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      in Car Reviews

      2022 Subaru BRZ Gets Prettier and More Powerful

      by

      Cresting 100 mph down the back straight at the top of fourth gear, it’s clear the former Formula 1 driver isn’t exactly challenged by the speed of the new 2022 Subaru BRZ. Just before he breathes off the throttle and slides the car through a fast right-hand kink, which is followed by a hard braking zone for a tight left-hander, Scott Speed casually removes his right hand from the wheel, points to the sports car’s new digital gauge cluster, and says, “I really like the g-meter. It’s fun to watch it move around as I drive around the track.”

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      The winner of four straight American Rallycross Championships, Speed may not be sweating the pace of the redesigned rear-drive four-seat coupe, but he is enjoying its dynamics, drifting it around most corners and relishing its balance and response. “There’s more traction than before,” he says. “But biggest difference between this and the old car is the additional horsepower. It gives you so much more control over the car’s attitude. I can pitch it in and drift it out just like the old car, but now I can do it more precisely and I can keep it sliding longer.”
      Our brief racetrack ridealong with Speed lasts just a lap and a half, but the new BRZ’s additional grip and grunt are apparent from the passenger seat. The car is still small, light, low, and tossable, just like the original, but it also feels tighter and considerably more powerful.

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      Subaru

      Stiffer Chassis and Suspension
      Like the original, which has been around since 2012, the second generation of the BRZ is a collaboration between Subaru and Toyota, which will again sell its own version called the 86. Toyota once again handled the design, while engineering and construction are Subaru’s end of the deal. The sports car’s chassis carried over, but some new materials and adhesives taken from Subaru’s Global Platform have increased the rigidity of its front end by 60 percent. “The stiffer chassis allowed us to stiffen the suspension mounting points, as well as the suspension tuning itself but still with a focus on improving its ride quality,” said Michael Redic, Subaru’s car-line planning manager for the BRZ, WRX, and Forester.
      Subaru’s engineers also made a slight increase to the rear track. The geometry of its strut front suspension is unchanged. There’s still some body roll but less than before, and the compliance of the suspension feels right as Speed bounces the car off the track’s tall curbs and runs it out over the rumble strips.
      When it goes on sale early fall 2021, two models will be available, and the biggest performance difference between the two will be the tires. The Premium will ride on an as-yet-undisclosed set of 17-inch all-seasons sized 215/45R-17. Speed is driving a BRZ Limited, which rides on Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires wrapped around attractive 18-inch 10-spoke alloys. That’s the same rubber you now get on the STI-tuned BRZ tS.

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      Subaru

      If you don’t think a tire can make a big difference, take the current BRZ’s skidpad result of 0.90 g and compare it to the BRZ tS’s 0.98 g. With its curb weight remaining below 2900 pounds, those numbers won’t get worse.
      Subaru has also retuned the stability-control system, which has five settings, to allow more driver input before the nannies step in. The system can still be turned off completely. The current BRZ is available with a Performance Package that includes Brembo brakes and other performance upgrades. A similar package for the 2022 model won’t be available at launch, but one is coming.
      More Power, but Still No Turbo
      If you’ve been waiting for a turbo—many BRZ fans have been—you’re about to be disappointed. There isn’t one. “Everyone wants to know why no turbo,” said Dominick Infante, Subaru’s director of corporate communications. “Naturally aspirated keeps it affordable.”

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      Subaru

      Instead, Subaru replaced the BRZ’s current 2.0-liter flat-four with its 2.4-liter of the same configuration. It features Toyota’s D-4S port and direct fuel-injection system, 13.5:1 compression ratio, and chain-driven double overhead cams with variable timing. “It’s basically an Ascent engine without the turbo,” Infante said.
      The 100-hp bump many have been hoping for isn’t happening, but the 2.4-liter’s 228 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 3700 rpm is a considerable improvement over the 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of its predecessor. That’s 18 percent more torque, and it hits at a much lower rpm—the old car’s torque peak was at 6400 rpm—which certainly explains the BRZ’s stronger pull out of those second-gear corners. Redline has dipped slightly, from 7700 rpm to 7500 rpm.

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      Subaru

      Two years ago, the BRZ tS shot to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. It’ll be interesting to see if this additional power can get the coupe down into the five-second zone. Both a six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic will be offered, and the automatic gets a new Sport mode with quicker response, rev matching, and more aggressive gear selection during hard driving. A limited-slip differential will be standard across the board.
      More Muscular Design
      By now you’ve checked out the photos, so you know the BRZ will also get much better looking. Toyota’s design team put in some overtime this time around, improving its proportions, stance, and muscularity without adding size. The car sits a bit lower than before, and overall length increases by less than an inch.
      The roof, hood, and front fenders are aluminum to keep weight down, and all the ducts are functional. Those big front scoops cool the brakes, and the large front fender vents, which remind us of the Lexus RC F, allow hot air to escape from the engine compartment. The BRZ’s subtle double-bubble roof remains, but its greenhouse was narrowed by about three-quarters of an inch, giving its curvaceous hips more visual pop. Though the same width as before, the car looks considerably wider, especially from the rear, which features two big chrome exhaust pipes and a cleanly integrated ducktail spoiler. Squint, and it kinda looks like an Aston Martin Vantage. Maybe. A little. From some angles. Keep squinting.

