Maintenance, Operation, & Owner Must-Knows

Did you know that the first RV air conditioner was born out of a restless summer night in 1966? Sheldon Coleman, the head of the Coleman® Company, traded his usual tent for a motorhome and quickly realized one major downside—unbearable heat after sundown. Determined to find a solution, he challenged his team to develop an air conditioner that would keep RV interiors cool and comfortable. Just a year later, in 1967, the world saw the debut of the PolarPal, the very first air conditioner made specifically for recreational vehicles.

Since then, Coleman-Mach has continued to lead the way in RV climate control. Today’s RV air conditioning systems are more advanced than ever and knowing how they work—as well as how to maintain and upgrade them—ensures you’ll always stay cool, no matter where the road takes you. In this blog, we’ll break down the essentials every RV owner should know about modern A/C systems, go into simple maintenance techniques that should be done regularly, and explore the latest must-have accessories for RV air conditioners.

How Does an RV Air Conditioner Work?

Though all RV air conditioners may differ in design, they all work by using the same basic parts: evaporator coils, refrigerant, compressor, and condenser coils. These components work together to keep your RV cool and comfortable.

To start, the air conditioner draws warm air from inside your RV through an intake vent. This warm air then passes over the evaporator coils, which contain refrigerant—a special cooling liquid. As the air moves over these coils, the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air cooling it considerably. The interaction also causes the refrigerant to turn from a liquid into a gas. The cooled air is then pushed back into the RV interior to drop the ambient temperature.

Next, the gaseous refrigerant flows to the compressor. The compressor puts the gas under high pressure, which causes it to release the heat it absorbed. This heat is then pushed outside through the condenser coils, usually located on the RV’s roof.

Finally, having transferred the absorbed heat, the refrigerant turns back into a liquid and returns to the evaporator coils, ready to start the process again. Through this ongoing cycle, your RV air conditioner is able to keep you cool, even on warm days!

What Else Impacts Your RV’s Interior Temperature?

Even the best RV air conditioner can be impacted by factors beyond the unit itself. Environmental conditions and how you use your RV both play a big role in how cool your interior feels.

Extreme outdoor temperatures and direct sunlight can make it harder for your A/C to keep up. Simple steps like using window shades, parking in the shade, and avoiding heat-producing activities (such as cooking) during the hottest parts of the day can all help your RV stay cooler. For more practical ideas, be sure to check out our blog, “10 Ways to Stay Cool in Your RV.”

It can also be helpful to remember that your RV air conditioner not only cools the air, it also circulates it. Make sure vents are open and not blocked and consider using fans in tandem with your A/C to help cool air move throughout the space. Good airflow makes a big difference in how cool your RV interior feels.

Popular A/C Add-Ons for a Better RV Experience

There are a number of useful accessories and upgrades available for your RV air conditioner that can make life on the road even more comfortable. Popular add-ons include heat strips for extra warmth on chilly nights, soft start kits to help your A/C run more efficiently, and upgraded thermostats for better temperature control.

• Heat Strip: A heat strip is an accessory that can be added to most A/C units that don’t already have a built-in heat pump. It uses your RV’s electric system to provide gentle warmth, allowing you to keep your interior comfortable without needing to run the furnace.
• Soft Start: A soft start is a valuable upgrade for your RV A/C unit. It helps your air conditioner start up smoother by reducing the amount of power needed—cutting start-up amperage by up to 75%. This makes it easier to run your A/C and other large appliances at the same time and helps to prevent breakers from tripping. Plus, it reduces wear and tear on your A/C, which can help extend its lifespan.
• Thermostat: There are many different thermostats available to fit a variety of RV lifestyles. Coleman-Mach offers analog and digital models, as well as advanced options like Bluetooth and the new Wi-Fi thermostat. With the Wi-Fi thermostat, you can conveniently control your RV’s air conditioning and heating right from your smartphone, making it easy to keep your space comfortable wherever you are.

If you’re interested in any of these accessories, or need help with installation, the Airxcel Dealer & Service Center Locator is a great resource. You can easily find retail outlets that offer RV air conditioners and accessories, as well as service centers that can install and maintain them, ensuring your RV is always ready for adventure.

RV Air Conditioner Maintenance Essentials

Routine maintenance helps your RV air conditioner run smoothly and efficiently. Start by replacing your A/C air filters regularly—about every 90 days of use. They’re easy to access through the ceiling assembly inside your coach. If you’re unsure how, check out our helpful YouTube tutorials.

For Coleman-Mach A/C units, the motors are sealed, so you don’t need to worry about adding lubrication. However, you should clean the condenser coil on the outside (usually on the rooftop) of your A/C at least once a year. Good airflow is essential to A/C performance, and blocked coils can reduce cooling power. Carefully remove any debris using air or rinse the coil with water (never use a pressure washer) and straighten out any bent fins to maintain good airflow. Always be sure to disconnect all power to the RV and air conditioner before cleaning.

For additional tips on maintenance and A/C care, watch Coleman-Mach’s Basic A/C 101 Seminar available on the Ultimate RV Video Library. If you’re not comfortable or able to do A/C maintenance yourself, consider getting help from an RV service professional because routine maintenance is absolutely essential for all A/C system.

Whether you’re a full-time traveler or enjoy the occasional weekend getaway, understanding your RV’s air conditioning system is key to making every journey more comfortable. By keeping up with basic maintenance, exploring helpful accessories, and knowing how your A/C works, you can beat the heat and make the most of your warm-weather adventures. After all, RVing is about creating lasting memories—and we don’t want those memories to be of sleepless nights in a hot, stuffy RV! So stay cool, travel smart, and enjoy the comfort of home, wherever the road may lead.