RV Air Conditioner Buying Guide - Dometic

Not all vehicles are compatible with every type of air conditioner:

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Insulation strengths of individual models can vary and so we recommend speaking to your authorized dealer or service center for the best advice according to your specific vehicle.

A vehicle’s length also influences air conditioner choice; powerful units being needed for large internal spaces. In some cases, more than one unit is used. Larger RVs may need more than one air conditioner to cool the entire vehicle.

The position of your air conditioner and whether it is ducted or non-ducted is also influential. Ducted systems, which can be used with both rooftop and under bench air conditioners, allow cool air to be effectively distributed around the entire vehicle. However, rooftop units may also use non-ducted systems. The more limited distribution range of a non-ducted system may mean you require two separate units to provide cool coverage throughout the vehicle.

Air conditioners are either designed for installation on the vehicle’s roof or inside an internal storage compartment.

ROOFTOP AIR CONDITIONER

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Rooftop air conditioners are positioned over the window in your vehicle’s roof. For installation, the roof must be flat and have sufficient space amongst other devices.

Other considerations:

• Storage: it does not use any valuable storage space inside your vehicle. This is particularly beneficial to owners of smaller vehicles with limited internal space.
• Light: given its position over a window, rooftop units can obstruct natural light. Unless of course you purchase a rooftop unit with an integrated window!
• Distribution: choose between an air distribution box or for wider, more targeted distribution, use a ducting system.
• Clearance: it will add to your vehicle’s height, however, a sleek, low-profile rooftop model will minimize this greatly.
• Heater: since heat rises, rooftop units aren’t optimally placed to heat your vehicle.
   

UNDER BENCH AIR CONDITIONER

An under bench air conditioner is located inside the vehicle – under a bench or in a compartment. It is ideal if your vehicle’s roof is curved or crowded with other devices.

Other considerations:

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• Storage: you will lose internal storage space to accommodate the air conditioner.
• Light: windows are unaffected meaning it won’t block natural light.
• Distribution: always via a ducting system, allowing a wide distribution of cool air to multiple rooms of your choice.
• Clearance: your vehicle’s clearance height is not affected.
• Heater: its low installation position makes it more effective as a heater.