While there are multiple RV air conditioner manufacturers, most AC covers are a universal fit. You can buy them regardless of the air conditioner, rather than the RV you have. For this reason, there are not many different options for the best RV air conditioner covers other than slight differences in quality. Quality will affect the price, but RV air conditioner covers are usually cheap and readily available online or at RV stores. The cost should be anywhere from $15 to $30.
What Are Some Benefits of RV Air Conditioner Covers?
- Protect it against the elements
- Prevent pests and animals from gaining access to it
- Avoid costly repairs, which saves you time and money
- Reduce drafts
Owning an air conditioning unit covers several major benefits. A cover will keep it safe from the elements while not in use. Cold weather can seriously harm an RV AC unit, and keeping it safe will minimize the risk of it malfunctioning.
The unit can suffer damage from more than just weather-related problems. UV rays may also weaken it. It can damage the paint or cause the machine to malfunction if left out in the heat all day without protection. The smallest amount of damage to an AC unit can result in a costly repair.
RV air conditioner covers can protect the device against animals as well. Birds, bears, and bugs may not seem like something that can affect your air conditioner, but they can. Critters will be unable to crawl around, into, or over the RV to cause damage.
Should You Cover Your RV AC In The Winter?
Besides reducing your electric bills, air conditioner covers can protect your investment from harmful weather conditions. While they’re not necessary to use your air conditioning system during the winter, it will protect it from bugs, mold, and rust. AC Covers can also increase the life of your RV air conditioners by preventing them from being exposed to harmful UV rays, wind, and snow.
Another tip to protect your air conditioning system in the wintertime is to buy an insulated covering. You can find such a cover at any store. These RV air conditioner covers will keep the AC unit protected from cold drafts while also keeping the interior of your RV warm. You should also install weather strips around your entry doors and truck cabs. In addition, you can use thick layers of cardboard to act as additional insulation.
Should You Cover Your AC Unit In The Summer?
The air conditioning system cools your RV cabin. Like a refrigerator, your RV-AC unit draws in heat from the outside and processes it to a lower temperature. This process happens in increments, and the temperature inside your RV will change a bit from the air outside.
When planning your summer RV trip, you’ll want to consider the following: a shaded outdoor area. If you park in the shade, the awning and entry will provide some shade and help cool the inside of your RV. During the day, the rain may help, but it can still be hot inside. In addition, personal fans and other interior fans can also help keep cold air inside the RV. And if you have a portable unit, you can set it up in the sun, away from the cooler part of the RV.
Another option is to cover your RV vent fans. These can be insulated when you’re not using them. The skylights can also be insulated. Roof vent fans aren’t as effective at insulating the interior from UV rays. But you can’t cover RV vent fans if you’re in the middle of the summer. And don’t worry: you can always drive to a cooler location or a campground with full hookups. Either way, you can save yourself the trouble of packing and planning.
What Happens If You Run RV AC With Cover On?
The AC will suffer damage from moisture. If your big or small RV air conditioner cover is closed, heat and condensation will not circulate. Besides damaging the air conditioning unit, it may also cause the cover to fly off. It would be best to never drive with your cover to protect it from this problem. The cover will probably blow off while you’re on the road. However, if you’re going on a short trip, the RV air conditioner cover is sufficient to keep the AC running.
The AC unit can only cool the inside of the RV 20 degrees below the outside temperature. Assuming it is 80 degrees outside, the air inside will remain about that temperature. The AC unit can only cool the interior down to 80 degrees. The outside temperature will determine how effectively it works. Therefore, it’s best to remove the RV air conditioner cover before running the AC. But if you must, there are many ways to keep the inside of your RV cool.
Is A Mesh RV Air Conditioner Cover A Good Idea?
A mesh RV air conditioner cover can consist of several materials. One of the most popular is polyester. This fabric is made of multiple layers of yarn and is resistant to tearing. You can find polyester in shirts, tents, and toys. It also helps prevent wind and rain from penetrating RV air conditioners. You can use a vinyl air conditioner cover for a more durable mesh.
One of the concerns about using a mesh RV air conditioner cover is mold. While a non-breathable cover may prevent water from reaching the air conditioner, it can also let moisture accumulate and cause rust to develop. Breathable AC covers with side vents provide proper ventilation and airflow. If moisture does seep in, it will evaporate before mold develops. No size restriction applies to a mesh air conditioner cover.
