Your RV’s AC is Tripping on Hot Days? Here’s Why+Tips to Fix It

If you are planning to go camping during the summer in your RV then you definitely want to have an AC unit that you can count on.

But, what if your RV’s AC is only tripping when it is hottest, when you need it most? And, when you reset it, it trips again until much later when the temperatures are much lower.

What makes this type of fault particularly challenging is that the AC works at certain times and not others. For example, it will usually work well during the night and morning and only fail as the day gets hotter.

Frustrated and stuck with this problem?

Read on for suggestions on what you can check and possible fixes to your RV’s AC tripping on hot days.

What Causes the RV’s AC to Trip on Hot days (+ Suggested Fixes)

If your RV’s AC is tripping, here are 5 things you can check and possible fixes

#1. Your AC may need to be serviced. When was the last time the AC was serviced?

Dirty and clogged condenser coils make the AC compressor work harder than usual, drawing more current in the process which trips the breaker.

To safely service the AC, make sure its electric power supply is switched off.

Follow the AC manual instructions on how to access the condenser coils.

Gently remove dust from the coils. You may use compressed air to blow it off or rinse them to remove any stuck grime.

Cover the fan motor to protect it from water.

Note: This is just a general guide, consult your AC’s manual for specific instructions on how to service it.

#2. Confirm that the wire connections at the AC or breaker are firm.

Loose wire connections at the AC or at the breaker can result in a drop in voltage at the AC. The AC then compensates by drawing higher currents in order to receive enough power.

It is this higher current level that causes the RV’s AC to trip the breaker.

Make sure there are no loose connections at the breaker or at the AC. If there are, consult a certified electrician to tighten them so that there are no voltage drops.

#3. Is the AC tripping on restarting after a power outage?

If yes, then it is probably tripping because the compressor is drawing a high current when attempting to start because of the high head pressure it has to overcome.

You can consult a qualified AC technician to install an on-delay timer so that the AC restarts after a few minutes have elapsed when the head pressure is lower.

#4. The circuit breaker supplying the AC may be faulty. Though breakers can last a long time, a breaker trips because it is faulty.

Monitor the current and voltage with a digital multimeter when the AC is running. Compare the readings with the recommended current levels for the AC.

These can usually be found on the AC’s technical specifications plate or the owner’s manual. If the current levels are within the recommended levels and the breaker is appropriately sized then you probably have a faulty breaker that should be replaced.

#5. Is the voltage from the utility to the AC within the expected limits ~115V? If not, you may need to check if this is affecting all outlets or just the AC.

Measure the voltage at the different outlets to check this. Measure the voltage with the rest of the outlets. If the outlets have a low voltage then it’s a problem with the shore power supply.

The low voltage power supply may be caused by a loose or weak connection with the cable connecting to the shore power or it may just be the voltage level from the utility.

If low voltage is limited to the AC, then check the wire connections.

Lastly, if none of the above works or you feel frustrated or lost along the process, you can consult an RV mechanic.

Why RV’s AC may Stop working in Summer

There are two likely scenarios – one, where your AC keeps tripping during the summer only yet works well in other seasons, and the second, when the compressor works but the AC does not blow cold enough air.

If the AC keeps tripping during the summer, your can work through the suggested fixes here to solve the fault.

If on the other hand, the RV’s AC is not cooling enough, you need to:

  • Confirm that the AC settings – temperature, fan speed have been set correctly
  • Check that the AC has been working long enough for the room to cool. It can take the AC several hours to cool a room.
  • Check that the AC has been serviced. If the AC is not serviced, its cooling efficiency will be low. It will not be able to significantly cool a room during the hot summer.

Final Word

If your AC keeps tripping on hot days, it may be because it has not been serviced regularly, the cable connections at the AC and breaker are loose, and the low supply voltage to the AC among other possible causes.

Check and make sure that the AC is properly serviced, the cable connections at the AC and the breaker are firm, and the supply voltage to the AC is within the recommended levels.

These are some of the several checks you can make. All the best!

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