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10 Best Portable Air Conditioner For Rv 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner With Heat & Built-in Dehumidifier 12,000 BTU, Portable Heater & AC For Rooms up to 550 Sq Ft - Remote Control & Window Mount Exhaust Kit Included

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,328
BTU Rating
Noise Level
Ventilation Requirements

Most important from
26796 reviews

BTU Rating
Easily cools large areas, with users praising its effectiveness even in high temperatures.
Noise Level
The SereneLife unit is much quieter than previous models, making it suitable for nighttime use.
Ventilation Requirements
Heavy-duty exhaust hose is a significant improvement over flimsy ones found in other units.
Additional Features
The unit's sleek appearance and oscillating air directors are appreciated for aesthetics and functionality.

The SereneLife Small Air Conditioner Portable 12,000 BTU is a versatile unit well-suited for an RV or other compact living spaces. With its cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU, this unit is capable of cooling rooms up to 550 sq ft, which should comfortably cover most RV interiors. The built-in dehumidifier is a valuable feature, aiding in reducing humidity levels and creating a more comfortable environment.

One of the standout aspects is the 4 operating modes, including cooling, heating, dehumidifier, and fan, making this unit useful year-round. The included remote control adds convenience, allowing users to adjust settings easily. Energy efficiency is solid with a SEER rating of 15, ensuring that it won't be a major drain on power, an important consideration for RV use. The noise level ranges from 56 to 59 dB, which is relatively quiet, making it suitable for use even during nighttime.

Size and portability are strong points, given its compact dimensions and rolling wheels, making it easy to move around. However, the unit weighs over 70 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some users. The ventilation requirement involves using a window mount exhaust kit, which is standard but does require installation effort. On the downside, while its cooling power is robust, the heating power matches the cooling at 12,000 BTU, which might not be sufficient for particularly cold environments. This unit is a great option for those seeking a portable, multi-functional air conditioner for their RV, though it might be slightly heavy to handle for some users.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,328
BTU Rating
Noise Level
Ventilation Requirements

Most important from
26796 reviews

BTU Rating
Easily cools large areas, with users praising its effectiveness even in high temperatures.
Noise Level
The SereneLife unit is much quieter than previous models, making it suitable for nighttime use.
Ventilation Requirements
Heavy-duty exhaust hose is a significant improvement over flimsy ones found in other units.
Additional Features
The unit's sleek appearance and oscillating air directors are appreciated for aesthetics and functionality.
#2

Countrymod 12V DC RV Air Conditioner 10000 BTU RV AC Unit Non-Ducted Rooftop RV Air Conditioners Portable Air Conditioner Quiet Cooling for RVs, Trailers, Fifth Wheel and Food Trucks

Rating
9.4
BTU Rating
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
57 reviews

BTU Rating
The unit efficiently cools small to medium spaces even in extreme desert heat, lowering temperatures from above 100°F down to comfortable levels around 72°F.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Power consumption is impressively low, with ECO mode drawing only 260 watts and enabling up to 12 hours of use on a 300Ah battery, especially when paired with solar panels.
Noise Level
Runs quietly between 45 and 55 decibels, providing a peaceful environment that doesn’t interrupt sleep or conversation.
Size and Portability
The compact, low-profile roof design minimizes aerodynamic drag and integrates seamlessly with vehicles like Mercedes Sprinter vans.
Ventilation Requirements
Installation is straightforward and well-supported, fitting standard 14x14 roof openings and securing firmly with a steel frame, making it ideal for DIY RV upgrades.
Additional Features
Customer service is highly responsive and helpful, quickly resolving issues such as replacing faulty remote controls at no extra cost.

The Countrymod 12V DC RV Air Conditioner is a solid choice if you're looking to cool your RV, trailer, or even food truck efficiently and quietly. Its 10,000 BTU rating means it can quickly cool spaces up to about 529 cubic feet, which fits many small to medium-size RVs. One of its standout features is the inverter technology that adjusts cooling power as needed, helping save energy by consuming just 0.3 kWh per hour—much less than traditional RV AC units. This makes it a good pick for those who want longer battery life and lower electricity usage when camping off-grid.

