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How to Replace a Worn Gasket in Your RV Air Conditioner

  • By Admin
  • •
  • 01 Feb, 2017
  • •
If your recreational vehicle's (RV) air conditioner is leaking, then it is probably time to replace the rooftop gasket that seals the unit. As this gasket ages, it becomes brittle, hard, and unable to seal the opening, thus permitting moisture to enter the RV. Below is how you can replace an old gasket with a new one and eliminate a frustrating air conditioner leak.
02.01.2017

How to Replace a Worn Gasket in Your RV Air Conditioner

RV Air Conditioner
If your recreational vehicle's (RV) air conditioner is leaking, then it is probably time to replace the rooftop gasket that seals the unit. As this gasket ages, it becomes brittle, hard, and unable to seal the opening, thus permitting moisture to enter the RV. Below is how you can replace an old gasket with a new one and eliminate a frustrating air conditioner leak.

Tools and Supplies You Need

You’ll need the following tools:

  • Screwdriver set
  • Wire cutter
  • Utility knife
  • Putty knife
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Soft cloth
  • Heat gun
  • Wrench or socket set
  • Old blankets or towels
  • Gasket
Gather these before you start your repair.

Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

You’ll need to take five steps to fix your worn gasket.

1. Protect the Rooftop of Your RV From Damage
Before beginning the job, you will want to protect your RV's exterior from being damaged as you work. That is why you should place old blankets or towels around the air conditioner to prevent scratching the paint. If necessary, you can use masking tape to help hold the blankets or towels in place.

2. Remove the Shroud From the Air Conditioner
Once you place blankets or towels, the next step is to remove the shroud covering the air conditioner's interior parts. While each model varies, it is likely that bolts or screws are used to hold the shroud in place. Locate these bolts or screws and remove them; be sure to place the fasteners in a safe location where they won't be lost. Carefully pull the shroud off the unit's internal components, and set it aside.

3. Remove the Air Conditioner From the Roof
After getting the shroud out of the way, you will be able to access the fasteners holding the air conditioner to the roof. In general, RV air conditioners are put together like a sandwich. A metal bracket is fastened to the underside of the RV's roof, with a gasket located on top of the roof beneath the air conditioner itself.
Several screws or bolts hold it all together and compress the air conditioner against the gasket. Remove these fasteners to free the unit from the RV.
Next, look for the electrical connection to the air conditioner from the RV and observe the connection type; if it is fastened with a harness-style connector, carefully unsnap it. If there is no connector, then you may need to carefully cut the three wires with a pair of cutters. Be sure the power is disconnected from the air conditioner before attempting to make the cut. Slide the air conditioner out of the way, taking care not to damage the RV's exterior or the unit.

4. Remove the Old Gasket and Putty
After the air conditioner has been removed from its location, carefully pull the old gasket away from the roof or cut it away with a utility knife. If there is any residue remaining, such as putty or remains of the gasket, then use a heat gun to soften the material and scrape it gently with a putty knife. Clean up the site with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol to create a perfectly clean surface for the new gasket.

5. Place the New Gasket and Restore the Air Conditioner to Its Location
Once the old gasket is removed and the site is clean, place a new gasket over the opening in the roof. Next, position the air conditioner over the gasket and reattach it in reverse order to the rooftop. Reconnect the wiring harness or use wire nuts to join the wires together. Finally, reattach the shroud and test the unit.
If you are not comfortable making the replacement yourself, then contact a qualified RV air conditioning repair  specialist  for assistance. They can replace the old gasket and also perform other maintenance or tune-up activities on your air conditioner.

Childproofing Your RV: Getting Your RV Ready for Family Fun

By admin • November 29, 2017
Few vacations are as exciting for a child as hitting the road in your own RV. With your own RV, you're able to take your home and family with you - and give your children experiences that they'll never forget. However, not every RV comes completely childproofed. If you have young kids or even babies, you may want to take some additional measures to childproof everything inside the RV before you start your trip.

