After taking a year off from camping, due to a new job and other obligations, we got the 2008 Roo ready and went camping 2 weeks ago. Weather was really nice and as usual DW liked to have the A/C on. Problem was... it wasn't cooling the camper down like it used to. In years past, I could turn the thermostat down to the point where I could hang meat in the Roo. I could hear the compressor working, I could run the thermostat up to where the compressor would quit working, then run the thermostat down to have it kick on again. Even after shutting things off for a bit, then turning back on, the A/C still wouldn't cool like it should. It would blow semi-cool air, but not COLD air.Talked to the RV repair shop today and he advised worse-case scenario would be to replace the A/C unit since these units weren't rechargeable.One thing I should mention - I did make the Hunter digital thermostat replacement 2 years ago and the A/C unit was working then. But, it's a high class ceiling fan right now.Once I hear from the RV repair shop tomorrow - BEFORE any replacement is made - I will get a second opinion and do some more research. Current A/C is only 5 years old - hardly ready for the scrap pile.Suggestions?

Just a good cleaning.... I had same thing and took the shroud off and cleaned everything!

I did notice when I cleaned the interior filter that it was just a tad bit dirty.I sure hope a good cleaning is all that is needed!

They are rechargeable, you just need to find a technician that knows how to do it.

If after the good cleaning it still doesn't cool properly, I'll look for that "technician that knows how to do it". Quite apparent where my Roo is right now, the guy doesn't know how. He's the one who told me it is not rechargeable. I've got a couple pretty big RV centers 60 or so miles from me - I'll be doing some checking before I take one man's word the A/C needs to be replaced.I do appreciate everyone's input!

I think the previous poster meant to clean the condenser on the AC unit. Take the plastic shroud off the outside and clean out the squirrel's nest and other debris. Might use a hose, too, but not enough to damage the fins and from the inner side outwards (otherwise you may spill water into your RV.Hope this helps.

A/C not cooling properly | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

TheGrinch
Explorer
Oct 03, 2013
When I actually got up on the roof of the Roo, I used my extension ladder. Worked well. I could walk on the roof (gingerly) of the Roo to take the shroud off and perform whatever maintenance was needed.
msue
Explorer
Oct 02, 2013
llowllms wrote:
DiskDoctr wrote:
I think the previous poster meant to clean the condenser on the AC unit. Take the plastic shroud off the outside and clean out the squirrel's nest and other debris. Might use a hose, too, but not enough to damage the fins and from the inner side outwards (otherwise you may spill water into your RV.

Hope this helps.

Also, while cleaning the condenser, clean the evap. coil as well. As noted this is done outside. While doing that check for critter nests and clear as needed. Also, these units can be charged but there has to be access valves added in both the hi and low side lines. It's a simple process for someone that has the proper equip.

I just have a step ladder. How do you reach the condenser? How do reach the shroud to take it off?
TheGrinch
Explorer
Sep 29, 2013
smkettner wrote:
mileshuff wrote:
My A/C unit had stopped blowing cold air. Took it to three different shops. All told me that the freon had leaked out and there was no way to refill even if they were able to fix the leak. There are no ports on the majority of RV A/C units in order to recharge. Is this true?
Yes they are a sealed unit. Some technicians will add a high/low port to recharge but you still need to repair the leak. And you are still running an old unit prone to leaking again. Generally by the time you do all this you are close on $$$ to just replacing the unit that will include full warranty etc.

I figured if the freon leaked once, it'll leak again. We surmised that since we didn't run the a/c in over a year, the seals probably dried up and that would be where the leak(s) would be.
Yeah, it was an expensive repair job (new a/c unit for the Roo and then a new TT for us!), but the new owners of the Roo have a year warranty on the new unit.
time2roll
Nomad
Sep 29, 2013
mileshuff wrote:
My A/C unit had stopped blowing cold air. Took it to three different shops. All told me that the freon had leaked out and there was no way to refill even if they were able to fix the leak. There are no ports on the majority of RV A/C units in order to recharge. Is this true?
Yes they are a sealed unit. Some technicians will add a high/low port to recharge but you still need to repair the leak. And you are still running an old unit prone to leaking again. Generally by the time you do all this you are close on $$$ to just replacing the unit that will include full warranty etc.
mileshuff
Explorer
Sep 29, 2013
My A/C unit had stopped blowing cold air. Took it to three different shops. All told me that the freon had leaked out and there was no way to refill even if they were able to fix the leak. There are no ports on the majority of RV A/C units in order to recharge. Is this true?
llowllms
Explorer
Sep 29, 2013
DiskDoctr wrote:
I think the previous poster meant to clean the condenser on the AC unit. Take the plastic shroud off the outside and clean out the squirrel's nest and other debris. Might use a hose, too, but not enough to damage the fins and from the inner side outwards (otherwise you may spill water into your RV.

Hope this helps.

Also, while cleaning the condenser, clean the evap. coil as well. As noted this is done outside. While doing that check for critter nests and clear as needed. Also, these units can be charged but there has to be access valves added in both the hi and low side lines. It's a simple process for someone that has the proper equip.
galexander
Explorer
Sep 29, 2013
Congrats on the Upgrade. Glad everything worked out for the best.
time2roll
Nomad
Sep 29, 2013
That was an expensive air conditioner :B
All's well that ends well...
TheGrinch
Explorer
Sep 29, 2013
Figured I'd give an update as to what happened with the a/c .... and the Roo......
After having my local RV shop work on a/c and declare it in good shape, we took a little camping trip to Seneca Shadows in Wild & Wonderful WV over the July 4th time frame. A/C sucked BIG TIME. Still didn't work properly. DW not happy at all and told me to get it fixed, get a new one... DO SOMETHING!
So, I did the most irrational thing and replaced the a/c unit. Keystone RV Center in Greencastle, PA gave me the best price and a decent repair date. Took it down mid-August and then picked it up before a weekend outing towards the end of August. A/C worked as it should. BUT!
While at the dealer, the wife was looking around at new trailers. The Roo now has a new home and owners in VA and we have gone over to the dark side..... to a Flagstaff Super Lite 27BESS.
I'd like to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who as made suggestions and comments on my questions and posts. I'll still drop in from time to time to check on y'all.

Larry
TheGrinch
Explorer
Jun 13, 2013
Well, good news... so far. Got the call from the RV center this morning and, evidently, just a good cleaning was all that was needed. I'll go pick up the Roo in the next couple of days and then bring it back to the house and set up in the driveway over the weekend. Temps aren't supposed to be too bad - low 80's. Would sure like to see higher temps to give the a/c a thorough work out, but I'll see how cold I can get it inside.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and input. Especially about recharging the a/c - this stuff is priceless. Again, thank you!