Can RV’s rooftop AC units be recharged?

Jun. 24 2023 RV's By Jeff Turnbow

During summer traveling in camper vans or recreational vehicles is difficult as the temperature can reach to highest records. That’s why having an air conditioning unit in your RV is extremely important. For example, move you are traveling and your air conditioning system stops then you are left with the question of how to fix it. When your air conditioner runs out of refrigerant, your system will need to be recharged and it can be done by refilling the refrigerant. All of the processes are only dependent on the type of conditioner in your camper or the unit where it is located. The process is dependent on the type of air conditioner model and whether it is easier or harder to recharge them. Some types of AC units need to be recharged more often than others.


Most of the customers call AC service as their AC Unit is not running and they also assume that their AC can simply be recharged with refrigerant. Camper air conditioning units are closed systems and they do not have refill points. If any type of RVIA-certified technician or open road RV repair technician tests your system and determines that the issue is with a lower refrigerant charge the only option is to replace their rooftop assembly. This process cannot be completed by visual inspection. if your service professional does not take temperature readings or use a millimeter to test the unit then you must ask what diagnostic procedure they are using to determine your unit if it is faulty or not. The technician must check if your Control Board and thermostat are compatible with the new unit.


You may be told that you can recharge your system or can purchase a self-installed valve. You must inspect your AC annually and depend on the advice of a reputable service company.

If you have never recharged your air conditioner then this task may be difficult for you but you can continue to read this blog so that you can learn about air conditioners their problems and how to fix them. If you are interested in buying an RV of yours then you can contact RV dealers from your area. If you are living in Tennessee then our company is the best choice to make. We deal in the best RVs with excellent wiring systems for your air conditioners.


Common AC unit problems


Common AC unit problems charging an air conditioner of your RV unit is more difficult than recharging a home air conditioner unit. This is because the RV units are rarely designed to be opened easily. Before deciding to recharge your air conditioner you must take into account all the problems that are causing and the reduction in the efficiency of AC units.

  • dirty filter
  • air leaks
  • freezing up
  • check the plugs


How to recharge an RV air conditioner

After checking all the problems that arise, there are a few steps to follow if you want to recharge your air conditioning unit.

Purchase refrigerant

Before you start the recharging process for your RV air conditioning unit you must identify what refrigerant your unit takes. By looking in the honors manual or reading the nameplate you can easily find what type of refrigerant your AC unit uses. one of the most famous refrigerant products is A/C Pro ACP -100. When you purchase this refrigerant product then you will also receive a refrigerant gauge.


 Cut the power supply of off

After purchasing the correct refrigerant for your AC unit you must locate the breaker panel in your RV. Make sure to turn off any type of breaker that supplies power to your air conditioning system. When your power supply will not be off then you must be shocked while getting the surprise jolt of power from a fully powered air conditioner.


 The plastic casing should be removed

When you are sure that your AC is not receiving any type of power you can open the AC unit. it is only dependent on the model and how AC units open if you don't have any owner's manual to the unit you must examine the exterior of the unit while looking for any clasps or clips that can hold the casing on. Make sure to remove any type of hives or nests you find inside your AC unit.


  • Check refrigerant levels

Once the AC casing is open then you can start to recharge your unit. Use a refrigerant gauge to see what levels you are currently at. The refrigerant levels are only dependent on the models of the AC unit

  • Test the unit

After recharging your air conditioning unit now you can check if your cooling system is cooling your home properly or not.


Camper air conditioner unit maintenance

Maintenance of RV air conditioner is very important because solving the problem in RV air conditioner is more important than normal AC unit.


Clean the filter

Will only take a few seconds to clean your filter but it is the first important step to keep your AC unit working properly. You should clean both the filters inside the camper as well as the filters on the outside of the roof of your RV.

Contact us to buy recreational vehicles from our RV dealers today. We are very eager to help our customers with every question related to RVs.