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By Admin • October 31, 2017
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How to Fire-Proof Your RV| Rv Service Center Of Santa Cruz

By renamills@comcast.net • July 27, 2017
07.27.2017 How to Fire-Proof Your RV| Rv Service Center Of Santa Cruz Whether you've just purchased your first motor home or you're a seasoned RVer, you should ensure your investment is fire-proof. You probably know how to take a lot of common-sense precautions when fire-proofing your RV, but here are five tips that are easy to follow and will bring you peace of mind before hitting the highway.Change and Properly Dispose of BatteriesA lot of people aren't aware of the dangers in something so seemingly innocent, but batteries can pose a fire hazard if they don't get the right attention. Start by changing any battery-powered appliances in your RV once a year. This includes smoke/propane/carbon monoxide detectors, flashlights, portable radios, etc.Batteries can also spark a fire if the terminals touch or they come in contact with metal. So when you remove the batteries, place electrical tape over the terminals and remove them from your RV right away, and put them in a secure place to be recycled. Also be sure to keep any unused batteries in their original container until ready for use. Since recycling batteries in California is mandatory, you should take care of this before hitting the road. This will prevent you from having to find a recycling center while you're RVing.Maintain the Tires and Wheel BearingsAs you know, tires get hot from friction on the road. But what you might not know is that tires canoverheat to the point that they catch on fire. You can avoid this hazard by ensuring your tires have proper inflation, but there's one other component that can become a fire hazard: the wheel bearings. If they fail, they can overheat and cause the tire to catch on fire.Make sure to have your tires and wheel bearing inspected before taking a trip. Also, consider investing in an infrared temperature gun. By using it regularly, you can get an idea of what the norm is so you'll know exactly when your tires are too hot.Routinely Inspect Your RefrigeratorRefrigerator fires are one of the most common types of fire hazards in an RV, especially if you have a refrigerator that runs on gas. But these fires also easy to prevent when you know what the hazards are. Before heading out for your travels, remove the access panel on the outside of the RV and run a quick visual inspection. Look for rodents that might be nesting, loose wires, dirt and debris, and any evidence that overheating has occurred.Next, you'll need to decide whether you're comfortable traveling with the propane on to keep contents in the fridge cool. If your RV is set up to battery-power your fridge, this is definitely a safer option. But many long-time RVers are adamant that traveling with the propane on is perfectly fine. Keep in mind the gas must be shut off at service stations and while traveling through restricted tunnels and over bridges.The good news is that your food will stay reasonably cool for up to five hours. So if you're only traveling short periods every day, there's no need for the propane at all until you stop for the night.Maintain Your Electrical SystemElectrical outlets are limited in RVs, which can certainly pose some challenges. But by taking the following precautions, your risk of fire is greatly reduced:Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances, particularly ones that draw a lot of energy.Avoid extension cords. If absolutely necessary, stick with one that's heavy duty, and don't run them under rugs.Routinely check for loose electrical connections AFTER disconnecting any battery connections and your RV from shore power. If anything seems amiss or loose, hire an electrician who works on RVs to fix the problems.Invest in an RV surge protector that will immediately shut off the power if dangerous surges occur.Perform random "touch" tests to ensure the outlets aren't overheating.If you're one to max out your outlets, you might also consider having an electrical box installed-one that's heavy duty to support your appliance usage. This is a great way to improve your RV's electrical system.Invest in Fire ExtinguishersFire extinguishers are a must for every RV, and you have several types to choose from. However, the best is probably a dry chemical extinguisher since they're rated for most any type of fire. The main caveat is that some of the agents can become corrosive over time. So it's important to clean up the mess as soon as possible once the fire is extinguished.If you have any questions about fire-proofing your RV, contact one of our team members at RV Service Center of Santa Cruz. Facebook Twitter Google+ pinterest

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By Admin • May 24, 2017
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How to Replace a Worn Gasket in Your RV Air Conditioner

By Admin • February 1, 2017
If your recreational vehicle's (RV) air conditioner is leaking, then it is probably time to replace the rooftop gasket that seals the unit. As this gasket ages, it becomes brittle, hard, and unable to seal the opening, thus permitting moisture to enter the RV. Below is how you can replace an old gasket with a new one and eliminate a frustrating air conditioner leak.

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By Admin • January 1, 2017
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By Admin • December 1, 2016
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