DDRV - How To Get Your RV Air Conditioner in Top Condition

  

Keep Your Cool on the Road with RV Air Conditioner Maintenance and Troubleshooting

If you’re hitting the road in your RV, you want to make sure you stay cool and comfortable along the way. And that means keeping your air conditioner in tip-top shape.

After all, it’s not just about comfort—it’s also about the quality of the air you’re breathing.

So, how do you keep your AC unit running like a dream? Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your AC unit functions efficiently.

Understanding Your RV Air Conditioner System

An RV air conditioner works on the same principle as a typical household air conditioner. It removes heat from the air inside your RV and expels it outside, leaving the interior of your RV cool and comfortable.

• The air conditioning unit draws in hot air from the environment and passes it over evaporator coils containing refrigerant, which is a chemical compound that can absorb heat. As the refrigerant absorbs heat, it changes from a liquid to a gaseous state. This gaseous refrigerant is then sent to the compressor, which compresses the gas and raises its temperature even further.
• The hot, compressed refrigerant then flows through a condenser coil, where it releases the heat it absorbed from the RV interior. As the refrigerant cools, it changes back into a liquid state and returns to the evaporator coils to begin the cycle again.
• The RV air conditioning system also has a fan that blows air over the evaporator and condenser coils, helping to transfer heat more efficiently. The unit also has filters that remove dust and other particles from the air as it is circulated.

Tips for Maintaining Your RV Air Conditioner System

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your unit functioning effectively and providing you with a comfortable environment during hot summer days. Here are some helpful tips to maintain your RV air conditioner:

Inspect the Shroud

The shroud is the protective cover over your air conditioning unit. It’s important to inspect it regularly for any cracks or damage. If you notice any deterioration, replace the shroud as soon as possible to prevent further wear and tear to the unit.

Clean the Air Filter

To clean the air filter, turn off the power to your RV air conditioner and locate the air filter. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any dust or debris from the filter, and then use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove any remaining dirt or debris. If the filter is extremely dirty, you can soak it in warm, soapy water, rinse it thoroughly, and allow it to air dry before replacing it. If it is too worn or stretched out to use anymore, replace it. You can purchase a larger filter and cut it to size if needed.

Clean the Condenser

and Evaporator Coils

Begin by turning off the power to your RV air conditioner and locating the coils. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any dirt or debris from the coils, and then use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any remaining dirt or debris. If the coils are extremely dirty, you can use a condenser coil cleaner solution and evaporator coil spray to clean each respectively. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product labels carefully.

Inspect the Rubber Gasket

for Leaks

Water is bad news for RVs, and it’s essential to check for places where moisture can get in. One of the places you will want to watch for leaks is around the AC. Check the rubber gasket for damage or wear, and tighten the screws that hold your air conditioner in place if necessary.

Streamlining RV Air Conditioner Maintenance With RV LIFE Maintenance

When it comes to maintaining your RV air conditioner, it is generally recommended to perform maintenance every six months. This includes cleaning all components of the unit and replacing the air filter as needed. 

With so many maintenance tasks to keep track of as an RVer, it can be overwhelming to remember everything that needs to be done. This is where online planning tools like RV LIFE Maintenance comes in handy. 

The app can help you stay on top of all your RV maintenance needs. It sends alerts when maintenance is due, ensuring that you don’t miss any important tasks. As part of an RV LIFE Pro Membership, RV Life Maintenance is just one of the many useful features available to help simplify RV ownership.

Safeguarding Your RV Air Conditioner

Protecting your RV air conditioner is important to ensure its longevity and proper functioning. One way to do this is by installing a soft start device. A soft start device like SoftStartRV can protect your AC unit from damage caused by power surges and voltage drops. It can also reduce the stress on your RV’s electrical system by gradually starting the AC unit, rather than drawing a sudden surge of power. This can also help prolong the life of your AC unit’s compressor. 

Common RV Air Conditioner Problems

If you encounter problems with your RV air conditioner, there are several potential causes to be aware of. Here are some common issues and what could be causing them:

• No Cool Air
• If you’re not getting cool air from your RV air conditioner, it could be due to a refrigerant leak, dirty air filters, or a malfunctioning compressor. It’s important to address these issues promptly to avoid further damage to your unit.
• Weak Airflow
•  If your RV air conditioner is blowing weak airflow, it may be due to clogged air filters, dirty coils, or a malfunctioning fan motor. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
• Strange Noises
• Unusual sounds coming from your RV air conditioner could indicate loose components, a malfunctioning fan motor, or a compressor problem. These issues may require professional repair.
• Foul Odors
• If your RV air conditioner is emitting unpleasant odors, mold or mildew growth inside the unit may be the culprit. Regular cleaning of the air filters and coils can help prevent this issue.
• AC Not Turning On
•  If your RV air conditioner won’t turn on, it may be due to a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty thermostat, or a compressor problem. Troubleshooting these issues can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate solution.

When to Call in the Professionals

While regular maintenance can prevent many problems with your RV air conditioner, there may come a time when you need to call in the professionals. Signs that it’s time to call an HVAC technician include:

• Your unit isn’t cooling your RV effectively.
• You hear strange noises coming from your RV AC.
• Your RV air conditioner isn’t turning on.

Keep Your RV AC in Top Condition

Your RV AC plays an important role in keeping you cool and comfortable while you’re on the road. To keep it in top condition, it’s important to clean and maintain it regularly. If you do encounter problems, troubleshoot them as soon as possible and call in the professionals if necessary. By following these tips, you can keep your RV air conditioner in top condition and ensure a comfortable journey wherever the road takes you.

