How should an air conditioner be POSITIONED on an RV roof?
The air conditioner should be centered on the roof and installed facing the same direction your RV travels. Leave at least 6 inches of clearance on each side, 8 inches at the front and back, and 2 inches of height space for proper airflow.
Positioning the Unit
Choose a flat, central spot on the roof for even air distribution.The air conditioner should face the same direction as the RV’s travel to prevent outdoor fan damage.
Clearance Requirements
Allow 150 mm (6 in.) of space on both sides,200 mm (8 in.) at the front and rear, and 50 mm (2 in.) above the unit.
Avoid installing near partitions, cabinets, or ceiling lights, as these can restrict airflow.
Cooling Capacity
If your RV is longer than 7 m (about 23 ft),consider installing two or more rooftop units for better coverage.
Final Alignment
Check the plenum’s interior position before final placement to ensure proper alignment.The roof angle must not exceed 5°,and the rear of the unit should never be higher than the front.
For installations outside these limits, contact Houghton or your local distributor.
Corky Lorenz
November 4, 2025