The 12 Best Portable Air Conditioners for RVs, Campers

Today’s RVers from novices to veterans understand that RV air conditioner units substantially influences the level of comfort on the road. While permanent A/C systems give a good account of themselves, they nonetheless leave something to be desired on occasions.

Because of that, lots of RVers opt to add portable air conditioners to their rig prior to hitting the road. With portable air conditioners onboard, you could readily bring extra cooling to sections of the interior in times of need and optimize your outdoor experience. 

Considering that the market is well-saturated with models, RVers never have to worry about running out of options regarding portable air conditioners for RV. However, getting the best portable RV air conditioner for your rig is still no cakewalk. 

Best RV Portable Air Conditioners Comparison Chart

	Product's name	Price	Key Features	More Info
	BLACK+DECKER BPACT10WT AC with Remote Control Portable Air Conditioner,...	$369.66	Output: 10,000 BTU Size And Weight: 16.5 x 11.5 x 26.0 Inches/52.9 Pounds Accessories included Three-in-one Top-mounted LED display	See Latest Price
	Alexa Voice-Enabled ROLLICOOL Smart Portable Air Conditioner 10,000 BTU...	$343.30	Output: 10,000 BTU Size And Weight: 12.9 x 12.0 x 28.1 Inches/48.4 Pounds Wi-Fi-enabled Voice activation 360-degree caster wheels	See Latest Price
	SereneLife SLPAC10 Portable Air Conditioner Compact Home AC Cooling Unit...	$$$$	Output: 10,000 BTU Size And Weight: 17.4 x 13.4 x 32.1 Inches/62.1 Pounds Remote control Built-in dehumidifier Touch button control panel	See Latest Price
	Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU (9,500 BTU SACC) Dual Hose Portable Air...	$$$$	Output: 14,000 BTU Size And Weight: 19.0 x 16.0 x 35.5 Inches/73.0 Pounds Activated carbon air filter Lead-free Eco-friendly	See Latest Price
	LG LP1419IVSM White 500 Sq. Ft. 115V Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner...	$$$$	Output: 8,000 BTU Size And Weight: 19.3 x 15.5 x 34.6 Inches/58.4 Pounds Touch control Oscillating air discharge Click-lock connection	See Latest Price
	hOmelabs 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (new CEC 10000 BTU) - Quiet AC...	$$$$	Output: 14,000 BTU Size And Weight: 17.9 x 15.0 x 30.7 Inches/72.3 Pounds Integrated wheels Filter indicator Automatic swing	See Latest Price
	JHS 8,000 BTU Small Portable Air Conditioner 3-in-1 Floor AC Unit with 2...	$318.93	Output: 8,000 BTU Size And Weight: 13.0 x 12.0 x 26.7 Inches/44.0 Pounds Auto-restart Digital LED control panel Full-function remote control	See Latest Price
	Honeywell 9000 Btu Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier & Fan for Rooms...	$$$$	Output: 9,000 BTU Size And Weight: 18.9 x 15.7 x 31.3 Inches/64.0 Pounds Quiet Energy-saving Thermal overload protection	See Latest Price
No products found.	No products found.	$$$$	Output: 8,000 BTU Size And Weight: 17.5 x 14.7 x 32.6 Inches/55.1 Pounds Bucketless Quick installation Intuitive control pane	No products found.
	Amazon Basics Portable Air Conditioner with Remote - Cools 550 square feet,...	$$$$	Output: 14,000 BTU Size And Weight: 18.4 x 15.6 x 30.1 Inches/74.7 Pounds Customizable Expandable hose Easy-grip handles	See Latest Price
	Arctic Air Ultra Evaporative Air Cooler By Ontel - Powerful 3-Speed,...	$$$$	Output: 1,200 BTU Size And Weight: 11.1 x 10.1 x 12.9 Inches/2.6 Pounds Whisper-quiet Hydro-chill technology Multi-directional air vent	See Latest Price
	Midea 8,000 BTU ASHRAE (5,300 BTU SACC) Portable Air Conditioner, Cools up...	$$$$	Output: 8,000 BTU Size And Weight: 17.1 x 13.0 x 28.3 Inches/59.9 Pounds Hardware included Remote control Easy-to-read display	See Latest Price

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Best Portable Air Conditioners For RVs

With different RVers looking for different things in air conditioners, the RV community is usually at odds about the best portable A/C for RV.  That being said, if you seek a good buy, it’s strongly recommended that you check out the following models:

1. Black + Decker BPACT10WT – Best Of The Best 

Why This Is The Best:

Efficient and effective, Black + Decker BPACT10WT easily keeps the interior of recreational vehicles cool in plenty of environments without costing a fortune to run. Rated at 10,000 BTU, the air conditioner made by  Black + Decker is capable of regulating temperature in spaces as big as 250 square feet without much difficulty. Additionally, BPACT10WT not only cools the inside of recreational vehicles but also gets rid of moisture in the atmosphere. As a result, Black + Decker BPACT10WT earns a shower of praise from RVing enthusiasts that have concerns about mold. 

