Can You Upgrade from a 13,500 BTU GE RV Air Conditioner to a 15,000 BTU Unit?

Updated 06/26/2026 | Published 06/23/2026

Products Featured in This Question

GE Appliances Deluxe Plus RV AC w/ Heat Pump - 15K Btu - Ducted/Non-Ducted - R32 - AC Unit Only

(28)

$932.76

SoftStartRV Soft Start for Single Zone Air Conditioner Setup - Qty 1

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$289.14

Question:

Can I replace my 13000, GE airconditioner with a 15000 without changing the control board? I have a 3500 Brinkley, year 2024 and one airconditioner is not working.

asked by: Walter G

Expert Reply:

Walter, in most cases, no. If your 2024 Brinkley came with a 13,500 BTU GE air conditioner and you're upgrading to a newer 15,000 BTU GE unit, you will typically need to replace the control box as well. The newer GE air conditioners use R32 refrigerant and updated electronics, so they are generally not backward compatible with the earlier control systems.

If you're replacing the failed unit with another GE air conditioner from the same generation, there may be some compatibility, but I wouldn't recommend assuming the existing control box will work without confirming the model numbers. I'd rather help you avoid replacing one problem with another.

It's also worth keeping in mind that a 15,000 BTU unit draws a little more power than a 13,500 BTU model. Most RVs are already wired to handle it, but it's still a good idea to verify the electrical requirements. If you frequently run on a generator, adding a soft start like SoftStartRV Soft Start for Single Zone Air Conditioner Setup Part # SSR54FR is also a nice upgrade because it reduces the startup surge and makes the air conditioner much easier to power.

If you can send me the model number from your existing GE air conditioner and let me know whether your system is ducted or non-ducted, I can help verify exactly what components you'll need for the upgrade. Where do you usually take your Brinkley, hot and dry areas, humid coastal campgrounds, or cooler mountain destinations?

expert reply by: Heather A