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      Subaru

      If you’ve been waiting for Subaru to chop the BRZ’s top, give up the dream. “We have no plans for a convertible,” Infante said. “It’s not our thing.”
      Inside, the occupants sit slightly closer together but not enough to matter. The interior design is evolutionary, but it’s also a significant improvement. The dash is still a sea of hard plastic, but it doesn’t look as cheap. The secondary controls look and function better, and the new digital gauge cluster has two configurations, both of which keep the tach front and center, where it should be.
      The front seats are new, but they look and feel about the same as before. Still useless for human passengers, the back seats fold to expand the trunk. On the tech side, EyeSight will be available, and the BRZ infotainment system gets an 8.0-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

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      Subaru

      Subaru has sold just more than 41,000 BRZs since 2012, which isn’t much, but its average buyers are youngsters in their early 30s. Only the WRX brings younger buyers to the brand. In an effort to keep that small but desirable crowd of enthusiasts coming back, Subaru kept the BRZ small and desirable, thoughtfully resisting the temptation to add steamroller tires and a boosted engine to one of our favorite back-road bombers.
      “We kept to the original formula of a lightweight, compact, rear-drive sports car,” said Infante. “If we grew the car too much, that would have changed the overall character of the car, and it took a lot of work to keep the car this small, light, fun, and affordable.”
      We’ll know more about just how fun it is when we actually get behind the wheel sometime in 2021.
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      in Car Reviews

      2013 Subaru BRZ First Drive

      by

      Some things just don’t make sense. Why is the food at Outback Steakhouse mostly Cajun style? Why can’t Jennifer Aniston find true love? And why would Subaru and Toyota, two companies whose fortunes are built on mainstream sedan sales, collaborate on a rear-drive sports car?

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      The latter question is a bit easier to answer from the Subaru BRZ perspective. For one, Subaru has a currently breathing reputation for building sporty cars: They may sell in limited volumes, but the WRX and STI are nevertheless Subarus. And Subaru says that the engine in its BRZ, a 2.0-liter flat-four making its first public appearance in this car, will form the basis of its next turbo motor. For its part, Toyota says that its version of the car—to be sold as the Toyota 86 in Japan, as the GT 86 in at least the U.K., and as the Scion FR-S here—makes sense as a first thrust in its plan to again build sporty, fun-to-drive vehicles. Still, this isn’t a car that most people saw coming from either manufacturer.
      Cheese Fries, Please!
      Then again, regardless of the boomerangs mounted on the walls and the “Chaze Frois, Plaze!” coasters, Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs chicken is delicious—and devastatingly unhealthy, but that’s beside the point. The BRZ is likewise delectable; our only gripe about the way it drives is a chassis that leads to understeer at the limit. That, however, is much less likely to give you a heart attack than a jumbo honey-mustard-marinated chicken bosom hidden under a pile of bacon and smothered in melted cheese. Indeed, right up until the nose starts to chatter off line, Subaru’s new coupe is gifted with exceptional balance and clairvoyant reflexes.

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      The understeer isn’t a deal breaker; with perfectly timed and moderated inputs (or with huge, pimp-slap jerks on the wheel and heavy stomps on the go pedal), it is possible to avoid it all together and turn it into delicious oversteer. When the rear end goes, even in the wet, the BRZ slides slowly and progressively. It’s so easy to catch that you might find yourself fishing in your pocket for spare change with one hand while the other meters yaw around an off-ramp. (Subaru says that Toyota’s suspension tune will vary slightly, a tad softer in the front and stiffer out back.) The brake pedal feels a little less wired than the rest of the car, but the binders wind the speedo back toward 0 in a hurry.
      Conducting the chassis is steering that is more immediate than anything this side of the Lotus factory. Its heft is perfect for resisting unintentional inputs at the limit. Feedback falls short of perfection, but only slightly; blame the electric steering if you must. The electric motor assisting the BRZ’s rack is mounted high up on the firewall, contributing to a slightly higher center of gravity but simultaneously shifting the front/rear weight balance a touch rearward.