Published on May 10th, 2023 by Natalie Henley

DOUBLE DUTY RANCH RV PARK

Wise County's Best Kept Secret!

Here are 10 tips to help you avoid the biggest mistakes beginners make when traveling in an RV

 

1. Not buying the right rig for you

Your new RV needs to fit with your tow vehicle and your budget, as well as your lifestyle. Some first-time buyers get swayed by flashy amenities and end up buying an RV outside of their budget, while others don’t check their numbers (weights and towing capacities) and end up with a mismatch between their tow vehicle and new trailer. Some new RVers may even be tempted to go as big as possible, only to find it stressful to pull a 30-foot rig with no towing experience.

2. Waiting to book campsites

Unless there’s a huge event in town, you can usually make hotel reservations close to your travel dates and find plenty of choices. With campgrounds, especially in popular RVing destinations, you’ll have fewer options, and parks may book up months in advance. Popular state and national park campgrounds can fill within minutes of reservations opening. Book early to guarantee the best availability.

Keep in mind that while a popular campground might be preferred, you can still have fun in smaller or less-visited parks. I’ve camped at plenty of bare-bones campgrounds that were basically parking lots with hookups, but they put us close to the places we wanted to explore.

--- At Double Duty RV Ranch Park you will enjoy the small, community type environment. With a gated entrance at Double Duty Ranch RV Park, you can have peace of mind while enjoying the peace and quiet of country living. ---

3. Being unaware of campground etiquette

If you haven’t camped a lot, you may not be aware of common campground courtesies. While most RVers will forgive a newbie’s mistakes, others will be irritated with you if you get too loud, cut across their campsite, or let your dogs or kids wander onto their pad. If a park official or ranger knocks on your door, use it as a learning opportunity.

--- Double Duty Ranch RV Park has rules in place to avoid this sort of activity as well as a camera system just in case (never needed it but it does allow us to know the coming and goings at our little country RV Community). Most common rule would be consideration for neighbors. ---

4. Relying on campground connectivity

Almost every campground claims to provide free WiFi, but you shouldn’t always believe that. Parks often do their best to supply some level of connectivity, but the experience varies widely and might not meet your expectations if you want to stream media, work remotely, or road school from your site.

--- It has been a long time in the making due to our low location. We are only one and half miles outside city limits but due to the low area, wifi has been difficult. We were able to get satellite internet but that has a throttled-down speed that does not allow you to stream very well, if at all. Recently, within the past year, we were able to get actual high speed wifi. This is fast enough to stream. Many parks advertise wifi but in reality it is just a connection. Speed, location to router, and number of users will affect your connection and most likely will cause buffering. DDRV Park does have actual high speed wifi that allows campers to stream. ---

5. Not calculating campsite length

A common question for new RVers is whether to consider the length of the tow vehicle when measuring your RV’s length for campsite booking. If the campground’s website doesn’t specify the campsite length, call ahead to check before booking your spot. If you don’t fit, you may be stuck without a place to stay. A few extra feet may also make it easier to park your rig.

6. Not researching hookups

When you book a hotel room, you can count on having electricity, running water, and a toilet that flushes. This is not true for campgrounds. Before booking, research each individual campsite since parks may offer different amenities throughout the campground. Also, you need to understand which type of electrical hookup you need—and carry the proper adapters. 

If you camp without water or sewer hookups, you need to keep an eye on your tank usage throughout your stay. As you camp more, you’ll get a feel for how long your gray tank takes to fill or how quickly you empty your fresh water. 

7. Overlooking tail swing while driving

Driving or towing an RV, especially a big rig, requires certain precautions. If the tail of your RV extends beyond the back axle, you’ll likely experience tail swing. This means the end of your RV will pivot in the opposite direction from the front of the RV while making a turn.

When you’re navigating gas stations and similar situations with objects beside your rig, you need to understand how much tail swing your RV has. Otherwise, it’s easy to end up with significant damage to your rig or structures near you.

8. Not expecting an audience while parking

You’ll likely get to park your RV in a campsite for the first time with an audience. But while people might silently judge you, that’s part of the experience. Try to ignore the onlookers and do your job as slowly and cautiously as you need. On the plus side, if you get yourself stuck in a jam, you’ll probably find plenty of help from experienced RVers. 

9. Forgetting to plan for maintenance and repairs

Owning an RV is like owning a mobile house—one that probably isn’t as durable as your sticks-and-bricks home. You need to keep up with repairs and maintenance, just as you would at home. Things break sometimes, even while you’re on vacation. We’ve experienced broken fridges, tire blowouts, heaters and A/C units that wouldn’t turn on, and much more.

If you’re handy, you’ll find plenty of websites and online videos to keep you on track, along with your owner’s manual. If you aren’t handy, you need to add the cost of service and repairs to your annual budget.

10. Not pacing road trips

When you start planning your first road trip, you might be tempted to use Google Maps to estimate the driving time between locations. Unfortunately, Google Maps is set to take you on the quickest route at the fastest speed. In your RV, not all routes are accessible, and some speed limits are too fast. It’s better to use an RV-specific GPS or app, like the one offered by Roadtrippers, for routing.

New RVers also overestimate how far they can comfortably travel in a day. Driving a motorhome or pulling a trailer is an additional strain on the driver, and it’s trickier to navigate stops for gas and meals. If you start with a Google Maps driving estimate, allow as much as 50 percent more time to account for these differences.

DOUBLE DUTY RANCH RV PAR

Wise County's Best Kept Secret!