Best Portable AC for RV

It is not easy to keep cool in an RV during summer. A portable air conditioner provides a non-permanent cooling system.

A portable AC can be moved around and does not require bulky rooftop units unlike the bulky rooftop units. We have tested the best portable ACs to use in RVs and selected the best models, including affordable and high-end models, to assist you in selecting the best one to fit your motorhome or camper. All the recommendations are dedicated to plug-in standalone AC units, which are suitable to use in RVs (no rooftop models). Continue to read a comparison table, purchase advice, advantages/disadvantages, and detailed reviews of the best products.

Cooling Capacity (BTU): Make sure the BTU rating of the AC is appropriate to the size of your RV and the climate. The BTUs (~10,000-14,000) cool bigger areas or extremely hot weather quicker, however, they consume more power.

A small camper or single room could use 8,000-10,000 BTU, and larger RVs or 5th wheels will enjoy 12,000+ BTU to cool fast.

Power Source & Electrical Draw: Make sure that your RV has enough electrical capacity to run the wattage of the AC. The majority of portable ACs are powered by 115V AC and consume about 900-1400W (8-12 amps). This is normally okay on campground shore power or a generator, but when boondocking you will have to have a generator or inverter big enough.

Make sure that the start up surge of the unit will not trip your breakers. When you go off-grid frequently, then a lower-wattage or dual-inverter model may be more energy-efficient.

Ventilation (Single vs Dual Hose): Portable ACs have to release hot air to the outside through a vent hose. Single-hose units have a single hose to blow out hot air, and may generate a small negative pressure that pulls warm air into the RV . The dual-hose models have intake and exhaust hoses, which are more efficient in cooling and high heat .

Large RVs or very hot applications are recommended to use dual-hose designs (or more advanced “hose-in-hose” styles) but single-hose units tend to be lighter and less expensive.

Size and Portability: RVs have limited space and therefore, the dimensions of the unit should be noted. Narrow tall units occupy less floor space. Make sure that it will fit in the place you want it to be and that the window vent kit that comes with it will fit your RV window size (most kits will adjust to sliding RV windows).

And weight, too, portable ACs are between ~50 lbs and 80+ lbs. The lighter ones are easier to carry or store when not needed, which is a big deal in a mobile lifestyle.

Noise Level: All ACs are noisy, usually 50-60 dB (like a fan or a normal conversation) in the case of portables. To sleep, seek models with a rating of < ~55 dB on low speed, or quiet/inverter design. Dual-inverter models (such as LG and Midea) are able to run at slower speeds of the compressor, thus being much quieter at night.

The user reviews and specs may give a clue as to whether a unit is library quiet or a background buzz.

Condensate Management: Portable ACs eliminate the humidity and gather condensate. Auto-evaporation is used in most modern units to exhaust moisture out. In climates where there is a lot of humidity, there might be some water accumulated in a tank which should be drained at times.

Look at an AC with self-evaporation and easy-access drain or continuous drain, particularly when you plan to operate it in dehumidifier mode.

Extra Features: Nice features are a thermostat and programmable timer (to keep the temperature constant and save energy), remote control or Wi-Fi app control (easy in an RV, change settings without leaving the bed), and multi-mode (many portables can also be used as a dehumidifier or heater). In dusty camping situations, filter access to cleaning is significant.

Also, make sure the model has a suitable window/vent kit to fit your RV otherwise you might have to improvise a vent by using a sliding window or hatch.

Advantages: Portable air conditioners are very simple to install, simply vent out a window and plug in, no drilling or permanent installation is necessary. They are portable and can be stored when not in use and even used outside the RV (such as a garage or tent) to be versatile.

Most of them are cheaper than in-built rooftop RV ACs and are multi-purpose (cooling + dehumidifying, etc.). They are ideal to renters or people who are unable to make changes to their RV roof. Also, portable ACs enable selective cooling; you can place the unit in the place you spend most of your time and the cooling will be more effective in that place.

Cons: Portables occupy floor space within your RV as compared to rooftop units, a sacrifice in a small living space. They need a window or vent to the exhaust hose, so you may lose the use of a window or have to leave a window open a crack to accommodate the hose (with some exchange of heat or insects unless it is sealed well).

