Covering Air Conditioner Unit on RVs

AmarettoMan · Post by **AmarettoMan** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 11:23 am

Three-time burner here, but I'm bringing a 25' RV to BM for the first time this year. I won't be using the AC, but will it be necessary to climb on the roof and cover the unit to keep the dust out? In other words, how badly will the playa dust mess up the AC unit? Will the wind going down the road blow it out, or will I need to blow it out with a hose later? I'm guessing that if it gets wet in there, it's gonna turn to mud. That's a problem. Who's dealt with this in years past?

Playa-bound soon. Thanks.

Amaretto

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 11:31 am

If you can wrap it up, wrap it up. Maybe use that palette film that comes on a spool! The playa dust is as fine as talcum powder, and INCREDIBLY good at getting into things. And it's supposed to be a VERY dusty year. The dust has to be physically removed- You can't expect to just blow it all out- And if it gets wet, it becomes cement.

phil · Post by **phil** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 12:44 pm

I agree that it should be covered. It'll blow playa powder into the interior for years every time it's turned on.

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 12:56 pm

Might not hurt to cover the inside vents also. You would'nt think so but that dust get everywhere. Make sure to use " Blue masking tape ".

Token · Post by **Token** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 1:24 pm

I wouldn't bother covering the roof-top unit. This is the compressor and heat exchanger. No matter what you do to cover it, it will get playa in it. Just wash it out when you back. A garden hose will be just fine. Playa does not turn into cement. It makes mud just like any other soil.

If you choose to bother with covering the roof-top part, do not use anything that will melt or deteriorate in the heat, like plastics. Duct Tape is also on the shit list and leaves sticky nasty glue that is near impossible to remove without industrial solvents. Use a tightly knit bed sheet and tie it on with a rope along the base of the AC. Again, this is purely a feel-good thing since the dust will get in there anyway and require washing off playa.

For inside vents, unjon has good advice. Blue masking tape (or 7 day tape) is good for this. If you have ducted air and ducted heat (usually the air ducts are ceiling and heat ducts are floor) be sure to tape all the openings top and floor. Also cover the air intake filter.

If your AC is not ducted, cover the whole unit, both intake and exhaust.

RV AC units are split systems with the heat exchanger and compressor on the roof, the condenser and fan on the inside of the RV. There is no direct air path between them.

Be careful NOT to cover the vent for the Propane Fridge and the water heater. There are usually on the side/back of the RV.

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 1:43 pm

Read before using a flame thrower or sledge hammer.
.
REmoving any glues/tape residue. First Water Second alcohal Third paint ( mind you paint) thinner. If it is old or hide glue use White vinegar. Never scrape or scratch. You will damage the surface. Never use finger nail remover on a plastic surface. It will melt the plastic. Some times you will have to keep the glue damp for awhile. A sponge works fine.

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 5:49 pm

This will be the 8th yr with this RV for us. Never have coverd the AC.. The air is reciculated air.Not fresh air. So your fine. Like Token said just hose it clean when home.. Thats said, Also when truning on the playa shut the fresh air to off b-4 the dust get sucked in through your Dash vents..

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 5:57 pm

ibdave wrote:This will be the 8th yr with this RV for us. Never have coverd the AC.. The air is reciculated air.Not fresh air. So your fine. Like Token said just hose it clean when home.. Thats said, Also when truning on the playa shut the fresh air to off b-4 the dust get sucked in through your Dash vents..

/
Last year I stoped on the dump road and washed the bug guts off the windsheld.
Bug gut, playa dust and windsheld washer make for a big mess.

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 6:53 pm

unjonharley wrote:
/
Last year I stoped on the dump road and washed the bug guts off the windsheld.
Bug gut, playa dust and windsheld washer make for a big mess.

Yep, As the camp is being packed I start the departure check list. Whats funny tho is when I pull out the windex it gets pass around to the point I don't see it anymore..

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 5:35 am

Token wrote: Playa does not turn into cement. It makes mud just like any other soil.

I didn't mean literally. *sheesh*

And whether or not the aircon and cabin are connected, it's been my experience that if you can cover it, cover it. The playa always gets in, but you CAN stem the tide a mite. My shining moment was creating a bulkhead to keep dust out of the front part of the car, but not counting on how many times I'd need to get into stuff that I'd stashed up there. It was actually dustier than the rest of the car, by week's end.

AmarettoMan · Post by **AmarettoMan** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 8:04 am

As usual, Burners always come through with the tips and advice I need. Thanks to all for your replies.

Don't forget to visit the Shadow Chamber, 5:00 and Esplanade.

Amaretto