One of the most important things about living in an RV is staying comfortable. If you don’t feel comfortable in your home on wheels, you won’t want to spend time on it, it only brings your an awful trip! And yes, motor home life has some compromises to home life, but comfort should definitely not be one of them!
When the outside temperature rises, the van works like a large metal kettle to keep the inside of the car cool, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep and making long car trips much smoother. In addition, if you have pets or children, you need to keep the van cool. So the first piece of advice to keep you cool as the temperature rises is to ride in a cool and comfortable place. I hope there is a mountain nearby!
A well-insulated van and roof vent can keep you very cool and comfortable. Roof vents can increase comfort and also help when cooking internally to remove moisture and odors.
Fans and shaded parking spaces may not be sufficient. Therefore, we recommend air conditioning. If you regularly travel to incredibly hot places, portable air conditioning for your van is an absolute lifesaver.
In general, the biggest problem with air conditioners among RV owners is the noise they make. Air conditioning system fans and compressors are often noisy. And in the confined space of an RV, you are always close to that AC unit and there are a lot of hard surfaces in the RV that amplify the sound of things.
If I were installing a new AC unit or replacing an existing one I would, therefore, choose a high-quality one that is also the quietest one on the market.
Secondly, I would pay a premium for a high-quality AC. That is because the replacement or repair of a roof-mounted RV Air Conditioner is no small matter. To do it without damaging the RV both scaffolding and a hoist or forklift are required. As a result, labor costs for repairs and replacements can be high.
Therefore, it is cost-effective to install the best and most reliable air conditioner first.
RV is not always available when choosing a 5th wheel air conditioner, caravan air conditioner, or any type of RV air conditioner. In general, manufacturers choose the style of AC unit based on the layout and price of the rig. Owners who need something other than standard should consult with their dealer or RV service department to determine how to replace, remove, or upgrade their RV air conditioner.
If you have the option of choosing an RV air conditioner, there are a few things to consider before looking for the perfect air conditioner. Please note that the RVAC unit has limitations. As a general rule of thumb for RV ACs, most RV air conditioners can only cool the inside of an RV within 20 degrees of outside air temperature.
(1) Do you need a duct system or a ductless system?
(2) Does the size of the device affect the aerodynamics of the rig?
(3) Can the size of the AC unit fit the unit in a garage or storage room?
(4) Is there space for the AC unit in the layout?
(5) Which RV power supply powers the air conditioner?
(6) How much basic energy (British Thermal Unit-BTU) is required to run RVAC efficiently?
(7) Do you want a combination device with a heat pump?
After deciding which parameters need to be bypassed, the next step is to determine the best unit type for the rig. The main types of RV air conditioners installed in most rigs are ducted or ductless, but keep in mind the latest technology-portable air conditioners can be a viable option on some RV rigs. Proven small RV air conditioner-the scene creeps up.
Two common issues you may encounter when using RV air conditioners are:
· The first is cooling.
· The second is power.
(1) Consider a temperature difference of 20 degrees. RV AC cools the inside temperature, which is 20 degrees or less below the outside temperature.
(2) Check the thermostat settings and make sure nothing is blocking the temperature sensor.
(3) Use a digital thermometer to check the temperature of the air coming out of the vent. If the air gets hot or doesn’t cool as expected, the coolant may be leaking slowly or the component may be defective. Record the temperature when RVAC is running at full blast for about 15 minutes. Coolant and component repairs must be done by a specialist, but it is advisable to provide the technician with details such as temperature readings.
(1) Check the breaker box to see if the breaker has tripped. If the breaker is in the off position, turn the switch back on.
(2) Check for a blown fuse and replace it.
(3) Check land power (connections and breakers). Use a multimeter to check the voltage flowing through the RV.
No one can predict unexpected RV problems or unplanned repairs. However, maintaining your systems according to the manufacturer’s suggestions will help keep your systems running smoothly for longer.
Before you start working on your air conditioner, it’s a good idea to review your RV warranty and maintenance plan. If your RV is under warranty, please contact the warranty center to find out what steps you need to take to get air conditioning support. Use the RV-AC manual for air conditioner operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting instructions. Also, remember to take appropriate precautions when handling electrical appliances to avoid injury.
Regular Maintenance Items:
(1) Inspect the exterior of the air conditioner for damage.
(2) Check for coolant leaks. If there is a leak, do not operate the air conditioner and contact a certified or master certified RV technician.
(3) Remove any debris that may have accumulated in the air conditioner pot, such as sticks, twigs, and leaves.
(4) Check the condenser and evaporator coils. If it looks dirty, follow the recommended cleaning in the owner’s manual.
(5) Check the drain holes for dirt and remove anything that could clog the holes.
(6) Check that the cable is not loose.
(7) Clean or replace the AC filter.