Single-hose models especially are less efficient in high temperatures, because they can draw warm air into the RV to replace the depleted air . The portable ACs are also prone to releasing part of the heat in the body of the unit back to the room hence they are not as efficient as the rooftop systems. The other factor is noise, many roof ACs are noisy, but a floor unit at ear level can be heard. Finally, you have to handle the condensate (which is not often very laborious), and make sure that the unit is fastened during transportation so that it does not tip over.

The Whynter ARC-1230WN is a high-performance dual-hose AC that has an inverter compressor, which is powerful enough to cool any RVs or garages up to 600 sq ft. It has an intelligent hose-in-hose construction that is very efficient, and thus it is suitable in hot weather.

This premium portable air conditioner produces 14,000 BTU (12,000 BTU SACC) of cooling power, which is sufficient to cool big Class A motorhomes or fifth wheels. Whynter ARC-1230WN has a dual-hose system, where the outside air is pulled in one hose and the hot air is pushed out the other, so it cools effectively without pulling the cool air out of your RV into the outside .

It is the first to have a NEX inverter compressor — this is variable-speed technology that enables it to run more quietly and consume less power when operating at partial cooling load. In actual practice, owners report that it cools quicker and holds temperature with less noise or power surges, than non-inverter units.

It is a rather big and heavy model (approximately 77 lbs), and it is well-built. It has rolling casters yet you might require two people to lift it when it is necessary. When installed, it can rapidly cool down an RV in 100 o F temperatures due to its high BTU rating.

The sound level is 52-56 dB on low to high fan speeds which is quite reasonable considering the cooling it offers and the inverter keeps it at a constant hum instead of a raging on and off. It also features Wi-Fi smart control: it is possible to monitor and change settings through a smartphone app or use voice control with Alexa/Google Assistant. This is excellent in pre-cooling the RV prior to your coming back to it.

• BTUs: 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE), 12,000 BTU DOE/SACC – appropriate to ~600 sq. ft.
• Power: ~1,300W (11.5A) full cool; efficient inverter work decreases energy consumption .
• Hose Type: Dual-hose (hose-in-hose type to enhance efficiency).
• Size: 33 tall x 17 x 20 footprint. Needs two adjoining window openings (or a combined adapter) to the intake and exhaust hoses.
• Features: Wi-Fi app control, remote control, 24-hr timer, self-evaporating dehumidifier mode, 5 fan speeds, washable filter.

Pros:

• Superior cooling efficiency – able to cool big RVs or open layouts; cools the temperature fast even during the hottest weather.
• The design of dual-hose inverter is very efficient and provides more stable cooling without cycling. And comparatively silent, too, in proportion to its size.
• Has new technologies such as Wi-Fi smart control and voice assistant compatibility to be convenient.
• It is also a dehumidifier (up to 87 pints/day) , and that is excellent in humid climates; it auto-drains most of the moisture.

Cons:

• High-end pricing – it is among the higher-priced units in the market because of inverter technology.
• Heavy to carry (77 lbs). Takes up a lot of space in a small RV, and you will have to fasten it when you are on the road.
• Needs a decent window opening(s) to have two hoses; two hoses to deal with (window kit included though).
• Inverter compressor is efficient, but may not operate on small portable battery/inverter – still needs heavy 115V power supply.

The LG LP1022FVSM Dual Inverter AC provides 10,000 BTU (SACC) of cooling at a whisper-quiet level. It is a one-hose portable that is suitable to mid-sized RVs or people who are more concerned with low noise and efficiency.

One of the quietest portable air conditioners on the market, LG dual-inverter portable AC is a big plus to light sleepers. The LG LP1022FVSM has a rating of 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 10,000 BTU (DOE), which is adequate to cool about 450 sq ft, and thus ideal to most travel trailers, camper vans or Class C motorhomes.

The difference is that LG has its own technology in the form of the Dual Inverter Compressor: the compressor does not turn on/off, but varies the speed. This makes the cooling very smooth and quiet, in tests it runs at about 51~53 dB on low, which is nearly a background hum . You can easily run it over night in your RV bedroom.

It is a modern-looking unit with Wi-Fi (LG ThinQ app) connectivity, which means you can operate it with your phone or Alexa/Google. It is a one-hose model, and it is easier to install (only one hose to put out the window). The dual inverter alleviates certain disadvantages of single-hose because it cools effectively but during very hot weather, a little heat penetration may be experienced.

