Dometic FreshJet 5 13,500 BTU
For owners replacing a Penguin II or anyone who needs a low roof profile; it is the current R-32 low-profile 13,500 BTU unit from Dometic.
Amazon $1,234.99$1,234.99
The Dometic FreshJet 5 13,500 BTU is the better RV air conditioner overall, rated 2.6 to 2.5. The Dometic FreshJet 5 13,500 BTU leads on value. The Dometic Penguin II 13,500 BTU wins on starting current. The Dometic FreshJet 5 13,500 BTU costs $88.15 less ($1,234.99 vs $1,323.14).
Dometic Penguin II 13,500 BTU Discontinued
Only for owners who want an exact Penguin II match; the FreshJet 5 13,500 BTU is Dometic’s direct replacement and costs less.
Amazon $1,323.14$1,323.14
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Dometic FreshJet 5 13,500 BTU for value ($91.48 per 1,000 BTU ($1,234.99, 13,500 BTU) vs $98.01 per 1,000 BTU ($1,323.14, 13,500 BTU)).
- Choose the Dometic Penguin II 13,500 BTU for starting current (52 A to start vs 57 A to start).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 12,000 to 14,000 BTU RV air conditioner; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Dometic FreshJet 5 13,500 BTU | Dometic Penguin II 13,500 BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.6/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Value 30% | 50 $91.48 per 1,000 BTU ($1,234.99, 13,500 BTU) | 42 $98.01 per 1,000 BTU ($1,323.14, 13,500 BTU) |
| Efficiency 20% | 17 15.6 A running, 1.2 A per 1,000 BTU | 21 15.3 A running, 1.1 A per 1,000 BTU |
| Starting current 15% | 33 57 A to start | 42 52 A to start |
| Noise 10% | 80 59 dBA rated inside | 50 noise rating not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 25% | 0 1-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Dometic FreshJet 5 13,500 BTU | Dometic Penguin II 13,500 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling and power | ||
| Cooling capacity | 13,500 BTU | 13,500 BTU |
| Heat | Heat strip | No |
| Running current | 15.6 A | 15.3 A |
| Starting current | 57 A | 52 A |
| Soft start built in | No | - |
| Inverter compressor | No | - |
| Install | ||
| Ceiling setup | Ducted or non-ducted | Ducted or non-ducted |
| Ceiling assembly included | No | No |
| Height above roof | 10.5 in | 10.4 in |
| Weight | 93 lb | - |
| App or remote monitoring | No | - |
| Noise and warranty | ||
| Noise | 59 dBA | - |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Released | 2025 | - |