When living in an RV in tropical climates, any lack of insulation will quickly become an issue, resulting in a hot box with a lack of airflow. To resolve this, there is no need to deal with an RV window air conditioner when a portable RV air conditioner quickly resolves the problem.
It can also prevent you from messing around with a rooftop air conditioner and trying to get roof units into place.
Again, you’ll find a portable air conditioner that comes out on top until someone invents a better option. You can find many RVs that may already have a roof-mounted air conditioner, yet there are benefits of sticking with portable units.
Table could not be displayed.For one, a portable air conditioner easily replaces or supplements roof-mounted units with no installation needed.
Second, these small A/C units cool your RV and can be moved around to areas where you need them or if you need to service them. (Find the Best Wheel Bearing Grease for Travel Trailers)
Besides this, there are now models of portable RV air conditioners that function as a dehumidifier. If your area is humid, you can deal with that as well.
Deciding on a portable air conditioning unit for your RV requires understanding what to look for when purchasing one and the available features.
By the end of these reviews, you’ll know exactly what to look for and which is the best portable air conditioner you can use in your RV.
Why You Need a Good Portable Air Conditioners For RV?
For a consumer, understanding portable AC units is vital. Here are some of the reasons you need a portable air conditioner for camper trailer.
- A Pleasant Journey: Summer is an excellent time to travel, but the heat can be oppressive at times. Having a portable air conditioner in your RV helps.
- It’s Convenient: Portable air conditioners can be a good alternative for your RV’s air conditioner. They can also serve as a replacement.
- Clean Indoor Air: Portable air conditioners for RVs work by sucking moisture from the air and dehumidifying the room. The air inside is continually shifting and being replaced as a result and will feel fresh.
- Easy Installation: A portable air conditioner, unlike other RV air conditioners, can be easy to implement, and all you may need is the exhaust hose to be installed.
- Eco-friendly: The amount of energy an air conditioner uses is determined by the power. Portable air conditioners use far less energy than other RV air conditioners.
Top Portable Air Conditioner Reviews
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1. BLACK+DECKER BPACT10WT Portable Air Conditioner, 5,500 BTU DOE
If you want a portable RV air conditioning unit that is perfect for performance and affordability, the best portable A/C for RV is the BPACT10WT Portable Air Conditioner.
It’s compact yet offers 10,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) and a cooling capacity for spaces up to a size of 250 square feet, which meets RVs of 31 feet or less. For such areas, it delivers exceptional and affordable cooling at an affordable price.
This portable RV air conditioner offers adjustable fan speeds and also the Sleep Mode. You can keep air circulating without any humming while trying to sleep. You can even use the remote control rather than keep standing in your travel trailer. (Read Travel Trailer Propane Tanks)
Full settings comprise the cool setting, fan setting, and dehumidifier setting. With these, you can promote airflow, air conditioning or use it as a dehumidifier.
One plus point is that you don’t need to worry about emptying a water bucket when it removes moisture; you find the hose adapter installs to the back of the unit to dump water it collects from the window.
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Pros
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- Efficient BTU rating of 10,000.
- Adjustable Fan Speed to keep air circulating with low noise level
- Easy to Install and hose connector fits many window types.
- Bucket-less Design[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
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- Maximum effectiveness maybe 150 square feet, not 250
- On the large size in smaller RVs[/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
With a guide price just under $380, the Black and Decker portable AC unit gives you an efficient way to keep your RV at 65°F at the coolest setting with a 1-year warranty backup. It is efficient and easy to use and can be the best way to be comfortable on your summer RV living trips.
2. Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier, Fan with Activated Carbon Filter Plus
RVers wanting a portable air conditioner to cool and dehumidify or circulate air should consider the Whynter ARC-14S.
RVs 40 feet or longer can use this product as it can cool up to 500 square feet. It can extract up to 101 pints of water from the air in your RV per day in dehumidifying mode.
The camper air conditioner from Whytner has to be installed in an RV window before use. You get the window kit for 20 to 47 inches and the 60 inches long exhaust hose. (Learn How Long to Keep Fresh Water in RV tank)
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Pros
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- High BTU Rating cooling power of 14,000 BTU and can cool spaces of 500 square feet
- Multiple Functions such as Cool, Fan mode, or Dehumidifier
- The dehumidifying function removes 100+ pints of water per day
- AC uses activated carbon air filters and CFC-free refrigerant[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
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- Large and heavy with dims of 19″ x 16 ” x 35.5 ” and 80 lbs.
- Needs a window of 20 to 47 inches for the hose[/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
The camper AC unit is on the expensive side at a little over $500, yet you do get lots of cooling performance for your money. It is large and heavy and best suited to RV’s that have a suitable space to make use of the air ventilation capacity of this cooler.
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3. Portable Electric Air Conditioner Unit – 900W 8000 BTU Power Plug In AC Cold Indoor Room Conditioning System
The Portable Air Conditioner from Serene Life comes with all you need, such as a window mount kit, setup guide, remote control to get you going.
