RV Air Conditioners

Everybody seems to be ready and geared up for that long summer trip. Everything’s packed up and suddenly dad realizes that the RV air conditioner is yet to be fixed.

Well that is the most common problem Americans experience in their hot summer trip. And even in regular travels RV air conditioners can be a little surprising when those leaks annoyingly disturb that comfortable ride. But before you turn your face to red, do not be blue, consider these important notes about maintenance, accessorizing and overall how-to in taking care of that RV unit. You may want to take this as an addition to your RV air conditioner manuals.

Take a second look at that RV filter. If what you are seeing is not good then you have two options. Wash or change. Some RV air conditioner filters are washable. Others come with a reusable foam filter, so you will have to take them off before washing. Use a mild detergent to rid of those nasty dusts. Use hose to wash off dirt but do not soak in the water. If you can’t save that filter make sure you get the size of it and purchase a replacement. Good filters you can find in stores right now are the OEM types. These will give you more advantage in filtering out those pollens, fibers, pet hairs, small debris, leaves and dusts. Get a stack of these filters on your trunk or at home for emergency replacement especially if you’re using the RV air conditioner more often. It is preferred to have it cleaned and checked every three months or after you have used it in really dusty places.

The condenser fins are also a very essential part of the RV air conditioning. Check if they are still in good shape as small tree branches and foreign objects may crumple those fins together. A crushed fin can affect the performance of the RV especially in circulating air. Try uncurling up the crushed or folded fin. Now sometimes you may find it surprising that insects inhabit the fin chamber. It is necessary to clean it as well as the condenser fins, all of them, individually. If you find this job too tedious, buy a simple and easy to attach condenser fin grille. This way you can protect the fins from curling.

Take a close look at the RV roof air conditioning shroud as well as the anchor system. If this part has become brittle or oxidized too much and cracks and small pieces are falling off, these are signs of constant wear and tear. In cases like these, replacement is a must. If it is still in good condition though double check the area where the bolts hold it in place, check for loosening of bolts or cracking, severity of the situation may need replacement. If the bolts are loose, tighten up so as not to fly off along the road.

Dry run before embarking on that sunny road trip. Check on the thermostats and try to see if the fans are in good working condition. Batteries are also to be reviewed as adequate amperage is needed in order for RV air conditioners to work effectively. Avoid using a power cord that is less than 15 amps. Power shortage will only cause damage to the motors, compressors and other important mechanisms of the RV unit. Bring along an automatic voltage regulator to protect it from any sudden brown outs.

Remember that RV air conditioners work properly if they are maintained properly as well. RV units do not just cool air they suck in humid out of the air and disperse it outside. This is made possible by the internal condenser and evaporator and motor. These components will only perform at their best if the parts outside are in good shape.