Full Time RV Maintenance (Air Conditioning) | Changing Lanes!

RV AC Systems need to operate a peak efficiency to keep an RV cool in the summer.
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ Click Show More ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
Even the best insulated RVs are much more susceptible to outside temperatures than the average house. Combine that with the fact that RVs are generally put in varying elements and conditions (sand / dust, etc), and it's easy to see why maintaining an RV AC at peak efficiency is crucial to glamping comfort!
The tool required are pretty basic and not at all expensive:
🛠 Screw Driver - The AC cover on the roof as well as the inside can generally be removed with a phillips screwdriver.
🛠 Spray Bottle (amzn.to/2yGz0gB) - for light rinsing of the coils.
🛠 EVAP Foam No Rinse (amzn.to/2YnM5uH) - For the Evaporator coil (NSF Registered - for the air we breath)
🛠 AC Foam Cleaner (amzn.to/2YFIbsc) - For condenser coil. Cheaper cleaner for the coils that don't touch the air we breath. Also has a great fin brush in the cap!
🛠 Fin Combs (amzn.to/335MFMh) - To straighten the badly bent fins.
🛠 Metal Duct Tape (amzn.to/2Ypgitp) - Get the good 48mm stuff!
For this RV Maintenance video series, we're partnering up with our friends Todd and Stephanie of the KZbin channel Two Beards and a Babe! / twobeardsandababe
Todd is an instructor at the National RV Training Academy (nrvta.com/), where they teach the RV Industry Association Certification courses for both technicians, inspectors, and even those who just want to know more about servicing their own RV! We're very fortunate to have them on board for this video series!
✅✅ FULL BLOG POST for more details and links: changinglanesrv.com/rv-mainte...
✅✅ Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): changinglanesrv.com/faq/
✅✅ Check out our custom curated Amazon store: changinglanesrv.com/amazon
✅✅ Check out our other Blog posts: changinglanesrv.com/category/...
✅✅ Reach out and contact us: changinglanesrv.com/contact-us/
✅✅ Follow us on Social Media ✅✅
➡️ Facebook: changinglanesrv.com/facebook
➡️ Instagram: changinglanesrv.com/instagram
➡️ Twitter: changinglanesrv.com/twitter
########## Notice ##########
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you chose to make a purchase using our links, we will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, but helps us keep providing the content we love to share. We recommend these products because we have found them to be helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make. Every product we recommend, we use ourselves, so please use our links. 😊

[@danphillips3589]

They talked about the couples program, they should do something for singles as well. I'm sure there aren't any where near as many single RVs as there are couples and families, but that's also why a singles program may be needed. And not necessarily romantic, but also just instead of riding my motorcycle by myself, meeting another biker (of either sex) just to have someone to ride with and not feeling like a third wheel. Looking forward to more maintenance videos.

[@comanche3015]

Just one comment to add. When removing your cover be careful of wasp nests. Great video

[@truckcampinglife]

I love where you are taking your channel. It's nice to help others who would otherwise not attempt this and then pay a heavy price for something so simple to do. Thank You.

[@jandblawncare8570]

Great video! I'd add one thing when it comes to the exterior a/c covers...take a long handle (broom handle) and tap on the covers before you start taking them off to make sure bees/wasps aren't making their own vacation home in there.

[@ChangingLanes]

Good idea... I was figuring the drill would do the same... but banging around a bit is likely better with some wasp spray handy if it tests "positive". 😳

[@jamesfrye2948]

Chad after watch this i did ours and lawd the crap that came out ,,mainly cause our toy hualer sits under a rv shed ..thank u

[@danielsisco625]

You just referenced my favorite movie of all time, "Swingers" if I didn't already love you guys; I'd have to say I definitely do now.. "Vegas Baby,, VEGAS!!"

[@TQMouse]

You guys have really knocked it SOLID on this video!!!! Maintenance is SO Important!!! She wouldn’t have been kneeing it like that on NON SKID!!!

[@ChangingLanes]

But the Non-skid cushions your fall after busting shins on tie-down chains.. LOL

[@InuaKennels]

THANK YOU for posting this!! I was going to be working on mine this week- your posting could not be more timely!!

