RV Air Conditioner Installation in 8 Basic Steps

Installing or replacing an RV air conditioner might seem like a big job, but with a little patience and the right tools, it’s an excellent project for the right DIYer! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basic steps of an RV air conditioner installation, specifically a non-ducted air conditioner. We’ll use a Furrion Chill Cube as our example, but the principles can be applied to most RV ACs. Be sure to follow the instructions from the manufacturer of your specific unit.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Turning off the power
• Removing the old AC
• Positioning the new unit
• Installing the mounting frame
• Hooking up the electrical
• Attaching the air distribution box
• Replacing the filters and covers
• Powering up and testing

• Screwdriver (Phillips / flathead)
• Screw gun / electric drill
• Socket wrench set
• Utility knife
• Scraper
• Measuring tape
• Torque wrench
• Wire cutters / strippers
• Foam divider (usually included with the AC unit)

First things first — make sure your RV is completely powered down. Disconnect the battery, unplug shore power, and turn off any generators. Safety first!

If you're swapping out an old unit, you’ll need to remove the air distribution box (that’s the part inside your RV) and take out any screws holding the RV air conditioner unit to the roof. Some screws may be hidden behind covers or filters, so check carefully.

Once that’s done, disconnect the electrical connections between the RV’s wiring and the old air conditioner. Then, loosen the mounting bolts and push the old AC unit up through the roof. You might need to give it a little nudge to break the seal between the unit and the roof.

Now it’s time to place your new AC unit on the roof. Line it up with the existing opening. The gasket (a thick rubber seal) on the bottom of the unit should sit right over the roof opening, which will help prevent leaks. Make sure it’s centered before moving on to the next step.

Back inside the RV, you’ll attach the mounting frame to hold the AC unit in place. First, dry-fit the frame to ensure it fits snugly. Measure the gap between the roof and the air distribution box, and if necessary, cut the foam divider that came with your AC to fit this space.

With the foam divider in place, secure the mounting frame to the ceiling using the provided hardware. Start by hand-tightening the screws to make sure everything lines up correctly. Then, use a screw gun to fully secure the bolts, tightening them evenly. You want to compress the gasket just enough to create a good seal.

Now it’s time to connect the electrical wiring. Your new AC unit will come with connectors or a terminal block to help make this step straightforward. Secure any loose wires with clamps and attach the cover to the electrical box.

Next, secure the ADB to the mounting frame. First, take off the filter cover and wire mesh filter. Then, use the screws provided to attach the ADB to the mounting frame. Reconnect the control wires to the AC unit and neatly tuck the loose wires inside the electrical box before screwing the panel back into place.

Now that everything’s hooked up, it’s time to put the filters and covers back in place. Snap the wire mesh filter and cover back into the ADB, and you’re good to go!

Now for the fun part — testing out your new RV air conditioner! Turn the power back on and fire up the AC using the control panel on the ADB or the remote control. Test out different modes like cool, fan, and dry, and adjust the temperature to make sure everything is working properly.

Pro tip: If you have a remote with a “Follow Me” feature (like on the Furrion Chill Cube), it acts like a portable thermostat. The AC will adjust the temperature based on where the remote is, which is super handy if you want to cool down a specific room.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully installed your new RV air conditioner, and now you can enjoy a cool, comfortable space on all your future adventures.

• Always double-check that all power sources are disconnected before starting.
• Make sure the AC unit is centered on the roof for a proper seal.
• Hand-tighten the bolts first, then tighten them evenly to avoid any issues.
• If you’re unsure about the wiring, don’t hesitate to call a professional.

With a bit of effort and the right instructions, installing an RV air conditioner is totally doable. Enjoy your cool new setup!

Disclaimer: These photographs, recommendations, and approximations are intended for demonstration purposes only and do not reflect the specifications of any particular AC unit, recreational vehicle, or trailer. Always consult the manufacturer’s Owner's Manual.