MRCOOL® TravelCool™ RV Air Conditioner Installation Guide: Roof Opening, Power Requirements, Ducted vs. Ductless & Installation Tips
Installing a new rooftop air conditioner or heat pump is one of the biggest comfort upgrades you can make to an RV. But before ordering a replacement unit—or removing the air conditioner already on your roof—you need to know whether the new system will fit, what electrical service it requires, and whether your RV should use a ducted or ductless interior configuration.
The MRCOOL® TravelCool™ 15,000 BTU RV Inverter Heat Pump is designed specifically for campers, RVs, trailers, and similar recreational vehicles. It combines inverter-driven cooling with heat-pump heating in a 120V rooftop system.
This guide covers the important things to know before a TravelCool installation, including:
- Required roof opening
- Maximum roof thickness
- Electrical requirements
- Breaker recommendation
- Rooftop placement
- Ducted vs. ductless configurations
- Roof preparation
- Installation considerations
- R-32 refrigerant safety
- Post-installation checks
- Frequently asked questions
Important: This article is an educational overview, not a substitute for the official MRCOOL® Installation & Owner’s Manual. MRCOOL specifies that rooftop air-conditioner installation, electrical connection, relocation, and service be performed by qualified professionals in accordance with applicable codes and manufacturer instructions.
MRCOOL TravelCool Installation Specifications at a Glance
Before getting into the installation process, here are some of the most important specifications to know.
|
Specification |
MRCOOL TravelCool |
|
System Type |
RV Rooftop Inverter Heat Pump |
|
Cooling Capacity |
10,000–15,000 BTU/h |
|
Heating Capacity |
12,000–16,000 BTU/h |
|
Power Supply |
AC 120V, 60Hz |
|
Recommended Breaker |
16A dedicated circuit |
|
Refrigerant |
R-32 |
|
Refrigerant Charge |
25.39 oz |
|
High-Speed Airflow |
323.72 CFM |
|
Required Roof Opening |
14.17” × 14.17” |
|
Maximum Roof Thickness |
5” |
|
Maximum Mounting Inclination |
±10° from horizontal |
|
Added Vehicle Height |
Approximately 10.62” |
|
Interior Options |
Ducted or Ductless |
One of the biggest questions RV owners ask is:
What Size Roof Opening Does the MRCOOL TravelCool Need?
The TravelCool is designed around a 14.17-inch × 14.17-inch roof opening.
That is approximately:
14.17” × 14.17”
360 mm × 360 mm
This is one of the first measurements you should verify before installation.
Replacing an Existing RV Rooftop AC
If your RV already has a rooftop air conditioner, the existing opening may be usable.
However, do not assume every existing opening is automatically compatible.
The old unit should be removed and the opening inspected for:
- Correct dimensions
- Water damage
- Soft or weakened roof material
- Cracked or deteriorated sealant
- Damaged framing
- Electrical wiring near the opening
- Structural damage from the previous installation
Old sealant around an existing opening also needs to be properly removed and the installation surface prepared before the new rooftop unit is mounted.
Creating a New Roof Opening
A new installation requires considerably more planning.
Before cutting anything, determine what is hidden inside the roof.
That can include:
- Electrical wiring
- Roof framing
- Lighting circuits
- Structural supports
- Existing ductwork
- Plumbing or other RV components
A new opening also needs adequate structural reinforcement.
Never begin cutting an RV roof until you know what is above and below the intended opening.
How Thick Can the RV Roof Be?
MRCOOL specifies TravelCool for vehicle roofs with a thickness of up to 5 inches (12.7 cm).
Roof construction varies significantly among RVs, so measure the complete roof assembly—not just the visible ceiling panel.
For certain thick-roof ducted installations, additional duct accessories may be required.
Check the RV Roof Before Installing TravelCool
A rooftop air conditioner places both static and travel-related loads on the vehicle.
Before installation, verify that the roof can properly support the equipment.
MRCOOL recommends consulting the vehicle manufacturer to determine whether the roof structure is designed for the unit’s static weight and loads encountered during travel.
Look for:
A Solid Roof Structure
The roof should not sag or bow under the rooftop unit.
A Flat Installation Area
TravelCool should be installed on a sufficiently flat area.
The mounting surface must remain within approximately 10° of horizontal.
No Hidden Obstructions
Check for wiring, structural components, lights, storage areas, doors, and other equipment that could interfere with installation.