[@valerierandall3640]

Great collab, great editing! So understandable, taking what they taught, you doing it and then on to the next information. Fantastic video, so glad I’ve discovered your channel.

[@theworldisourplayground2961]

Thank you so much for this series. I think all of your videos are really good and informative. I’m thinking of taking this course when we get our RV.

[@christinesmith320]

What a great idea to have that type of class and training out there. Extremely helpful for everyone and/or anyone wanting to take care of their rig. You guys are so good at putting these types of videos together. Thanks a trillion! 😉

[@dougdoris8622]

Seriously guys, you have the best content! I have learned so much and I am looking forward to all of your discussion of RV systems. Thanks for the time and effort to provide these videos.

[@J.Cameron.Stuart.Adams.]

Awesome video y'all. Very few RVers even know to do this. The ones that do, well....let's just say, it takes effort to get up out of the chair. The more who "like, share, and subscribe" will help get the word out. In an annoying infomercial voice.... That's right folks! As our guests today noted: The best way to ensure your AC unit(s) residential, RV or otherwise, perform in the most inefficient and electric devouring manner, while working harder and longer, is to ensure those coils are all clogged up as good as possible. If you can see light through the coils, grab a hand full of mud and push it into all those coils letting air pass. Once you've ensure your AC unit will not run optimally, sit back sweat all over and wait for the unit to break. At this point you're ready to defrost your freezer, cook a burger in the kitchen sink, and turn that milk into cottage cheese. If you order the coil clogging recipe in the next 10 minutes, we'll include a free metal trowel to aid in destroying the coils of your unit. Using the tip of the trowel, you too can bend the coils to accept more of the coil clogging mixture with just one pass. Forget those other methods and recipes which call for two or three coats to ensure optimal blockage. Who has time for that? Call now, repair technicians are standing by to take your order. But wait there's more!!!! Those same technicians taking your order, with free rush delivery, will also schedule you for service to save you even more of your valuable time. We must he crazy offering such an incredible deal. Order now. Supplies are limited. All products offered on a first idiot basis only. No exchanges. No refunds. Fools use at their own discretion. Not responsible or liable for any damages or injuries associated with any products or methods contained in the ad or delivered to the idiots who've destroyed their A.C. unit through neglect and/or laziness. RVDummies for Morons is an unregistered, unregulated, unrepentant subsidiary of RVing Morons LLC (Not to be confused with or associated with RVing Mormons LLC). But seriously excellent information. Thank you two for all the fun, entertaining, informative, and educational videos. They're a ton of work to do. I wanted to say how much I appreciate you both! In a non-weirdo way of course 😏. One tip for everyone reading.. Use an air compressor (low pressure to avoid damage) or a can of compressed air to remove the dust, bugs and debris before foam cleaner. Just tape some cardboard over the duct opening. Use a magnetic puck or small jar with a lid to hold all of the screws to keep them from falling inside the duct or rolling off the roof. Top tip: for all those loose screws, nails, nuts, bolts, button, tacks,....hard candy...etc. etc... reuse jars or plastic containers with screw on lids to hold odds and ends, predrill two holes in the lid. Use a washer and screw and attach the lid to the bottom of a shelf, underside of a bench, or the bedroom floor in the basement area of your fifth wheel. When you need something simply unscrew the jar. Grab what you need and screw it back on. The containers are not take up any valuable real estate. Cheers from the Emerald City.. Cameron

[@ChangingLanes]

You forgot the part: "Then you can go online and rant about how all RV ACs are &^%$& garbage and the RV industry is garbage" 😂🤣

[@J.Cameron.Stuart.Adams.]

@@ChangingLanes Hilarious... And sadly true for many who neglect their units. Oh I forgot to say the wiring harness may have been under the somewhat rigid conduit to prevent it from rubbing on the sharp coils during travel. Double check with those nice folks at the repair training center. I have different AC models. So I can't be certain. Cheers!

[@charlie-qm9gz]

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to show the proper way to maintenance your RV air-conditioner

[@dougkermick7396]

For me, the biggest challenge is just getting on the roof. Great how-to video.

