RecPro 13.5K RP-AC3501
A low-cost, complete 13,500 BTU cool-only unit for travel trailers that run on hookups.
Amazon $959.95$959.95
The RecPro 13.5K RP-AC3501 is the better RV air conditioner overall, rated 3.8 to 2.6. The RecPro 13.5K RP-AC3501 leads on warranty, efficiency and value. The RecPro 13.5K RP-AC3501 costs $275.04 less ($959.95 vs $1,234.99).
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
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 RecPro 13.5K RP-AC3501 for warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty), efficiency (12 A running, 0.9 A per 1,000 BTU vs 15.6 A running, 1.2 A per 1,000 BTU) and value ($71.11 per 1,000 BTU ($959.95, 13,500 BTU) vs $91.48 per 1,000 BTU ($1,234.99, 13,500 BTU)).
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 | RecPro 13.5K RP-AC3501 | Dometic FreshJet 5 13,500 BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Value 30% | 80 $71.11 per 1,000 BTU ($959.95, 13,500 BTU) | 50 $91.48 per 1,000 BTU ($1,234.99, 13,500 BTU) |
| Efficiency 20% | 66 12 A running, 0.9 A per 1,000 BTU | 17 15.6 A running, 1.2 A per 1,000 BTU |
| Starting current 15% | 50 starting current not published (neutral score used) | 33 57 A to start |
| Noise 10% | 76 59.7 dBA rated inside | 80 59 dBA rated inside |
| Warranty 25% | 50 2-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| RecPro 13.5K RP-AC3501 | Dometic FreshJet 5 13,500 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling and power | ||
| Cooling capacity | 13,500 BTU | 13,500 BTU |
| Heat | No | Heat strip |
| Running current | 12 A | 15.6 A |
| Starting current | - | 57 A |
| Soft start built in | No | No |
| Inverter compressor | No | No |
| Install | ||
| Ceiling setup | Ducted or non-ducted | Ducted or non-ducted |
| Ceiling assembly included | Yes | No |
| Height above roof | 13.7 in | 10.5 in |
| Weight | 73.7 lb | 93 lb |
| App or remote monitoring | No | No |
| Noise and warranty | ||
| Noise | 59.7 dBA | 59 dBA |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
| Released | - | 2025 |