RV Air Conditioner Seal Replacement Procedures

RV Air Conditioner Seal Replacement Procedures
RVs have a tendency to develop leaks wherever there is an opening in the roof, and a good example of this is around the air conditioner. Many RV owners fix this by applying sealant tape or caulking around the seam between the air conditioning unit and the RV roof, but in reality the job of keeping water out and maintaining a good seal between the unit and the roof is supposed to be fulfilled by a gasket. Replacing this gasket should solve any problems with water leaks around the RV's air conditioner.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Screwdriver
  • Socket wrench
  • Ladder
  • Replacement gasket
Step 1
Slide off or pop off the control panel, and then unscrew the air conditioner face plate.
Step 2
Remove the nuts from the bolts holding the air conditioner in place with a socket wrench and set them aside. The head size for your socket wrench will depend on the model of air conditioner you are using.
Step 3
Disconnect the air conditioner's wiring from the RV by unscrewing the wire nuts that are joining them by hand.
Step 4
Set a ladder alongside the RV and climb onto the roof with a plywood board. Set the board next to the air conditioner so that while you are working, your weight is spread out over a larger area.
Step 5
Pull out the bolts holding the air conditioner in place and set them aside. Then pull the air conditioner unit itself out. Carry this over to the side of the RV and hand it down to a friend on the ground.
Step 6
Pull out the old air conditioning mounting gasket. Measure its dimensions with a tape measure so that you can find a replacement if you were already unable to determine the gasket's size using your owner's manual.
Step 7
Lay a replacement gasket into place in the air conditioner mounting. Reinstall the air conditioner.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

Write for Trails.com
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