A mesh air conditioner cover protects the air conditioner from moisture and debris but doesn’t prevent the air conditioner from working. Some RV air conditioners can automatically shut off when the thermostat drops or rises. These units can cause electrical problems and malfunction if they are not properly protected. A mesh RV air conditioner cover allows air to flow around the AC unit and helps keep it cool.
Should I Cover My RV With A Tarp?
RV tarps do not cover the entire vehicle, and they tend to collect dirt and pine needles. They also prevent the proper functioning of the RV vent. In addition, dark-colored tarps increase the amount of heat gained from the tarp and encourage more vapor drive. Super-humid environments can encourage the growth of mold and mildew. Lastly, warm, humid environments can damage your roofing membranes and sealants.
Another reason to cover your RV is to protect it from the elements. Some RV owners don’t have indoor or climate-controlled storage, so their vehicles are vulnerable to extreme weather in the off-season. Many RV owners turn to tarps to protect their vehicles from extreme weather conditions. These tarps offer protection from the elements while protecting truck campers and travel trailers from dents and scratches.
Do I Need To Cover My AC Unit When It Rains?
If you’ve been on a rainy RV trip, you may have wondered: Do I need to cover my RV air conditioner when it rains? You should do so for two reasons. First, you want to protect your air conditioner, because rain can leak through it. While you should check your roof for cracks, make sure that it doesn’t have any. Water will enter through the vent hole if a broken shroud or other cracks.
Second, a damaged AC shroud can let water in through the AC. This leak can ruin your AC system, so you need to replace the rubber gasket or have it installed by a qualified RV workshop. Lastly, it would help if you considered installing a shroud on your AC unit. This protective RV air conditioner cover will keep out water and debris, ensuring that your AC will stay running smoothly and efficiently.
Does It Harm The RV Air Conditioner If You Spray Water On It?
Regularly inspect your AC shroud and clean it as needed. Over time, ice can build up and affect the function of your RV air conditioner. If the water drips on the coils, run the fan on high to prevent it from freezing. Several hours may pass before the ice melts and re-freezes. Then, clean the air conditioner thoroughly. If dripping water occurs, use towels or a bucket to catch it.
A good RV air conditioner cover will come with a waterproof backing that is easy to clean. It prevents water, dirt, and mold from building up on the AC unit. It also looks good on the top of an RV. At first, a cover may fit snugly, but it will lose color and weaken. If you are planning to travel for long periods, you should also spray it with a water-based waterproofing spray now and then.
Before removing the AC shroud, you need to remove the AC unit and unplug the RV from the shore connection. Afterward, you can use plywood on top of the roof to support the weight of the AC shroud and prevent it from damaging the RV. Once you’ve removed the AC shroud, remove the nuts and bolts and place the loose fasteners in a container.
Which Types Of RV Air Conditioner Covers Are Available?
There are a few different air conditioner covers you can find to place over the AC unit. A vinyl air conditioner cover is probably the most common type. There are also models made from polypropylene, polyester, or polyethylene that you may purchase. All of them operate in essentially the same way.
Vinyl
It’s very common to encounter vinyl AC covers. Vinyl is considered a fabric wound up together with tiny pieces of synthetic fiber to create the finished material. Some consider it plastic. Many things are pieced together out of vinyl, including clothing, sporting equipment, vehicles, and tents. You can create just about anything from it, as it’s one of the most versatile fabrics. It will also remain dry since the vinyl air conditioner cover is water-resistant during a downpour.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic developed from polymerized propylene molecules. To describe the fabric in this way would be to say it is dense and thick. It helps prevent water, snow, and dust seeping through the fabric to the air conditioning unit and into the RV itself. Also, polypropylene covers are better suited to cold days. They are still ideal for warmer climates. They function more effectively by preventing colder air from traveling through them. Other products made from this material include shirts, tents, and heavy-duty RV covers.
Polyester
Another synthetic artificial fiber is polyester, one of the most popular fabrics in the world. This material can make thousands of things, including shirts, tents, ropes, car tires, and cushions. There isn’t a corner in the city without seeing something made of polyester.
