Only 11" Profile Height • 13,500 BTU Cooling • Aerodynamic Design for Better Fuel Economy
The GE Profile PLC13XAHW Low Profile RV Rooftop Air Conditioner is engineered for RVers who demand maximum performance in a sleek, aerodynamic package. With an ultra-low 11" height profile, this unit adds only 3 inches of clearance to your roof, reducing wind resistance and improving fuel economy during travel. The streamlined design cuts through air more efficiently, reducing drag and helping you save money at the pump.
Built with the same legendary GE durability as standard-height units, the PLC13XAHW features corrosion-resistant coatings, heavy-duty motor support brackets, and reinforced screw holes that stand up to years of road vibration and harsh weather. The sound-dampening rubber grommets ensure whisper-quiet operation, while the UV-resistant automotive-grade polymer shroud maintains its glossy white appearance season after season.
Perfect replacement for: ARC13AHCW, ARC13AHCB, ARC13AACW, ARC13AACB, ARC15AACW, ARC15AACB
Only 11" height - reduces wind drag and improves fuel efficiency compared to standard 13.9" units
Sound-dampening rubber grommets minimize noise and vibration throughout your RV interior
Corrosion-resistant coatings, reinforced brackets, and vibration-tested design for long-lasting performance
Aerodynamic styling with UV-resistant polymer shroud keeps your RV looking sharp
This is the rooftop unit ONLY. You MUST purchase these additional components separately: REQUIRED Ceiling Assembly (choose one): • RARMN1A - Non-Ducted Manual Ceiling Assembly with built-in controls • RARED1A - Ducted Electronic Ceiling Assembly (requires separate control box and thermostat) REQUIRED Thermostat (if using RARED1A ducted ceiling): • RARWT2W - White Wall Thermostat • RARWT2B - Black Wall Thermostat REQUIRED Control Box (if using RARED1A ducted ceiling): • RARMC2A - Main Electronic Control Unit The air conditioner will NOT function without a ceiling assembly.
This PLC13XAHW low profile unit is the direct replacement for the following discontinued ARC models: White Models: • ARC13AHCW (13,500 BTU) • ARC13AACW (13,500 BTU) • ARC15AACW (15,000 BTU) Black Models (use PLC13XAHB instead): • ARC13AHCB (13,500 BTU) • ARC13AACB (13,500 BTU) • ARC15AACB (15,000 BTU) Also Known As: GE Profile Low Profile Air Conditioner, PLC13 Series
Height Clearance Check: While this low-profile unit is only 11" tall (vs. 13.9" for standard units), verify you have adequate clearance in your RV storage facility, carport, or garage. Some facilities have strict height limits. Non-Ducted vs Ducted: Determine your system type before ordering the ceiling assembly. Non-ducted (RARMN1A) is simpler with built-in manual controls and direct airflow. Ducted (RARED1A) distributes air through vents but requires a separate control box and wall thermostat. Power Requirements: This unit requires a dedicated 20-amp circuit. Verify your RV electrical system can support this before installation. Not a Heat Pump: This is a cooling-only unit. For heating and cooling, see the PLH13XAHW heat pump model instead.
Professional Installation Recommended Basic Installation Steps: 1. Measure Roof Opening: Verify existing opening accommodates 30" x 40" base dimensions 2. Remove Old Unit: Safely disconnect power and remove existing air conditioner 3. Prepare Opening: Clean mounting surface and inspect for damage or rot 4. Install Ceiling Assembly: Mount RARMN1A or RARED1A inside RV from below 5. Position AC Unit: Carefully lift 85-lb unit onto roof (2+ people recommended) 6. Seal & Secure: Apply roof sealant, position unit, secure with mounting bolts 7. Wire Connections: Complete electrical connections per wiring diagram 8. Install Thermostat: Mount wall thermostat (if using RARED1A ducted system) 9. Test Operation: Restore power and verify cooling on all fan speeds 10. Final Seal: Apply additional sealant around perimeter, check for leaks
In The Box: • PLC13XAHW Rooftop Air Conditioner Unit • Pre-Installed Roof Compression Gasket • Mounting Hardware (Bolts/Screws) • Installation Instructions • Owner's Manual • Warranty Card NOT Included (Must Purchase Separately): • Ceiling Assembly (RARMN1A or RARED1A) - REQUIRED • Wall Thermostat (RARWT2W or RARWT2B) - Required for RARED1A • Control Box (RARMC2A) - Required for RARED1A • Roof Sealant/Caulk • Electrical Wire/Connectors
Bottom Line: The low-profile design is ideal for RVers who frequently encounter height restrictions, want to maximize fuel economy, or prefer a sleeker aesthetic. Both units deliver the same 13,500 BTU cooling power - choose based on your specific needs and budget.
Download the GE PLC13XAHW 13.5K BTU RV AC Owner's Manual Technical Support: GE Appliances Customer Service Phone: 1-800-GE-CARES (1-800-432-2737) Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST Warranty Information: 2-Year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty Covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use Register product within 90 days for full coverage Product Support Page: www.geappliances.com
A: Yes, the PLC13XAHW is fully compatible with the ceiling assemblies and thermostats used with ARC-series air conditioners. If you're replacing an ARC13AHCW or ARC13AACW unit and already have the RARMN1A ceiling assembly (non-ducted with manual controls) installed, you can reuse it with the new PLC13XAHW. Similarly, if you have the RARED1A ducted ceiling assembly with RARWT2W/B thermostat and RARMC2A control box, these components will work perfectly with the new unit. This makes upgrading from an ARC model to the low-profile PLC model straightforward - you only need to replace the rooftop unit itself.
