Selecting the best air conditioner for your travel trailer ensures a cool, comfortable environment during your road trips. This guide covers top-rated RV air conditioners and soft start units designed for travel trailers, campers, and motorhomes, highlighting key features like energy efficiency, noise levels, installation ease, and cooling capacity.
| Product | Cooling Capacity | Power Source | Noise Level | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MICRO-AIR EasyStart Breeze 399 | N/A (Compressor Soft Start) | 120V | Quieter Startup | Bluetooth soft start for smoother compressor startup |
| Treeligo 12V RV Air Conditioner | 7900 BTU | 12V DC | Ultra-Quiet | Heating & cooling with vehicle battery power |
| Countrymod 12V DC RV Air Conditioner | 10,000 BTU | 12V DC | 45–55 dB | Energy-efficient inverter technology |
| RecPro RV Air Conditioner 13.5K | 13,500 BTU | 110-120V | 59.7 dB | Quiet operation and low amp draw |
| Outequip 12V RV Air Conditioner with Heat Pump | 11,500 BTU | 12V DC | 45 dB | Direct 12V battery power with heat pump |
Content Navigation
- MICRO-AIR EasyStart Breeze 399 Soft Starter for RV AC
- Treeligo 12V Ultra-Quiet Rooftop RV Air Conditioner
- Countrymod 12V DC 10,000 BTU Portable RV Air Conditioner
- RecPro RV Air Conditioner 13.5K Ducted/Non-Ducted Quiet AC
- Outequip 12V 11,500 BTU RV Air Conditioner with Heat Pump
- Buying Guide for Travel Trailer Air Conditioners
MICRO-AIR EasyStart Breeze 399 Soft Starter for RV AC
The MICRO-AIR EasyStart Breeze 399 is a compact soft start compressor unit designed for RV air conditioners up to 13,000–15,000 BTU. It significantly reduces the power surge during startup by smoothing compressor load, allowing your RV to run two ACs simultaneously on a 30-amp power cord without tripping breakers. The inclusion of Bluetooth technology offers easier control and monitoring, providing quieter startups and enhanced user convenience. Its installation kit and compatibility with generators up to 2200 watts make it a versatile option for various travel trailer AC setups. The smaller form factor improves installation flexibility and usage of space within your RV.
Treeligo 12V Ultra-Quiet Rooftop RV Air Conditioner
The Treeligo 12V RV Air Conditioner is a non-ducted rooftop unit offering 7,900 BTU for cooling and a 3,000 BTU heating function. It runs on your vehicle’s 12V battery system using a scroll air compressor, making it energy-efficient and reducing fuel reliance. This unit is installed at the skylight of your RV roof and fits standard-sized roofs requiring a minimum of 11″×5.9″. The quiet operation and integrated heat pump make it suitable for year-round use, ensuring comfort during both summer and winter travel. Note that it is not suited for starter batteries and works best with deep cycle or dedicated battery systems.
Countrymod 12V DC 10,000 BTU Portable RV Air Conditioner
The Countrymod 12V DC RV Air Conditioner delivers powerful 10,000 BTU cooling with a 300-900W intelligent inverter that adjusts compressor speed based on cooling demand. It consumes just 0.3 kWh per hour, making it five times more energy-efficient than standard ACs. The unit actively maintains optimal temperatures while emitting very low noise (45–55 dB), comparable to a gentle breeze, which minimizes disturbance in your living space. It is a non-ducted rooftop model suitable for RVs, trailers, food trucks, and fifth wheels, offering flexible cooling without harsh air blast.
RecPro RV Air Conditioner 13.5K Ducted/Non-Ducted Quiet AC
The RecPro 13,500 BTU RV Air Conditioner offers both ducted and non-ducted installation options with quiet operation at 59.7 dB. Designed for travel use, its aerodynamic, UV-resistant plastic construction accounts for durability and reduced drag while driving. This unit features a low amp draw that supports simultaneous use of multiple RV appliances, making it especially suitable for off-grid or solar-powered applications. It delivers reliable cooling for campers, fifth wheels, food trucks, or motorhomes with minimal noise interruption.
Outequip 12V 11,500 BTU RV Air Conditioner with Heat Pump
The Outequip 12V RV Air Conditioner features an 11,500 BTU cooling capacity and an integrated heat pump for heating functionality. Its direct 12V DC power design requires no inverter, directly connecting to your battery system for more efficient energy use, perfect for solar-powered or off-grid travel trailers. The DC inverter compressor and advanced noise reduction technology ensure ultra-quiet operation, with sound levels as low as 45 dB inside the cabin. This unit is engineered to maintain comfort without draining power excessively, ideal for long trips or boondocking.
Buying Guide for Travel Trailer Air Conditioners
Choosing the right air conditioner for your travel trailer involves considering various factors to meet your comfort needs and energy preferences.
Cooling Capacity
BTU rating determines how effectively an AC cools your space. Small travel trailers suit units between 7,000 to 10,000 BTU, while larger trailers or fifth wheels may require 13,500 BTU or higher. Consider your trailer size and climate conditions.
Power Source and Efficiency
- 12V DC Units: Ideal for off-grid use with battery or solar power. They conserve energy but may have lower cooling power.
- 110-120V Units: Standard for RV parks and shore power, these provide higher BTUs but consume more energy.
- Soft Start Units: Help reduce startup amps, allowing operation on limited power sources like generators.
Noise Levels
Look for air conditioners with low decibel ratings (below 60 dB). Quieter models improve sleep and overall comfort in the confined RV space.
Installation Type
- Roof-Mounted: Common, efficient cooling covering wide areas.
- Non-Ducted vs. Ducted: Non-ducted units cool a single space, simpler to install. Ducted units distribute cooled air evenly via vents but require additional installation effort.
Additional Features
- Heating Function: A heat pump option extends use to colder seasons.
- Energy-Saving Technology: Inverter compressors and smart temperature control reduce consumption.
- Durability: Weatherproof, UV-resistant housing ensures longevity on the road.
- Compact Design: Important if roof space is limited or for ease of maintenance.
Prioritize energy consumption balanced with cooling power and noise control to match your travel habits and preferred comfort. Soft start systems can prevent electrical overload in smaller power grids, enhancing reliability while camping.