[@marcolara4745]

A very good video. So much needed information. Thank you. Will be following for sure. 👏👏👏

[@michaelthompson3679]

Thanks for this excellent video I just installed an easy start on the exact same AC and decided to clean it while I was working on it this was extremely helpful thank you

[@laurelnelson9226]

Thank you so much for sharing this information. We are newbies and we have lots to learn. We are looking forward to watching the full series. 😊

[@FriendsCamping]

I’ve been rv’ing for years and still learn from what you do. That’s for the videos and tips!

[@iamoption11]

Being a hvac guy myself I enjoyed this video a lot

[@jefftegenkamp8939]

Thanks for the tips! Bought a GD 2 years ago and just realized I need to do this. Enjoy the channel

[@TheHungryCubanAdventures]

Excellent video. Thank You guys and Todd for showing us this easy to understand AC maintenance video.

[@PJ-qy9xg]

Thanks guys literally just thinking of doing mine and *pow* a video to help! Great video and perfect timing!

[@genesannes]

You just saved me a lot of time. Thanks for the tutorial on Grand Design AC system cleaning. It came up at just the right time.

[@waynesiminski8268]

Great info! Gotta take a look at my ac unit before we go out again in a week. Thanks guys.

[@michaelwebb57]

Y'all rock! Love your videos. Thanks so much for sharing. Love the outtakes too! Can hardly wait for the next. Safe travels.

[@debbietaylor8091]

Great hands on video. When my time comes I would feel confident enough to do my own thank you

[@testmonkey101]

Good stuff you guys.....especially for young newbie RV'ers. Excellent video as always.

[@TCB031]

Excellent video. Can't wait to get ours from the storage lot and applying what you showed us to our two units!

[@jeffreyrodriguez1599]

As a new owner of camper thank you for the video

[@stewarthightower]

I have learned SO MUCH from your videos! Thanks very much from Texas. The Indian scoot is awesome also..

[@danhines1313]

Thanks for this type of video. This more about the taking care of the RV and not just trying to sell something.

[@michellebieke2589]

Great video… seriously! Thank you for this and the Amazon links too! Now to brave getting on a ladder onto the roof!

[@territ8837]

I really appreciate your maintenance videos. Lots of useful information.

[@mindlesspear8840]

don't even rv myself (not yet at least) but i love your guys content and you both are so passionate with what you guys do

[@sdeaglefeather]

Am doing some maintenance this week. I have been good washing the inside vents and covers. However, I am very delinquent with the ac on the top. Sooo glad I found this. This will happen later this. As usual, I learn so much from your videos. Thank you.

[@susantaylor4816]

You guys are amazing, thank you so much for this video! It was truly a blessing for me. I'm going to attempt it here in just a few minutes, I'll let you know how it goes!

[@henrypfeiffer6933]

Thank you for this! I just cleaned mine for the first time ( full-timer here) it was nastyyyy, now my Delta T is 23!

[@danieldorchester5221]

Great job. I used to sell wholesale HVAC and teach entry level classes. This is a great video for AC maintenance

[@been2all505]

Thanks. Great video! I’m 71, but in great shape and I like doing my own maintenance.

[@keithb.commonangler]

I have already done my plenum with HVAC tape as OEM,s don't do what they are supposed to because of the issues with time constraints on the build process. This is another point that I need to stress to individuals that may not know this and fortunately I found this issue by accident. The ceiling vents or registers loose far to much cool air flow. On removing the directional flow vent itself, I noticed only by putting my hand inside the trunking that the plastic insert on all my ceiling vents where not attached to the trunking, there was a 1/2" gap between the trunking and the plastic vent, so I was loosing a high percentage of flow into the skin between the ceiling and the roof. So by using the HVAC aluminium tape to bridge the gap and stop cool air from going elsewhere I have increased my airflow to 100% and have reached great efficiency. Just thought this would be an interesting addition to check as well as the plenum air flow.

[@OLD-AND-UGLEE]

Nice Work, Just Technical enough.. Keep 'em coming

[@williammoore2417]

Great job I enjoy watching your videos because there so helpful ….. thank you

[@n1uno1965]

So excited for this series. Great video!

