RVs and travel campers are a fantastic investment for anyone with wanderlust. These vehicles allow you to see the country, check off items on your bucket list, and stay comfortable no matter where your adventures take you. Instead of spending money on nightly hotel stays, you can enjoy the comforts of your home away from home.
But when the summer heat starts beating down on your RV, is it capable of keeping you comfortable? Much like your home can benefit from a good window or through the wall air conditioner, your motor home needs air con too.
A high-quality RV air conditioner can solve that problem in no time! Like the AC unit in your home, RV cooling systems can lower the temperature inside and keep your cozy day and night.
There’s no shortage of air conditioner units out there. But when you’re living in cramped quarters, quiet systems are a must. The best quiet RV air conditioner will manage temperatures while still letting you hear conversations and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Ready to upgrade your RV’s cooling system? Take a look at some of the best quiet RV air conditioners systems we found. Don’t forget to check out our buying guide below, too!
The Quietest RV Air Conditioners – Comparison Table
| Product Image | Product name | Features | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner | 15,000 BTU Noise-dampening brackets Weighs 77 pounds Aerodynamic design | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | Atwood 15028 Ducted A/C Unit | 18,000 BTU Low-profile design Ducted AC Good protection and isolation | 3.8 out of 5 |
 | Dometik Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner | 15,000 BTU/Hour High-performance motor and fan Easy installation and maintenance | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | Dometic Penguin II 640315C Rooftop Air Conditioner | 11,000 BTU Less than 10 inches tall Quiet operation Preinstalled heat strip | 4.1 out of 5 |
 | RecPro RV Air Conditioner 15K Ducted | Produces 59.1 dBa Ducted 15,000 BTU | 5 out of 5 |
 | Dometic 641816CXX1J0 Penguin II | 15,000 BTU Low-profile housing Up to 310 CFM Compatible with smart controller | 4.1 out of 5 |
 | RecPro RV Air Conditioner | 13,500 BTU Non-ducted Up to 59.7 decibels inside Comes with remote control | 5 out of 5 |
 | Atwood Ducted AC Unit | 16K BTU unit 2x Quieter than competitors units Wireless remote | 3.8 out of 5 |
 | Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner - 13,500 | 13,500 BTU Enhanced base pan Good sound isolation Aerodynamic housing | 4.3 out of 5 |
Top 9 Quiet RV Air Conditioners Reviewed
Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner
Dometic is no stranger to producing some great RV gear. This Brisk II AC unit is no different. It sits on the roof of the vehicle to stay out of the way. It’s relatively lightweight. Plus, it’s available in polar white to blend in with basic paint jobs.
One thing we like about this unit is its quiet operation. The improved base pan isolated noise and vibrations. Inside, it sounds like any other cooling unit at home. Overall, this is a high-performance unit that you can install with or without ducts.
Key Features:
- 15,000 BTU
- Noise-dampening brackets
- Weighs 77 pounds
- Aerodynamic design
- Versatile installation
Atwood 15028 Ducted A/C Unit
Here’s a system that you can use all year long no matter where your RVing journey takes you! The rooftop AC unit is well-built. It features premium components and a shell that can easily blend in with your motorhome. Thanks to the streamlined housing, it doesn’t impact aerodynamics too much.
With 18,000 BTUs, this is a good option for larger RVs. Connect it to your existing ductwork to provide efficient cooling throughout the cabin. It even has a built-in heat pump to keep you cozy throughout the winter.
Key Features:
- 18,000 BTU
- Low-profile design
- Ducted AC
- Good protection and isolation
- Integrated heat pump
Dometik Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner
Few things are worse than driving or riding in an RV that lacks air conditioning. If you have an old AC unit, you need to deal with the loud pops and cranking noises that come out of it. Thanks to the Dometic Brisk II, you can now easily replace that old unit. Designed to fit on the roof of the RV, it pushes the cold air down to ensure that it hits every corner of the camper. You can choose between black and white models that match the color of your RV, both of which produce 15,000 BTU. It works with or without ducts and comes with a one-year warranty.
Key Features:
- 15,000 BTU/Hour
- High-performance motor and fan
- Easy installation and maintenance
Dometic Penguin II 640315C Rooftop Air Conditioner
Here’s another good RV AC unit from Dometic. Like the Dometic Brisk II, this system is all about traveling light. It’s a bit heavier than the aforementioned model, but it makes up for that difference with its low-profile design. It’s only 9.5 inches tall!
