During installing air conditioning for the recreational vehicle, we should permanently attach a gasket to protect its roof surface and prevent air leaks. In addition, it helps to secure the air conditioner on the RV.
There’s nothing worse than having an RV roof leak around air conditioner. Therefore, we recommend replacing your RV’s air conditioner gasket every 6 months.
The good news is that you don’t have to be an expert to install RV air conditioner gasket. You just need a few basic tools that you can easily find at any DIY store.
So if you want to know how to replace an RV air conditioner gasket, keep reading this article.
Let’s get into the details!
Things You Need to Prepare
1. Knowledge of RV AC Gasket
Before you begin, it is wise to familiarize yourself with your RV air conditioner system by reading your owner’s manual carefully. You’ll want to pay close attention to the location of the AC system, the kind of screws you will handle, and the procedure for taking off the components of the RV AC gasket.
Also, don’t ignore the manufacturer’s suggestions, including the type of AC gasket you have to prepare for your recreational vehicle.
2. List of Tools and Materials That You’ll Need
- New RV AC Seal (AC gasket)
- Set of screwdriver
- Heat gun
- Rag cloth
- Alcohol
- Old towel
- Putty knife
- Protective gear (sunscreen, hat, gloves, sunglasses)
- RV AC manual
- A storage bin
- Wire nuts
- Cleaning solution
A Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Pick a Sunny and Dry Day
When planning for RV air conditioner gasket replacement, it is essential to check the weather for the next day or two. Ideally, do this project on a sunny and dry day. Thanks to that, your rig will not be filled with water from your RV’s rooftop opening.
A bonus from a sunny day is that you can do the project without slipping, making everything more convenient and smooth.
Step 2: Measure the Size of the Current AC Gasket
The RV AC gasket comes in two standard sizes, including 14 × 14 and 14 × 16 inches. Thus, it is essential to consult your RV’s manual to determine the size of your motorhome’s existing gasket.
If you do not have the owner manual, it is alright to physically check your roof’s size. Besides, you can search for the necessary figures on the manufacturer’s website.
Step 3: Turn Off Your Air Conditioner
After putting on the protective gear, you need to turn off your RV’s air conditioner. Remember that you should never work with the AC without turning off the power. It is best to turn off all power in your rig for maximum safety.
Step 4: Locate the AC Bolts Inside Your RV and Remove Them
While handling your RV air conditioner system, you must locate bolts that are designed to hold parts together. Behindthat, utilize the screwdriver set that you have prepared to remove these bolts and store them inside a small box to avoid losing them.
Step 5: Remove Your RV Air Conditioner
Once you have removed those bolts, it’s time to remove the coolant system’s interior section. You will probably need help from others for this step.
If the AC has a harness connector, unsnap it. If not, you need to trim the wires linking the air conditioner to your RV utilizing a knife.
You need to carefully remove the RV air conditioner and move the unit on the flat surface inside the vehicle. Also, use a high-quality cleaning solution to clean its parts.
Next up, remove the outer air conditioner system from your RV’s rooftop. It would be best to place a towel on RV’s roof before placing parts there to prevent the surface from scratching. Also, you can take your RV air conditioner down; then clean it before putting it back.
Step 6: Take Off the Old Air Conditioner Gasket
Now the external and interior unit of the air conditioner has been removed, it is time to remove your old gasket seal. We recommend removing your old gasket using a high-quality putty knife. Again, be careful to avoid injuring your hands.
After removing the gasket, soften the residue from the AC gasket using the heat gun that you have prepared. After that, use your knife to remove the remnants.
Step 7: Clean RV’s rooftop surface
After removing the old poor-quality gasket, clean the RV’s rooftop surface using your high-quality cleaning solution. If you do not have a cleaning solution, that’s when mineral spirits/alcohol comes into play.
Dip your rag cloth in the solution and wipe the rooftop area where the air conditioner is located. Keep wiping until you have completely removed the stain or dirt.
Pour the solution on your surface and wipe it one more time. Finally, let it dry in the air.
Step 8: Add the New Seal
Once the RV’s rooftop surface is completely dry, it’s time to add the new air conditioner gasket. Remember that these gaskets very easily stick to surfaces. Hence, you need to place the new AC gasket as accurately as possible.
Step 9: Reattach Your Air Conditioner
After putting the new air conditioner gasket in place, you need to put the AC system back.
All you need to do is reverse the disassembly procedure. After that, double-check carefully if your air conditioner system is installed correctly. If the AC is loose, you should resolve the problem as soon as possible.
Step 10: Turn On Your RV Air Conditioner and Get Into the Trip
Now you have completed RV air conditioner seal replacement procedures. It is time to turn on your RV air conditioner system and expect that there will be no air or water leaks once the project is completed.
If all goes well, you can get your camper back on your road and continue your adventure.
If you want a visual of what could happen, check out this video.
Pro Tips and Warnings
- Always refer to the instructions from the manufacturer for information on the size of the RV AC seal used. Then, use your owner’s manual as a guide to buying the right product.
- You should add the gasket into the opening to avoid air leaks.
- Prepare all the materials and tools you need to remove RV air conditioner.
- If you have a heavy AC system installed, you should carefully remove it as explained in the guide above. Then, ensure your friends are down there to receive your old AC when you take it down.
- Do a complete test after putting your AC back. Try out all of its features and settings, so you will know right away if there is a problem.
- Observe surrounding places to identify stains and leaks. If your RV AC seal appears to have these problems, it is time to replace your old gasket immediately.
- When you purchase a new AC gasket, you should choose a black one.
- If your AC gasket is compressed too much by the appliance, it is best to install a new one to prevent RV damage.
- You should test the condenser at least twice per year.
- Never overload the capacity of the air conditioner. Instead, you should keep the appliance’s temperature at a moderate setting.
Takeaway
As a recreational vehicle owner, knowing how to replace an RV air conditioner gasket is essential to saving you money and preventing additional problems with your air conditioner. Gone are the days when you had insomnia, and your RV’s interior was damaged by water.
Is our post helpful to you? If it is, why not share this article with others? They will be grateful to you for telling them how to deal with such a leak.
If you have any questions or suggestions, let us know through the comments section. We would love to address your queries!
Welcome to a new journey! I am Rober Clark, also a full-time RV-er and currently exploring the US with Dane. I have four years of working as a contractor, so building a home inside the RV is an extremely rewarding task for me. I find new challenges and new limits to break every day.