Coleman is principally synonymous with all issues open air — and that features a number of the best-trusted RV HVAC programs within the enterprise. Coleman RV AC programs are extremely regarded all through the business (and, after all, with Coleman campers), and since they’re so common, they’re simpler to restore and discover alternative components for.
We put collectively this whole Coleman RV air conditioner information to be your one-stop useful resource for all issues Coleman RV AC, from common fashions to upkeep suggestions and troubleshooting. We’ve additionally included a side-by-side comparability desk that can assist you perceive which mannequin will work finest for you relying in your particular wants.
What Is a Coleman RV Air Conditioner?
Coleman RV air conditioners are rooftop cooling programs designed particularly for journey trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and motorhomes. They’re recognized for his or her sturdiness, extensive compatibility, and easy-to-find alternative components, which is why Coleman RV AC models are among the many commonest cooling programs used throughout the RV business.
Most Coleman rooftop air conditioners set up into an ordinary 14-inch by 14-inch roof opening and function on 120V shore energy or generator energy. These programs pull heat air from contained in the RV, cool it via refrigerant coils, and flow into chilled air again into the cabin. Many Coleman fashions additionally embrace warmth pumps to assist hold your RV temperature managed in colder environments, as nicely.
Coleman models are particularly common amongst RV house owners as a result of they provide:
- Robust cooling efficiency
- A number of measurement choices and fashions for each small campers and enormous RVs
- Broadly accessible alternative components
- Easy set up and servicing
The Mach Collection
The Coleman Mach collection is the best-known of all Coleman’s product strains. Whereas commonplace Coleman RV AC models concentrate on reliable cooling, Mach-series fashions add specialised options like quieter operation, low-profile designs, and better BTU output for excessive warmth situations.
Under, we’ll dive into a number of of the most well-liked Coleman RV HVAC fashions, together with each some within the Mach collection and a few exterior of it.
Common Coleman RV AC Fashions
Under, a number of the hottest Coleman HVAC fashions — and what they’re finest suited to.
Coleman 13,500 BTU RV Air Conditioner
A 13,500 BTU Coleman RV AC is without doubt one of the commonest decisions for small to midsize campers and journey trailers. A unit of this measurement can usually cool RVs between 18 and 30 ft lengthy, relying on insulation, exterior temperatures, and solar publicity.
This measurement works nicely for:
- Light-weight journey trailers
- Single-axle campers
- Pop-up campers
- Small, entry-level household RVs
- Reasonable climates
This unit can be an amazing RV AC possibility for these aiming at a greener tenting expertise, as it balances cooling efficiency with decrease energy consumption.
Coleman Mach 3
The Coleman Mach 3 is without doubt one of the most versatile RV air conditioners within the Coleman lineup. With a 13,500 BTU cooling capability, a unit of this measurement can usually cool RVs between 20 and 32 ft lengthy, relying on insulation, outside temperatures, and general airflow design.
This measurement works nicely for:
- Household journey trailers
- Mid-size fifth wheels
- Ducted RV cooling programs
- Multi-season campers
- Campers touring in heat summer time climates
- RV house owners searching for reliable on a regular basis cooling
The Mach 3 can be a sensible alternative for RVers who need an environment friendly stability of cooling energy and electrical utilization. Coleman’s PowerSaver variations are particularly engineered to scale back amp draw whereas nonetheless sustaining sturdy airflow and constant cabin consolation.
Coleman Mach 8
The Coleman Mach 8 is a low-profile RV air conditioner constructed for campers that want highly effective cooling with out including extreme roof peak. Obtainable in each 13,500 BTU and 15,000 BTU configurations, its ultra-low design helps scale back aerodynamic drag whereas towing and might barely enhance general effectivity.
This measurement works nicely for:
- Light-weight journey trailers
- Fiberglass campers
- Off-road and overlanding trailers
- RVs with low-clearance storage necessities
- Campers prioritizing gas effectivity
- Scorching-weather tenting journeys
Psst — mild sleeper? This mannequin can be good for RV house owners searching for quieter nighttime cooling and a extra aerodynamic rooftop setup. At roughly 8 inches tall, it is without doubt one of the lowest-profile RV AC models accessible on right now’s market that also delivers sturdy airflow efficiency.