Even still, this RV AC unit has a preinstalled module board and heat strip. Dometic managed to keep the system compact without sacrificing power. You’re getting powerful cooling capabilities plus a multi-speed blower fan to get the level of comfort you’re after.
Key Features:
- 11,000 BTU
- Less than 10 inches tall
- Quiet operation
- Preinstalled heat strip
- Three-speed fan
RecPro RV Air Conditioner 15K Ducted
Have a hot RV you need to cool down? Check out this air conditioner from RecPro. It’s a ducted model that can connect to your existing mobile HVAC system. The unit itself mounts to the roof of your vehicle. The body is contoured and aerodynamic to minimize drag as you drive.
Now, the exterior mounting of this appliance is what makes it so quiet. Most of the components run outside of your RV. All you have to hear is the blower! In total, it produces around 59 decibels of noise. Thanks to the 15,000 BTU output, it can cool your entire vehicle. All the while, it’ll stay quiet so that you can sleep and relax in peace!
Key Features:
- Produces 59.1 dBa
- Ducted
- 15,000 BTU
- Wireless remote
- Dehumidifying feature
- Automatic functionality
- Versatile run options
Dometic 641816CXX1J0 Penguin II
This high-capacity Penguin II model is ideal for RVers who like to keep things extra cool. Like the other Penguin II unit, this one is low-profile. It has a sleek and aerodynamic housing that’s not going to increase drag on the road.
Despite its small size, this AC unit is anything but weak. It produces up to 310 CFM of airflow depending on your chosen settings. Speaking of which, this system is compatible with Dometic’s Comfort Control Center. While this doesn’t come with the controller, it’s easy to implement if you’re already using it with other Dometic gear.
Key Features:
- 15,000 BTU
- Low-profile housing
- Up to 310 CFM
- Compatible with smart controller
- Versatile installation
RecPro RV Air Conditioner
Check out this whisper-quiet air conditioner from RecPro! The 13,500 BTU unit is quite powerful. But from inside, the most noise you’ll hear is about 59.7 decibels. That’s when the AC is on full blast and you’re standing directly below it.
This is a non-ducted rooftop system. Like most rooftop air conditioners, this one features a sloped housing that’s designed to reduce drag. It’s a little over a foot tall, so it’s not going to have a huge impact on your travel plans.
Key Features:
- 13,500 BTU
- Non-ducted
- Up to 59.7 decibels inside
- Comes with remote control
Atwood Ducted AC Unit
Make your RV more comfortable on long road trips and camping adventures with this AC unit that fits onto the roof. It features two AC units inside one package that produce a total of 16,000 BTU. As the system uses only 2000W of power, you don’t need to worry about it draining your RV battery and leaving you stranded on the road. A precise temperature control lets you set the temperature to a specific degree. This control works with the digital readout that shows you the temperature as it changes. With the included wireless remote, you get access to all of the features of the AC unit. As a bonus, it runs twice as quietly as similar AC systems do.
Key Features:
- 16K BTU unit
- 2x Quieter than competitors units
- Wireless remote
Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner – 13,500
This Brisk II model from Dometic has all the same great features as the previous one! However, it offers a slightly lower BTU rating to help you save energy on smaller motorhomes.
Make no mistake: the unit is still plenty powerful! It’s a highly efficient system that can battle the summer heat without missing a beat.
Dometic has done a fine job of keeping this unit as discreet as possible. Not only is it small and lightweight, but it’s quiet, too. The base pan isolated vibrations to reduce the noise you’ll hear inside the cabin.
Key Features:
- 13,500 BTU
- Enhanced base pan
- Good sound isolation
- Aerodynamic housing
- Lightweight
Why Buy a Quiet RV Air Conditioner?
Most RVs and travel trailers are fully capable of trekking through dry deserts and snowy conditions without missing a beat! However, not every vehicle is equipped with a cooling system to manage temperatures efficiently.
Sometimes, even RVs with integrated air C units aren’t up to snuff. Older vehicles, in particular, are notorious for having weak systems with poor cooling capabilities. They might have a simple unit in the cockpit but lack the power to improve air quality in the rest of the cabin.
After hours of RVing and sightseeing, the last thing you want to deal with is stuffy sleeping quarters and sweaty nights! A new cooling unit can address those problems head-on.