A: The choice depends on your RV's air distribution system. If you want the simplest installation, choose the RARMN1A non-ducted ceiling assembly. This unit has built-in manual controls on the ceiling assembly itself (fan speed, temperature adjustment) - no separate thermostat or control box needed. Air flows directly from the ceiling grille into your RV. This is perfect for smaller RVs under 25 feet. If your RV has ductwork running to multiple vents throughout the interior, choose the RARED1A ducted ceiling assembly. This requires you to also purchase a RARWT2W or RARWT2B wall thermostat and RARMC2A control box separately, but it distributes cooled air evenly throughout larger RVs. The ducted system is better for RVs 30+ feet or floor plans with multiple rooms.
A: Yes, GE lists the PLC13XAHW as a direct replacement for the ARC15AACW. While the ARC15 was rated at 15,000 BTU, modern design improvements mean the PLC13's 13,500 BTU provides comparable cooling performance for most RVs. The low-profile aerodynamic design, improved motor efficiency, and better airflow distribution compensate for the slightly lower BTU rating. However, if you have a large motorhome over 35 feet, live in extremely hot climates (Arizona, Texas summers), or found your ARC15 barely kept up, consider the PLC15XAHW (15,000 BTU low profile) instead. For most Class C motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels under 35 feet, the 13,500 BTU PLC13XAHW will provide excellent cooling.
A: Budget for the following components: (1) PLC13XAHW air conditioner unit - check current pricing, (2) Ceiling assembly - RARMN1A (non-ducted, $150-250) or RARED1A (ducted, $120-180), (3) If using ducted: RARWT2W/B thermostat ($80-120) and RARMC2A control box ($100-150), (4) Installation supplies - roof sealant, butyl tape, wire connectors ($30-50), (5) Professional installation labor if not DIY ($300-500). Total for non-ducted system: AC unit + $200-350 in parts. Total for ducted system: AC unit + $350-500 in parts. Add installation labor if needed. Many RVers choose the RARMN1A non-ducted system for simplicity and lower cost unless they specifically need ducted air distribution.
A: If the fan runs but you're not getting cold air, follow these troubleshooting steps: (1) Check the thermostat - ensure it's set to COOL mode (not fan only) and set below current temperature, (2) Verify power - the unit needs a full 115V on a 20A circuit; low voltage from a weak generator or overloaded circuit can prevent compressor startup, (3) Check the circuit breaker - compressor may have tripped the breaker, (4) Inspect capacitor - a failed start capacitor is a common issue; look for bulging or leaking capacitors on the control board, (5) Clean coils - dirty condenser coils can cause overheating and shutdown. If these don't resolve the issue, you may have a failed compressor, which requires professional service. Note: Compressor failure is rare on units under 5 years old and would be covered under the 2-year warranty.
A: The PLC13XAHW requires a roof opening of approximately 14" x 14" (standard RV AC opening). The unit's base footprint is 30" wide x 40" long, so you'll need clear roof space of at least 32" x 42" to account for mounting flanges and sealant. The unit weighs 85 lbs, so ensure your roof structure can support this weight plus installation forces. Most RV roofs are designed for AC units, but if you're adding a second AC where none existed, verify roof integrity and framing. The low-profile design at 11" height means total roof clearance with unit installed is approximately 14" from roof surface to top of shroud (3" added height). Measure your garage or storage facility clearance before installing if height restrictions are a concern.
A: The PLC13XAHW requires 115V AC power at 20 amps, which means you need one of the following: (1) Shore power connection at an RV park or campground, (2) A generator capable of at least 2,500 watts continuous output (3,000+ watts recommended to handle startup surge), (3) An inverter system with sufficient battery bank - you'd need approximately 2,000 watts of inverter capacity and a substantial lithium battery bank (400+ Ah at 12V) to run the AC for meaningful periods. Most boondockers find running a roof AC on batteries impractical due to the high power consumption. For off-grid camping, consider a high-efficiency portable AC unit, vent fans, or plan generator run times during the hottest part of the day. Some modern RVers use solar + large battery banks + inverters to run their AC for a few hours, but this requires significant electrical system upgrades.
A: GE's 2-year limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, including the compressor, fan motor, control boards, and structural components. The warranty is transferable if you sell your RV. To maintain coverage: (1) Register your product with GE within 90 days of purchase, (2) Keep proof of purchase and installation records, (3) Have warranty repairs performed by authorized service centers. The warranty does NOT cover: improper installation (hire a qualified technician or follow instructions precisely), damage from power surges (use a surge protector), normal wear items, cosmetic damage to the shroud from road debris or hail, refrigerant leaks caused by road vibration or impact damage, damage from operating the unit outside specified voltage ranges, or consequential damages like roof leaks from installation errors. Professional installation is recommended to avoid voiding warranty due to improper setup.
A: Choose the low-profile PLC13XAHW if: (1) You have garage, storage, or bridge height restrictions - the 3" lower profile can make the critical difference, (2) You want maximum fuel economy - the aerodynamic design measurably reduces highway drag, potentially saving hundreds of dollars in fuel over time, (3) You prefer a sleeker, more integrated appearance, (4) You experience height-related wind noise with your current AC. Choose the standard-height GRCS13XAHW R32 model if: (1) You want the latest eco-friendly R32 refrigerant technology, (2) You need maximum cooling efficiency, (3) Budget is a primary concern (standard models typically cost less), (4) You have no height restrictions. Both deliver excellent 13,500 BTU cooling performance - the choice comes down to your specific priorities regarding profile height, aerodynamics, environmental impact, and budget.