Hitting the open road in your RV is the dream, right? But sometimes, that dream can turn into a sweaty nightmare when the summer sun beats down and your RV’s air conditioner just can’t seem to keep up. We’ve all been there: hot spots, an AC unit roaring its heart out, and still, you’re fanning yourself with a map. The good news? You don’t have to suffer! An RV air conditioner booster could be exactly what you need to transform your rig into a cool, comfortable oasis.
These handy devices are designed to supercharge your RV’s cooling system, whether by improving airflow, reducing noise, or making your compressor work more efficiently. Ready to ditch the sweat and embrace the chill? We’ve rounded up and reviewed five of the best RV air conditioner boosters on the market to help you make an informed choice.
Why Your RV AC Needs a Boost
RV air conditioning units, while essential, aren’t always designed for optimal airflow improvement or maximum cooling efficiency. Often, factory setups can have internal leaks, poor air distribution, or just struggle to move enough cold air where it’s needed most. This leads to longer cooling times, higher energy consumption, and often, more noise. An RV air conditioner booster addresses these common issues, making your camper AC more effective and your travels much more enjoyable.
Our Top 5 RV Air Conditioner Boosters Reviewed
1. RV Airflow Systems for Dometic Brisk Air II, Evolution,…
If you own a Dometic Brisk Air II or Evolution unit, this airflow system is practically tailor-made for your RV. It’s engineered in the USA to significantly increase the volume of cold air making its way into your living space, making your RV cooler, faster. Beyond just boosting performance, it also tackles the common problem of noisy ACs, promising a quieter and more peaceful environment for your relaxation.
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Key Features:
- 40% INCREASE IN AIRFLOW for enhanced cooling
- NOISE REDUCTION by an average of 3 decibels
- COOLS RV FASTER, cutting down cooling time
- IMPROVES EFFICIENCY, leading to energy and cost savings
- BALANCES AIR FLOW throughout the RV for even distribution
- 100% LIFETIME WARRANTY for peace of mind
- COMPATIBLE WITH Dometic Brisk Air II (and Evolution models)
- PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA
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Pros:
- Significant improvement in airflow and cooling speed
- Noticeable reduction in AC noise
- Balances air distribution, eliminating hot spots
- Lifetime warranty adds great value
- Made in the USA, ensuring quality
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Cons:
- Specific compatibility limits its use to Dometic Brisk Air II and Evolution models only
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User Impressions: Owners consistently rave about how much faster their RV cools down and how much quieter their AC now operates. Many feel it’s a game-changer for recreational vehicle climate control, turning a lukewarm experience into a genuinely chilly one.
See it on Amazon here
2. RV Airflow Systems for GE Roof Top Mounted Air…
Got a GE rooftop-mounted AC unit? Then look no further! This RV Airflow System is specifically designed to optimize the performance of your GE unit, mirroring the fantastic benefits seen with its Dometic counterpart. Expect a substantial boost in cold air delivery, a quieter operation, and an overall more comfortable environment, making those sweltering summer days a lot more bearable.
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Key Features:
- 40% INCREASE IN AIRFLOW for superior cooling power
- NOISE REDUCTION, quieting your AC by about 3 decibels
- COOLS RV FASTER, reducing the time needed to reach desired temperatures
- IMPROVES EFFICIENCY, saving you energy and money
- BALANCES AIR FLOW throughout the RV for consistent temperatures
- 100% LIFETIME WARRANTY for long-term assurance
- COMPATIBLE WITH GE RV Rooftop mounted Air conditioners
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Pros:
- Dramatically improves cooling performance for GE units
- Reduces irritating AC operational noise
- Contributes to lower energy bills
- Lifetime warranty provides exceptional value
- Evenly distributes air, preventing uneven cooling
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Cons:
- Only compatible with GE RV rooftop-mounted air conditioners
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User Impressions: GE owners are thrilled with the transformation, noting a marked difference in how quickly their RV cools and how much more pleasant the interior environment becomes. It’s often cited as a must-have upgrade for their travel trailer comfort.