Nevertheless, customers say that it has great cooling capabilities and significantly reduced energy consumption, surpassing Energy Star standards with a high CEER (~7.9-8.5). It consumes about 1,000W and then turns off when hot. It weighs ~69 lbs and is heavy with caster wheels to roll it. It is also designed with a fairly small form factor that can be placed against a wall by LG.

• BTUs: 14k (ASHRAE) / 10k (DOE). Perfect in 300 450 sq. ft. (big living area or open toy hauler bay).
• Hose: Single hose exhaust. Includes an adjustable window slider kit (most RV windows). Dual inverter technology makes up with efficiency.
• Noise: Low fan (quieter than normal conversation) ~53 dB. No raucous compressor kick-ons – very steady sound profile .
• Features: Wi-Fi/app and voice control, LCD remote, 3 fan speeds + auto, sleep mode, 24-hr timer, auto-evaporation (no bucket in AC mode).
• Size: Is about 30″ tall, and a smaller base (16″ x 15″) so it can fit in a corner. White clean design and easy read digital display.

Pros:

• Ultra quiet use – among the quietest to noise-sensitive users; perfect to use at night in an RV bedroom.
• Energy efficient dual inverter – can save power which is essential when using a generator or low shore power. Temperature control that is not too big.
• Single-hose installation is easy; it is on wheels and quite mobile considering its size.
• Complete smart connectivity and a friendly remote; it also works with smart home systems to give voice commands.
• Trustworthy LG construction and a stylish appearance that does not look out of place in an RV.

Cons:

• It is a bit pricey (you pay the price of the inverter technology and the brand). May be excessive in the case of very small campers where a less expensive unit may do.
• Single-hose construction implies a little lower cooling performance in hellishly hot conditions than the dual-hose type (can suck in a bit of warm air to make up the difference). Suitable in moderate to hot weather not extreme desert sun.
• It is still a big appliance (~69 lbs), and despite being quiet, it takes floor space and requires access to ventilation.
• It is quiet, so you may not realize that you left it on accidentally, so use the timer or app to prevent running it when you do not need it (though this is a minor quibble).

The Midea Duo is a state-of-the-art portable air conditioner that has a special hose-in-hose dual airflow. It provides 14k BTU cooling (12k DOE) and is lauded to provide fast and even cooling with approximately 40 percent energy savings over similar single-hose models.

The Midea disrupted the portable AC industry with the Duo series. The Midea Duo MAP14HS (also available as model MAP14S1TBL as the cooling-only version) is a 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) portable air conditioner that is notable in that it has an innovative dual-hose design incorporated into a single hose assembly.

This implies that it enjoys all the efficiency advantages of a dual-hose (no negative pressure, improved performance) but has a single hose sleeve that is simpler to fit and is neater in appearance. This is why it is great on RVs where you may only have one window or you may want to keep the openings to a minimum. It is also a dual inverter AC that adjusts the speed of the compressor. Practically, the Midea Duo cools down extremely fast and keeps the temperature using less energy – independent tests revealed that it consumed much less electricity than regular models .

The compact hose of Midea Duo in an RV implies that you will have only one window slot. The DOE rating of 12,000 BTU (taking into consideration real-life conditions) makes it able to cool ~500 sq ft, which is more than sufficient to cool most RVs.

The users often remark how loud and silent it is, the noise level is approximately 5055 dB on low to medium. It also has a sleep mode to further drop noise. It is on wheels but it is a little heavy (~72 lbs). It is controlled with the help of the included remote and the Wi-Fi smart app. A good feature is that the hose and window slider can fold up and be stored onboard the unit when not in use, so it is less space consuming to stow away (no separate hose clutter).

The HS model has a heating mode (which is fantastic in case you desire an AC/heat pump combo to cool down the nights), but you may also get the cooling-only model in case you do not need it.

• BTUs: 14,000 (12,000 DOE); it has the ability to scale back output as an inverter unit, thus it is efficient to a wide range of cooling requirements. Able in big RVs or open floor plans.
• Dual Hose-in-Hose: One vent, inner and outer intake/exhaust channel, easier to install, but actual dual-hose performance .
• Footprint: 19.5 x 16.7 base, 28.5 height. It is a little broader than others, because of the hose storage.
• Additional Features: App control (compatible with Alexa/Google), 3 fan speeds + auto, sleep/night mode, built-in heater (on the model with the designation HS) capable of heating up to ~11,000 BTU of heat to use it throughout the year.
• Efficiency: Very low power draw per cooling capacity, many owners use it on eco-mode to keep the temperature with very little power (useful when on a limited power hookup or when using batteries with an inverter).