[@Tryke_Ryder]

Awesome video. Makes me realize I have not been doing effective maintenance on my AC units. Thanks!!

[@hoochonwheels5138]

I just can't wait to get on the roof and do some cleaning. Great video. Will be looking forward to refrigeration. I personally think refrigeration is one of the greatest inventions of all time. I'm not sure I would want to spend much time in AZ without it, and I've never been to AZ. AZ will be next year. Thanks, Jim&Celia Hooch on Wheels

[@gregwaters7830]

You are both outstanding at what you do. I really enjoy all of your videos.

[@ChangingLanes]

Ah, thank you so much! We love hearing positive feedback from followers 💗

[@stevekellerhals3767]

Want to thank you for the video. It inspired me to get the supplies to perform the maintenance on my unit today. Boy was i surprised by not how dirty but the unfriendly flying wasps living under the cover.

[@ChangingLanes]

I think wasps are born just pissed off! 😂

[@webcompanion]

Those intake filters were really dirty! Cleaning those alone probably helped your system out a lot. But the extra detail you showed with the fin cleaning and straightening was awesome. The foil tape was also a great touch to make sure you're running as efficient as possible. Excellent video!!

[@outlaw10adventures90]

Awesome information...going to clean mine tomorrow...Travis & Darlene

[@twdenman1]

First time viewer. I was dreading doing my own A/C maintenance. Your video took my fear factor away! Thank you both. Great job! Refrigerator maintenance will be next. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge. Time to order A/C cleaning supplies.

[@ChangingLanes]

Welcome to our channel! 😊

[@blakecouch]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to do these videos.

[@stevensmith2228]

Wonderful video. Learned a lot. Now to get my bum up on the roof...

[@topguncg47]

Awesome video guys .

[@tmcconah]

Nice job guys! I just did this to our 2017 Imagine this spring.

[@johnmclaren7059]

Awesome video and tutorial! I just did our 2020 GD reflection after watching your video! I only wish there was a rv training school up here in Canada 🇨🇦 I recently spoke to a rv tech that camps here in our rv camp ground and he informed me that in the province of British Columbia that most rv techs don’t require a red seal technician certificate!! Cheers guys and a happy Canada Day to all Canadians down south!🇨🇦👍

[@Cptstokes]

That vid was perfect. As a mobile rv repair dude I tell folks all the time to do minor service to their a/c units exactly as you just showed. Plus while you are up there, it's a good time to check the roof and seal condition. Something 99% of rv owners fail to do. But that helps my business!! Lynn

[@ChangingLanes]

Good point on the roof! I inspect ours in our T-24 (day before departure) process. If you're looking for a long video LOL: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4G7f6CJZa51iLM

[@dannyfow6153]

Very informative and is sure to save me money as I most likely would have left this to the dealer or more likely than that I would have never cleaned them due to ignorance on this topic. Thanks again Changing Lanes!

[@jaydog9508]

Why can I only give ONE thumbs up... This, with the new video on the Styrofoam modification is going to be my next project. I was in Kansas this summer when it was 103 F, and my A/C could not keep up, I had to run to Lowe's to buy insulation for all my windows, then it was okay, but DARK. Hoping this will increase the airflow so I can have some natural light in my RV when it gets hot, as I am heading to Florida soon. THANK YOU!

[@Elizabeth-mo3fv]

I have had this project on my mind for months. We are 330ft off our private, DIRT road 🙄. So far, the intake filters were really dirty. I just need to get the cleaners suggested on this video and i can get to work on the units themselves. Thanks for the lesson.

[@americaisanoblecountry2427]

This stuff is great, building up my collection of go to videos! Thx

[@WePlusThreee]

Great video. We actually shut off the large rapid spot where the quick ac door can leak out and it made a HUGE difference.

[@kdc0962]

Timely video for me! Based in this, I ordered all the necessary supplies and cleaned my 3 AC units. What a difference it made! Thank you.