In terms of interface, BPACT10WT incorporates a user-friendly top-mounted LED display that lets RVers freely apply changes. Via the display, owners of recreational vehicles could choose between three fan speed settings of the Black + Decker air conditioner. A sleep mode that automatically controls temperature at nighttime is present too so it’s possible to get high-quality shut-eye while staying cool. Lastly, since the noise level of  Black + Decker BPACT10WT is quite low, it rarely bothers people in its vicinity.

Owing to the combination of reusable air filter slide-out and self-evaporating operation, the portable air conditioner from Black + Decker is simple to maintain. You like to spend more time traveling and less time taking care of equipment on your rig? Then you have to add BPACT10WT to your shortlist. 

2. Rollibot RolliCool – Editor’s Choice 

Why It’s An Editor’s Choice:

Optimized for modern applications, Rollibot RolliCool is held in high esteem by a lot of owners of recreational vehicles nowadays. Being a Wi-Fi-enabled model, RolliCool could be controlled remotely through a phone app which is a big plus. Moreover, since the RV air conditioner of Rollibot integrates 360-degree caster wheels, moving it around the interior is a cakewalk. Because of that, Rollibot RolliCool is one of the best portable air conditioners for RV once it comes to mobility.

Boasting a small body, the air conditioner made by Rollibot is able to squeeze into the interior of many rigs. That means enthusiasts of RVing don’t have to rearrange the inside of recreational vehicles to make space for RolliCool. Besides that, Rollibot RolliCool consumes little electricity compared to its competitors on the market so the strain it places on the battery bank is negligible. The air conditioner from Rollibot is a breeze to maintain as well, hence, keeping it in working order is by all accounts child’s play.

Available at a reasonable price, Rollibot RolliCool matches a wide range of budgets of RVers. To reassure customers, Rollibot willingly backs its small RV air conditioner with a one-year manufacturer warranty that covers defects. 

3. SereneLife SLPAC10 – Editor’s Choice

Why It’s An Editor’s Choice:

Possessing three operating modes (cooling, fan and dehumidifier), SereneLife SLPAC10 is a must-have for enthusiasts of RVing that tend to come across variable weather. With the air conditioner of SereneLife onboard, RVers could readily respond to multiple conditions and improve the level of comfort. In addition to that, SLPAC10 carries a touch button control panel that allows RVers to adjust operation at any time. ISLPAC10 of SereneLife is accompanied by a handy remote control too so people don’t have to get up every time a change is necessary. 

At 10,000 BTU, the output of SLPAC10 is more than enough to cool the interior of recreational vehicles in the outdoors. To achieve that output, the SereneLife air conditioner only requires a bit of power so RVers should have no trouble keeping it up and running. In terms of noise, SereneLife SLPAC10 creates rather few sounds in the course of operation. Needless to say, SLPAC10 is among the most prized portable air conditioners for RV to owners of recreational vehicles that desire a tranquil travel experience. 

On arrival, ISLPAC10 of SereneLife comes alongside with a mounting kit so its setup process takes moments to complete. When installation concludes, RVers simply have to give the portable air conditioner made by SereneLife periodical cleaning to keep it operational. 

4. Whynter ARC-14S

Why We Love It:

As an all-inclusive model, Whynter ARC-14S is loaded with everything that RVers need in a portable air conditioner. Thanks to the high output, ARC-14S would bring down the temperature of its surroundings even in the dog days of summer with relative ease. Furthermore, the air conditioner for RV made by Whynter is able to dehumidify the atmosphere so moisture is going to be kept at appropriate levels. Therefore, Whynter ARC-14S  proves particularly well-suited for full-time RVers that travel extensively. 

For consumption, the RV air conditioner of Whynter packs a moderate power draw for its output so there is no need to worry about ARC-14S depleting the battery bank. Interestingly, Whynter ARC-14S exhausts nearly all condensation on its own without requiring outside interaction. That is why with the Whynter air conditioner, enthusiasts of RVing could stay cool without having to repeatedly remove water. Since the prefilter of ARC-14S is washable as well, maintenance is essentially a cinch. 

