Best Portable Air Conditioners In RV

Summer is the perfect time to visit your favorite sites, but leaving your RV in the sun for too long can get uncomfortable.

Enjoying the open road in comfort is what an RV is all about. Of course, going to the beach or the mountains is a terrific way to cool off, but you also want to keep cool while driving and parking. And what better way to get your hands on an excellent portable air conditioner for your RV?

The ten best portable AC units for RVs are:

1. Ontel Ultra-Portable Arctic RV AC Unit
2. Midea 3-In-1 Portable Air Conditioner
3. Hayi Evaporative Conditioner
4. Costway RV Portable AC Unit
5. Black+Decker 10K BTU Portable
6. Whynter ARC 122DS Elite
7. Haier HPC 12XCR
8. Honeywell MO08CESWB
9. JHS A018-14KR/C
10. Edgestar Ultra-Compact

If you're searching for the best portable AC units for an RV, the BTUs and size are important considerations. The BTUs will define the unit's suitable square footage. However, the precise size and proportions are essential, as an overly big unit might impede paths and make your RV appear cluttered.

As an avid RVer myself, sampling some of the best portable ACs and partaking in some advanced internet snooping, including sites such as Amazon.com, forbes.com, and insider.com, you'll be surprised to find how easy it is to get that perfect portable breeze in your RV. As a result, this is what I've found.

‍Best Portable Air Conditioners In RV

Many travelers are drawn to RVs by the call of the wild. There's adventure out there, and just imagining that perfect location puts a spark on anyone's face. Summer is approaching, and the rising temperatures outdoors prompt RVers to invent ways to stay cool.

Fortunately, there are methods to keep cool in an RV. A decent air conditioner is one of the best defenses you can have. Most RVs have built-in air conditioning, but you don't want to drain the battery. And that is when portable AC units come in handy!

So, starting with the Ontel Arctic Ultra-Portable RV Air Conditioner here's what valuable cooling breeze this list of ten of the best portable AC units may bring to your RV travels.

1. Ontel Ultra-Portable Arctic RV AC Unit

Getting a traditional powered portable AC unit is not always the best option if your RV already has a built int AC unit. And this is why the Ontel Arctic Ultra-portable RV AC unit is included. You'll be surprised to know that this compact RV portable AC unit is an evaporative cooler powered by batteries and weighs just 2.6lbs.

It has dimensions of 10.15in (L) x 11.1in (B) and is about 12.9in tall, so it can easily fit on a shelf or bedside table. Additionally, if you'd like an evening light, the Ontel Ultra-Portable can be set to various LED colors (up to seven) or cycled continuously through them.

However, because the unit's maximum airflow distance is 12 inches, this is a unique solution. You'll also need to replenish the tank since this is an evaporative AC unit. Depending on the fan speed, the tank can last over seven hours before it needs a refill, according to the manufacturer. The tank's capacity, however, is restricted to 3 cups.

On the plus side, when the air cools, it may be utilized to add moistness and cleanse it. Furthermore, another excellent advantage is that this portable AC can be powered by plugging it into a USB outlet or connecting it to another portable device like a power bank or laptop through USB.

Overall, it's a small, inexpensive  RV air conditioner that's ideal for supplemental cooling, and the addition of a night light makes it suitable for usage in sleeping quarters.

2. Midea 3-In-1 Portable Air Conditioner

Because it cools, dehumidifies, and operates the fan simultaneously, the MIDEA 3-in-1 portable RV air conditioner is an ideal choice. In addition, the digital controls are easy to read and use in bright or lowlight circumstances. A frigid 62 degrees is the lowest cooling temperature.

This air conditioner is exceptionally silent. Even on high, it's quieter than an RV compressor refrigerator. It also features a sleep setting that reduces the noise even further.

The Midea Portable Air Conditioner quickly and effectively cools rooms up to 150 square feet. It's simple to operate and move around your environment when you're on wheels. The cooling procedure begins once you connect the hose and adjust the window brackets.

You won't have to buy air filters as often because the filter is washable and simple to clean. The unit's rated voltage is 115 VAC at 60Hz with an output of 8 amps.

