small RV air conditioner is designed for use with a 12-volt battery system or solar panels. It has two speeds: low speed (750 watts) and high speed (1500 watts). This makes it useful for both heating your vehicle as well as cooling it down on hot days!
Can You Use a Portable Air Conditioner in an RV?
Absolutely! Use the small RV air conditioner and heater to cool or heat your vehicle with ease. It’s affordable, easy to install, and perfect for all seasons.
How Much Is a Small Air Conditioner for an RV?
Air conditioners for an RV vary in price, but the most popular option is a small air conditioner that costs anywhere from $150 to $350. These are typically 12000 BTU units and will cool around 400 sq ft of space.
A more powerful unit would cost upwards of over 2000 BTUs per square foot, with prices ranging from $500 -$2000.
How Many BTU Do I Need for My RV?
When you’re installing your a/c and heater, one of the most important things to consider is BTU or British Thermal Units. The amount of BTUs needed depends on how many square feet are in your RV, including rooms like bedrooms, bathrooms, living room, etc. Generally speaking:
- 150-200 square feet requires a minimum of 11,000 BTUs
- 250 square feet requires a minimum of 17,500 BTUs
- 350-400 square feet requires about 22,500BTUs
Will the RV Battery Run the Small RV Air Conditioner?
The answer is yes, but it will depend on several factors. Just because your small RVer’s camper has a 12-volt system doesn’t mean you can power any appliance or device that runs off of 120 volts without a problem.
For example, your refrigerator will only run on a 110-volt or 220-volt circuit, and the electric company must be able to provide power for it. If you’re running a heat pump air conditioner, then there may not be enough amps in the RV battery system to support both the furnace blower motor and heater at the same time.
Efficiency is another consideration for small RV air conditioners: the less energy they use, the better off you’ll be when it comes to your battery life.
How Long Should an RV Air Conditioner Last?
An RV air conditioner should last about 15 years, depending on how much you use it. If your unit is not cooling enough, then the coil may be dirty or have debris blocking it, which needs to be cleaned. You can also try a dehumidifier in your RV if moisture levels are too high for the AC system to handle easily.
The Best Small RV Air Conditioners
Small RVs are becoming more popular as people want to live a simpler life, but they often have a hard time finding the right air conditioner for them. The best small RV air conditioners will give you and your family the cool comfort that you need on those hot days when traveling in your camper or motorhome.
The list below includes some of the best small RV air conditioners on the market. The prices vary depending on size and features, so you’ll be able to find one that fits your budget as well as meets all your needs.
- The most quiet RV Air Conditioner on the market. Installs over a 14x14" cutout.
- Low power usage. This air conditioner draws a max of 1550W compared to the leading competitor @ 1750W.
- No soft start capacitor required. Simple install can be done at home. Weight Approx 73lbs
- Remote control operation. Several convenient cooling modes.
- 13,500 BTUs, 115 Volt AC power
- Rigid, metal constructed base pan
- Premium, thick, watertight vent opening gasket with six dense foam support pads
- Three fan speeds Installs in standard 14.25" x 14.25" vent opening
- Optional plug-in heat strip available
- START YOUR COMPRESSOR SMOOTHLY: When your compressor kicks in, it can overload your generator and trip the breaker. With SoftStartRV starter technology, you can reduce peak amp usage and run your A/C for a longer periods of time, resulting in fewer tripped breakers and more good times!
- TOO MANY APPLIANCES? With our new technology, SoftStartRV allows your rooftop air conditioner, refrigerator, heater, micro wave, hair dryer, fan, and TV to start, even with low power. Our advanced soft starter can kickstart anything using a small 2200 Watt generator it will fire up a 15000 BTU RV A/C system mounted on the roof! SoftStartRV has your back up to 36,000 BTU’s.
- YOU’RE A/C RUNS QUIETLY SO YOU SLEEP BETTER: No more thumps and trailer shaking during the night. SoftStartRV reduces A/C compressor noise and vibrations, resulting in a better overall RV experience, and better sleep.
- COMPLETE GUIDES AND TUTORIALS: Whether you know nothing about Softstarters, or you're an experienced RV enthusiast, we can provide the right support to cover any level of expertise. A full catalog of articles, web installation guides, live rooftop support via phone, and much more, to make things as easy as possible. You’ll be enjoying cool air on low power in no time.
- COMPLETE GUIDES AND TUTORIALS: Whether you know nothing about Softstarters, or you're an experienced RV enthusiast, we can provide the right support to cover any level of expertise. A full catalog of articles, web installation guides, live rooftop support via phone, and much more, to make things as easy as possible. You’ll be enjoying cool air on low power in no time.
- Overall Dimensions: 35.5" x 29.5" x 12 5/8"
- Fits all Old style 11000, 13500, 15000 BTU Brisk Air by Dometic
- Molded of High impact UV resistant material
- Stronger than originals
- Designed to last
- Cool/Heat Capacity: 15,000
- Electric Heat Element Capacity: 5,600
- Electrical rating: 115 VAC, 60HZ
- 1/3 hp fan motor
- 320 CFM Airflow
- The remote that is included with the model allows you to control the temperature and settings of the unit from the comfort of your couch.
- Unlike other models that are made of cheap plastic that has been molded to shape around the unit, these are made from high-quality, tough plastic built to withstand what life throws at it.
- The small size allows you to take full advantage of the air conditioner while not sacrificing as much in the way of roof space or interior ceiling space. Because it fits a 14" by 14" space, it can directly replace a 14" by 14" fan
- The maximum power input of this unit is 1590 Watts and the maximum current is 14.6 Amps, leading to an energy efficiency rating of 5.97 watts per BTU.
- Cool/Heat Capacity: 15,000
- Delivered BTU Heating Output: 5,600
- Electrical Rating: 115V AC, 60HZ, 1 Phase
- 1/3 HP fan motor
- Exterior Shroud Dimensions: 13.8" H x 26.1" W x 38" L
- Sleek, contemporary shroud improves aerodynamics, reduces wind resistance
- High-performance motor and fan with improved aerodynamics that reduces wind resistance while underway
- Ducted or Non-ducted cooling
- Rib-Reinforced base pan for strength and durability
- R410A refrigerant is environmentally friendly and releases heat more efficiently
- 【Cooling & Heating Integrated】To solve the problem that the only cooling air conditioner can't satisfy using in winter, We release this air conditioner Hot & Cooling Integrated.
- 【Parameters】Cooling Air volume is about 2300 W ; Heat Air Volume is 1000W; Power Consumption 960W, Rated Current 30-70A; Host Size: 666 *720 * 160 mm Refrigerant R134A
- 【Note】Applicable minimum skylight size: 300 mm(W) *170 mm(L)； Maxmium skylight size: 313 mm(W) *183 mm(L). Please check the size before shop it.
- 【Applicable】New energy electric air conditioning is suitable for truck , caravan , cranespassenger , excavator , motor home , RV , agricultural machine , etc
- 【After-salse】Customer service online, Any question about our product and survice, Please contact us. We will answer you within 24 hours.
- Remote control with cooling, dehumidifying, dry, sleep, timing, and other functions (stored inside AC unit display for protection during shipping)
- Temperature control for rooms up to 835 square feet
- Best installed on a flat roof - less than 5 degrees inclination
- Does not work with other brand wall thermostats