Every camper living in an RV knows the importance of keeping the air conditioner in good working order. Unfortunately, air conditioners can develop leaks, which can become even worse when it rains. But don’t despair. You can do a few things if the RV air conditioner leaks when it rains.
There could be several reasons the AC unit leaks when it rains. Whenever you discover a problem of your AC, you should fix the leak as soon as possible. Otherwise, not only does the water ruin your belongings, but it can also be a health hazard. Moldy patches can grow everywhere, and if you’re not careful, you could have a severe respiratory infection.
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RV Air Conditioner Leaks When It Rains: Causes and Troubleshooting
You can quickly fix most RV air conditioner leaks with a bit of preventative maintenance and quick AC troubleshooting. Most leaking problems are minor, and you can take care of them by yourself. So, don’t let a little leak ruin your trip the next time it rains. Just look for these problems and troubleshoot accordingly:
Broken or Damaged Shroud
The shroud is what protects the air conditioner from the elements. When it’s damaged or broken, water easily gets into the parts where it should not be.
Just climb onto the camper roof and inspect whether the shroud is intact. It’s better to replace the broken shroud instead of trying to patch it up. Also, ensure that the new cover is installed correctly; otherwise, it will let rainwater in through the sealing.
Related: How to Quiet RV Air Conditioner
Damaged Mounting Bolts and Rubber Gasket
You need a rubber gasket and mounting bolts to mount the AC unit onto the trailer’s roof.
The mounting bolts on an RV air conditioner secure the unit to the RV’s roof. Over time, these bolts can become loose or even break, allowing the air conditioner to shift and leak.
The rubber gasket seals the RV AC unit to the roof and prevents water from leaking inside through any joints or seals. Since rubber becomes brittle and breaks down over time, the seal may wear out and cause water to leak.
To inspect the gasket, remove the air conditioner’s cover and look for cracks or breaks. If there is damage, replacing it would be the best solution.
A Dirty Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil cools the refrigerant and removes heat from the air inside your RV. When the air passes over the coil, it takes in the heat and releases it to the outside air.
However, the heat transfer process is not as efficient as it should be if the coil is dirty. In that case, it keeps the water from raining, which creates leaking.
Removing the AC cover and metal shroud will let you access the evaporator coil located at the front. Remove the dirt with a vacuum or use a soft brush and cloth. Use a degreaser if it’s too dirty and has hardened up gunk. Once the coil is clean, reinstall the shroud and cover.
Damaged RV Roof
RV roofs are designed to protect your RV from the elements, but they can sometimes be damaged. If your RV roof is damaged, it can be the reason why the RV air conditioner leaks when it rains.
An RV roof is designed to take a beating. The roof is constantly exposed to outside elements, whether from the sun, the wind, or the rain. The exposure will take its toll eventually, causing damage and leaking.
Over time, the sun can break down the materials that make your roof fragile and prone to breakage.
Improper maintenance can also lead to its destruction. If you don’t clean and inspect your RV roof regularly, it can become filled with dirt and debris, which can eventually cause leaks.
Finally, severe weather can also cause damage to your RV roof. High winds can tear off shingles, and heavy rains can cause water to seep through cracks and holes.
If you find any noticeable damage, it’s essential to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. A professional can spot potential AC problems and ensure they’re repaired before they become serious.
If you do end up with a leak, however, the first thing you need to do is identify the source. Once you detect the source of the leak, you can start to work on fixing it.
Conclusion
Keeping an eye on these problems will help prevent RV air conditioner leaks when it rains. Always keep the air conditioner and surrounding area clean and debris-free.
Don’t let dust or dirt build up around it or on the roof. The best practice is to fix everything whenever you detect any damage or crack on the roof or in the AC unit. Ignoring the issues will only lead to more expensive repairs.