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      Weight Watchers
      In developing the BRZ, Subaru took an almost maniacal approach to weight and its management, keeping it low and evenly distributed between the car’s axles. The company claims that 54 percent of this car’s mass rides on the front wheels and 46 over the rear, and says that its center of gravity is right around 18 inches high. That latter figure rivals or beats the measurements for the Porsche Cayman and Mazda RX-8, among others.
      Helping keep the mass snug against Mother Earth is the FA flat-four. Compared to the FB four found in other Subies, the FA’s intake is 2.6 inches lower and the oil pan clings closer to the crankcase, allowing it to be mounted with its crankshaft centerline 2.4 inches lower. Amazingly, the engine is mounted 9.4 inches farther back in the chassis than an Impreza’s four. A Subaru spokesman says the two engines share “maybe a few screws,” but are otherwise completely separate pieces. We’re told the weight difference between the two is negligibly in favor of the A. Placing the engine so far rearward of course helps balance the car, but it also precludes Subaru from fitting an all-wheel-drive system. The company says that it has no room for a turbocharger either, but after peering under the hood, we disagree. Besides, Subaru desperately needs something to tie this car to the rest of its lineup, and a turbocharged STI model would be the perfect solution. Although the BRZ doesn’t need more power, it certainly could handle more. We’re guessing that a turbo will be part of whatever mid-cycle updates this car sees in two or three years.

      Despite a displacement difference of just 3 cc, the naturally aspirated FA and FB fours have dramatically different outputs. The B’s 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque (as installed in the Impreza) lag 52 and 6 behind the A’s 200 and 151—Subaru’s stated output—while the A’s 7400-rpm redline is 800 higher. Thank Toyota’s fuel-injection setup, which squirts both via intake ports and directly into the cylinder—the system is Big T’s lone contribution to the engine—and allows a crushing compression ratio of 12.5:1. “Crushing” is not a descriptor we’d employ for the acceleration, although we estimate a 0-to-60-mph time of around six seconds flat with the six-speed manual; add a couple of tenths with the six-speed auto. Top speed is said to be 143 mph. A resonator pipes sound into the cabin, and above 5000 rpm, there’s enough noise inside the car that you’ll need to scream to talk. Not that you’ll be having much conversation. That said, we wouldn’t call the quality of the sound unmistakable; it could be taken for a number of undesirable things. Having heard what aftermarket exhaust companies do for other Subaru flat-fours, though, we’re confident that they can coax a better voice out of this 7400-rpm screamer.
      In spite of its higher output, the FA should still manage 30 mpg on the highway, according to Subaru. Underbody paneling helps keep a clean aerodynamic profile, although the company still hasn’t decided if the treatment will be standard on all U.S. cars or only on higher trim levels.

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      Even the Weenies are Treated Well
      As mentioned, two six-speeds are available, a manual and an automatic. Following our drive of the BRZ in Japan, the manual had us seeking a temple at which we might make an offering of thanks. The clutch pedal is a touch light—and a touch light on feel—but snaps to attention right off the floor and engages smoothly, and the stubby shifter snicks between gates with ease. Heretics who buy their sports cars with automatics will at least get a good unit. There are two modes in the Subaru: Drive and Sport. Wheel-mounted paddles are standard; in D, the transmission allows them to make gearchange suggestions but still upshifts at redline and downshifts when the driver floors the accelerator. In Sport mode, however, paddle commands are gospel—the way God’s lazy, automatic-driving half-brother intended.
      While most of the engineering and chassis work is Subaru’s doing, the styling fell to Toyota. It apparently drew a basic coupe shape and—well, it must have seen it created something less than sultry but stuck with it anyway. It’s good enough. The view from abaft is actually fairly exciting, with the slope of the greenhouse hesitating just slightly to form a decklid before tumbling into the rear fascia. Only the front fascia, badges, and maybe wheels separate the BRZ from its Toyota—and Scion—sibling. The suggestion of flares on the front fenders merely alludes to the muscular (some might say exaggerated) styling of the various concept cars, but the U-shaped view from the driver’s seat over the scooped-out hood is at least unique. Visibility in all directions is much better than most sports cars.

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      Interior space, on the other hand, is just about par. It’s fine up front, and average/shortish adults might even be happy in the back for shorter trips. Subie touts this as the shortest rear-drive 2+2 on the market. So it is. It also says that the car can accommodate a forward-facing child seat in the back. A rear-facing seat, on the other hand, would probably only fit if the parent riding shotgun rides shotgun in a car following behind. The trunk will hold just seven cubic feet of stuff, although both halves of the rear seatback fold for larger loads. According to Subaru, the space was designed from the beginning to hold a set of racing tires and a toolbox in this configuration, although that claim coincided with a PowerPoint slide entitled “Unexpected Utility”; we suspect that’s probably the real story behind the tire-hauling ability. Or maybe that’s why the tires are just 215 millimeters wide, as fitting a set in the car requires a two-tire stack.
      The BRZ goes on sale in spring of 2012 as an early ’13 model, at a base price we’re now told will be around $25,000. Asked to make sense of the BRZ, a Subaru representative says, “It makes sense if you sell enough of them.” In the U.S., Subaru thinks that 5000­ to 7000 per year would be enough. Ultimately, though, a car this good doesn’t need to make sense: Its brilliance is all the explanation we need.

