Forum Discussion

RV_Hero's avatar
RV_Hero
Explorer
Jun 26, 2019

Water leak inside RV from HVAC running

I discovered a cheap and fast solution.
I have a Winnebago 2009 RV, Since I have owned it I have always had a leak inside on humid days and ac running. Service calls have not solved it.
I finally researched and investigated and did it myself. Problem was manufacturers installation. They installed the roof unit tight to the roof. so tight it plugs the drain holes, Solution is simple plastic wedge installed from outside both sides to lift HVAC of roof so drain holes will both work free for condensate water, my pan is dry as a bone now. I also have pictures, How can I post this?
Class C

9 Replies

  • 4x4van's avatar
    4x4van
    Explorer III
    Jul 23, 2019
    RV Hero wrote:
    you are right. it is fixed and no leaks from anything, gasket would be great if manufacture fixed it but they won't. and why should I spend $500 for someone to remove unit and put new gasket? Thanks anyways
    :E

    Or you could replace the $20 gasket yourself.
  • DavidandDayle's avatar
    DavidandDayle
    Explorer
    Jul 01, 2019
    We had same problem -- water dripping from A/C. Tech diagnosed overly squished gasket and replaced it. problem solved, but water had entered the roof and front.
  • CharlesinGA's avatar
    CharlesinGA
    Explorer
    Jul 01, 2019
    Roof A/C is generally not centered over the hole, but rather, offset, so there is a good overhang of the heaviest part of the unit, aft of the hole. Usually, there are two or more rubber blocks, the same fairly dense material the gasket is made from, glued to the bottom of the A/C. If these blocks are not present, the heavy overhang will sag and can touch the roof. It sounds like the OP installed wedges to space the unit up level, like the original rubber blocks would have. They must be missing.

    Charles
  • RV_Hero's avatar
    RV_Hero
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2019
    you are right. it is fixed and no leaks from anything, gasket would be great if manufacture fixed it but they won't. and why should I spend $500 for someone to remove unit and put new gasket? Thanks anyways
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jun 26, 2019
    opnspaces wrote:
    I don't think new users can post pictures. However you can upload your pictures to a hosting site like imgur.com and then post a link to the pictures.

    As far as the leak, I like the ingenuity, but I would be concerned about the lifted AC unit now letting rain water in. You might try getting a new AC gasket and replacing the squashed one. A new gasket is 1 inch thick and when you install it you only tighten it down to compress about 1/2 inch. This will give you a good seal joint and also give the drain holes clearance.

    Gasket


    THIS^^^^
    2009 gasket----overtightened/crushed
    Skims are not the answer

    New gasket is 1" thick and should be compressed about 1/2"....that is for new one.

    The hold down bolts should be 'snug'.......so what is 'snug'?
    Hand tighten then 1/4 turn with wrench.

    Torque.....20 INCH Pounds (Notice: That's INCH Pounds not foot pounds). Very few folks have and know how to use an INCH torque wrench so that is why 'Just SNUG'


    New versions of gasket have plastic tabs....just tighten until tabs touch
  • RV_Hero's avatar
    RV_Hero
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2019
    One more note, I took my garden hose and sprayed water around unit like a rain storm would and had no leaks inside. Did not want to solve one problem and end up with a different one.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator III
    Jun 26, 2019
    I don't think new users can post pictures. However you can upload your pictures to a hosting site like imgur.com and then post a link to the pictures.

    As far as the leak, I like the ingenuity, but I would be concerned about the lifted AC unit now letting rain water in. You might try getting a new AC gasket and replacing the squashed one. A new gasket is 1 inch thick and when you install it you only tighten it down to compress about 1/2 inch. This will give you a good seal joint and also give the drain holes clearance.

    Gasket

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