The device is handy and portable with dimensions of 14.6’’ x 13.8’’ x 27.2’’ inches high and 53.02 lbs.
The portable air conditioner system features a lightweight, handy, sleek body design for use in any room in the home or suitable for garage or RV
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Pros
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- Comes with 3 operating modes, cooling, dehumidifier, and fan.
- Timer control for cooling before you reach home or at night
- 8000 BTU cooling power with 900W rated power
- Covers rooms up to 215+ sq. ft[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
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- Only suitable for small areas
- Not very efficient as a humidifier[/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
With a guide price of just over $265, you have an affordable solution; however, it is only suited to small spaces rather than larger RVs.
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4. BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT Portable Air Conditioner with Heat
When it comes to mobile air conditioner brands, Black & Decker is a well-known and well-respected name. While it can weigh up to 83 pounds, it shouldn’t be too difficult to move. Just make sure you leave a lot of room in your RV for yourself.
The Black & Decker BPACT14HWT Portable Air Conditioner is a heater and has a cooling mode with the air conditioner. As a result, you can use it in any weather situation. For hot places during the day and super cold at night, this unit can give you the most comfort. (Read RV Air Conditioner Not Cooling)
If you’re searching for a great air conditioner for camping, the Black & Decker BPACT14HWT Portable Air Conditioner is a must-have.
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Pros
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- Fantastic energy efficiency and performance
- Long-lasting durability
- Easy to use buttons or remote control
- Comes with heating capability[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
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- No replacement parts available
- The rear hose may come off when bumped[/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
With a rough guide price under $480, it is a bit of an investment, yet the Black and Decker covers year-round cooling and heating and is worth it. It will, however, have a higher power consumption when heating, so you need to be sure your power source can cope.
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5. hOmelabs Portable Air Conditioner – 10000 BTU Quiet AC with Removable Washable Filter
The hOmeLabs 10,000 BTU unit is a good choice for a portable RV air conditioner. It used to have 14,000 BTU, yet now it has dropped to a more common 10,000 BTU rating.
You can circulate air, cool, or dehumidify up to around 450 to 600 square feet with this portable AC unit. It is heavy, so not an option if you need it for your tent. Unlike other models with built-in air filters, the filter on this unit can be removed and washed, saving you money in replacements. (Read AC Unit Fan Not Running)
This unit’s Eco-Friendly Sleep feature is something I really like. This lowers the noise level and lowers the unit’s energy consumption during the night, allowing you to sleep better.
The AC has a remote control for ease of access on the camper air conditioner so that you can adjust the noise level or temp from your bed.
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Pros
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- The 14,000 BTU portable AC unit can cool RVs up to 600 square feet
- Washable Air Filter
- Easy Installation and needs the supplied window kit. It takes 8 minutes or less
- Eco-Friendly Sleep Feature for reduced energy consumption and noise output at night[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
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- Heavy and large
- Too large for a tent[/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
With a guide price of just under $500, you get a product that delivers where needed, yet it lets itself down from the size and weight. It weighs 72.3 pounds, and the product dimensions are 17.9 x 15 x 30.7 inches so that it can take up some considerable space in your rig.
Portable Air Conditioner Buying guide
Here are a few things to consider when searching for your portable AC choices.
Cooling Power
Power output is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU) and is based on the size of your RV. Standard AC units come with 13,500 BTUs.
It is still suggested that you buy a unit with at least 18,000 BTU to assure continuous cooling. If you plan to visit places with high humidity, it might be best to get units with higher power output. You can also choose smaller AC units to save on your RV’s electrical load. (Find the Best Deep Cycle Battery Charger)
Power Consumption
Check the wattage of the AC unit before buying it to find out. That way, you’ll know how much power your air conditioner uses and if you’ll be able to keep it running in the long run.
Noise
If you are a light sleeper or traveling with one, it is important to pick out an AC unit that produces the least noise.
Usability
Of course, no one wants a difficult-to-use device. Before you buy one, test the controls to see if they are simple to use.
Installation & Maintenance
Most RV portable air conditioners are easy to install and maintain. If you are planning to install it alone, then make sure the unit is light. It is also best to look for air conditioning.
Extra Features
RV portable air conditioners come with many extra features. With this, your AC unit can also be used during winters as it can act as a heater. It’s also worthwhile to purchase units that clean air and cool.
Final Verdict
In testing, we saw all sizes and types of ACs for RVs. For most of the RV world, a standard size is the best option, and for this reason, the BLACK+DECKER BPACT10WT Portable Air Conditioner, 5,500 BTU DOE, quickly came out in front.
Besides this, it is an impressive size that can sit out of the way without being a hindrance. You can cool your RV without running up your costs and overloading your power source for power consumption. You also have the backup of the warranty for 1-year parts and labor, and 5 years on the compressor.