      Specifications

      SPECIFICATIONS
      2013 Subaru BRZ
      VEHICLE TYPE front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2+2-passenger, 2-door coupe
      ESTIMATED BASE PRICE $25,000
      ENGINE TYPE DOHC 16-valve flat-4, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injectionDisplacement122 in3, 1998 cm3Power 200 hp @ 7000 rpmTorque 151 lb-ft @ 6400 rpm
      TRANSMISSIONS 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
      DIMENSIONSWheelbase: 101.2 inLength: 166.9 inWidth: 69.9 inHeight: 51.2 inCurb weight: 2800-2900 lb
      PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) Zero to 60 mph: 6.0-6.2 secZero to 100 mph: 15.5-15.7 secStanding ¼-mile: 14.7-14.9 secTop speed: 143 mph
      PROJECTED FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)EPA city/highway driving: 19/27 mpg

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      in Tools

      The 10 Best RV Air Conditioners to Buy 2020

      by

      Traveling in an RV is a statement all on its own. It’s a way to tell yourself and others that it’s not just about the destination but about the journey. But you won’t enjoy the journey very much if you’re hot and sweaty through most of it. That’s why it’s so important to have a dependable air conditioner installed in your recreational vehicle.
      We’ve put together this guide to cover everything that you need to know about air conditioning for your RV. Before getting to our recommendations of the best products, let’s find out what you need to know before making that decision for yourself.

      What You Need to Know Before Buying an RV Air Conditioner
      There are a few pieces of information that you need to keep in mind when buying a new RV air conditioner.
      Types of RV Air Conditioners
      There are three main types of RV air conditioners to choose from: rooftop, window and portable.
      Rooftop RV Air Conditioners
      The most commonly used RV air conditioners are rooftop-mounted ones. They are the most powerful type of ACs on average. Another benefit they offer is that they sit on the roof, which means that you save space within your RV.
      There are two ways in which rooftop RV air conditioners are powered. Some may have a control panel that’s also mounted on the ceiling. Others will have a wire that connects the AC to the thermostat in your vehicle.
      The Dometic Brisk II is a great rooftop RV air conditioner.
      There are two types of rooftop RV air conditioners. Non-ducted RV ACs blow air out of their own body. Ducted rooftop ACs, as you’ve probably guessed by now, are connected to the air ducts in your RV. This ensures an even distribution of air throughout the vehicle. The Dometic Penguin II is a great ducted RV air conditioner.
      Window RV Air Conditioners
      Just like rooftop RV air conditioners, window ACs conserve space within your RV. They will, however, block the view you have from one of your windows because that’s where they sit and pull warm air out of your recreational vehicle.
      The challenge with finding a good window RV air conditioner is getting one that’s the right size. Different RVs have windows that are of different sizes. You will have to find an AC that matches the dimensions of your window to make it work.
      Another drawback of using this type of RV air conditioner is that they block your window. So make sure that you have other ways to get natural light into your RV before buying one.
      The Home Labs HME020003N is a product to consider if you’re looking for a window-mounted RV air conditioner.
      Portable RV Air Conditioners
      Let’s say you don’t want to block light coming through your window and don’t want to lug a big AC up onto your RV’s roof. You don’t have to consign yourself to warm, sweaty days in your RV. You can, instead, use a portable air conditioner to cool your vehicle.
      Portable RV air conditioners are great because the installation process is, well, barely a process at all — especially compared to the other kinds of RV ACs. An AC like the SereneLife SLACHT108 can be brought into your RV and connected to the power for quick cooling.
      Portable RV air conditioners are usually not as powerful as their roof- and window-mounted counterparts. They also take up space on the floor, which is an important factor to take into consideration.
      RV Air Conditioner Size and Weight
      Another factor to take into account is the size and weight of the air conditioner you’re purchasing. A low-profile RV air conditioner like the Dometic Penguin II is designed to be aerodynamic and creates less drag as a result.
      The weights of RV air conditioners run the gamut. Rooftop ACs, as mentioned earlier, tend to be on the heavier side. There are, however, lighter RV ACs out there. The Frigidaire White Energy Star and Black + Decker BPACT10WT are two great lightweight RV air conditioners.
      How many BTUs Do you Need?
      The most important metric that determines your choice will be what’s expressed as British Thermal Units, or BTU for short. This is a measure of how well an AC can cool a particular space. Most RVs measure between 200 and 300 ft, so even the smallest option can adequately cool your average RV.
      Choosing the capacity of your RV air conditioner is not an exact science. If you own a supersized RV, you will want an air conditioner that has more than 13,500 BTU, like the Dometic Brisk II or Airxcel Mach 15. These can easily cool RVs up to 1,000 square feet in size.
      If you own a smaller RV, your BTU requirements are also smaller. RVs up to 500 square feet in size can use air conditioners with a capacity of between 8,000 and 12,000 BTU. The Black + Decker BPACT10WT is an air conditioner that falls in that range.
      Those who own standard-sized RVs, up to 300 square feet in size, can make do with an air conditioner that’s between 5,000 and 7,000 BTU. The Frigidaire White Energy Star is a great 5,000 BTU RV air conditioner.
      With these key concepts in mind, let’s get into our list of great RV air conditioners that can keep you cool as you pile the summer road.

