So, you know what you need to do. You’ve analyzed your RV’s airflow. And you’ve resisted the spasmodic urge to skip all other steps and just replace your RV air conditioner. No, no. That’s not you. You know that your RV air conditioner needs replacing, and you’ve found the right model. The big question that remains is: Who is going to install the RV air conditioner? Is that the kind of thing you can DIY, or should you let a professional step in?
Good questions. And we have good news. Whether you’re replacing a faulty unit or upgrading to a newer model, you can remove and install an RV air conditioner — both rooftops and mini- splits. They just need to be done differently — each with some careful planning and the right tools.
Whichever option is the one you’re looking at, we can walk you through it.
Option 1: Install an RV rooftop air conditioner.
Safety first — turn off the power.
Turn off all power. (You knew that, right?) You’ll want to disconnect the battery, unplug shore power, and turn off any generators. Ensure the RV is completely powered down before starting. Locate furnace fuse and turn off A/C power.
Now, remove the old A/C unit.
On the inside of the RV, remove the inside cover plate. This is typically found on the ceiling where the A/C unit sits on the roof. Carefully identify and disconnect the wires connected to the controller box. (Tip: Take pictures or notes of the wire connections for easy reference during installation.) Then remove the controller and other parts. Set these aside to refer to later. Next, remove the mounting bolts. These are typically four long bolts located at the corners of the ceiling assembly.
Heading up top to the roof, make sure you access the roof safely. If your RV doesn’t have a ladder, use plywood to bridge roof joists and provide stable footing. Once in a secure and stable position, remove the rooftop air conditioner cover. (This may be held on by a few screws.) Carefully remove the rooftop A/C unit. It will be heavy, so handle it with caution. You might need to push up from the bottom to loosen it.
Follow these instructions to install the new unit.
Place the new A/C unit on the roof, ensuring it aligns with the existing opening and that the gasket on the bottom is properly positioned over the opening. Dry-fit the frame, adjust the foam divider if necessary, and secure the frame to the ceiling by evenly tightening the bolts to compress the gasket. Next, hook up the electrical wiring, connect the wiring using the provided connectors or terminal block. Attach the air distribution box (ADB). Remove the filter cover and filter from the ADB, and attach it to the mounting frame. Then reconnect control wires and tuck loose wires, reconnect control wires and neatly tuck any loose wires inside the electrical box. Next, you will replace filters and covers. Then power up and test the unit’s various modes.
When replacing a factory-installed unit, you may need to find the model number for a compatible replacement. If your old unit had an analog controller, a new digital controller and thermostat may be required. Don’t Forget: RV A/C units are heavy, so plan for safe lifting onto the roof. Also, remember that proper sealing is important for efficient operation and airflow optimization. Always use a new gasket and remove the old one when replacing an old unit.
Naturally, you should always refer to the specific instructions provided with your A/C unit. (But you already knew that.)
Option 2: Install mini-split air conditioner.
Not everyone has — or wants — a rooftop A/C on their RV. Alternatively, installing a mini-split air conditioner in your RV can offer several advantages. These include improved cooling efficiency and lower power consumption compared to traditional RV A/C units.
Importantly, as you might have guessed, the installation process is a little different. One that isn’t: the power. Turn. It. Off.
Pick your spot and mount the indoor unit.
Choose a location on an interior wall. You want it away from windows, corners, and high-traffic areas to ensure proper airflow and comfort. You also may want to build a supporting shelf. Securely attach the provided mounting bracket to the chosen wall or cabinet. Ensure the bracket is level and has adequate support. Then carefully hang the indoor unit onto the installed bracket.
Route the refrigerant lines and electrical wires from the indoor unit through the wall or cabinet to the outside. (You will need to drill a hole for this purpose.) Connect the drain hose from the indoor unit to ensure proper condensate drainage. Use clamps or straps to secure the line set and drain hose along their path.
Position the outdoor unit in a convenient spot.
Common locations for the outdoor unit, compressor, include the rear bumper while some people opt to place it where a generator was previously located. Install a sturdy bracket on the chosen location to support the outdoor unit. Consider the weight capacity of the mounting area, especially if using a bumper mount. Mount the outdoor unit onto the bracket.
One big consideration to keep in mind: It’s crucial to cover the outdoor unit’s fan and coils while traveling to protect them from wind damage and bugs.
Connect the lines and wiring.
With your supports in place, now it’s time to connect the refrigerant lines from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. Connect the electrical wiring between the indoor and outdoor units according to the manufacturer’s specifications. (If you are connecting refrigerant lines yourself, you’ll need to vacuum seal the system to remove air and moisture before charging it with refrigerant.)
Assign a designated electrical circuit for your mini-split.
Most mini-split systems require a dedicated electrical circuit for optimal operation. You can run power to the mini-split by utilizing a breaker from one of your existing rooftop AC units. Alternatively, you can power it directly from a solar generator or other suitable power source.
Test and finish.
Turn on the mini-split system and test its operation. Tidy up the refrigerant lines and drain hose. Cover any exposed holes or openings with the appropriate materials.
Keep a few other important considerations in mind.
While some RV owners can install mini-splits themselves, it is recommended to consult a professional RV HVAC installer for the electrical wiring and refrigerant line connections. Mini-splits are simply more difficult than rooftop installations, and if it’s outside your skill set or comfort, there’s no shame in having a pro do it. Either way, always consult the manufacturer’s installation manual for specific instructions and recommendations for your mini-split system.
Also, whichever A/C system you decide to install, be prepared to make some minor to major modifications to your RV to accommodate the units, line routing, and wiring. It could even be a good time to check your whole electric system.
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