To protect the environment, ARC-14S of Whynter utilizes the green eco-friendly R-32 refrigerant. ARC-14S is also free of lead which guarantees safety. If you care about your well being, the Whynter air conditioner is what you need. 

5. LG LP0817WSR

Why We Love It:

Annoyed by hot pots in the interior of your rig and need A/C that could take care of them? Then there is a good chance that you would come to like LG LP0817WSR. With oscillating air discharge, the LG air conditioner would bring cool air to every nook and cranny inside recreational vehicles. As a result, by adding LP0817WSR into your travel inventory, you should feel comfortable no matter where you want to sit in the interior. 

Boasting a fantastic touch control display, LG LP0817WSR permits you to change between operating modes as you see fit. Upon purchase, LP0817WSR comes with an installation kit that contains a click-lock connection to secure the exhaust hose. Hence, the air conditioner made by LG eliminates the need to improvise mounting to hold the exhaust hose in place. Incorporating an innovative auto-evaporation system, LG LP0817WSR evaporates moisture so you don’t have to empty it of water from time to time.  

Regarding noise level, you could barely hear LP0817WSR of LG in the course of operation and that is advantageous. The consumption rate of LP0817WSR is low too so supplying it with power is a walk in the park. 

6. hOmelabs HME020235N

Why We Love It:

Slim and sleek, hOmelabs HME020235N is the air conditioner of choice for enthusiasts of RVing that have little space to spare on their rigs. Packing an output of 14,000 BTU, HME020235N could cool spaces up to 600 square feet in size which is commendable considering the dimensions of its body. Also, engineered with automatic swing, the air conditioner from hOmelabs distributes cool air in an equal manner across the interior. Thus, with hOmelabs HME020235N, RVers would have an easy time staying cool while traveling. 

About portability, the air conditioner of hOmelabs carries integrated wheels so moving it from spot to spot is a snap. The installation of HME020235N is simple as well: people just need to attach the hose, connect the adapter and plug in the power supply. Unsurprisingly, hOmelabs HME020235N is well-received by people with a buddy schedule that seek the smallest portable air conditioner for RV on the market. Last but not least, as a low-priced model, the hOmelabs air conditioner suits the wallet of plenty of RVers. 

As proof of confidence, hOmelabs offers everyone that opts to pick up its air conditioner a two-year manufacturer warranty. If your HME020235N fails due to defects within the warranty period, you could claim a replacement free of charge. 

7. JHS A019-8KR/A

Why We Love It:

Despite its plain appearance, JHS A019-8KR/A remains a solid air conditioner that never let enthusiasts of RVing down. As a three-in-one model, the JHS air conditioner is capable of adjusting the temperature, air circulation and level of humidity inside recreational vehicles. Depending on the situation, RVers could readily set the operating mode of A019-8KR through the digital LED control panel. A full-function remote control accompanies A019-8KR of JHS/A too so applying changes from a distance is possible. 

To set up A019-8KR/A, owners of recreational vehicles need a window in order to exhaust the hot air. When its exhaust hose is positioned and secured, the portable air conditioner of JHS should be ready for use as soon as it receives power. It’s worth pointing out that JHS A019-8KR/A needs to stay in the upright position for at least a day prior to usage. In the case that power is cut, A019-8KR/A automatically restarts within three minutes of the return of power.

Being a low-priced model, JHS A019-8KR/A is popular among those that have tight budgets but still wish to have something of quality. The RV air conditioner made by JHS is backed by a one-year warranty that brings peace of mind too. 

8. Honeywell HL09CESWK

Why We Love It:

Integrating thermal overload protection, Honeywell HL09CESWK could work for extended periods of time without sustaining damages due to overheating. HL09CESWK also features stress-free auto evaporation so enthusiasts of RVing don’t have to bother with removing water. That is why a lot of RVers who prioritize convenience think highly of the portable air conditioner made by Honeywell. Moreover, being an energy-saving model, HL09CESWK of Honeywell costs little money to run which reduces the utility bills. 

With a dual filtration system, the air conditioner of Honeywell is good at filtering dust and dirt in the air. Therefore, if you frequently have problems with allergens on the road, HL09CESWK would be the best A/C unit on the market for you. Since Honeywell HL09CESWK is distributed with installation hardware, its setup process wraps up in a blink of an eye. An owner’s manual is included so people seldom need long to get HL09CESWK of Honeywell up and running. 

Rated at 9,000 BTU, the cooling output of Honeywell HL09CESWK is indeed unexceptional but it’s nonetheless sufficient for rigs with interiors around 400 square feet. The stylish exterior of HL09CESWK ensures that it’s going to blend in instead of standing out like a sore thumb inside recreational vehicles. 

