Coleman RV AC Dripping Water Inside – Why And What To Do?

Coleman ACs are of high quality and durability but even they can be prone to damage in the long run. One of the common dilemmas RV owners encounter is having dripping water inside due to their air conditioner. If you are also having the same problem, then you are in for a luck! After thorough research, we have put together solutions to this problem for you.

Here are some common reasons why your Coleman RV AC may drip water and how to fix them:

  • When there is clogging of the drain pan or pipeline due to dust build-up, check if there is a loose connection and clean it thoroughly. 
  • When the problem is a dirty evaporating coil, clean them as often as possible.
  • If there is improper sealing, then you should hire a worker to fix it.
  • If your problem is your rubber gasket, replace it and seal the new one properly.

Having AC problems in an RV can cause major inconvenience. If you are encountering these problems as mentioned above, then continue reading for we will be providing you with well-researched solutions that will surely help you.

A central air conditioning unit of an RV, Coleman RV AC Dripping Water Inside - Why And What To Do?

Why Your Coleman RV AC Is Dripping Water And How To Repair It

Having to worry about your Coleman AC in your RV is a big dilemma especially if purchased one for its quality and durability. There are many factors that can lead to a broken AC, so before attempting to fix it, it's necessary to determine what the specific problem is.

Technician checking the air conditioning unit of an RV

Below, we've put together the most common causes and their fixes.

Clogged Drain Pan Due To Build-up

The build-up of dust and dirt is a common problem for ACs. It restricts proper airflow and ventilation which then affects the release of the air.  Your drain pan collects water build-up due to humidity and water dripping down the evaporating coil. This prevents water damage to the roof of your RV and also reduces the risk of mold.

Check for dirt build-up and clean your drain thoroughly 

The proper remedy for clogged drain pans or pipelines is, simply, to clean them. To do so, you should wear gloves to protect yourself from mold and use goggles if available. Below is the step-by-step guide on how to properly clean your drain pan:

  1. Turn off your RV and switch the breaker to "off" for safety.
  2. Locate the AC unit on the roof of the RV and slowly unscrew it.
  3. Make sure to remove the evaporating cover (usually located behind the drain pan) to properly start cleaning.
  4. Remove the build-up in the pan by using a damp sponge or a vacuum.
  5. Replace the evaporating cover.
  6. After cleaning, put it all back together.

Check out this wet/dry vacuum at Amazon. 

Dirty Evaporating Coil

Along with the drain pan, the evaporating coil also serves a vital role in your AC. When you turn your AC on, the evaporating coil converts the hot air into moist air and expels it outside. This is the reason why when your evaporating coil becomes too dirty, water starts to leak.

Clean your dirty evaporating coil 

If this is your problem, then you can simply start by cleaning it. However, it is best to take extra caution in cleaning coils as they can be sensitive. To do so, take the following steps:

  1. Prepare a mixture of soap and water in a spray bottle.
  2. Spray it down the coil and  make sure that the coil and dirt are combined
  3. Use a brush to make sure that there is no dirt left.
  4. Wipe or rinse it and make sure to air dry.

While cleaning your evaporating coil. you should also make sure that the drain holes are not blocked to avoid further damage.

Improper Sealing- Weather As An Additional Factor

Changing the temperature of the RV central air condtiioning system

Because RVs are usually used for traveling and camping, the weather can also be a contributing factor to an AC malfunction. This especially holds if there was an improper sealing in any of the AC's parts or the RV itself. This can cause your evaporating coil and draining pan to get too much dirt.

The wind can be one factor in the damage to your AC. Sometimes when seals are done improperly, dirt brought by the wind will build up around and inside the RV. This is especially true with seals around windows.

Fix or replace the seals

Don't worry if there are problems with your seals as they are easy to fix. You can simply repair or replace the seals that were damaged by doing the following:

  • If you want to stretch the seal, you can do so by removing it and applying a protectant seal to help it stretch. After this, you can re-apply the previous seal. 
  • You can also try applying heat to the seal by using the available heating device to make it stretch.
  • If you want to replace the seal, then remove it and apply a new one, but make sure to clean the sealed area first.

Check out this 303 protectant spray at Amazon.

Problem with rubber gasket

Just like how the wind affects the seals, the same goes for the rubber gasket. The gasket creates a seal where AC attaches to the roof of your RV and can be damaged due to ultraviolet rays.  You need to check if there is a leak surrounding your AC especially when it is raining. If there is, then, sure enough, your rubber gasket is damaged. 

Replace your rubber gasket  and seal it properly

When replacing your rubber gasket, you have to make sure that the new one is installed properly to avoid further issues. You need to follow these steps to remove and replace a rubber gasket:

  1. Make sure that you know the dimension of the gasket in your AC.
  2. After buying the right gasket, make sure to turn off your RV and wear protective gear to ensure safety as you will be working on it inside and on the top of the RV.
  3. From inside the RV, remove the bolts of the AC and remove the inner parts of the AC.
  4. From the roof, do the same thing and remove the top portion of the AC.
  5. Remove the old gasket and make sure to clean the roof
  6. After making sure that the roof is clean and dry, put in the new rubber gasket.
  7. Put back the AC accordingly
  8. Turn the AC on and check if there is leaking. 

Check out this roof gasket for Coleman RV at Amazon.

How Coleman RV Air Conditioner Works

Coleman RV's AC works by removing heat from the inside and drawing it out of the RV. However, what sets the Coleman AC apart from the others is its quality and its wide variety of products. They may cost a bit more than some other AC brands, but rest assured that they are reliable and efficient. 

Recharging Your Coleman RV AC

Coleman ACs are known for being long-lasting, but you may still find a leak in one. If you need to recharge your AC after fixing the leak, it is best to call a professional who knows their way around Coleman ACs. Recharging these units can be complicated and is best left to professionals. To do it on your own, you would need to buy access valves and an RV air conditioner repair kit. 

For more insight about Coleman RV AC recharging, check out this post on how to add freon to recharge a Coleman RV air-conditioner.

What You Need To Know About RV AC  Maintenance

RV dashboard and gauge panels

To keep an AC running effectively, efficiently, and for a long time, proper care and maintenance are key. No matter the durability of an item, if left neglected, it can become damaged and the same holds for Coleman ACs. Below are some points on RV AC maintenance that can help you take care of your AC:

  • Inspect your RV AC cover before using it. The cover makes sure that your AC will not intake an unusual amount of dirt or dust while it is being used. If this is dirty, make sure to clean it first before leaving.
  • Check for AC leaks. As stated in this blog, leaks can cause your AC to be recharged so make sure to avoid it.
  • Cooling fins should be straight.
  • Wash your air filters occasionally. 
  • Ensure that you have enough power or you are using a soft start.

Check out this 303 RV wash and seal at Amazon.

Conclusion

A central air conditioning unit of an RV

Coleman RV ACs can also be prone to leaking and damage. For leaks around the AC, it is best to check the rubber gasket surrounding the AC and as for clogs' it is best to clean out the build-up. Proper maintenance is key to the long-lasting usage of Coleman RV AC.

If you found this article helpful, check out these informative posts:

Coleman AC Compressor Won't Kick On - Why and What to Do

How Do You Reset an RV Air Conditioner? 

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