Pros:

• Rapid cooling and balanced airflow – Midea has a design that disperses air long distances and cools rooms fast without hot areas. Perfect in bigger RV living quarters.
• More energy efficient than the average portables (uses up to 40 percent less energy than non-inverter models ), which is good both in terms of campground electric bills and off-grid power consumption.
• Hose-in-hose system: that is, just one hole required; very RV-friendly and not drafty. No problem of negative pressure drawing hot air.
• Silent performance (inverter compressor and well insulated). Most of them claim to be able to wear it to sleep, particularly in night mode.
• When you purchase the heat pump model, it also serves as a heater during cooler months- it is a two-in-one product that does not require a space heater.

Cons:

• Nevertheless, a bit heavy and bulky. The built-in hose is convenient, but it makes the unit a little fatter; it might be difficult to find a place to store it when it is not in use in a very small RV.
• It is fairly expensive in comparison to the basic units (however it usually undercuts other inverter models such as LG). It is a cost-effective investment.
• As any portable AC, it requires venting and clearance, you cannot stuff it into a small closet. In addition, the exhaust hose may get hot to the touch (insulating it may further enhance efficiency).
• App control is 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and needs setup; some users experienced slight connectivity issues. Nevertheless, the IR remote that comes with it covers everything as well.

Black+Decker BPACT14WT is a 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) portable air conditioner that is easy to set up and use and is a reliable product. It is a one-hose unit that is suitable in medium sized RVs, slide-in campers or travel trailers.

The 14k portable AC by Black+Decker is one of the most popular ones because of its power, price, and convenience. It is sold in rooms as big as 700 sq ft. In an RV, this implies that it can cool most of the interior space, or even cool a big part of the RV with a little partitioning.

The BPACT14WT is a simple 3-in-1: it cools, dehumidifies (up to ~90 pints/day) and has a fan-only mode. Installation is extremely fast – roll it to the spot, hook up the hose (approximately 5 feet long) and window fitting and begin cooling. What most RV owners appreciate about it is that it is fairly small in size considering that it is a 14k and it has side handles and castors to move around.

This Black+Decker has a single-hose exhaust, so it will take some indoor air to cool its compressor, but it blows powerful cold air (rated 90 degrees F to 65 degrees F drop in minutes near the vent). Noise is about 52 dB on low fan, it is audible but not too annoying; on high it is close to 57 dB with the compressor running.

It has a night mode to use when sleeping, which switches off the panel lights and leaves the fan at low speed. The automatic evaporation system is one of the advantages: in the majority of situations you will not have to drain water; moisture will hardly accumulate (only in very humid situations). The filter can be cleaned on the side. There are no fancy smart features in this unit (no Wi-Fi), but there is a basic remote control to adjust the temperature and mode across the RV.

• Cooling Capacity: 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (approx 10,000 BTU). Comfortably cools ~700 sq ft; that is more than enough in an RV main living quarters.
• Size: 28.1H x 17.1W x 13.8D. Among the smaller models in this category, it is easy to place it in a corner or against furniture.
• Weight: ~62 lbs. Not too heavy so that one person can tilt and roll it. Has carry handles to short lifts (such as over a door threshold).
• Kit Included: Window exhaust kit (adjustable slide up to ~59”), vent hose and adapters. It is compatible with vertical or horizontal sliding windows (typical of RVs). Sealing strips of foam are given.
• Other Features: 24-hr timer, voice control, sleep mode, LED display (can be turned off during dark nights) and a reusable air filter. It has the environmentally friendly R410a refrigerant.

Pros:

• Great value – it is a good price to pay to obtain high cooling output. An excellent value option when it comes to RV cooling.
• Installation and operation are very easy. No special wiring or configuration; anybody can have it up and running in minutes. It is also quite portable or easy to store since it is smaller.
• Cools and dehumidifies well. Most reviews mention that it can cool an RV in the 80s to a comfortable 72degrees in a short period of time, and also dries the air (cooling it down).
• Easy to maintain: auto-evaporation implies that you do not have to empty water very often, and the filter is easy to clean. Many users have found the unit to be long lasting across several seasons.
• Portable in the real sense of the word, you can take it in and out of your RV and home/garage, or lend it to a friend, etc. It does not remain attached to the car.

