Late summer can bring some of the hottest camping days of the year.
After running throughout the spring and summer, your RV A/C Maintenance has already put in a lot of hours.
And this isn’t the time of year you want it struggling to keep up.
At California RV Specialists in Lodi, CA, we recommend making RV air-conditioning inspection and maintenance part of your seasonal maintenance routine.
If you need routine A/C service, replacement filters, or diagnosis of a cooling problem, schedule maintenance.
This is a good time for RV A/C Maintenance.
If you’re considering a SoftStart upgrade, now is a great time to act.
Your RV Air Conditioner Works Hard During Summer
Unlike the air conditioner in your home, an RV roof A/C travels everywhere you go.
It is exposed to road vibration, dust, debris, heat, weather, and long periods of operation during summer camping.
Over time, dirt and debris can reduce airflow and affect performance. Electrical components can deteriorate, filters become dirty, and drainage areas may need attention.
Routine inspection and maintenance can help identify concerns before you’re sitting inside a hot RV wondering why the air conditioner isn’t keeping up.
Start with Your RV A/C Filters
One of the simplest maintenance items RV owners can check themselves is the air filter.
A dirty filter can restrict airflow through the system.
Depending on your particular air conditioner and how frequently you use it, filters may need to be cleaned or replaced regularly.
If you’ve been camping in dusty environments, traveling with pets, or running your A/C heavily throughout the summer, take a look at those filters.
California RV Specialists can also help you locate the correct replacement RV A/C filters and parts for your application.
What Does RV Air Conditioner Maintenance Include?
The exact service depends on the make, model, condition, and type of air conditioner installed on your RV.
An inspection and maintenance service may include attention to areas such as:
- Interior air filters
- Evaporator coil
- Condenser coil
- Accessible electrical connections
- Mounting and gasket condition
- Drainage areas
- Interior air distribution
- Blower operation
- Thermostat operation
- General cooling performance
- Exterior shroud condition
If we identify something that needs additional diagnosis or repair, it can be addressed before your next trip.
Is Your RV A/C Not Cooling Like It Used To?
If your RV isn’t getting as comfortable as it once did, don’t automatically assume the air conditioner needs replacement.
There are several things that can influence cooling performance.
Dirty filters or coils, restricted airflow, electrical concerns, thermostat issues, ducting problems, campground voltage, extremely high outdoor temperatures, and the overall heat load inside the RV can all play a role.
Proper diagnosis is important before replacing expensive equipment.
Consider Adding a SoftStart
A SoftStart can be a useful upgrade for many RV air-conditioning systems.
An air conditioner requires a significant amount of power during compressor startup. A properly selected and installed soft-start device is designed to reduce that startup demand.
Depending on your RV’s electrical setup, this can be especially helpful for owners who use:
- Portable generators
- Onboard generators
- Inverter systems
- Lithium battery banks
- Solar and off-grid electrical systems
A SoftStart doesn’t reduce the normal running power requirements of your air conditioner, but it can make the initial compressor startup easier on a compatible power source.
Planning a Lithium, Solar or Inverter Upgrade?
If you’re building a more capable RV electrical system, your air conditioner is often one of the biggest loads to consider.
Before designing a battery and inverter system around A/C operation, we look at the complete electrical picture.
That can include:
- Battery-bank capacity
- Lithium batteries
- Inverter size
- Victron Energy equipment
- Solar capacity
- Charging capability
- Cable sizing
- Circuit protection
- SoftStart equipment
- Expected A/C operating time
Running an RV air conditioner from batteries can require significant energy, so the system needs to be designed around realistic expectations.
Don’t Forget Our Spring & Summer Appliance Tune-Up
California RV Specialists also offers our annual Spring & Summer RV Appliance Tune-Up Service from April through September.
For $600, the package includes service for:
- 1 roof air conditioner
- 1 refrigerator
- 1 water heater
It’s an easy way to give three of your most-used warm-weather RV appliances some annual preventative maintenance during the camping season.
Additional repairs, parts, appliances, or services are separate from the $600 package.
Don’t Wait for Your A/C to Quit on a Hot Weekend
If you’ve been using your RV throughout the summer, late summer is a great time to check your air conditioner before Labor Day travel and fall camping.
Clean the filters. Pay attention to how the system sounds and operates. Look at the exterior shroud. And if something doesn’t seem right, have it inspected.
California RV Specialists can help with RV air-conditioning maintenance, diagnosis, repairs, replacement parts, SoftStart installations, and electrical upgrades.
Stay cool and enjoy the rest of your camping season.
California RV Specialists
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, California
Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Serving RV owners since 2003
Serving RV owners from Lodi, Stockton, Galt, Elk Grove, Sacramento, Manteca, Lathrop, Tracy, Modesto, Jackson, Ione, Valley Springs, and surrounding Northern California communities.
Can’t Bring Your RV to the Shop?
If you’re unable to bring your unit in for maintenance or repairs — or if you’re looking to tackle an upgrade as a DIY project — we’ve got you covered!
Visit our Amazon Store for everything you’ll need, including basic parts, accessories, and tools to help you maintain your RV.
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