How to Troubleshoot RV Air Conditioner Issues

The official start to summer is right around the corner, along with prime-time camping season. The temperatures are also rising, and while a dip in the lake or a cool breeze can help keep you cool this summer on your camping trips, it’s likely you’ll rely on an air conditioning unit to handle the major cooling duties.

But what happens when your AC malfunctions? How can you troubleshoot the issue? Let’s take a look at two common reasons your RV’s AC unit may fail and how you can address the problems.

Your AC Won’t Turn On

You’re about to head out for an afternoon at the beach and before you leave, you decide to turn on the AC to cool your rig down. But the AC doesn’t turn on. No matter what you do, you can’t get it to fire up. 

In this instance, the first thing to check is if the AC has power. First, see if a circuit breaker tripped. If so, reset it and see if that helps. Another approach is to check fuses and ensure ones related to the AC are not blown. If so, replace them. Finally, check to see if the lack of power is related to the powering of other appliances at the same time as the AC. If there is insufficient power to run multiple appliances, oftentimes the AC won’t turn on. 

If these troubleshooting checks fail, check your manual and find out how to reset the AC. If resetting the unit doesn’t work, it may be time to call a professional to take a look. 

The AC Cycles On and Off 

A common problem RVers experience is when the air conditioning unit turns on and off intermittently. This problem could be caused by a number of things, but you’ll want to check the AC coils first. 

Coils that are dirty, experiencing high humidity, or are low on refrigerant can certainly contribute to AC malfunctions. But coils that have a thick layer of frost is a major cause for an AC unit to turn on and off. If you notice frozen coils, you’ll need to let them defrost. You can turn off the AC entirely or let it run with the fan only to achieve this. However, be aware that it can take up to 24 hours for AC coils to fully defrost. 

Maintenance is Key!

While you will likely experience a malfunction with your RV’s air conditioning unit at some point, the risk of problems occurring reduces drastically when you properly maintain your AC. What does that involve? You should:

• Inspect the unit for and address any damage, debris, and leaks 
• Clean and oil the coils—including the condenser and evaporator—periodically
• Replace the plastic shroud if it’s degraded
• Clean or replace air filters regularly
• Clean or replace gaskets regularly 

In addition, it’s ideal to have your rig’s AC unit professionally serviced each year for the best results.

Have you ever had your AC fail during a camping trip? What did you do to troubleshoot the issue? Did you have to use other methods of staying cool? Let us know in the comments or contact us today!