By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
I have been having a lot of discussions about what to do with the RV’s roof air conditioner for the winter. Is it better to put a cover on it? Or is it OK to let the snow get on it? —John, 2018 Coachmen Leprechaun 240FS Class C
Dear John,
I personally think it is a good idea to cover the roof air conditioner with a customized cover or shrink wrap material.
The roof air conditioners are fairly durable, and the covers typically protect them from the elements. However, there are a few things that could happen depending on the severity of your winter conditions.
The covers are made of a molded plastic, which can get very brittle. If there is a strong wind with the cold, the plastic could snap or break at the screws or fasteners. They have slots either on the sides or back to draw in outside air to cool the refrigerant, that can run 200 degrees or more. However, it is a closed system, and nothing should get inside the rig. Here is a unit with the cover off.
Notice this unit has the foam insulation around the evaporator coil exposed. Some units have a metal cover that protects it. Also, the fan and motor are exposed. A driving rain, wind, and snow can plaster the area and create some corrosion if the slots are located on the side.
Another issue is rodents and squirrels. We had a local owner that covered the entire unit for the winter. The next spring he fired up the air conditioner and had “snow” flowing through the roof vents.
At first glance, it looks like this thing is buttoned up really well with a customized cover, vents, and wheel covers. However, a squirrel found a way in and up to the top and made a winter home inside the insulation of the roof air conditioner. It chewed it to pieces, creating a nice warm bed and beaded snow in the spring.
I believe it would be best to cover the roof air conditioner with this type of customized cover first, and then an ADCO cover for the rig. You can find the cover for your specific air conditioner on Amazon here.
This cover will snug underneath the edges to the foam gasket that seals the unit to the roof. It prevents moisture, snow, and rodents from getting inside and doing any damage.
Another option that I have seen is using a heavy-duty shrink wrap material, such as the type used for boat storage, and covering the entire roof air conditioner.
You might also enjoy this from Dave
What can I use to cover my RV roof air conditioner during storage?
Dear Dave,
Regarding covering an RV rooftop air conditioner, I have looked but can’t find A/C covers at local RV shops or online. Any suggestions on options for protecting the A/C when stored? —Steve, 2023 Imagine 2500RL
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”
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RVDT2760
I use one on mine any time it’s stored. In the warmer weather it keeps wasps and hornets from building nests inside the air conditioner.
Adco used to make a cover for the Coleman Mach III. They no longer offer the correct size since Covercraft took over.
They list one for this unit, but it is 43 inches long. The Coleman is only 38 inches. Not a good fit.
Their 3017 is close but 2 inches short.