9. Shinco SPF2-08C

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Why We Love It:

Purposely engineered for today’s standards and built to last, Shinco SPF2-08C could be put to good use in a diversity of recreational vehicles. From cooling to dehumidifying, the air conditioner of Shinco would satisfy whatever demands enthusiasts of RVing have and that guarantees an increased level of comfort. Additionally, since SPF2-08C is a bucketless model with self-evaporating operation, it keeps the inside of rigs dry without needing significant attention from RVers. Needless to say, Shinco SPF2-08C is favored by people that like to have a mess-free interior while traveling. 

In the course of operation, SPF2-08C is capable of maintaining a low profile so few RVers find it noisy. The consumption rate of the air conditioner made by Shinco is low as well, thus, its presence rarely affects the performance of other appliances onboard. For people that hit the road with an assortment of power-hungry appliances, Shinco SPF2-08C is a wise investment. Finally, owing to the brief setup process, SPF2-08C just needs several moments to install.

About post-purchase support, Shinco backs its air conditioner with a reassuring one-year warranty. As a result, you should have something to count on in the case that your SPF2-08C runs into issues. 

10. AmazonBasics MPPDB-09CRN1-BCG5

Why We Love It:

Able to provide consistent cooling to enthusiasts of RVing without drawing substantial power, AmazonBasics MPPDB-09CRN1-BCG5 is an excellent A/C for summer adventures. With MPPDB-09CRN1-BCG5 and its 14,000-BTU output, people could cool up to 500 square feet worth of space without difficulty. Furthermore, featuring optional fan speeds, the air conditioner from AmazonBasics even permits RVers to adjust air circulation for optimal comfort. That is why AmazonBasics MPPDB-09CRN1-BCG5 is sought after by owners of recreational vehicles who want to have flexibility. 

The air conditioner of AmazonBasics is sold with everything so there is no need to make separate purchases or hardware. Since MPPDB-09CRN1-BCG5 packs easy-grip handles and caster wheels, moving it into position is a piece of cake. Thanks to the presence of the expandable hose, setting up the ventilation for AmazonBasics MPPDB-09CRN1-BCG5 inside typical recreational vehicles is a simple matter. Aside from that, the AmazonBasics air conditioner is compatible with traditional windows but RVers may customize it for nonstandard ones. 

As for the control, MPPDB-09CRN1-BCG5 of AmazonBasics is assembled with a user-friendly LED interface that facilitates supervision. Hence, RVers only need to take a glance to determine the status of the RV air conditioner made by AmazonBasics. 

11. Ontel Arctic Air Ultra

Why We Love It:

You only have a bit of free space left in your rig but want to add an A/C nonetheless? In that case, it’s widely advised that you check out Ontel Arctic Air Ultra and what it could do. With a low profile body, the portable air conditioner made by Ontel occupies insignificant amounts of space inside recreational vehicles. In addition, Arctic Air Ultra possesses a multi-directional air vent so it could deliver cool air toward whatever way that enthusiasts of RVing wish. 

To use Ontel Arctic Air Ultra, owners of recreational vehicles simply have to pour water into the top tank and plug it into an outlet. By utilizing the hydro-chill technology, Arctic Air Ultra would turn hot air that passes through it into cool air. Since the air conditioner of Ontel comes with an integral evaporative filter as well, it’s capable of keeping the atmosphere fresh around the clock. Because of that, Ontel Arctic Air Ultra receives compliments from those who have to deal with allergies on the road. 

Being a whisper-quiet model, Arctic Air Ultra boasts a low noise level compared to that of its market contemporaries. So with the Ontel air conditioner, it’s a breeze to get an interrupted sleep. 

12. Midea MAP08R1CWT

Why We Love It:

Fashioned from the ground up with comfort in mind, Midea MAP08R1CWT is the favorite A.C of RVers that travel around the year. In the course of operation, MAP08R1CWT could cool, dehumidify and fan air which allows it to flexibly adapt to an assortment of environments. Via the easy-to-read display, RVers would be able to monitor the operation of the Midea air conditioner and change its mode at will. Moreover, since the filter of Midea MAP08R1CWT is washable, its maintenance requires minimal effort from enthusiasts of RVing. 

Packing splendid handling characteristics, the air conditioner made by Midea takes just a couple of minutes to position and secure. Also, the absence of tools in the installation means people don’t have to be expert mechanics to get MAP08R1CWT up and running. Regarding draw, Midea MAP08R1CWT consumes little electricity to run so powering it is a walk in the park. Unsurprisingly, RVers that like to conserve power while traveling have a positive view of the portable air conditioner of Midea.

