So, We’ll assume you’ve finally bought an RV and have already gone on some trips. But given that you love adventure travel as much as my friend Jake and his wife Cora do, you probably have issues. Their RV was engulfed with heat last summer. Jake decides to install an air conditioner in an RV.
According to the RV and adventure travel vloggers on the YouTube screen. Our Outcome is that 37% of people face these types of issues when traveling.
But in order to travel in freedom, you must put comfort first. However, have you thought of installing an air conditioner in your RV? As a result, you may have some related questions, such as: How to Install an RV Air Conditioner? If not, let us explain why it’s an essential upgrade for your beloved RV.
In this article, we’ve covered the significance of RV air conditioning, various types of RV air conditioners, a step-by-step installation guide, and testing.
So, let’s get started…
Explanation of the Importance of Having an RV Air Conditioner and Benefits of Installing One
RV Comfort: RVing gives you flexibility and home-like comfort. A reliable RV AC is necessary in the summer to remain cool in the changing temperatures.
Temperature Control: In RVs, controlling a temperature is more important for indoor comfort. RV Temperature functions to insulate you and maintain your desired temperature.
Air Quality: RV air conditioners filter allergens and dust, which is good for your health. if you suffer from respiratory or allergy concerns.
Equipment Longevity: Installation of an RV air conditioner extends equipment’s lifespan, prevents breakdown costs, and protects gear from extreme heat.
Ensure comfort, adjust the indoor temperature, improve air quality, and protect equipment from excessive temperatures while traveling in your RV.
Cost to Install RV Air Conditioner
The cost of a ducted or Non-Ducted air conditioner depends on numerous aspects, including the complexity of the installation site, the type of air conditioner, vehicle insulation, and consumption.
Typically, Cost depends on two primary aspects.
First is the installation cost, then the unit cost, depending on ducting or non-ducting.
| AC Type | Installation Cost Range | Unit Cost Range |
| Ducted RV Air Conditioner | $800–$1,200 | $500-$2,000 |
| Non-Ducted RV Air Conditioner | $500–$800 | $500-$2,000 |
Our recommendation is to hire a professional company or technician for the safe installation of an RV air conditioner.
Additional, Costs may vary according to your requirements, such as modification, repairing your RV’s electrical system, roof structure, or indoor design.
Overall, costs vary slightly. An HVAC professional consultant or technician will build an accurate estimate for you based on regional market conditions at that specific time.
Determine the Type of AC unit For RV
When it comes to installing a new unit, first, you determine which type of air conditioner is suitable for your RV’s condition. Some of the following options are available for you to consider:
| Types of Air Conditioning Systems | Description |
| Central Air Conditioning | Central air conditioner, which is designed to cool multiple areas within an RV. ensures a comfortable environment, such as the kitchen, lobby, bedroom, bathroom, and drive area. |
| Window Air Conditioners | Compact and easy to install in a window frame. Which provides cooling for a specific area. |
| Portable Air Conditioners | It can be moved easily in the whole RV as per requirement without any permanent fixes. It can take up any extra level, like a pop-up camper or extra space, and is very flexible and portable. |
| Ductless Mini-Split Systems | Ductless mini split systems are especially designed for limited space, consisting of outdoor units, and are very efficient to cool without ducting. |
Once you have decided which type of air conditioner fulfills your requirements, you must follow up on the instructions for the installation of the RV air conditioner carefully. If you are able to decide, you will further discuss it with them.
Our recommendation is to hire the best professional consultant to get guidance on usability and a professional technician for installation.
Common RV Air Conditioning Problems
The typical RV AC issue may frustrate you, especially when you need some comfort. But this issue commonly occurs. Here we can discuss some common RV AC problems and issues you may be facing in your RV or while traveling.
- Insufficient Cooling: Insufficient cooling may cause many various reasons, such as low gas level, dirty filter, fault in the compressor, leakage, and any other damaging issue in between travels.
- Frequent Cycling: Frequent cycling is another problem due to frequently turning on or off your RV AC without reaching a desired temperature. Because of this, you may be facing a thermostat problem.
- Noisy Operation: If you are hearing some irritate noise from your RV AC, which indicates serious issues, you may lose your AC productivity or damage your AC fan blades, and friction inside the motor because of this insufficient cooling problem may also occur.
- Leaking Water: You are looking inside or outside a condensate pan or drain that is leaking water, which is a sign of trouble and corrosion on materials. This type of problem occurs due to water puddles inside the AC, and you regularly clean drain lines.
- Electrical Problem: Electrical problems commonly occur between trips, such as wiring faults, fuse, breaker trips, and sparks. This type of problem you may be facing due to the leaking of water causes a spark, a tripped breaker, and a voltage issue due to blown fuses.
Here, we discuss some common AC problems that may occur, but it depends on the situation and current condition at that time. In different conditions, you may face different problems. Some problems can be easily handled or fixed with some effort, such as cleaning, filter replacement, and checking coils on a weekly basis.