See it on Amazon here
3. For RV A/C Mod – Improve Airflow with Whisper-Quiet…
This RV A/C Mod offers a unique and straightforward approach to airflow improvement, focusing on simplicity and quiet operation. It’s a fantastic solution for ducted Dometic & RecPro systems, boasting a “single-vent simplicity” design that helps to boost airflow without adding internal components directly into the AC output. If you’re looking for a clean install and a quieter, cooler cabin, this could be your ticket.
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Key Features:
- Boost Airflow & Cut Noise – Engineered for improved airflow and whisper-quiet operation
- Ducted-Only Compatibility – Designed for ducted Dometic & RecPro systems
- Single-Vent Simplicity – Improves airflow without inserting components inside the A/C output
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Pros:
- Provides both enhanced airflow and noticeable noise reduction
- Simple, clean installation process
- Specifically designed for ducted systems for optimal performance
- Contributes to a more peaceful RV interior
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Cons:
- Only works with ducted Dometic & RecPro systems; not for non-ducted units
- May not offer the same dramatic airflow increase as full plenum replacements
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the straightforward installation and the noticeable reduction in noise, along with the improved temperature control. It’s often recommended for those seeking a balance between performance and simplicity.
See it on Amazon here
4. RV Air Conditioner Airflow Booster Kit – Universal Seal…
If you’re after a universal solution that’s easy to install and works across multiple brands, this RV air conditioner booster kit is a strong contender. It focuses on sealing gaps and directing cold air more efficiently into your vent ducts, which is often a significant weak point in factory AC setups. This kit promises to boost your cooling power and reduce those annoying whistling noises, all with minimal fuss during installation.
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Key Features:
- BOOST COOLING EFFICIENCY: Directs more cold air into vent ducts
- UNIVERSAL RV A/C COMPATIBILITY: Works with Dometic/Coleman/Furrion/GE and other standard rooftop systems
- PROMOTES QUIETER OPERATION: Reduces turbulence and whistling noises
- EASY, TOOL-FREE INSTALLATION: Most users can install in under 30 minutes
- IMPROVES OVERALL A/C PERFORMANCE: Cools faster, potentially reducing energy usage
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Pros:
- Wide compatibility with major RV AC brands
- Extremely easy, tool-free installation
- Effectively seals leaks, improving air delivery
- Reduces common AC whistling noises
- Cost-effective way to boost performance
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Cons:
- Being universal, it might not provide the specialized gains of custom-fit systems
- Focuses on sealing rather than internal plenum redesign
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User Impressions: RVers love the simplicity and effectiveness of this kit. Many report a noticeable difference in cooling power and a reduction in drafts and noise, calling it a fantastic bang-for-your-buck upgrade that anyone can install.
See it on Amazon here
5. Appli Parts APHS-6 1/12 to 10 HP, 110/220 V, 1…
This product is a little different from the airflow boosters we’ve looked at, but it’s still a powerful way to boost your AC’s performance! The Appli Parts APHS-6 is a hard start kit. What’s that, you ask? It gives your AC compressor an extra jolt of power when it starts up, especially useful if you’re experiencing low voltage or want to extend the life of your unit. While it doesn’t directly increase airflow, it ensures your AC starts strong and runs more reliably, significantly impacting overall RV cooling efficiency.
