Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Your Mabru RVSC12DC Rooftop Air Conditioning Unit
Your Mabru rooftop air conditioning unit is designed for reliability in harsh conditions and requires minimal maintenance. Like any piece of equipment, a little care goes a long way. With regular attention, you’ll get peak performance, longer service life, and fewer surprises during the season.
Keeping Your Unit
in Top Shape
Start by checking the rooftop fan. Ensure that nothing is stuck in it, such as leaves or small branches. Clear away debris or any other obstructions that could block the fan. Cover the air conditioner when it is not in use for extended periods. This helps protect the unit from the sun and prevents debris from entering the fan.
Electrical connections should be inspected periodically. Look for loose, corroded, or frayed wires. Catching issues early prevents performance problems and protects your investment.
Check the mounting hardware periodically. Vibration from road travel can loosen fasteners. Tightening them prevents leaks or rattling. Listen for odd noises, such as rattling or buzzing, which usually indicate that something needs tightening. Don’t exceed more than 15Nm torque on the mounting bolts.
Blow out the condensate drains with an air compressor or shop vacuum. A ¼ inch dowel rod can be gently inserted 10.5 inches into the left and right drains to dislodge debris.
When parking on a hill. Park the van with the front-end downhill. If the back end of the van is lower, water from the evaporator condensate pan could leak inside the van.
Set the temperature on the control panel to a reasonable level for your environment. The air conditioner should cycle on and off a few times per hour. An example: avoid setting the air conditioner to cool to 60°F when the outside temperature is 100°F.Try a reasonable setting of 75-80°F. Then lower the temperature once the van has cooled down.
When the air conditioning fan speed is set to level 3 or higher, it will automatically reduce to level 1 for 25 seconds every 10 minutes and then return to the original speed setting. This design is intended to improve drainage from the drain pan and enhance cooling performance.
Quick Maintenance Checklist
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Clear the rooftop fan
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Inspect electrical connections
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Check or clean the left and right condensate drains
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Tighten mounting hardware
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Cover the unit in the off-season
Installation Tips
for Best Performance
If you are installing a Mabru RVSC12DC rooftop air conditioner, follow these best practices to avoid issues down the road:
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Use the proper wire gauge to connect to your 12VDC.
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DC Battery power should be between 11.5V and 14.3V DC
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Follow torque specifications when fastening to prevent leaks. Do NOT exceed more than 15Nm torque on the mounting bolts.
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Note: the RVSC12DC serial number is located under the top cover on the roof. On newer units, it may also be located inside the remote control battery cover.
By combining regular maintenance with proper installation, your Mabru rooftop air conditioner will provide efficient, reliable comfort wherever you travel.
Understanding and Preventing
Your Motorhome Air Conditioner from Freezing
A frozen air conditioner in your motorhome can disrupt cooling capacity and potentially damage the unit and your vehicle. When your air conditioner freezes, the melting ice can lead to condensation
draining into your vehicle, damaging the control board and necessitating expensive repairs. Understanding why this happens and how to prevent it is essential for maintaining a functional and
efficient cooling system. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the causes of a freezing air conditioner and the steps you can take to avoid it.
Why Does Your Air Conditioner Freeze?
Several factors can cause a motorhome air conditioner to freeze:
RESTRICTED AIRFLOW
Dirty Filters: Accumulated dirt and debris on the filters can block airflow, causing the evaporator
coil to get too cold and freeze.
Obstructed Vents: Blocked or closed vents restrict airflow, leading to similar freezing issues.
PRO TIP: Do not point the air vents back towards the return vent as this will create a cooling loop
and increase the chance of freezing the AC unit. For maximum airflow, consider removing the air
filter temporarily.
THERMOSTAT ISSUES
Improper Settings: Setting the thermostat too low can cause the air conditioner to overwork and
freeze.
PRO TIP: Set the temperature on the control panel to a reasonable level for the current climate.
Ensure the air conditioner cycles on and off at least three times per hour. For instance, avoid setting
the air conditioner to 60°F when it is 100°F outside; try 75-80°F instead.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
Cool Temperatures: Running the air conditioner when the outside temperature is too low can cause the system to freeze, as the refrigerant cycle is disrupted.
USE ECO MODE
Eco Mode Usage: Eco mode should be used 90% of the time. High cool mode is intended for
extreme conditions or to cool your vehicle down for the first twenty minutes of operation.
PRO TIP: Using High Cool mode for extended periods increases the chance of freezing your air
conditioner. Stick to Eco mode for most situations to maintain efficiency and prevent freezing.
CONCLUSION
Preventing your motorhome's air conditioner from freezing is crucial for efficient cooling and
avoiding costly repairs. By maintaining proper airflow, setting the thermostat correctly, being
mindful of ambient temperatures, and using Eco mode appropriately, you can keep your air
conditioner running smoothly. Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way in ensuring comfort
and longevity for your motorhome travels.