Take a look at an RV rooftop air conditioner. The cooler is kicking large volumes of hot air out and away. Inside the cabin, you feel comfortable. Now try out another vehicle, a motorhome that’s using a poorly maintained AC unit. Sitting at a foldaway table, you feel as if you’re trapped in a hot tin can. Don’t ignore that mobile cooler, not if you value a comfy RV cabin.

Rooftop Maneuvering 

Use a ladder that’s rated for RV climbing. Without stepping on the flat roof, gingerly inspect it to ensure it’s a weight-supporting surface. If there are any doubts whatsoever, use a sheet of plywood to distribute any additional weight.

Clean the Coils 

The power is turned off, you’re on the roof, and it’s supporting your weight. Use your tools to unfasten the cowling. Upon removing that housing, inspect the condenser and evaporator coils. In all likelihood, they’re choked with dirt. Clean them thoroughly with an approved chemical detergent.

Inspect the Equipment 

Are the cooling fins clean? Are there signs of a freon leak? Remove grime and blockages so that the accumulated heat dissipates promptly. Finally, spare a few minutes for a fan motor check; the bearings in this motor likely require lubrication.

Cowling Care Tips 

After you reach the upper level, check the air conditioner cowl for cracks and blockages. Replace filters and clean the inlet ports. Next, you’re looking for leakage points, places that are letting the damp inside your expensive mobile investment.

Look for Leaks 

Streamlined AC housings are designed to stop the rain, and they do this job well. Unfortunately, ultraviolet rays and cold snaps torture the hardened material. Made brittle by elemental attacks, the material cracks. Water intrusion occurs. The liquid drips from a ceiling or finds its way around the wall framing. Don’t wait, have that housing replaced.

Size Up the Ceiling Grille 

This time around, crane your neck and look through the lattice plastic cover. Use a torch to illuminate the dark spaces. Hair and dust come into view when you direct the torch upwards. Clean out the mess and replace the interior filters.

Simply by removing the grime, checking for freon leaks, cleaning the inlet and outlet vents, and lubricating the fan motor, you protect the all-important compressor. Incidentally, capacitor damage is a known problem, but these essential electrical components are known to store power, even when that power is turned to the off position. Don’t touch these parts, not unless you have an electrical measurement device.