When the summer sun turns your RV into a rolling oven, a solid AC unit can make all the difference between adventure and agony. To help you keep your cool, we’ve rounded up the top options to keep you, your rig, and your crew comfortable.
In the heat of the summer, an RV without AC can feel a lot less like a vacation and a lot more like being slow-roasted inside a rolling bread box. Add in even a mild amount of humidity, and you’re basically in a mobile sauna with throw pillows. Yuck!
Keeping it cool isn’t just essential for the comfort of you, your family, and any critters in your crew. It’s also vital to keeping your sanity and your temper.
But it’s not just travelers who suffer. When your rig turns tropical, over time, the excess heat and moisture can take a toll on your RV’s interior, appliances, and even structural integrity.
There is good news! The right AC unit can turn a rolling toaster into a breezy oasis. Whether you’re upgrading your current setup, building your dream vanlife rig from scratch, or scrambling for a replacement after your AC calls it quits mid-road trip (seriously?!), we’ve got the coolest picks so you can relax and chill.
Choosing the Right AC Without Losing Your Cool
Glamping in a luxurious Class A? Stealth-camping in a custom van build? Or far out in the boondocks where roads may or may not find you? No matter what your idea of RVing is, the right AC unit can mean the difference between sweet, frosty relief (and a good night’s sleep) and tossing and turning in a pool of your own sweat. (Sorry for the image.)
Here are some of the most important considerations before you commit:
- BTUs = Banishing the Heat: BTUs (i.e., British Thermal Units) are like horsepower for cold air. The more you have, the faster your rig chills. Small vans may require only 9,000 to 13,500 BTUs. Larger trailers or motorhomes, on the other hand, may require as much as 15,000+ to beat the heat.
- Power Draw & Efficiency: Running the AC all day? You’ll need a unit that doesn’t guzzle power like a frat boy at a tailgate party. This is especially key if you’re running on batteries or solar rather than plugging in. Look for high-energy efficiency ratings and inverter tech to keep things not only cool but also quiet.
- Rooftop vs. Portable vs. Under-Bench: Many of us think of the classic rooftop unit to keep you cool. They’re out of the way and provide powerful cooling. But if you’re running a van or non-traditional build, you’ve still got options. Portable and under-bench units provide flexibility and don’t require you to cut into your ceiling.
- Noise: Let’s face it: some AC units sound like a jet taking off. Some folks embrace the sound of the AC unit getting the job done—cooler and faster. If, however, you are drawn toward camping for the tranquility it offers (or you’re a light sleeper), you can find AC units that hum gently in the background.
- Budget: RV ACs can range from “surprisingly affordable” to “you paid how much?” You don’t have to pay a fortune to be less sweaty, and we’ll share options for every budget. After all, staying cool shouldn’t burn through your whole summer fun fund.
- Rig Size: Bigger RVs need more cooling power. No surprise there. But keep ceiling heights, insulation, and layout in mind, too. Airflow matters, especially in winding or weird-shaped spaces as often found in toy haulers and fifth wheels.
Chill Solutions for Every Setup
Class A Motorhomes: Big Rigs Need Big Chills
Coleman-Mach 15+: If you’re piloting something akin to a highway yacht, you need serious cooling power. The Coleman-Mach 15+ delivers with a whopping 15,000 BTUs. One of the most powerful RV ACs out there, it’s built tough for long hauls.
Pros: Maximum cooling, reliable brand, and easy to install
Cons: Not exactly the most energy efficient, and can be loud, especially when it’s blasting the cool air
Best for: Large Class rigs and full-time RVers
Price: $$$$$
Class B Vans & DIY Builds: Compact Cool with Low Draw
Zero Breeze Mark 2: Don’t let its diminutive size fool you—this tiny, battery-powered portable AC is made for vanlife and off-grid adventures. It runs on its own rechargeable battery or can be hooked up to solar and 12V systems. It may not be ideal for super high temps or bigger rigs. But it can help spot-cool your sleeping area for a good night’s rest.
Pros: Portable, low power use, and solar-compatible
Cons: It can be a bit pricey for its size, and it’s best for just cooling your personal space
Best for: Vanlifers, weekend warriors, and boondockers
Price: $$$
Class C Motorhomes: Mid-Sized yet Mighty
Dometic Brisk II: A go-to classic in the RV world, the Brisk II hits a sweet spot for cooling power combined with energy efficiency. With two options (13,500 or 15,000 BTUs), it works for almost all Class Cs and travel trailers. Plus, it’s built to handle the bumps in the road without missing a beat.
Pros: Durable, efficient, and widely available.
