If you’re looking to cool down on the road, an rv cooling units is an essential addition to your rig. However, there are a few things you should consider before buying one.
Cooling Capacity
The cooling capacity of your RV air conditioner is measured in BTUs or BTU/hour and is an important factor to consider when comparing units. Entry-level models often have a lower cooling capacity than more expensive, higher-performing ones.
Size
The size of your RV should also be an important consideration when buying an RV air conditioner. The more space you have available for the unit, the better it will perform.
Depending on the model you choose, your RV air conditioner may be mounted on the roof of your rig or integrated into a ceiling compartment. Either way, it will require a roof vent to attach it.
A roof-mounted RV air conditioner is a great option for larger rigs, as it reduces the amount of space taken up by your AC and provides easy access to its power cords.
In fact, many modern RVs come with a rooftop unit installed by the manufacturer as standard. Larger rigs may have more than one unit to cover the entire coach body, and Class A diesel pushers might even feature two or more for maximum climate control.
Installation
Generally speaking, installing an RV air conditioning system is a pretty straightforward process. The original unit is often a simple plug-in affair, so the actual replacement doesn’t take much work to install. Once the existing unit has been removed, you’ll need to scrape away the old caulking or sealant, then create a roof vent to accommodate your new unit.
It is very important to clean and change the air filters of your RV air conditioner. A dirty filter will make it work harder and consume more energy than necessary. It will also lead to poorer indoor air quality in your rig and potentially cause more health problems than it is worth.
To keep your RV air conditioning system in good working order, check it and replace the air filters every 6-12 months. If you do this, your RV will be much more comfortable and it will last longer.
Aside from keeping the air filter clean, there are a few other things you can do to keep your RV air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently. Minimize the number of occupants inside your RV, cook outside if possible and shower in your bathhouse to prevent steam from building up and causing condensation.
Parking in the shade will also help your RV air conditioner stay cooler for a longer period of time. This will save you money on power and keep your rig more comfortable during long trips.
If your RV is very hot, you can open the dump vents on your AC to force more air through the main living space and disperse it throughout the rest of your rig. This can be especially helpful if you’re cooking and creating a lot of heat in your RV.