How to Replace an RV Cooling Unit

A new cooling unit is a major expense for any RV owner, but save money by installing it yourself. Before purchasing the unit, test all other components of your RV refrigerator to ensure that a new cooling unit is necessary. Once you're confident that your cooling unit must be replaced, obtain the replacement and then take out the existing cooling unit, removing all thermal mastic from the refrigerator box.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Scissors
Thermal mastic
Phillips-head screwdriver
Silicone caulk

Step 1

Shave the foam down on the new cooling unit until the fins fit flush and touch the evaporator tubes.

Step 2

Slide the cooling unit into the refrigerator box to ensure a correct fit before applying the thermal mastic, which will secure the cooling unit in place.

Step 3

Cut open the corner of a bag of thermal mastic with scissors. Apply the thermal mastic by squeezing the bag with the open corner. Apply 1/2-inch beads of thermal mastic to all exposed tubes, including those covered by the freezer shelf.

Step 4

Secure the new cooling unit into the RV refrigerator box, using medium pressure. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to secure the screws on the top, sides and fins.

Step 5

Apply silicone caulk to seal the RV refrigerator box to the foam.

Tips & Warnings

Use a wood rasp to shape the foam for correct fit into the RV refrigerator box.

Resources

RV Refrigerator Troubleshooting

Article Written By Elizabeth Grace

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Elizabeth Grace is a freelance writer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in public relations from Pepperdine University, and has 15 years of experience developing marketing campaigns for universities and multinational corporations.

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