Noise-wise, it runs softly between 45 and 55 decibels, comparable to a gentle breeze, so it won’t disturb your sleep or conversations. The compact, roof-mounted design fits standard 14-inch openings, providing an easy installation option for many RV owners.

Rating
9.4
BTU Rating
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
57 reviews

BTU Rating
The unit efficiently cools small to medium spaces even in extreme desert heat, lowering temperatures from above 100°F down to comfortable levels around 72°F.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Power consumption is impressively low, with ECO mode drawing only 260 watts and enabling up to 12 hours of use on a 300Ah battery, especially when paired with solar panels.
Noise Level
Runs quietly between 45 and 55 decibels, providing a peaceful environment that doesn’t interrupt sleep or conversation.
Size and Portability
The compact, low-profile roof design minimizes aerodynamic drag and integrates seamlessly with vehicles like Mercedes Sprinter vans.
Ventilation Requirements
Installation is straightforward and well-supported, fitting standard 14x14 roof openings and securing firmly with a steel frame, making it ideal for DIY RV upgrades.
Additional Features
Customer service is highly responsive and helpful, quickly resolving issues such as replacing faulty remote controls at no extra cost.

Buying Guide for the Best Portable Air Conditioner For Rv

Choosing the right portable air conditioner for your RV is crucial to ensure comfort during your travels. There are several key specifications to consider that will help you find the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will allow you to make an informed decision and enjoy a cool and pleasant environment inside your RV.
BTU RatingBTU stands for British Thermal Units and measures the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. This spec is important because it determines how effectively the unit can cool your RV. BTU ratings typically range from 5,000 to 15,000 for portable air conditioners. For smaller RVs, a lower BTU rating (around 5,000-8,000) may be sufficient, while larger RVs may require a higher BTU rating (10,000-15,000). To pick the right one, consider the size of your RV and the climate you will be traveling in. A higher BTU rating is better for hotter climates and larger spaces.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures the efficiency of the air conditioner. It is calculated by dividing the BTU rating by the power consumption in watts. A higher EER indicates a more efficient unit, which is important for saving energy and reducing operating costs. EER values typically range from 8 to 12. If you plan to use the air conditioner frequently, choosing a unit with a higher EER will be beneficial in the long run. Look for units with an EER of 10 or above for better efficiency.
Noise LevelNoise level is measured in decibels (dB) and indicates how loud the air conditioner will be when operating. This spec is important for ensuring a quiet and comfortable environment inside your RV. Noise levels for portable air conditioners usually range from 50 to 60 dB. If you are sensitive to noise or plan to use the air conditioner while sleeping, opt for a unit with a lower noise level (around 50 dB). For general use, a noise level of up to 60 dB may be acceptable.
Size and PortabilityThe size and portability of the air conditioner are crucial for fitting it into your RV and moving it around as needed. This spec includes the dimensions and weight of the unit. Smaller and lighter units are easier to handle and store, but may have lower cooling capacities. Consider the available space in your RV and how often you will need to move the unit. If space is limited, choose a compact and lightweight model. If you have more room and need higher cooling capacity, a larger unit may be suitable.
Ventilation RequirementsPortable air conditioners require proper ventilation to expel hot air outside the RV. This spec includes the type and length of the exhaust hose. Ventilation is important for the efficient operation of the unit. Most portable air conditioners come with a window kit for easy installation. Ensure that the exhaust hose is long enough to reach your window or vent. If your RV has limited ventilation options, look for units with flexible installation kits or shorter hoses.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of the air conditioner. These may include remote control, programmable timer, multiple fan speeds, and dehumidifier mode. These features are important for customizing the operation to suit your preferences. Consider which features are most important to you. For example, a remote control can be handy for adjusting settings from a distance, while a programmable timer can help save energy by automatically turning the unit on or off.

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