You can even purchase polyester covers for your RV or car, similar to AC covers. Many layers of yarn or fiber go into these RV air conditioning covers. In addition to protecting the AC unit from UV rays, they are also waterproof.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene is a different kind of fabric from those previously mentioned. It is a thinner plastic material most effective at blocking wind and dust. Providing protection from rain and the elements is also an advantage. Nonetheless, it may not be the strongest of materials due to its thinness.
The most common applications for polyethylene are grocery store bags, bottles, and toys. Although it isn’t a thick material compared to our other choices, it forms thicker strands by weaving them together. That helps make it more resistant to tearing and ripping.
What Should I Look For In An RV Air Conditioner Cover?
Consider the following points if you’re searching for features when buying an RV air conditioner cover. It would be best to look for a cover that fits properly, is waterproof, and has good airflow. These features will help prevent damage to your AC while it isn’t operating.
Waterproof
It will save you a lot of frustration if you find an RV air conditioner cover that is waterproof. RVs spend most of their lives outside, so they are highly susceptible to water and other elements. The water inside the AC is a sure sign that it will malfunction. Avoid leaving the vehicle unprotected in the rain for an extended period since water won’t mix well with electronics.
Locking Mechanism
A lock or latch will prevent the cover from blowing away in a strong wind. A lock will also prevent water from accumulating beneath it. Neither bugs nor animals can crawl underneath. Most air conditioning covers come with a bungee cord or strap to tie them down and hold them in place. If not, you can attach your bungee to it as a safety measure.
Driving the RV with the air conditioner cover on is not advisable. It could take off quickly and land on the road or another car, blocking their view. Banging against the device or the strap coming loose and colliding with the machine could severely damage the device. Before heading off on an adventure, make sure the RV Air Conditioner cover is off.
Airflow
Although you may not think the AC unit needs breathable material, it will make a difference. Water cannot form and remain inside a cover if there is good airflow. In addition, any corrosion or rust that forms on the paint or inside the RV air conditioning unit will not occur. A good breathable material will also reduce mildew forming inside the air conditioner. Once trapped inside the coils or machine, it will grow and spread. When you switch on the RV, the smell will permeate the entire vehicle, making for an unpleasant experience.
What Are Popular RV Air Conditioner Covers On The Market?
After learning the benefits, you may want to buy an RV air conditioner cover. Check out the five best RV AC covers.
Camco Air Conditioner Cover
This brand is well-known and trusted for RV accessories. This vinyl air conditioner cover comes in different colors and sizes. Camco makes AC covers to fit Dometic, Coleman, DuoTherm, and other ACs of similar sizes and dimensions. The weatherproof cover is easy to secure to your roof unit with a drawstring.
ADCO Air Conditioner Cover
This white vinyl cover by ADCO secures your rooftop unit with a drawstring pull cord. Only one size is available, but ADCO has other sizes listed in other listings. RV covers for this specific model can accommodate air conditioners that measure 26 inches wide by 13.5 inches deep and 37 inches long. You can find a variety of AC covers from ADCO that will fit your unit, as the brand is a leader in RV accessories.
Classic Accessories Curved RV AC Cover
Covers for Dometic Brisk Air Conditioner, Polar White, and other major RVs are available at Classic Accessories.
This heavy-duty vinyl air conditioner cover has a three-year warranty. Secures your rooftop AC unit with a drawstring for easy and quick installation. The vinyl is pliable and easily wiped clean to remove debris like bird poop, tree sap, etc.
Classic Accessories Squared RV AC Cover
Made from heavy-duty vinyl, this squared cover from Classic Accessories fits the Coleman Mach air conditioner. Also works on RV air conditioners that are of similar size and dimensions. Available in black, the cover comes with a one-year warranty. You can only use this cover for squared air conditioners, so check your AC shape and dimensions before purchasing.
Dumble Camper AC Cover
One of the most popular AC covers is the Dumble Camper AC cover. Coleman rooftop air conditioning covers are compatible with this camper AC cover. A drawstring fastens a reinforced, weatherproof vinyl cover to the AC unit. This cover helps prevent UV rays from damaging your RV-AC, helps reduce drafts, and keeps pests out.
Conclusion
Owning an RV is a big responsibility. RVers have to maintain the vehicle itself, but you also need to take care of all the equipment and classic accessories that come with it. The RV air conditioner is vulnerable to damage if not properly protected from the elements. An RV air conditioner cover is the perfect way to keep your AC unit working up to date.