One interesting thing about Midea MAP08R1CWT is that it accurately measures temperature in the vicinity of RVers via sensors assuming that they keep the remote control on them. Thus, with MAP08R1CWT around, owners of recreational vehicles should have no trouble customizing their experience in the outdoors. 

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 Critical RV Portable Air Conditioner Considerations

RVers don’t agree on what could be called the best portable air conditioner but everyone accepts that to make a wise investment, it’s essential to remember these criteria

OUTPUT: Commonly measured in BTU (British Thermal Unit), the output of a portable air conditioner for camper trailer indicates the amount of cooling it could deliver. To calculate the ideal BTU rating for your A/C, you should take the interior of your rig into account. In the case that you don’t have lots of space to cool, feel free to settle for standard models. On the other hand, if you own a huge rig, it’s suggested that you prioritize high output air conditioners. 

CONSUMPTION: Among the appliances on modern-day RVs, air conditioners for campers tend to be some of the most power-hungry ones. Because of that, while taking a look at models on the market, you have to pay special attention to consumption. The last thing you want to do is to spend big bucks on a portable camper air conditioner that you cannot keep up and running. Usually, you would be able to determine how much electricity an A/C consumes by reading its owner’s manual. 

NOISE: Nearly all portable air conditioners for RV let out sounds in the course of operation but a number of models prove quieter than the rest. In order to avoid ending up with a loud A/C that disturbs your outdoor experience, you must stick to models with low noise levels. You could find the noise level of models in the owner’s manual but as manufacturers frequently list reduced numbers, you should check out reviews. That is going to help you remove air conditioners that may be too noisy from your shortlist and save time. 

SIZE & WEIGHT: It’s common knowledge among RVers that space is a rare commodity inside recreational vehicles which makes size a key consideration for air conditioners. Owning a premium-grade portable A/C unit for RV means little if your rig is simply incapable of accommodating it. Thus, it’s widely advised that you use dimensions of the spot where you plan to place the air conditioner as guidelines and decide accordingly. Besides that, you have to give the weight of the A/C some thought too since it significantly affects handling. 

PRICE

$250 – $500: Though air conditioners in the range don’t excel in any particular aspect, they still work well in typical settings. In addition to that, models between $250 and $500 have basic operation and control so it’s a breeze to manage them. 

$500 – $750: Adaptable and versatile, air conditioners in the range could be put to good use in plenty of arrangements without trouble. As models that cost from $250 to $500 also have reasonable consumptions for their outputs, keeping them operational is child’s play. 

Above $750: Loaded with features and functions, air conditioners in the range certainly cost a lot but they provide splendid values. Furthermore, models with price tags exceeding $750 often come alongside manufacturer warranties that bring peace of mind to enthusiasts of RVing. 

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Types Of RV Portable Air Conditioners

Today’s portable air conditioners for RV come in all shapes and sizes but market models could be split into two types: vented and ventless. 

• Vented Air Conditioners: Dependable and reliable, vented air conditioners work well in lots of arrangements. Moreover, since modes of the type have economical operation, running expense is not a problem. On the downsides, vented air conditioners require dedicated ventilation and they may be somewhat noisy. 
• Ventless Air Conditioners: Possessing a compact build, ventless air conditioners occupy negligible amounts of space in the interior of RV. Modes of the type tend to be lightweight as well so moving them around is a walk in the park. However, in use, ventless air conditioners regularly produce water which must be removed at intervals. 

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Top Brands Of Portable Air Conditioners For RV 

There is no need to worry too much about brand as it seldom dictates the performance of an A/C. Nonetheless, if you care about reputability, you should keep in mind the name down below 

Black + Decker: Once it comes to power appliances, tools, accessories and so on, only several brands could stand up to Black + Decker. In the case that all you need is a solid small portable air conditioner for RV, Black + Decker is going to be your best bet. 

hOmelabs: Thanks to the heavy investments in innovations, hOmelabs is capable of introducing fantastic portable A/C units that never fail to please enthusiasts of RVing. Additionally, since models of hOmelabs reach the markets at competitive prices, they suit multiple budgets. 

Midea: By emphasizing convenience, Midea and its air conditioner receive a shower of praise from numerous RVers, novices and veterans alike. Naturally, in terms of ease of use, Midea models outmatch the average A/C nowadays. 

AmazonBasics: With a focus on optimization, AmazonBasics continuously refine the design of its RV A/C. As a result, air conditioners made by AmazonBasics hold up well as time passes by. 

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FAQs About RV Portable Air Conditioners