If you want to keep your RV safe from any big trouble, our advice is to contact expert services or any HVAC engineer or technician.
RV air conditioner Installation
Step-by-step guide on how to install the RV air conditioner unit.
Installing an RV air conditioner can greatly enhance your camping experience, especially during the hot summer months. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install the RV rooftop air conditioner.
- Choose the right unit: Before you start installing a new air conditioning unit, make sure you have picked the right one for your RV. Think about things like size, power needs, and how efficient it is.
- Site Setup: Clear away any stuff that might be in the way on the roof where you’re going to put the air conditioner. Make sure the roof is clean and that there is no damage or leakage. First, repair once.
- Demarcation and Layouts: Measure and mark where you want to put the RV air conditioner on the roof or walls so it’s centered and lines up with the inside ceiling or wall unit.
- Cut an opening: Use a jigsaw, hand cutter, or something similar to carefully cut a hole in the rooftop RV AC unit or remove the ceiling assembly where you marked it. Be careful and follow all safety rules when using power tools. More importantly, cut a place where AC fits according to their required perfect dimensions.
- Put the unit in place. Lift the air conditioner onto the RV roof’s, window, or wall and line it up with the hole you cut. Attach it securely with the screws or brackets that came with it. More importantly, before screwing, insulate with any materials around the AC unit and roof cutting edges, like rubber and foam.
- Connection or wiring: Follow the instructions to connect all the wires and duct work between the inside walls or ceiling unit. Make sure everything is connected tightly and insulated properly.
- Testing: Once everything is hooked up, turn on the power and test out the air conditioner to make sure it’s working right. such as load, thermal consumption, and insulation.
Remember, if you are not able to do any of these step-by-step to “choose the right unit, site setup, demarcation, and layout, Cut an opening, put the unit in place, connect or wire it, and test.”
So, it’s always a good idea to get help from a professional when installing your RV’s air conditioner. That way, you can sit back and relax in cool comfort on your next outdoor adventure!
Testing and Troubleshooting in Installing an RV Air Conditioner
So, after successfully installing an RV air conditioner, how do you make sure the air conditioner is working properly or not? Then you’ll need to replace the old AC unit with a new once AC unit.
Follow these steps to test and troubleshoot issues:
- Flip the Switch: By switching the power of the air conditioner unit to this, check that the thermostat is working properly and reaches the desired temperature or not.
- Feel the cool air: 2 to 3 minutes after starting the AC, feel that the thermostat is cooling properly.
- Check for Odd Noises: When you start the AC, listen carefully to any strong or unusual sound inside.
- Inspect for leaks: Check that the duct, drain, and pan are properly insulated from the cold air coming outside from the AC.
- Electrical and Mechanical: Ensure that electrical connections and mechanical systems are working properly. Electrical wires should be safe and secure, and mechanical systems such as thermostats should be insulated from heating.
By following these steps, you will be able to identify any issues before they occur and, through regular maintenance, ensure that your RV air conditioner functions properly.
Wrap Up on Installing an RV Air Conditioner Process
When you go on a trip with your family or friends, First of all, you should think about your comfort. Your trip is comfortable because you control the temperature inside and improve indoor air quality.
There are many different types of RV air conditioners on the market that fit your RV’s requirements.
To install an RV air conditioner, choose the right unit for your RV and clear the roof. Measure and mark where to put it, then cut a hole. Put the unit in place and attach it securely. Connect the wires and ductwork.
There are some common questions about how to install travel trailer air conditioning, but you should know some important steps between installation and choosing the right unit for your RV. Set up your site before installing AC. Proper measurement and layout at the unit place, then cut a hole as per requirement, Put the unit in place, insulate it properly, and connect the wire and ductwork.
After installation works are complete, you make sure all your installation works properly by doing some testing or not by checking up on or off the temperature level as per your desire, listening carefully to odd noises in the thermostat, insulation, and leakages in the HVAC.
FAQs: Install RV AC Unit
Here are some frequently asked questions about installing an RV air conditioner:
Q1. What tools do I need to install an RV air conditioner?
You need tools like a screwdriver, wire cutter, plier, drill, and caulking gun. Different RV models may need different tools.
Q2. Can I use my existing RV roof vent for the air conditioner?
You need to take out the old roof vent and put in a new one for the air conditioner. This makes sure it works right and has good air flow.
Q3. Can I add an AC unit to my RV?
Yes, you can install one. If you don’t have or want a better RV AC, check if there is sufficient power for your RV and increase it. You should have safely followed the instructions and gotten expert help to fix it.
Q4. How much does it cost to add an air conditioner to a camper?
The Camper AC installation costs vary. It depends on the camper type and size, the AC you choose, any extras, and how much it costs to hire someone. It often costs $500–$1,500 or more.
Q5. How many amps does it take to start an RV air conditioner?
To start, RV air conditioners consume a lot of electricity. They require 13–16 amps. RV owners should check their electrical systems for this to prevent complications.
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