Summer in the Smoky Mountains means full campgrounds, hot days, and RV AC units running non-stop. Here's how to keep yours working all season long.
Don't Let a Dead AC Ruin Your Smoky Mountain Trip
When it's 90 degrees on the Pigeon Forge strip and your rooftop AC quits, your whole trip is at risk. A few simple habits keep your unit running all summer.
1. Clean Your Air Filters Every Trip
Most RV owners don't know their AC has air filters — and they clog fast. A dirty filter forces the unit to work harder, cuts cooling efficiency, and can cause the AC to freeze up or overheat.
2. Keep Your Roof Vents Clear
Leaves, dirt, and pine needles clog the condenser coils on the roof. A quick roof walkthrough before you park for a few days prevents a lot of headaches.
3. Use Your Awning and Park in Shade
Parking in direct sun on a 90° day pushes interior temps above 100°F. Shade from trees, buildings, or your awning cuts the cooling load significantly.
4. Don't Ignore Weird Noises
Rattling, clicking, grinding, or squealing means something is wrong. A failing fan motor or worn bearing is cheap to catch early — expensive to ignore.
5. Schedule a Pre-Season Inspection
Before peak season, have a certified tech check capacitors, contactors, coils, fan motors, and refrigerant. Catching an $80 capacitor failure before it becomes a $600 compressor failure is always the right call.
If your RV AC is acting up anywhere in East Tennessee, CampTech can come to you and get it sorted out fast.