Unrestricted Airflow
The rooftop air inlet and outlet must remain clear.
Do not position luggage racks, cargo boxes, solar equipment, covers, or other objects where they restrict airflow.
How Much Height Does TravelCool Add to an RV?
Installing the TravelCool increases the vehicle’s overall height by approximately:
10.62 inches (26.97 cm)
This measurement matters more than many RV owners realize.
After installing any rooftop equipment, know your RV’s new total height.
That information becomes important when approaching:
- Low bridges
- Parking structures
- Fuel station canopies
- Campground trees
- Residential overhangs
- Storage buildings
Depending on the vehicle and jurisdiction, the RV manufacturer may also need to advise whether the documented vehicle height should be updated.
MRCOOL TravelCool Electrical Requirements
TravelCool operates on:
AC 120V / 60Hz
The system requires a dedicated electrical circuit.
MRCOOL’s manual recommends a:
16-Amp Air Circuit Breaker
The circuit should provide appropriate magnetic short-circuit protection and thermal overload protection, along with required leakage-current protection.
The rooftop air conditioner is also a Class I appliance and must be properly grounded.
Important Electrical Safety
Electrical connections should be completed by qualified personnel and must comply with applicable national and local electrical requirements.
Before electrical work begins:
Disconnect power to the RV and verify that the circuit is de-energized.
Never assume that turning the air conditioner off at the remote means the electrical circuit is safe to work on.
Why Inverter Technology Matters in an RV
TravelCool isn’t simply a traditional fixed-speed rooftop air conditioner.
It uses inverter compressor technology.
Instead of operating only at full output and repeatedly switching completely on and off, an inverter system can adjust compressor operation according to demand.
For an RV owner, that can contribute to:
- More consistent cabin temperatures
- Reduced temperature swings
- Smoother operation
- Improved efficiency
- More refined comfort
- Less aggressive cycling than traditional fixed-speed equipment
The TravelCool operating specifications list cooling capacity from 10,000 to 15,000 BTU/h and heating capacity from 12,000 to 16,000 BTU/h.
TravelCool Is Both an RV Air Conditioner and Heat Pump
Another major difference is that TravelCool isn’t cooling-only.
It provides:
Cooling
Up to 15,000 BTU/h
Heat-Pump Heating
Up to 16,000 BTU/h
That gives RV owners one rooftop system capable of providing both cooling and heating when operating conditions are appropriate.
TravelCool Operating Temperature Ranges
According to the manufacturer specifications:
Cooling operation
- Outdoor: approximately 63°F–109°F
- Indoor: approximately 63°F–90°F
Heating operation
- Outdoor: approximately 41°F–75°F
- Indoor: approximately 41°F–81°F
Heat-pump operation should not be confused with a furnace designed for extreme cold. When outdoor conditions fall outside the specified operating range, another RV heating source may be necessary.
Ducted vs. Ductless TravelCool: What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most important choices when configuring a TravelCool system.
The rooftop heat pump works with different interior air-distribution configurations depending on the RV.
TravelCool Ductless Interior Configuration
A ductless RV air-distribution box (ADB) distributes conditioned air directly from the ceiling assembly into the RV interior.
This configuration is commonly suited to RVs without a built-in ceiling duct network.
Ductless May Be Best When:
- Your existing RV AC is non-ducted
- There is no ceiling duct network
- You want air delivered directly from the ceiling assembly
- You are replacing another non-ducted rooftop unit
The ductless assembly should not be confused with a residential wall-mounted mini-split air handler.
TravelCool uses an RV-specific interior air-distribution assembly.
TravelCool Ducted Interior Configuration
A ducted TravelCool configuration is designed to work with compatible RV ceiling ductwork so conditioned air can be distributed through multiple vents.
Ducted May Be Best When:
- Your RV already has ceiling ducts
- Your current rooftop AC feeds a duct system
- You want conditioned air distributed to multiple areas
- Your RV’s existing duct layout is compatible with the installation
The ducted installation uses components designed to connect the rooftop system to the RV’s air-distribution network.
Ducted or Ductless: Which TravelCool Do I Need?
A simple starting point is to look at your existing RV ceiling.
If air comes from several ceiling vents:
You likely have a ducted RV AC system.
If most conditioned air comes directly from the ceiling assembly below the rooftop AC:
You likely have a ductless/non-ducted system.