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Key Features:
- Application: Use for air conditioner and refrigeration compressors with low-quality electric supply
- May also be used as an RV AC hard start capacitor boost
- Easy Installation: Connect any cable (not polarity sensitive) to the common wire, the other to the hermetic terminal
- Dimensions: 5-1/2 in Tall, 2-1/4 in Wide, Cables are 6 in long
- Replaces: Tj90Hs6 Ap4502872 35702 Dst-6 Erpp6 Hs6 Hs650 Spp6 Rrc-910
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Pros:
- Helps AC units start more easily and reliably, especially in low voltage situations
- Can extend the lifespan of your compressor by reducing startup stress
- Relatively easy to install for those comfortable with basic electrical work
- A good solution for improving overall AC system health
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Cons:
- Does not directly improve airflow or reduce noise like plenum systems
- Requires some basic electrical knowledge for installation
- Specific to compressor starting issues, not an airflow problem
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User Impressions: Customers often purchase this to fix problems with their AC struggling to start or tripping breakers. They report that it successfully gets their AC running smoothly again, providing a noticeable improvement in compressor performance and peace of mind, especially when boondocking or using generator power.
See it on Amazon here
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in an RV AC Booster
Choosing the right RV air conditioner booster depends on your specific needs. Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:
- Compatibility: This is crucial! Some boosters are universal, while others are brand-specific (Dometic, GE, Coleman, Furrion) or even model-specific. Double-check before buying.
- Type of Boost: Are you looking to improve airflow and distribution, or do you need help with your AC compressor starting strong? Hard start kits and airflow boosters serve different purposes.
- Ease of Installation: Many kits are DIY-friendly, but some might require a bit more comfort with tools or electrical wiring.
- Noise Reduction Claims: If a quieter RV is high on your priority list, look for products that specifically mention decibel reduction.
- Material Quality & Durability: You want a booster that will last. Look for robust materials and good warranties.
- Warranty: A good warranty (like a lifetime warranty!) speaks volumes about a product’s quality and the manufacturer’s confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is an RV air conditioner booster?
An RV air conditioner booster is a device or kit designed to enhance the performance of your RV’s AC unit. This can be by improving cold air distribution, increasing airflow volume, reducing noise, or assisting the compressor in starting more efficiently.
2. How does an RV airflow booster work?
RV airflow boosters typically work by sealing internal leaks within your AC’s plenum (the box above your vents) and optimizing the path cold air takes into your ducts. This ensures more cold air makes it into your living space, reducing “hot spots” and improving overall cooling power.
3. Are these boosters compatible with all RV AC units?
No, not all boosters are universally compatible. Some are designed for specific AC brands (like Dometic, GE) or even particular models. Hard start kits, however, tend to have broader compatibility with various compressor sizes. Always check the product description for compatibility details before purchasing.
4. How difficult is it to install an RV AC booster?
Installation difficulty varies. Many universal airflow booster kits are designed for easy, tool-free installation that most RV owners can complete in under 30 minutes. More specialized plenum replacement systems or hard start kits might require basic tools or a bit more comfort with DIY projects and electrical wiring.
5. Can an RV AC hard start kit really improve my AC’s performance?
Yes, absolutely! An RV AC hard start kit primarily helps your AC compressor overcome electrical resistance during startup. This is especially beneficial in low-voltage situations (like campgrounds with poor power) or when using a generator. By ensuring a smoother, more reliable start, it reduces strain on the compressor and can extend the A/C unit lifespan, indirectly improving overall AC system reliability and cooling consistency.
6. Will an RV AC booster save me money on energy?
Many airflow boosters and hard start kits can improve your RV’s energy savings. By making your AC unit cool more efficiently and faster, the unit doesn’t have to run as long or work as hard, which can lead to reduced cycle times and lower energy consumption.
7. Do RV air conditioner boosters reduce noise?
Yes, many airflow booster systems are specifically designed to reduce noise. By streamlining airflow and sealing gaps, they can minimize air turbulence, whistling, and the overall roar of your AC unit, contributing to a much quieter and more peaceful RV interior.
Conclusion
Don’t let a struggling AC ruin your next adventure. Investing in an RV air conditioner booster is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for enhanced travel trailer comfort and a more enjoyable camping experience. Whether you need a universal fix, a brand-specific upgrade, or a hard start kit to get things running smoothly, there’s a solution out there for you. Choose the right booster for your rig, and get ready to enjoy truly cool and comfortable travels, no matter how hot it gets outside!