      Top 10 Best RV Air Conditioners 2020
      1. Best Overall RV Air Conditioner: Dometic Brisk

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      Why we like it: The Dometic Brisk II is a powerful RV air conditioner that can be used for both heating and cooling.
      Editor’s Rating:

      At a Glance:
      BTU: 15,000 BTU
      Installation type: Rooftop (ducted/non-ducted)
      Weight: 74 pounds
      Dimensions: 29.18 x 27.23 x 12.7 inches
      The Dometic Brisk II covers almost every base there is when it comes to RV air conditioners.
      The first question that springs to mind about a new air conditioner unit is whether it is easy to install. The Dometic Brisk II weighs 74 pounds, so you may need a step ladder and a helping hand to get it onto your RV. But once you’ve done that, it is just a 30-minute job to get it up and running.
      Once the unit is atop the RV, start by bolting down the AC by lining it up with the holes on the vehicle. You can then attach the wires to get the unit powered and running. It’s really that simple.
      With less powerful AC units, it can be hard to get the temperature in your vehicle under 80 degrees if it’s 95+ degrees outside. This RV air conditioner, however, can maintain temperatures in the low 70s even on very hot days.
      Other times of the year, you may need an AC that provides heating. The Dometic Brisk II comes with a heat pump, so you can also use it to heat your RV, making it very versatile.
      The Dometic Brisk II does, however, have a few minor shortcomings. Because of its impressive output, the Dometic Brisk II can be a little loud at times. Fencing off the air conditioner can help dampen some of the noise if it gets too annoying.
      Although a great overall RV air conditioner, the Dometic Brisk II is not the most low-profile rooftop AC. If that’s what you’re looking for, then the Dometic Penguin II is a more appropriate product.

      Pros
      Easy to install
      Comes with a heat pump
      Maintains cool temperatures easily

      Cons
      Can be loud
      High-profile

      2. Best Budget RV Air Conditioner: Frigidaire White Energy Star

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      Why we like it: The Frigidaire White Energy Star is low on energy requirements and is perfect for single-room cooling.
      Editor’s Rating:

      At a Glance
      BTU: 5,000 BTU
      Installation type: Window
      Weight: 49.2 pounds
      Dimensions: 17.75 x 17 x 14.75 inches
      Sometimes, all you need is an air conditioner that can cool one room of your RV well – or you just have a small RV. If that’s what you’re looking for, then the Frigidaire White Energy Star is your best bet. Don’t let this product’s seemingly low 5,000 BTU rating fool you. It’s meant to be used for rooms up to 150 square feet in size. This makes it perfect for single rooms in your RV.
      An added benefit of the Frigidaire White Energy Star’s modest aspirations is its energy efficiency. The product’s energy efficiency ratio (the ratio between cooling capacity in BTU to its input wattage) is 11.1. An EER value of 12 is considered very good for AC units, so this Frigidaire unit does well on that scale.
      The Frigidaire White Energy Star is a window-mounted air conditioner. It comes with a window mounting kit so that you can go about installing it straight away.
      This AC is perfect for RV owners looking to cool rooms of their vehicle on a budget. It consumes a low amount of energy and is relatively quiet as a result. This is the kind of product you’ll love if you own a smaller RV.
      Portable ACs are also a great way to cool small rooms. The Black + Decker BPACT10WT is the most portable RV air conditioner on the market.

      Pros
      Affordable
      Low energy requirements
      Relatively quiet
      Comes with window-mounting kit

      Cons
      Can be used to cool only one room

      3. Best Premium RV Air Conditioner: Airxcel Mach 15

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      Why we like it: This RV air conditioner boasts impressive performance and the ability to sustain that performance in high temperatures over long periods.
      Editor’s Rating:

      At a Glance
      BTU: 15,000 BTU
      Installation type: Rooftop (ducted/non-ducted)
      Weight: 90 pounds
      Dimensions: 42.00 x 28.00 x 16.00 inches
      The real test of an RV air conditioner is whether it can keep you cool through searing temperatures outside. Let’s say you’re dealing with 110-degree dry heat in Arizona, for example. The Airxcel Mach 15 is the kind of air conditioner that can keep your RV cool in those conditions without signs of being overworked. It can take inside temperatures from 90 degrees to 50 degrees in as little as 10 minutes.
      Getting this RV air conditioner up and running is an easy process. The unit is designed for the 14×14 AC vent, which is standard, and the amount of wiring work required to kick it into action is minimal. It’s the kind of job most RV owners can do on their own. You will, however, need help getting the unit up onto your RV because of its weight.
      Under the hood, the Airxcel Mach 15 uses a combination of gas-flux joints and copper tubing. These combine with the condenser coils to create a system that can cool an RV for long hours in warm conditions. Since it is capable of high cooling output, this AC works best in a ducted setup. However, it can also be used as a non-ducted AC by using a ceiling assembly kit.