But don’t purchase based on appearance alone.
When replacing an existing rooftop unit, verify:
- Existing duct layout
- Ceiling opening
- Roof thickness
- Interior clearances
- Electrical requirements
- Mounting configuration
If you’re unsure, contact MRCOOL DIRECT before ordering so the configuration can be reviewed.
Choosing the Correct Rooftop Location
Where the rooftop unit sits matters.
MRCOOL recommends selecting a flat, sufficiently level location near the center of the roof between the vehicle’s longitudinal structural sections.
Before final placement, make sure the unit will not interfere with:
- Roof vents
- Solar panels
- Satellite equipment
- Plumbing vents
- Storage racks
- Awning hardware
- Doors
- Lighting
- Other rooftop accessories
Also account for airflow around the rooftop housing.
Restricted condenser airflow can hurt performance.
Keep Combustible Materials Away
TravelCool uses R-32 refrigerant.
MRCOOL specifies that flammable materials should not be positioned near the air outlet and lists a minimum separation of approximately:
19.68 inches (49.98 cm)
Ventilation openings should remain unobstructed.
R-32 Refrigerant: What RV Owners Need to Know
TravelCool contains:
25.39 oz of R-32 refrigerant
R-32 is classified as a mildly flammable refrigerant, so refrigerant-system work requires appropriate procedures, equipment, ventilation, and training.
Owners should not puncture, modify, open, recharge, or attempt repairs to the sealed refrigerant circuit themselves.
If you suspect:
- Refrigerant leakage
- Refrigerant circuit damage
- Compressor problems
- Sealed-system failure
- Abnormal refrigeration performance
stop using the equipment when appropriate and contact qualified service personnel.
Installing TravelCool Into an Existing Roof Opening
Replacing an existing rooftop AC can sometimes simplify the physical installation because an opening already exists.
The general preparation process includes:
- Disconnect electrical power.
- Remove the existing rooftop air conditioner or roof hatch.
- Remove old mounting hardware.
- Carefully remove old sealant.
- Inspect the roof structure.
- Check the opening dimensions.
- Repair any damaged roofing or framing.
- Properly seal unused screw holes and grooves.
- Verify electrical compatibility.
- Prepare the opening for the TravelCool installation.
MRCOOL’s manual specifies flexible, non-hardening butyl sealant compound when sealing relevant screw holes and grooves during preparation of an existing opening.
Creating a New Opening for TravelCool
If the RV does not already have a compatible opening, the installation becomes more involved.
The opening must be properly located and reinforced with suitable support framing.
Before cutting:
Check Above
Make sure rooftop equipment will not interfere with the TravelCool.
Check Below
Make sure the interior air-distribution assembly has sufficient ceiling space.
Check Inside the Roof
Verify that no wiring or structural component will be cut.
Measure Carefully
The specified TravelCool ceiling opening is:
14.17” × 14.17”
Measure more than once before making a permanent roof cut.
Don’t Forget the Roof Seal
A rooftop AC installation isn’t complete just because the air conditioner runs.
The roof interface must remain weather-tight.
An improper seal can eventually lead to:
- Water intrusion
- Ceiling stains
- Mold or mildew
- Roof deterioration
- Soft roof decking
- Interior damage
- Expensive structural repairs
After installation, inspect the mounting area periodically—especially before long trips and after severe weather.
TravelCool Installation Orientation Matters
The rooftop system must be installed in the proper orientation.
Don’t simply position the unit based on which direction looks best from the ground.
Follow the orientation and mounting instructions in the official TravelCool installation manual.
Incorrect installation can affect:
- Airflow
- Drainage
- Mounting
- Performance
- Reliability
TravelCool Installation: Before You Turn It On
Once installation is complete, don’t immediately assume everything is ready.
Perform a final inspection.
Check the Rooftop Unit
Confirm that the unit is secure and properly seated.
Inspect the Roof Seal
Look for gaps or areas that could allow water intrusion.
Check Airflow Openings
Nothing should obstruct the rooftop intake or exhaust.
Inspect the Interior Assembly
Make sure the interior air-distribution components are correctly installed.
Verify Electrical Connections
Power and grounding should be checked by qualified personnel.
Check the Filter
Make sure the filter is installed correctly.
Restore Power
Only after installation and inspection are complete should power be restored.
First TravelCool Startup
After power is restored:
- Turn the TravelCool on.
- Select COOL mode.