Cons:

• It is a single-hose design that makes it less efficient in extreme heat than dual-hose units. When it is 100 o F outside, the cooling capacity will effectively reduce a little because it will be fighting with the heat infiltration.
• It is a bit loud (a loud fan) on max cool. You can notice it when you are in the same small room, but the white noise may become background. Not as silent as inverter units or small BTU models.
• No smart stuff, only manual and IR remote. Nothing to worry about, but those who like technology may not like the lack of app control.
• Some RV windows (particularly, in case you have a crank-out jalousie style window) may require a bit of DIY work on the window kit panel (you would have to vent through another opening). It is good with regular slide windows but you might want to put some insulation around it to seal it perfectly.

The SereneLife SLPAC10 is a small 10,000 BTU portable AC that is cheap and manageable. It is an excellent option on small to mid-size RVs, pop-up campers, or second unit. It has good cooling and a straightforward 3-in-1 feature, even though it is cheaper.

The SereneLife SLPAC10 is a lot of value to those with a limited budget or limited space. It is rated at 10,000 BTU (approximately 6,000 BTU DOE) which is good enough to cover an area of about 250 300 sq ft.

Realistically, it may be used to cool a living space or a sleeping space in an RV, but may take a little longer in larger rigs or in the intense sun. The good thing is the form factor of this unit: it is just 2.3 feet tall and less than 14 inches wide, thus it can be stashed away. It weighs ~53 lbs, which is one of the lightest portables, so it is possible to take it in and out of the RV when necessary. The SLPAC10 is three-mode (cooling, fan, dehumidifier) and it has a simple remote control.

This unit is perfect in moderate cooling requirements e.g. cooling a 20-foot camper in 85 degree weather. Even with a big RV, it may be helpful to cool down particular areas (such as a bedroom at night). It is a single-hose AC, so efficiency is normal; it has a lower BTU, which uses less power (1150W) which is more friendly to older RV electrical systems or smaller generators.

The noise is about 57 dB high. This is a low-end model, so it does not have a fancy inverter or app, but the fewer electronics, the less that can break. Most owners note that it is easy to install, the window kit is simple, and since the unit is lighter, it can be installed by one person with little sweat.

• Cooling: 10,000 BTU (suitable to ~200-300 sq ft). With a little patience, it can even accommodate bigger spaces in case your RV is well-insulated or you are running it in the evening.
• Portability: Compact size and in-built wheels. You may even use it in a tent or cabin when not RVing. It is usually preferred by individuals who have pop-up campers since it is easy to relocate.
• Dehumidifier: Has the capability of removing 1-2 liters/hour of moisture in the air. A large part of it is automatically evaporated, but under very humid conditions a drain hose (included) can be attached to constantly drain water away.
• Controls: Touch buttons (mode, temperature, fan speed) mounted on top and an LCD display. The remote that is included allows you to change settings in bed. It also has a 24 hour timer to set on/off times.
• Noise & Power: Approximately 55-57 dB, which is good white noise. Max power ~1050-1150W (approximately 9.5A). It may even be powered by a 2000W portable generator, so it is suitable as an off-grid camping system (start-up surge may need a soft-start device or a powerful inverter generator).

Pros:

• Affordable – tends to be much cheaper than large 14k units, which means that it is affordable to campers that require cooling without straining their budget.
• Compact size and mass. Ideal to fit in small RVs or in case one may have to lift and store the AC frequently.
• Easy to use – no training, no Wi-Fi to worry about. Simply rotate the dial or remote to your desired temp and mode.
• Good as spot cooler. You may place it close to your dinette in the daytime and then roll it to the sleeping area at night, etc.
• It also offers dehumidification that can be a massive comfort in hot, humid climates (sometimes it is just enough to run it on dry mode at night to feel cooler).

Cons:

• Not as strong, though, in extreme heat (90sF and up) it may not be able to cool a large RV down to icy cold temperatures. It is most appropriate in the mild to moderately hot days, or in smaller enclosures.
• The quality of build is average and not as strong as the high-end brands. The plastic case is lighter (which is good in terms of weight) but you want to fix it so that it does not tip over during travel.
• Single-hose design, just as others, will not be as efficient during a heatwave. You can find that it does not cycle off when it is quite hot outside.
• Poor features: no heater option, and no sophisticated programming other than the timer. However, such omissions are to be expected at the price.