Cons: It’s a basic design and still is moderate on the noise scale.
Best for: Class Cs, towable, and RVers looking to upgrade a worn-out unit
Price: $$$$
Travel Trailers & Fifth Wheels: Cool That Goes the Distance
Furrion Chill HE: With dual-fan technology, quiet operation, and modern features, this unit is slick, smart, and ready to chill. It’s also one of the most energy-efficient options in its class. So, it’s perfect for weekend warriors as well as those on long hauls who are looking for lasting comfort.
Pros: Quiet, efficient, and sleek design.
Cons: Requires compatible thermostats for full features.
Best for: Tech-savvy RVers and long summer road trips.
Price: $$$$
Popups & Small Trailers: Tiny but Toasty? No Problem
Bouge RV Portable AC: Lightweight, easy to move, and compact enough for small rigs. This unit punches above its weight to keep your small rig or popup from feeling more like a toaster than an oasis. While it’s too small for a big trailer, it’s a solid pick for tent campers, hybrid trailers, or even cargo vans.
Pros: Compact, plug-and-play, and budget-friendly.
Cons: Limited cooling range.
Best for: Popups, teardrops, and casual, short-term campers.
Price: $$
Bonus: Best Quiet Operator for Light Sleepers
RecPro Houghton AC: Want cold air without the roar of a typical old-school AC unit? The RecPro is your new best friend. It’s quiet but also surprisingly sleek and powerful and able to cool down your rig fast—without waking the whole campground (or those sleeping peacefully inside your rig).
Pros: Super quiet, remote-controlled, with a modern design.
Cons: Limited availability and may need to be installed by pros.
Best for: Light sleepers and anyone looking to upgrade from a noisy unit.
Price: $$$ – $$$$
Off-Grid & Solar-Friendly Cooling: Chill Without the Plug-In
Getting ready for a boondocking summer? Yes, please! The sun, though, can be both your best friend and your biggest nemesis. It both powers your RV… and can turn your RV into a solar oven. Even cool mountain breezes may not be enough to tame the temperatures inside.
Fortunately, there are ways to stay cool without blowing your battery bank. Here’s how to beat the heat off-grid:
- Invest in Inverter Technology: Units like the RecPro Houghton and Furrion Chill HE use inverter tech, which means they ramp up and down more efficiently than traditional AC units. That means less power draw and a quieter setup—both huge wins if you’re depending on solar power.
- Battery Boosts: Portable units like the Zero Breeze Mark 2 run on their own rechargeable batteries (or can connect to 12V sources, including solar), making them true off-grid champs. Sure, they won’t cool your entire RV (that’s not what they’re designed to do), but they’ll provide a comfortable sleeping area—without firing up a peace-disturbing generator.
- Savy Supplements: You don’t need to rely on AC alone. Combine your AC with other smart strategies to keep your cool. For example, take advantage of roof vents and fans to pull the heat out of your rig as the sun sets. Park in the shade or make your own with awning or reflective panels. And don’t forget, insulation isn’t just for when the temps drop. Relectix or thermal curtains help keep the cool air in and the hot air out.
- Do the Math: Before installing any rooftop AC, ensure your battery bank, inverters, and possibly solar panels can handle the load. A 15,000 BTU can draw 3,500+ watts on startup and 1,500 watts to run. Yes, that includes efficient options. So, make sure you have enough power to draw from before it’s time to chill.
Whether you’re cruising through the desert or parked lakeside on a muggy afternoon, the right AC unit keeps your road trip cool and comfortable. And with options for every rig, every budget, and every RVer, there’s no need to suffer through a sweaty summer, wondering if you’re getting roasted or baked.
Pro Tips to Max Out Your Chill
Even the best AC units can benefit from a little backup. Fortunately, a few simple tweaks can take your cool game from meh to ahhhh…
- Insulate, insulate, insulate: Reflectix in the windows, insulated curtains, and sealing sneaky drafts (both large and small) can make a big difference in your comfort level.
- Use fans: A small 12V fan can help circulate air, distributing cool air where it needs to go, especially if your rig is longer.
- Take it outside: It may be more convenient to cook meals on the stove, but that stove is basically a space heater. Keep the heat outdoors by grilling or using a portable induction burner.
- Keep it clean: Dirty filters can cause your AC to work harder while cooling less effectively. Take a couple of minutes to rinse out your filters routinely to restore full frosty power.
- Shady business: When possible, park under trees. You can also create your own shade by making use of awnings and tarps. Remember, the less sun on your roof and sidewalls, the less work for your AC, and the cooler you’ll both stay.