      Pros
      Powerful cooling capabilities
      Easy install
      Sustained performance

      Cons
      Heavy, you will need help hoisting it onto your RV
      Pricey

      4. Most Portable RV Air Conditioner: Black + Decker BPACT10WT

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      Why we like it: The Black + Decker BPACT10WT is an affordable portable RV air conditioner with multiple modes of use.
      Editor’s Rating:

      At a Glance:
      BTU: 10,000 BTU
      Installation type: Portable
      Weight: 52.9 pounds
      Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.5 x 26 inches
      Portable air conditioners offer benefits that you can’t get with an AC that’s mounted in your window or roof. Firstly, they consume less energy than larger mounted units. They can also be moved around easily, which is something you can’t do with a mounted unit. The Black + Decker BPACT10WT offers these benefits in a product that performs supremely well.
      This portable RV air conditioner comes in a compact body that can generate 10,000 BTU. This means that it is best suited for areas 250 square feet or under, which translates to RVs that are 31 feet in size. If you own an RV that falls within that size, you can’t do better than the Black + Decker BPACT10WT. If you need a portable RV air conditioner that is slightly more feature-rich and don’t mind some additional weight, the SereneLife SLACHT108 is a good choice.
      This RV air conditioner offers three different modes that you can run it on. The first is the standard cool setting, for when you want to use it as an AC. On cooler days, you can switch to the fan setting just to keep the air flowing. It also offers a third dehumidifier mode. You can use this AC’s dehumidifying feature without having to deal with filling and emptying water containers. A hose adapter that comes with the product releases excess water out the window.

      Pros
      Easily portable
      Compact body
      Multimode use

      Cons
      Not fit for areas larger than 250 square feet

      5. SereneLife SLACHT108

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      Why we like it: The SereneLife SLACHT108 is one of the most feature-rich portable RV air conditioners on the market.
      Editor’s Rating:

      At a Glance:
      BTU: 10,000 BTU
      Installation type: Portable
      Weight: 62.6 pounds
      Dimensions: 17. 4 x 13. 4 x 32. 1 inches
      RV owners usually equate portable air conditioners with compromising on certain kinds of features. And that’s true to some extent; you can’t expect the same cooling capacity as other kinds. However, as the SereneLife SLACHT108 shows, you can have your cake and eat it too with the right portable RV air conditioner.
      Installing this AC is a quick process. Everything you need to get that done comes out of the box. This unit doesn’t take too much space, which is a boon for anyone who owns an RV.
      Once you have it set up, there are a lot of features you can play around with. The SereneLife SLACHT108 has four operating modes: cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and a fan mode. You can use the remote control to set the mode as well as play around with the fan speed, temperature, and other things.
      A major drawback with the SereneLife SLACHT108 is that it can be loud: very loud. This article shows you a few ways you can quiet down a loud RV air conditioner.

      Pros
      Multi-mode operation
      Can be controlled remotely
      Easy to install

      Cons
      Can be loud

      6. Airxcel Mach 3

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      Why we like it: The Airxcel Mach 3 is easy to install and can cool an entire RV all on its own.
      Editor’s Rating:

      At a Glance:
      BTU: 13,500 BTU
      Installation type: Rooftop
      Weight: 79.5 pounds
      Dimensions: 41 x 28 x 16 inches
      Let’s say it’s a hot day out there. The mercury touches 90 degrees, which means that it’s definitely time to get your RV air conditioner up and running. The Airxcel Mach 3 is the kind of AC that can have the temperature inside your RV at about 70 degrees within 25 minutes. That’s the kind of cooling power you’re grateful for when it’s a hot day in the RV.
      The hardest part about installing this RV air conditioner is getting it up on top of your RV. If you can get that done, you’re faced with a simple installation process. The 1-inch rubber seals that come with the unit have arrows that show you exactly how far to tighten them. After securing the AC to the RV, it’s very easy to plug in and power it up. The whole process takes only about an hour.
      The Airxcel Mach 3 works dependably for long periods of time. It is built well and you can expect to get multiple years of use from it. You may have a difficult time telling the difference between the different fan modes of the AC. But it works like a charm when you switch to the cooling mode.

      Pros
      Easy to install
      Quick cooling
      Durable

      Cons
      Different levels in the fan mode may not always feel very different

      7. Best Low-Profile Rooftop RV Air Conditioner: Dometic Penguin II

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      Why we like it: The Dometic Penguin II has a sleek design that reduces wind drag and minimizes fuel consumption.
      Editor’s Rating:

      At a Glance:
      BTU: 13,500 BTU
      Installation type: Rooftop (ducted/non-ducted)
      Weight: 118 pounds
      Dimensions: 42 x 30 x 12 inches
      Most high-capacity RV air conditioners can be conspicuous and resource-intensive. And that’s why low-profile rooftop ACs like the Dometic Penguin II stand out. This is an AC that’s designed to maintain a low profile, which has several benefits.
      The first big benefit of a low-profile rooftop air conditioner is that it reduces wind drag. The Dometic Penguin II sits low on your RV roof so that the entire vehicle is more aerodynamic. This is helpful for when you want to zip around in your RV and reduces fuel consumption over the long run.
      The Dometic Penguin II does all of that without falling short in the performance department. It cranks out 13,500 BTU, which is sufficient capacity for RVs sized about 675 square feet – enough for almost all RVs on the market.
      The one drawback with the Dometic Penguin II is that it doesn’t always maintain a low profile when it comes to the amount of noise it produces. But it’s never so loud that it is disruptive to your overall RV experience.