Finally, Midea is a recognized air conditioning manufacturer. As a result, this device comes with a one-year part and labor warranty, demonstrating its commitment to quality.

3. Hayi Evaporative Conditioner

Next, we have the portable Hayi Evaporative Conditioner. This device is incredibly light, weighing only 2.33 pounds. It's the ideal size for an RV, but the compact size doesn't mean you must forgo quality!

This evaporative model uses ice cubes and cold water to chill the surrounding space. All you have to do now is add ice, put it into a wall outlet or a USB port, and adjust the speed!

The touch-screen interface on this HAYI model allows you to choose between three different wind speeds. It will also leave your RV smelling fresh and clean because it runs on ice and cold water. In addition, when the water supply runs out, the Hayi Portable air conditioner shuts off automatically.

Customers have given this product excellent marks, and it boasts an easy-to-clean design. The only disadvantage is that you must maintain the little air conditioner balanced while operating; otherwise, water may seep out. But, overall, this is a small, effective portable air conditioner that is ideal for camping and RVing.

4. Costway RV Portable AC Unit

Portable ACs are also available with wheels, allowing you to move them about your RV with a locking mechanism to prevent them from rolling around. As a result, the Costway portable air conditioner is an ideal option.

Portable AC units are an excellent solution for folks who want a proper air conditioner because they are easy to connect. If you're questioning how to vent a portable AC in an RV, you may attach the exhaust outlet using the window kits that come with the package.

This model provides a BTU rating of 8,000, sufficient for 230 sq. ft. of area. There's also a 3-in-one feature that incorporates cooling, a dehumidifier, and a fan, and the evaporation rate will be 28 quarts every 24 hours.

28 quarts per 24hour our cycle is considered low for portable ACs. Although versions that can disperse more are available, they often require more energy than what a typical RV can provide. Nonetheless, I like that this portable AC unit has a handheld remote and adjustable temperature readings.

In addition, a dual-way top and bottom air distribution for increased flow, a 24hr adjustable regulator, and remote control are all included as standard features. This Costway portable AC unit also has the auto-evaporative tech to eliminate condensation.

It is, however, one of the louder alternatives, with a noise level of 56 dB. However, since it has a white noise effect, many RV owners have no complaint about snoozing with its auto sleep timer.

Overall, it's an excellent portable air conditioner for motorhomes and RVs with 8000 BTUs and can chill up to 230 sq. ft., adjust between Celsius and Fahrenheit, and have the 3-in-one capability.

5. Black+Decker 10K BTU Portable

For years, the Black+Decker brand has been known for producing high-quality products. They're a well-known appliance manufacturer, and this portable air conditioner is an excellent addition to their product range. Now enter the Black+Decker 10K BTU Portable air conditioner.

With this multifunctional Black+Decker unit, you may enjoy a comfortable RV climate. It cools, dehumidifies, and circulates air to withstand the summer heat. In addition, this Portable Air Conditioner offers straightforward LED controls and is silent, and provides smooth, uninterrupted comfort while you snooze away.

It's a free-standing device with wheels attached, and moving from one portion of your RV to another is simple; all you need is a power outlet.

This air conditioner is slightly heavier than many of the other alternatives on this list, weighing in at 52 lbs. It is, nonetheless, incredibly potent and effective. In addition, this personal air cooler can chill 250 square feet of interior area, making it suitable for use in an RV.

A single air conditioner like this is more than enough to keep your camper cool. However, Black+Decker went even farther and offered the machine the capacity to do three functions with this model.

This air conditioner has three functions: cooling, ventilation, and dehumidification. It also includes an adjustable fan speed, is simple to clean, and a sleep mode that helps it run more quietly at night.

6. Whynter ARC 122DS Elite

If you have a bigger motorhome, camper, or RV, a smaller portable air conditioner may not likely be ideal. However, I believe that the Whynter ARC Elite 122DS is among some of RVs' best portable window air conditioners.