[@ChangingLanes]

Awesome to hear!! 👍🏼

[@thegeekmeister7576]

Great video both of you. I can't wait to get my new Riverstone RKFB at the end of the month. We sold our house in June and purchased 2 acres in sw Tucson. We have been very inspired by your video's. Next time you are in the SW. You need to go to Rocky Point Mexico. It is awesome and safe. Thanks!

[@ChangingLanes]

Thanks for watching and for the tip! 👍🏼😊

[@reidwilliamj]

An excellent video. I didn't realize just how often you need to do the maintenance on the AC. LOL I'm only behind almost 2 years on mine. Thanks again for the great video.

[@scottmillett8219]

Great video guys. I’m looking forward to this series. Cleaning and inspecting the A/C units was the first thing I did when I purchased my used Solitude 369RL a few months ago. Needless to say the dealer didn’t touch them. I was quite happy with the job GD did installing them. I didn’t have to add or remove any silver tape. A small shop vac with the soft brush helps to clean the fins as well.

[@ChangingLanes]

I can imagine the shop vac would be handy if they were really dirty for sure! Thanks for watching! 😊

[@gerryknipmeyer8633]

The routine maintenance series is a great idea! We are looking forward to this series.

[@TheSixer211]

Thank you! I will be watching and learning at the same time.

[@leighsheppard8614]

Absolutely the perfect video! Great job you two! Great subject, great information, great presentation! Perfection! Let me see, 10,000+ views and only 4 dislikes. (obviously not what they thought they were going to be getting.) You really couldn't hope for better. Even Jimmy Fallon doesn't get such a low percentage of dislikes. I always enjoy your videos and find them very useful.

[@ChangingLanes]

We're pretty sure we have at least 2 people that subscribe just so they can click dislike. LOL Thanks for watching! 😃

[@Goldenfalcon1962]

Great job on the video, and excellent series of topics! Love fact your covering the routine maintenance. The fact you take the time to research the way you have, provide a very valuable resource with the "National RV Training Academy". Also greatly appreciate you provide a list of the materials need and links to them. You obviously put a lot of work into these videos!

[@ChangingLanes]

Thanks, David! 😊

[@E_House]

love your outtakes! helpful video

[@rdotson610]

Fantastic video

[@cherishhughes9796]

Awesome video! It made me feel like I can do this job! Our family just bought an RV and we are learning to do all the maintenance.

[@ChangingLanes]

👍

[@larryblaha]

Awesome tips, great video.. Thank you!! Now I've got to get to work...😃

[@dontask8979]

I never thought of the short cycling from the bottom vent being opened. Makes sense. Think I will tape those up too.👍

[@RVingwiththeMoracas]

Excellent tutorial on how to clean an AC.... we need to do ours soon. Thanks

[@ChangingLanes]

👍🏼 😊

[@rvfamilylife]

The roof is the flight deck, that's even cooler now that Top Gun is popular again. Thanks for the video.

[@5Placas]

Great video! Video's like this one is the reason I watch KZbin!

[@ChangingLanes]

Philip Coffeen Awesome! Thank you! 😎

[@rvninnorthcarolina3377]

Nice job on the video....very helpful, especially now that I have had my rig a year I am sure the AC is ready for inspection and cleaning! I can tell you that the first week I had my RV, I noticed the AC was stupid noisy (Dometic BriskAir II) I pulled off the inside cover and I found that the installation was done poorly and much of the air was going into the ceiling and the foam tape they used was not sealing the intake from the blower side so it was just recirculating the air. I even had insulation sucked up into the evap. coils on the inside. Took out my trusty HVAC tape and resealed everything and made it air tight and way less restrictive. It was cooler, far less noisy, and much more air was coming from the vents! Looking forward to the next video!

[@ChangingLanes]

So far, our's has had only minor air flow issues (like we showed in the video), but we've seen some online that look like a 5 year old installed the unit. LOL

[@jay_martin]

Just did this...super easy!

[@ram1982rz]

Got my order in. Thanks for the tips and links. Awesome.