      Pros
      Aerodynamic design
      Enhanced fuel usage
      Strong performance

      Cons
      Can be loud at times

      8. Best Window-Mounted RV Air Conditioner: Home Labs HME020003N

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      Why we like it: The Home Labs HME020003N is a sturdily built air conditioner that will fit in most RV windows.
      Editor’s Rating:

      At a Glance:
      BTU: 5,000
      Installation type: Window
      Weight: 36.5 pounds
      Dimensions: 16 x 15.4 x 12 inches
      The Home Labs HME020003N is built to be compact so that it can sit snugly in RV window units. The product has dimensions of 16 x 15.4 x 12 inches. The small size means that this air conditioner will fit in most windows unless you have extremely tiny windows in your RV.
      Although this AC is small, it is by no means a flimsy product. The body is built using materials that feel premium. The buttons are sturdy and don’t feel like you’ll damage them quickly.
      The Home Labs HME020003N is perfect for cooling small rooms. The 5,000 BTU it produces can quickly take a 150 square foot-sized room from warm to cold in a hurry. For larger spaces, however, you will need an air conditioner with a higher capacity.
      This RV air conditioner produces some white noise, but isn’t what you’d consider loud. You can have the AC running and hear your TV without cranking the volume up to unreasonable levels. So this one is good for your RV and for your ears.

      Pros
      Compatible with most RVs
      High-quality build
      Not overly noisy

      Cons
      Not suitable for spaces above 150 square feet

      9. Best RV Air Conditioner Air Distribution Box: Dometic 3314851

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      Why we like it: The Dometic 3314851 is a great accessory to distribute air from a non-ducted RV air conditioner – just keep in mind it won’t do the job by itself.
      Editor’s Rating:

      At a glance:
      Installation type: Rooftop attachment
      Weight: 10 pounds
      Dimensions: 23 x 21 x 2 inches
      This one isn’t an RV air conditioner on its own but performs an important function as an AC accessory. The Dometic 3314851 is an air distribution box, which means that it distributes air channeled into it. It’s a great product to have when you have to use a non-ducted AC but want to circulate the air from it.
      The Dometic 3314851 does that by first connecting to your existing rooftop air conditioner. If you have a roof that’s thicker than 4 inches, you will need to purchase the Dometic Bolt Kit to make the installation happen. This product works well with high-capacity ACs, such as ones with a rating of 15,000 BTU.
      Once connected to the rooftop AC, the Dometic 3314851 distributes air evenly across your RV. The Dometic 3314851 also acts as a control unit for your AC.

      Pros
      Distributes air from non-ducted ACs
      Can handle high-capacity air conditioners
      Doubles up as a control unit

      Cons
      Requires additional accessory for roofs thicker than 4 inches
      Not a full AC unit

      10. Best Non-ducted RV Air Conditioner: Atwood 15026

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      Why we like it: The Atwood 15026 is a non-ducted RV air conditioner that comes with a remote, making it easy to control
      Editor’s Rating:

      At a Glance:
      BTU: 15,000
      Installation type: Rooftop
      Weight: 88 pounds
      Dimensions: 40 x 28 x 15 inches
      We saw that products like the Dometic Penguin II and Airxcel Mach 15 can be used in both ducted and non-ducted setups. The Atwood 15026 is the first one on our list that works exclusively as a non-ducted RV air conditioner. Since it works only as a non-ducted AC, it’s a lot easier to set up in that environment.
      This RV air conditioner has a capacity of 15,000 BTU, which means that it is more than sufficient to cool large spaces. But cooling is not the only thing it does. The heat pump that it comes with can be used to heat your RV if you’re suddenly faced with a cold day. That said, the heat pump can run into problems at lower temperatures. You may not get the heating levels you want at temperatures under 42 degrees.
      Perhaps the best part about using the Atwood 15026 is that it comes with a remote. That means that you can control the AC without having to get up to change the temperature. Admit it: an AC that indulges your laziness is every RV owner’s dream.
      Installing the Atwood 15026 couldn’t be any easier. Once you have it in the AC slot, you can attach it using the 4-bolt bracket. The gaskets come attached to the product. After attaching the unit, you can connect ground, neutral, and hot wires to get it running.