Coleman Mach 15
The Coleman Mach 15 is designed for RV house owners who want most cooling efficiency in demanding situations. With a 15,000 BTU cooling capability and excessive airflow output, this mannequin is right for bigger RVs, campers with a number of slide-outs, and vacationers tenting in extraordinarily sizzling climates. A unit of this measurement can usually cool RVs between 28 and 40 ft lengthy, relying on insulation high quality, ceiling peak, and outdoors temperatures.
This measurement works nicely for:
- Massive journey trailers
- Fifth wheels
- Toy haulers
- Class A motorhomes
- Full-time RV dwelling
- Desert and southern summer time climates
The Mach 15 can be a wonderful alternative for RVers who prioritize quick cooling and powerful airflow throughout peak summer time warmth. Its highly effective fan motor and high-capacity design assist preserve consolation even throughout prolonged high-temperature journey days.
| Mannequin | BTUs | Top/Profile | Noise | Finest For | Value Vary (estimated) |
| Coleman 13,500 BTU | 13,500 | Normal profile | Reasonable | Small campers and light-weight trailers | $600–$1,000 |
| Coleman Mach 3 | 13,500 | Normal profile | Reasonable to quiet | Mid-size household RVs and on a regular basis tenting | $700–$1,100 |
| Coleman Mach 8 | 13,500–15,000 | Low profile | Quiet on low settings | Light-weight and low-clearance RVs | $1,200–$1,500 |
| Coleman Mach 15 | 15,000 | Normal profile | Reasonable | Massive RVs and excessive warmth situations | $800–$1,600 |
Coleman RV AC Compatibility With Coleman Campers
As you may anticipate, many Coleman-branded campers are appropriate with Coleman rooftop air conditioners. The even higher information: Coleman RV AC models are additionally usually appropriate with different sorts of models, exactly as a result of they’re designed with commonplace RV roof openings and electrical programs in thoughts.
This contains fashions just like the Coleman Rubicon and the Coleman Lantern 17B, typically known as the Coleman 17B camper. These light-weight trailers are among the many hottest available on the market, and are a good way to journey with all of the comforts of residence (together with local weather management because of a Coleman RV AC unit)
Low-profile Mach 8 models are particularly enticing for light-weight trailers as a result of they scale back roof peak and aerodynamic drag.
Coleman RV Air Conditioner Set up
Putting in a Coleman RV AC could be a manageable DIY venture for very skilled and helpful RV house owners. Nonetheless, skilled set up is very beneficial to assist keep away from issues down the street (and make sure the unit is wired appropriately, which retains each you and the unit safer in the long term).
Take into accout, too, that almost all models weigh about 80 to 100 kilos, which is already a heavy raise for a lot of campers. If you will DIY your set up, be sure you:
- Disconnect shore energy (security first!)
- Flip off mills
- Confirm roof structural integrity earlier than stepping on prime of your rig
- Use correct sealants (water injury takes out most RVs)
- Observe producer torque specs (i.e., don’t over-tighten!)
Coleman RV Air Conditioner Troubleshooting
Reliability is the hallmark of Coleman RV HVAC models. Nonetheless, after all, life occurs — which is why we’ve acquired this troubleshooting information in place for you. (All the time contact an expert if you happen to’re not sure or dealing with electrical points.)
AC Received’t Flip On
Doable causes embrace:
- Tripped breaker
- Unhealthy capacitor
- Defective thermostat
- Wiring points
- Compressor failure
Failed capacitors are a generally reported concern in older Coleman Mach models.
Weak Airflow
Weak airflow might consequence from:
- Soiled air filters
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Blocked ducts
- Failing blower motors
Heat Air Blowing
Heat or mildly cool air can point out:
- Low refrigerant
- Compressor points
- Soiled condenser coils
- Electrical issues
Freezing Up
RV AC freeze-ups are sometimes brought on by:
- Restricted airflow
- Soiled filters
- Low fan pace
- Working in cool outside temperatures
Water Leaks
Water leaks might come from:
- Clogged drain channels
- Broken roof gaskets
- Improper leveling
- Cracked drain pans
Loud Noises
Widespread noise sources embrace:
- Unfastened shrouds
- Worn fan motors
- Bent fan blades
- Compressor vibration
Coleman RV AC Troubleshooting Desk
| Downside | Doable Trigger | Potential Repair |
| AC gained’t activate | Tripped breaker or unhealthy capacitor | Reset breaker or substitute capacitor |
| Weak airflow | Soiled filter or blocked ducts | Clear filters and examine ducting |
| Heat air blowing | Soiled coils or compressor concern | Clear coils and take a look at compressor |
| Unit freezing up | Restricted airflow | Exchange filters and enhance airflow |
| Water leaking inside | Broken gasket or clogged drain | Exchange gasket and clear drains |
| Loud rattling noise | Unfastened shroud or fan concern | Tighten {hardware} and examine fan |
| Fan gained’t begin | Unhealthy fan capacitor or motor | Exchange capacitor or blower motor |
Coleman RV AC Upkeep Suggestions
All the pieces works higher while you deal with it. On the subject of your Coleman RV AC unit, a number of primary upkeep steps can go a good distance towards growing the unit’s lifespan, which makes it extra reasonably priced over time.