- Set the temperature below the current interior temperature.
- Allow the inverter system time to begin operating.
- Verify cool air is coming from the interior vents.
- Check airflow.
- Listen for unusual vibration or noise.
- Inspect for leaks or abnormal operation.
- When outdoor conditions permit, test HEAT mode.
- Confirm warm air is being delivered.
A heat pump may not instantly produce hot air the way a gas furnace does, so give the system time to stabilize.
Common TravelCool Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Cutting the Roof Before Checking for Wiring
Never assume the roof cavity is empty.
Using the Wrong Interior Kit
Determine whether the RV requires ducted or ductless air distribution before ordering.
Blocking Rooftop Airflow
Cargo, covers, snow, leaves, or nearby equipment can restrict airflow.
Ignoring Roof Strength
The roof must support the rooftop unit without sagging or bowing.
Forgetting Overall Vehicle Height
TravelCool adds approximately 10.62 inches to the vehicle height.
Using an Improper Electrical Circuit
TravelCool requires an appropriate dedicated 120V circuit and proper grounding.
Attempting Refrigerant Work Yourself
The sealed R-32 refrigerant system should only be serviced by properly qualified personnel.
MRCOOL TravelCool Installation FAQ
What size hole does the MRCOOL TravelCool require?
The specified ceiling/roof opening is approximately 14.17 inches × 14.17 inches (360 × 360 mm).
Will TravelCool fit a standard RV AC opening?
It may work with an existing rooftop AC opening, but the opening, roof construction, mounting arrangement, and electrical system should be measured and verified before installation.
What is the maximum RV roof thickness for TravelCool?
The TravelCool installation manual specifies compatibility with roofs up to 5 inches (12.7 cm) thick.
Is MRCOOL TravelCool 120V or 240V?
TravelCool operates on AC 120V, 60Hz power.
What breaker does MRCOOL recommend for TravelCool?
The installation manual recommends a 16A air circuit breaker on the dedicated air-conditioner circuit, along with the required electrical protection and grounding.
Is TravelCool a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner?
TravelCool’s specified cooling capacity ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 BTU/h, depending on operating conditions.
Does TravelCool provide heat?
Yes. TravelCool is an RV inverter heat pump with specified heating capacity from approximately 12,000 to 16,000 BTU/h.
Does TravelCool use R-32 refrigerant?
Yes. The system contains R-32 refrigerant, with a listed refrigerant charge of 25.39 oz.
Can TravelCool work with a ducted RV?
Yes. A ducted TravelCool interior configuration is available for compatible RV duct systems.
Can TravelCool work in an RV without ceiling ducts?
Yes. A ductless/non-ducted interior air-distribution configuration is available.
How much height does TravelCool add to my RV?
The installation manual states an approximate vehicle height increase of 10.62 inches (26.97 cm).
Can I install TravelCool on a house or tiny home?
The TravelCool manual identifies the product for applications such as campers, RVs, trailers, and trucks and states that it is not approved for residential houses or apartments.
Can I service the R-32 refrigerant myself?
Refrigerant-circuit service should be performed by appropriately qualified personnel using procedures and equipment suitable for flammable refrigerants.
Before You Buy: Measure First
Before ordering a TravelCool system, gather these details about your RV:
- Existing rooftop AC make and model
- Roof opening dimensions
- Roof thickness
- Ducted or non-ducted ceiling configuration
- Available 120V electrical service
- Existing breaker/circuit information
- Photos of the rooftop installation
- Photos of the interior ceiling assembly
Having this information available can make choosing the correct TravelCool configuration much easier.
Upgrade Your RV Comfort with MRCOOL TravelCool
The MRCOOL® TravelCool™ brings inverter-driven heating and cooling technology to the RV rooftop.
With up to 15,000 BTU/h of cooling, up to 16,000 BTU/h of heat-pump heating, 120V operation, ducted and ductless configuration options, and inverter technology designed for smoother comfort, TravelCool offers RV owners another way to upgrade their climate-control system.
The key is getting the installation right from the beginning.
Measure the opening. Check the roof. Verify the electrical system. Choose the correct interior configuration. Follow the official installation instructions.
Need help determining which TravelCool configuration is right for your RV?
MRCOOL DIRECT can help you compare the rooftop unit, ducted and ductless interior options, and complete TravelCool configurations before you order.
You Not Being Cool Is Our Business.™