      Pros
      Comes with a remote
      High capacity
      Easy to install

      Cons
      Heat pump is not always dependable

      Everything You Need to Know About RV Air Conditioners
      Most RV air conditioners last a fairly long time. Choosing the right product for your RV is half the battle. Here are some other things you will have to deal with when it comes to RV air conditioners.
      How to Install an RV Air Conditioner
      The exact steps that you will follow to install an RV air conditioner depend both on the RV that you own and the AC that you buy. The specifics that you need to follow will be mentioned in the instruction manual that will come with the product. Here are a few general pointers to keep in mind. Note that these are assuming you’re installing a rooftop AC.
      Always Unplug the Power
      Disconnect the power to your existing AC and turn off the switch powering it in your breaker box. You don’t want any surprises when you make contact with the AC or any wiring that connects to it.
      Create a Slot for the AC
      Take some time to decide where in the roof of your RV the AC will go. Make sure that there aren’t any lights or anything else in the way. Choose a spot that’s at least ten inches from each edge of the roof.
      Once you’ve found a slot that checks all those boxes, it’s time to make a hole in the roof. This part can be scary so only proceed if you’re sure of your ability to work with metal roofing and power tools. Make sure to mark where the bolts need to go after making the hole.
      Mount the AC
      It’s finally time to get that AC up on your RV. We’ve seen that some RV air conditioners can be heavy, so you may need some help with this. Once you have the unit up on the roof, secure it using the mounting bolts, the location of which you marked in the previous step. Then step into your RV and install the bolts that go into the ceiling of the vehicle.
      You can apply a sealant to the areas where the AC makes contact with the RV’s metal roof. This lends additional stability to the installation.
      Wire It Up
      The final step involves connecting the wires in the AC to the RV. You can match the color of the wires to do this correctly. Refer to the instruction manual if you have any issues knowing where each wire goes.
      If you get this part right, you should be able to turn the power on and have your AC up and running.
      How to Refill an RV Air Conditioner
      There will be times when you’ll need to provide some juice to your RV air conditioner externally. This usually happens because refrigerant levels in the unit need to be replenished. Refer to your AC’s instruction manual to find out what kind of refrigerant the vehicle uses.
      Once you have the refrigerant, head up to your AC’s roof along with wrenches of a few different sizes. You can use those to take the lid off the AC. Make sure to lift the lid carefully so that you don’t damage it.
      The refrigerant gauge under the lid is what will tell you how much additional refrigerant your RV is thirsting for. Check the gauge and unscrew the port to refill the refrigerant.
      You may be eager to get that lid back on at this point, but not so fast. First, power your RV back on and test your AC’s cooling to make sure that it’s working properly again. After confirming that, head back up and get the lid back on.
      How to Clean and Maintain an RV Air Conditioner
      Using an RV air conditioner for a long time requires regular maintenance. There isn’t really a one-size-fits-all checklist that all RV owners can use to make sure that they’re maintaining their vehicle the right way. There are, however, a few different parts of the AC that you should check regularly to ensure they’re in good condition.
      Filters
      Anything clogging the filters of your AC is sure to reduce the airflow through it. This can hamper the overall performance of the unit because clogged filters make the compressor work harder, leading to overheating. So check the filters regularly and make sure that they’re clean.
      Evaporator
      The evaporator is the part of the AC that captures excess heat and transfers it outside your RV. The coils of the evaporator are usually made of copper and the fins are made of aluminum.
      You can clean the evaporator by taking the shroud off its top and taking apart the plenum. You can use a coil cleaner to do the cleaning.
      Compressor
      The compressor is another important component of RV air conditioners. You don’t need to check on these too regularly; maybe just once or twice a year. The main thing you’re trying to do here is to get rid of the debris that tends to collect on the body of the compressor.
      The easiest way to do that is by using a spray cleaner. These will unsettle the debris that sits on the compressor. You can then use a shop vac to clean up all the loosened debris.
      Frequently Asked Questions About RV Air Conditioners
      How long do RV air conditioners last?
      ACs from good brands, like the ones on this list, tend to last longer. We also just saw how it takes a fair amount of maintenance to keep your RV air conditioner running at optimal levels. If you get all of that right, you can expect your AC to last about five years on average.
      How Much Does Installing an RV AC Cost?
      Not everyone can install their RV air conditioner on their own, and that’s completely fine. If you need help installing a new AC, you can take it down to your shop. The price to install a new unit tends to be around $200-$300 on average.
      How Do I Know When It’s Time for a New RV Air Conditioner?
      If your AC isn’t working as you want it to, the first thing you need to do is check on a few components. First, check the fan motor to see if it’s working properly. You can use a multimeter to check if the motor is functioning like it should. If it is, move on to the compressor and check if it’s clean and working properly. Finally, check the refrigerant levels.
      If both these parts seem fine and your refrigerant is topped up, and your AC is still not performing at its best, it may be time to consider a new AC unit.
      The Cool Open Road
      Travels that you undertake in an RV are meant to be carefree and relaxing. The best way to maintain that spirit of recreation is by choosing an air conditioner that can keep you feeling cool as you make your way down the open road.
      We’ve covered the best of what’s out there and how you can choose which RV air conditioner is right for you. After making that choice, make sure to maintain the unit well so that you don’t have to think about another purchase for a while. And if you’re looking for ways to entertain yourself in your RV, check out our list of the best RV antennas. More