Upkeep steps to not miss embrace:
- Cleansing the filters, which needs to be executed each few weeks (a minimum of each different month) throughout heavy use
- Cleansing the condenser and evaporator coils, which may enhance cooling effectivity and reduce pressure on the compressor
- Inspecting seals, together with the roof gaskets and sealants, a minimum of as soon as 1 / 4
- Checking the shroud which covers the unit — a unfastened, cracked, or leaky shroud can enable water into the system and create extra noise
You too can do a deeper upkeep dive to organize for a heavy upcoming season of journey. For example, within the weeks earlier than an enormous summer time journey, use the time to:
- Check your unit’s cooling efficiency earlier than you head out and hit the street
- Clear the coils to ensure the unit is able to go
- Tighten the mounting bolts to make sure a good match to the physique of your rig
Moving into these good upkeep habits may help many RV air conditioners final 10–15 years or longer, so that they’re value it!
Coleman RV Air Conditioner Elements & Substitute
As a result of Coleman RV AC models are so widespread, their alternative components are simple to search out — which is certainly one of their major benefits for RV house owners. In case you’re ready round for a alternative half you must particular order, you could end up with out temperature management for much longer than you’d like!
Widespread Coleman RV alternative parts embrace:
- Shrouds
- Capacitors
- Air filters
- Thermostats
- Fan motors
- Ceiling assemblies
When to Restore vs Exchange
Repairing an older unit might make sense if:
- The compressor nonetheless features
- The required components are cheap
- The system cools successfully
However, alternative could be smarter if:
- Compressor failure happens (changing the compressor might be dearer than merely changing the unit)
- A refrigerant leaks develop
- You’re repairing the unit extra regularly
- The unit is greater than 10–15 years outdated
Is a Coleman RV AC Price It?
For a lot of RV house owners, Coleman RV air conditioners are a stable first alternative because of their mixture of reliability, availability, and mannequin selection. Whenever you use a Coleman HVAC system, you profit from:
- Simple-to-find alternative components so you’ll be able to preserve the unit for a few years, growing affordability
- Broad RV compatibility so that you gained’t be caught with a unit you’ll be able to’t use
- A number of profile and BTU choices so you’ll be able to customise your HVAC system to your rig’s wants
- Robust cooling efficiency (which is, in spite of everything, the entire level)
- An established service community so that you’re by no means removed from assist while you want it
Whenever you lease an RV via RVshare’s peer-to-peer community, you have got the chance to expertise a Coleman AC unit for your self — or to check out several types of RVs (and RV HVAC programs) earlier than you grow to be an RV proprietor. Browse the listings right now.
Coleman RV AC Items: Steadily Requested Questions
It relies on the way you deal with them! With common upkeep, although, many Coleman RV AC models final between 10 and 15 years.
Many small and midsize campers can get by with a 13,500 BTU unit, which may cool a rig of as much as 30 ft in size (relying on the local weather). Bigger RVs or hotter climates, nonetheless, usually profit from a 15,000 BTU mannequin.
The Mach 8 focuses on ultra-low-profile design, whereas the Mach 15 prioritizes most cooling efficiency. The Mach 15 is considerably extra highly effective than the Mach 8 and a good selection for campers touring in extremely popular climates.
In case you’re helpful, you’ll be able to. Nonetheless, skilled set up may help keep away from pricey errors and roof leaks — and, after all, the hazard of working with electrical parts as a layperson.
RV ACs might freeze up if the filters are clogged, if the airflow is restricted, or if you happen to’re experiencing an issue with the evaporator coils. A great first troubleshooting step is to show the AC off for some time and see if it defrosts after which begins to work usually once more.
Sure! However extra importantly, Coleman RV AC models are normally appropriate even with different makes, since they’re made to a standardized measurement.