I love that it can chill places up to 400 sq. ft. with a BTU rating of 12,000. And, if you have a huge RV, this can be extremely useful. It's a 3-in-one package that comes with two hoses. As a result, a fan, dehumidification, and cooling are all included.

The Whynter elite is also a model with a self-evaporative drainage feature. The evaporation rate will be around 38 quarts per day, eliminating moisture from the air and placing it in the mid-range among higher-end residential portable AC units.

With the Whynter Elite, you'll get a window fitting package with an adaptable panel for 20 to 46-inch windows.

The 24-hour adjustable timer, a washable and replaceable pre-filter, and the supplied remote are among the basic features we enjoy with this option.

Another excellent feature is that the sound level is at 52 DB at its lowest level, making it a fantastic silent option. However, you may not appreciate the fact that this device only has a CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating of 155.

Overall, it's a quiet portable air conditioner that can cool up to 400 square feet, and its medium evaporation rate of 38 quarts a day makes it one of the best window air conditioners for an RV.

7. Haier HPC 12XCR

The Haier HPC 12XCR is an excellent alternative to the Whynter Elite if you need to cover more room. In addition, it is guaranteed to be a pleasure for anyone who can't bear the heat since it is designed to produce cold air in big spaces of around 450 square feet.

Furthermore, this type is quite popular because of its high cooling capacity of 12000 Btu and lightweight, which improves mobility, an essential feature for larger portable AC units.

It has three fan settings based on the consumers' chosen trajectory and airflow, with a somewhat lower airflow of 188 CFM than ordinary ACs. Although it is suitable for 450 square feet of space, I recommend using it in places no more than 250 square feet for best results, which is still perfect for a typical RV requirement.

With automatic controls, you can change the AC's ON and OFF periods while watching TV or making meals and change the settings using an infrared remote. So, when you're sleeping, busy outdoors, or not utilizing the RV for the day, this function comes in useful.

In addition, the dehumidifying feature of this model can remove 4 pints every hour, which is more than the previous model, making it equally beneficial for humid circumstances.

It is also highly energy-efficient, with an annual operating cost of only $91, thanks to its cost-cutting technologies.

The installation package comprises a window pipe that can reach a height of 46 inches, caster wheels, and a lightweight for easy moving within the camper to look equally well next to medium and large windows.

8. Honeywell MO08CESWB

Nobody likes to be kept awake by a loud air conditioner when they're trying to catch up on some Zs. Or, more crucially, many air conditioners feature sleep settings that are only programmable for six hours.

The Honeywell MO08CESWB RV portable AC unit is one of my favorites since it offers some of the most extended preset sleep modes I discovered throughout my research.

You'll get around 8 000 BTUs, which will heat up to 350 sq. ft. of room. This 3-in-one combo includes a dehumidifier, but it only evaporates 22 quarts each day. Furthermore, you'll get a 24/7 adjustable timer and a hose for continual draining.

This pick, as is customary, includes a set of wheels for further mobility. You may also cleanse the filter and enhance the air quality by removing it.

Overall, it's a great RV air conditioner with 8,000 BTUs of cooling capacity to cool rooms between 250 and 350 square feet, a dehumidifier mode for added comfort, and a 10-hour sleep mode.

9. JHS A018-14KR/C

When it comes to portable air conditioners for campers, JHS is another difficult brand to beat. Their affiliation with such executions has a lengthy history and is well-known among clients. With a power-studded cooling capacity of 14000 Btu and CFC-free operation, this model is an updated version of their older12KR/C models.

The JHS A018-14KR/C is a  top air outlet that blasts air vertically, distributing cold air evenly and fast across the room or target area.

It is specifically intended for use in living rooms and lounges with sizes of 350-500 square feet and an airflow volume of 220 CFM, and it performs much better when installed inside camper trailers located deep down in the square. Cool, Dehumidify, and Fan Timer are the three modes available on the HS A018-14KR/C.

In addition, it contains three fan speeds that may be changed depending on the weather and desired ambiance, a digital temperature range of 61°F to 88°F, a 24/7 On or Off programmable timer, and an auto-restart feature that turns the device on immediately after a power outage.

