Here are a few troubleshooting and maintenance tips to help your RV’s A/C unit sustain the wear and tear of life on the road.
It’s not uncommon for your home on wheels to require more attention than your sticks-and-bricks house. When you drive or tow your rig to the next destination, that intense vibration and movement can take a toll on things like appliances, joints, sealants, and your electrical, water, and propane systems, just to name a few.
So, how do you stay ahead of this regular wear and tear before it becomes a bigger problem? Preventative maintenance is key. Staying on top of my daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual RV maintenance schedule gives peace of mind that you’re not only protecting your investment, but personal safety, too.
Here are a few of my favorite maintenance and troubleshooting tips for keeping your RV’s air conditioner in top shape throughout your travels.
Air Conditioner Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips
The air conditioner is one of the big ticket items in your RV. Preventative maintenance and inspections are essential to help you save money and time making repairs on this system.
Preventative Maintenance
- Have your A/C serviced one or two times a year, especially before the hot-weather season begins. Certified RV technicians can run inspections to help prolong the life of the unit.
- If you feel safe accessing your roof, check that the shroud cover fastening bolts are secure to prevent the A/C cover from flying off while driving down the road.
- The metal fins on the back side of the exterior A/C unit are the evaporator coils. These can be easily bent and damaged, which can affect cooling efficiency. Avoid parking under low-hanging branches and, if possible, keep your RV in covered storage when not in use. If damaged, a certified RV technician can straighten the coils during servicing.
- Use an electrical management system to help protect your A/C from unexpected voltage highs and lows that can damage your unit.
- Clean your filters often (every month during peak season). Adequate air flow will provide better cooling and help avoid undue wear and tear on your A/C.
- Visually inspect exterior of A/C components for insects or mud dauber nests and remove.
- Cover the A/C shroud with a vinyl cover when in storage to prevent insect intrusion or outside elements—there are many sizes and styles, make sure to order using the A/C model number and never run an A/C with the cover installed.
Troubleshooting
- Your air conditioner consumes a significant amount of power, especially when first started. Observe what other appliances are in use at this time and turn off anything that isn’t needed, such as an electric water heater, refrigerator, or microwave. Over consumption could trip a breaker or prevent your unit from turning on entirely.
- Call a certified RV technician for diagnosing and repairing items under the A/C shroud cover on your roof due to the unit’s high-voltage electrical components.