[@ChangingLanes]

Ram Zambrano We appreciate you using our links and for watching! 😃

[@jimjacobus6792]

Awesome video! We are new to all of this so having these instructional videos is awesome! I am guessing hot water tank is on the list ... if not, please add! Thx!

[@hermes6587]

Very helpful video, thank you all for this.

[@331drummer]

Great video! I've had to clean our inside filters a couple times, but havent' done the top side yet. Thanks for OJT video to show me how. We also had one AC go out when we hit the New Mexico desert and had to have a mobile tech come take a look. Turns out it was just a loose connection on one of the wires in the unit, so I would recommend checking all wire connections for tightness when you have the cover off.

[@ChangingLanes]

Definitely! 👍🏼

[@ronniebatiesr4491]

Thanks Guys great job safe travels great tips 👍🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@slapshot121212]

Thanks for yet another great video. I cleaned all 3 of mine today. One note I’ll add, when you pull the metal cover off the front, pull it off slowly until you know for sure the wires are long enough. The 3rd a/c (in the garage) had short wires and 4 of them came off the control box. It took a little bit of time on Google to find the control box wiring diagram to figure out where they went. The other 2 a/c’s had no issues. This is also a good time to check the connections and make sure they’re tight. A few of mine were loose, so I snugged them up.

[@ChangingLanes]

Great tip! 👍🏼

[@giguybd1]

Great video guys.

[@EricHarmon67]

Thanks so much for this! Routine maintenance is probably the thing that concerns me most, because I don’t know what I don’t know (if that makes sense). How about a video on caulking/sealing, and one on lubrication? (Slides, pin box, levelers/jacks, and whatever needs to be lubed)

[@ChangingLanes]

Haven't really had to caulk anything.. But lubrication is definitely on the list! 👍🏼

[@Dd-qz4ym]

@@ChangingLanes hi

[@williammoore2417]

Thank you for the video …. Very helpful

[@marielenarodriguez3197]

Great video, looking forward for the other ones

[@StaciWallaceTV]

Thank you for the GREAT content. Watched this video before going to bed and had a crazy-cool dream about Tara getting TOTALLY healed. Not a dream I was expecting but one that I will gladly agree with and cover in prayer! #WithGodAnythingIsPossible . Love you guys and can't wait to hit the road soon! You are prepping us for a beautiful new season ahead!!!

[@ChangingLanes]

EMnation We love that dream! 😜 Thanks for keeping me in your prayers! Safe travels!! 💕 ~Tara

[@darrenhalbert5649]

Great video! We're enjoying your videos as we're looking at going full time as well! We have learned alot & hopefully we can meet somewhere on the road

[@ChangingLanes]

Thanks for watching, Darren! Welcome to our channel! 😊

[@martywatson7764]

Simple green is a much easier product to get and used to clean a/c unit with. Works well on both coils on with small spray bottle. Foaming cleaners generally have to be rinsed which I didn't see explained cause they will deteriorate the metals. Nicely done video.

[@josea5949]

Great and informative video. Thank you for sharing

[@live.travel.family7069]

If you could come up with a way to get tank sensors working correct that would be AMAZING! 😊

[@ChangingLanes]

LOL! Been working on that one for a while!

[@live.travel.family7069]

@@ChangingLanes Just dumped... sh*tters still full... The million dollar idea (fix)

[@ronoboogie5739]

Great Job guys! I'm more than a little nervous getting on the "Flight Deck" but I guess I'm going to have to get used to it. Maybe I can find a skyhook. Lol Good stuff, Thanks as always

[@ronmcdaniel1583]

O,o, ect! So many questions! The service on the a.c. is reasonable basic. Good presentation on the video. I would like to see the pros and cons regarding residential refrigerator versus gas electric refrigerators. I am tickled to see all the service videos you can come up with! Also can you include service on a class A coach? I know that is hard to show an example with your toy hauler. Can't wait for your next video. Thanks Safe Travels

[@learnitfromwilliam]

That was great. I'm so afraid of heights that when I watch these kinds of videos I get so nervous.

[@canadiantwig4772]

Ahh excellent video and topic! Such a huge help! :)

[@Thegaragefiles]

Thanks for showing some good info can’t wait to watch more