It can effectively remove 63 pints a day, making it a direct competitor of the Soleus Air LX-140, which has a self-evaporation technology that recycles condensed water to augment cooling power and eliminates the need to drain water.

The drainage tray may store up to 1 liter of water before reminding the user to empty the tray. In addition, you may quickly fit a drainpipe to switch between automatic and manual drainage systems in high-humidity settings.

Another benefit of this model is its low-noise operation; it operates at around 60 decibels, which can be decreased even further by switching to sleep mode.

You may wash the filter, and the setup is simple. However, the main flaw of this product is the drainage difficulty: if you use the top drain hose, you must tilt the tray mechanically to drain the water, and if you use the bottom drain hose, water runs out of the bottom of the unit.

10. Edgestar Ultra Compact

Last but not least on this list of the best air conditioners for RVs is the Edgestar Ultra Compact portable air conditioner. A monster-sized portable AC for your RV doesn't make sense in a tiny camper.

Jumbo-sized portable AC units are greedy with power and waste of space. As a result, getting your hands on a smaller unit that can adequately cool the room without cluttering your RV is wise.

The Ultra-Compact Edgestar unit is one of my favorites since it lives true to its title. It can chill rooms ranging from 145 - 230 sq. ft. with a BTU rating of just 8,000. Furthermore, this is another excellent 3-in-one option with louvers that you can adjust to aid with circulation. It does, however, have a reduced evaporation amount of 50 quarts per day.

Still, I enjoy that the collecting bucket is self-evaporative, so you don't have to stop every few hours to empty it.

It also has energy-saving features such as a 24/7 adjustable timer and an automatic function mode that reduces power while not in use. With the standard purchase, you'll get a window kit, casters, and remote control.

Overall, it's a 3-in-one air conditioner with adjustable louvers and self-evaporative technology, making it suitable for tiny campers with limited floor space.

How To Choose The Best Portable AC For Your RV

If the air conditioning in your RV isn't strong enough, a portable AC might be a terrific way to remain cool while traveling.

I concentrated on the following critical factors to get the most significant results: Size, style, BTUs, and extra features. That said, consider the following when selecting a portable AC for your RV:

• Consider the BTU rating.

When purchasing an air conditioner, the BTU rating is one of the utmost significant specifications to consider.

In addition, you should think about how much area your AC unit can efficiently cool, just as you would with a home AC unit, and make sure it's well-suited to the size of your RV.

"British thermal units" are indicated by the abbreviation BTU. A single BTU is the portion of the energy required to heat 1lbs of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit, according to the US Energy Information Administration. For example, one BTU is about equivalent to the amount of energy generated when a single match is burned.

The table below can help you determine the BTU required based on the available space.

To get the right cool temperature, a bigger RV may require a more significant BTU reading. If you acquire anything too strong, you may promote extra moisture buildup, making your RV wet and chilly.

• Consider the size and style.

Although portable air conditioners are somewhat movable, they come in various sizes. So even though they're simple to set up, larger portable units can take up a lot of room in your living room.

As a result, you'll want to check the size and weight of your unit to be sure it won't make your motorhome or camper seem crowded.

In addition, the style relates to the kind of AC you have. Two options are an evaporative cooler or a standard portable AC unit with an exhaust or dispensing hose to expel hot and warm air.

Evaporative AC units are often lighter and smaller, but they aren't suitable for all regions since they improve moisture in the space as they operate.

However, various models can be powered by battery power or USB, which might be perfect if you don't want to put your RV's power source or built-in gas generator to the test.

A dehumidifier mode usually is provided with a portable AC unit, and it may be readily installed using the accompanying window fitting kit. They are, nevertheless, more prominent, as previously stated.

• Consider the whole package.

Aside from fan speeds and oscillation, evaporative coolers have minimal functionality. On the other hand, portable AC units can come with extras like supplemental dehumidification, heat, self-evaporative condensation, 24-hour adjustable timers, and even remote control WiFi compatibility.

Considering how often you expect to use an AC in your RV, those extra functions may be handy.