They will keep the air moving throughout the cabin, preventing your mobile home from feeling uncomfortable through your travels. Plus, the constant air circulation can do a lot to prevent dust and allergens from settling. They are a must-have for RVers who are serious about staying comfortable.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Quiet RV Air Conditioning Unit
Choosing the right AC unit for your RV is not as easy as you might think. In a standard home, you can easily pick up quiet window AC units to provide some relief from the warm summer air. But RVs are constantly on the move! You must pick a system that matches your vehicle while also meeting your unique needs. Here are some things to think about while you shop.
Noise Levels
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that noise levels aren’t a big deal. High-performance air conditioner systems can be very loud! Home AC units can generate upwards of 80 to 90 decibels. However, those systems are usually out of your hearing range. So, all you hear inside is the soft hum of cool air.
That’s not the case with RV units. The evaporator, condenser, compressor, and fan are all within reach. It might not seem like a huge deal when you’re cruising on the open road, but those loud noises become apparent when it’s time to get some shut-eye.
Pay attention to any available decibel ratings. The goal here is to choose the quietest unit possible. Quiet operation ensures that your RV stays peaceful no matter what temperature your thermostat is set at.
Ducted vs Non-Ducted
When you’re on the hunt for the best quiet RV air conditioners, you’ll notice there are two types of RV cooling units. You can choose to get a ducted or non-ducted system.
The right choice for you will depend entirely on the size of your motorhome!
Smaller units can benefit from a non-ducted system. Think of these as your simple window AC unit. All of the components are built into one rooftop AC. When turned on, the unit will blast brisk air in one direction. Most have adjustable louvers to direct the air in the direction you want. But, the cool air will only come from one single source.
Now, ducted systems work a bit differently. A ducted AC will sit on your RV rooftop like a non-ducted model. But the difference here is that it’s connected to your RV’s existing ductwork. They work similarly to a whole-home air conditioner system. Ducted units blast air throughout the cabin, ensuring that all zones are cooled evenly.
Generally, ducted air conditioners are best if you have a massive motorhome with a lot of square footage.
BTU Rating and Cooling Capacity
Next, you need to think about how powerful your AC should be. An air conditioner’s output is measured in BTUs, which stands for British Thermal Units. Now, BTUs don’t reflect airflow. Airflow is measured in CFM, or cubic feet per minute. That measurement is important too, as it reflects how much volume of air the fans can generate.
The BTU rating is a bit different. It reflects the amount of energy the system will use to lower or raise the temperature. The higher the BTU rating, the more capable the system is at cooling down the RV cabin.
Once again, the right BTU for your needs will depend on the size of your motorhome. If the square footage inside your RV is 450 square feet or less, you can get away with 10,000 BTUs or less. But larger homes of 1,000 square or more, you’ll need upwards of 21,000 BTUs to achieve adequate cooling performance!
Power Usage
Power usage is another important factor to take into account. When you’re on the road and off the grid, power is a precious commodity. It’s always better to go with an energy-efficient unit.
Take a look at the starting and running wattage an air conditioner unit needs. Also, pay attention to the number of amps it pulls and its required volts for installation. Those parameters will impact energy efficiency.
Weight and Size
Air conditioner units are not small. While many mobile RV systems are streamlined a bit to lighten the load, they will still have an impact on your RV! They take up space and cargo capacity all the same.
You don’t want to ruin your RV’s traveling capabilities, so choose a lightweight system that your vehicle can easily carry. If you’re getting a rooftop air conditioner, pay attention to its height!
A tall model may prevent you from going under bridges or through tunnels. Not only that, but it may affect your RV’s aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Always opt for low-profile units with good durability to ensure that you can continue traveling comfortably.
Additional Must-Haves
Last, but not least, think about all of the additional features you may need to stay comfortable. For example, you can find systems with built-in air purifiers. Those are great if you plan on driving through a congested city.
Integrated heating strips are good, too! At the end of the day, RVs should be all-season vehicles, right? With some heating capabilities, you can take your RV to the mountains without any issues.
Finally, consider convenience and safety features. Many quiet RV systems have base pans to prevent leaks, integrated safety shutoff features, and overload protection. You may even see some units with smart thermostats, remote controls, or Amazon Alexa capabilities!
Conclusion
You don’t have to settle for a noisy or ineffective RV A conditioner unit. The best quiet RV air conditioners will cool you down and let you enjoy the open road! Check out one of our recommended picks and see how much of a difference a good AC unit can make.
