There's nothing quite like the moment when you realize your RV air conditioner needs replacing—usually on the hottest day of your trip, in the middle of nowhere, with no shade in sight. I still remember the fateful day in Arizona when our 15-year-old AC unit gave its final death rattle during a 105°F afternoon. My wife looked at me with that "fix it now or I'm booking a hotel" expression that all RV spouses perfect eventually.
After two sweaty hours of research and a desperate call to a mobile RV technician (who quoted me a price that nearly caused heatstroke), I decided to tackle the installation myself. The good news? It wasn't nearly as difficult as I'd feared. The better news? I'm going to share everything I learned so your installation goes much smoother than mine did.
In this guide, I'll walk you through replacing or installing a Dometic RV air conditioner step by step.
Whether you're upgrading an older unit, replacing a broken one, or adding air conditioning to an RV for the first time, these instructions will help you complete the job with confidence. I've included product recommendations based on my experience and the feedback from dozens of RVers I've helped with similar projects over the years.
Before diving into the installation process, it's important to understand what you're working with. Dometic is one of the most respected names in RV climate control, and their air conditioners are known for reliability and efficiency.
Dometic offers several models, but they generally fall into these categories:
For most standard RVs, a 13,500 BTU unit provides sufficient cooling. However, if you have a larger RV (over 32 feet) or frequently camp in very hot climates, you might want to consider a 15,000 BTU model.
A complete Dometic air conditioner installation typically includes:
Some installations may also require:
Having everything ready before you start will save you multiple trips up and down the ladder. Here's what you'll need:
Before we get to the step-by-step instructions, let's talk safety. RV air conditioner installation involves working at height, handling heavy equipment, and dealing with electricity—a triple threat that demands caution.
Now that we've covered the basics, let's dive into the installation process. I've broken this down into manageable steps based on my own experience and the dozens of installations I've helped other RVers complete.
Pro tip: When I did my first replacement, I didn't clean the mounting area well enough, which led to a small leak during the first rainstorm. Take your time with this step—a clean mounting surface is essential for a watertight seal.
A word of caution: During my installation, I initially tried to reuse the old gasket to save money. Big mistake. The old gasket had compressed over time and no longer provided a proper seal. Always use a new gasket for your installation.
Before placing the new air conditioner, I highly recommend installing a Micro-Air EasyStart Flex Soft Starter. This device reduces the starting current of your air conditioner by up to 65%, which offers several significant benefits:
The Micro-Air KIT-364-368-RT2 EasyStart Install Kit makes this installation straightforward, even for those with limited electrical experience.
This addition saved my bacon during a power-restricted rally where everyone else had to choose between running their AC or using other appliances. With the EasyStart, I could do both.
When my friend and I installed my unit, we found that placing a small piece of wood under each corner of the AC unit helped keep it properly positioned while we moved to secure it from below. Just remember to remove these spacers before final tightening.
I learned an important lesson during this step on my installation: label every wire as you disconnect it. I thought I'd remember which wire went where, but after a lunch break, I found myself second-guessing my memory. A simple piece of tape with a label on each wire would have saved me 30 minutes of confusion.
After my first installation experienced a small leak during a rainstorm, I became almost obsessive about proper sealing. Remember: water always wins eventually, so your sealing job needs to be impeccable. I now follow the "belt and suspenders" approach—using both sealant and tape for critical areas.
When I first turned on my new unit, I noticed a slight rattling sound that wasn't present in my old AC. After investigation, I found that one of the shroud screws wasn't fully tightened. A quick adjustment solved the problem. Don't ignore even minor issues—they can become major problems down the road.
Even with careful planning and execution, you might encounter some challenges during your installation. Here are solutions to common problems:
To keep your new air conditioner running efficiently for years to come, follow these maintenance tips:
After my installation, I created a simple maintenance calendar reminder on my phone. This small step has helped me stay on top of maintenance and has likely extended the life of my unit significantly.
Once you've successfully installed your Dometic air conditioner, consider these upgrades to enhance performance and efficiency:
If your RV has ducted air conditioning, installing insulated duct covers during the off-season can prevent heat loss in winter and keep cold air from falling through the ducts when the AC isn't in use.
Upgrading to a smart thermostat compatible with your Dometic unit can provide better temperature control and potentially save energy. Some models even allow you to control your RV's climate remotely via smartphone.
Applying a solar reflective coating to your RV roof can significantly reduce heat absorption, decreasing the workload on your air conditioner and improving efficiency.
Installing a Dometic RV air conditioner is a satisfying project that can save you hundreds of dollars in service fees while giving you a better understanding of your RV's systems. The process might seem daunting at first, but with careful preparation and by following these steps, most RV owners can complete the installation successfully.
Remember my Arizona story? After completing my installation and feeling that first blast of cool air, my wife's expression changed from "hotel shopping" to "impressed admiration." That night, as we enjoyed a comfortable 72°F inside our RV while the outside temperature remained in the 90s, I realized that few RV upgrades provide as immediate and noticeable an improvement to comfort as a new air conditioner.
The products I've recommended—particularly the Micro-Air EasyStart Flex Soft Starter, Alpha Systems N102106T Low VOC Sealant, Steele Rubber Products Air Conditioner Gasket Kit, and Eternabond White Micro Sealant Repair Tape—represent investments in the quality and longevity of your installation. While it might be tempting to save money with generic alternatives, the peace of mind that comes from using proven, RV-specific products is well worth the additional cost.
Whether you're replacing an aging unit, upgrading to a more powerful model, or installing air conditioning for the first time, your new Dometic air conditioner will transform your RV experience, making even the hottest camping destinations comfortable year-round.
Stay cool, and happy camping!
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business—it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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