AC condensation runoff

Topic: AC condensation runoff (Read 1191 times) previous topic - next topic

AC condensation runoff

July 22, 2019, 10:32:51 am

I read comments and some information from several years ago about condensation runoff from AC units.

My runoff is going to the Zipdee awnings and like another gentleman I have had to recently change had to change springs believe it was due to the water runoff from the AC.

Please give me ideas that may be a good solution to this problem.

2003 U320 38' tag

BTW my coach will be for sale soon...reverting back to sedentary lifestyle.

Susan

Thank you

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #1 – July 22, 2019, 10:36:53 am

Assume your condensate has always drained onto the roof (vs internal drain that may be plugged up and needs to be cleaned):

Build a "dam" from a white polysulfide to direct water away from that area.

Slightly modify coach level to that area is no longer the lowest point.

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #2 – July 22, 2019, 10:41:07 am

To the best of my knowledge has always drained on roof...have no knowledge of internal drain.

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #3 – July 22, 2019, 11:02:05 am

My 270 drains onto the roof BUT there is a small trough made of aluminum or stainless that runs the entire length of the coach on both sides that is just above the awnings that diverts the run off to either the front or rear of the coach obviously depending on which end is down hill. You might first look to see if your 320 has that and if so someone go on the roof and check for blockage or seperation off the trough. The water should be running off down the front or rear cap left or right side depending on how the coach is sitting.

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #4 – July 22, 2019, 11:31:02 am

Thank you ...

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #5 – July 22, 2019, 11:40:38 am

Assume your condensate has always drained onto the roof (vs internal drain that may be plugged up and needs to be cleaned):

Never heard of an internal drain for the roof AC.... need further info!

Where does it drain to?

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #6 – July 22, 2019, 11:59:01 am

Some coaches are built with drains that run inside the body and drain (most times I think) around real engine....I have a friend with a Safari Panther and that is how hers works

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #7 – July 22, 2019, 12:27:31 pm

My coach has white tubing on top of roof that runs from ac drain pans to rear, and down through rear cap, and mt's on ground at rear of coach. Pulled some tubing out of ac drain pan one time while installing panels, and condensate just ran all over roof. I did blow out tubing when I was up there.
I put the dog's water bowl under it and it stay full.

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #8 – July 22, 2019, 12:56:35 pm

I have seen this water from the air conditioner destroy the front step on some of these coaches. Like Brett said, we just adjust the level of the coach away from front door, awning, etc.

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #9 – July 22, 2019, 01:53:41 pm

They make kits to add a water collection tray under the A/C unit, with tubing to route the water wherever you want it. Don't know what they cost or if available for all model A/C units. Google the subject if interested.

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #10 – July 22, 2019, 01:57:56 pm

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – July 22, 2019, 01:53:41 pm

They make kits to add a water collection tray under the A/C unit, with tubing to route the water wherever you want it. Don't know what they cost or if available for all model A/C units. Google the subject if interested.

Just be aware that you need to pull the A/C units to install an aftermarket Dometic drain kit, plus the barbed connections on the collection trays degrade with UV (the aftermarket kit requires the barbs to be oriented outwards, unprotected from the sun, so the tubing can run on the roof). You'll want to paint the fittings before installing in order to protect them or you'll be replacing them in a year or so. It also requires new, thicker gaskets for the A/C units and you will have to replace the gaskets again if/when you have to replace the trays.

Newer FTs have been built with the drain kits as OEM. In (most of) those cases, the trays will be oriented so the barbs are under the roof units, protected from UV and with the tubing run interior to the roof, and they don't have as much of an issue.

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #11 – July 22, 2019, 02:05:46 pm

Quote from: Michelle – July 22, 2019, 01:57:56 pm

Just be aware that you need to pull the A/C units to install an aftermarket Dometic drain kit, plus the barbed connections on the collection trays degrade with UV (the aftermarket kit requires the barbs to be oriented outwards, unprotected from the sun, so the tubing can run on the roof). You'll want to paint the fittings before installing in order to protect them or you'll be replacing them in a year or so. It also requires new, thicker gaskets for the A/C units and you will have to replace the gaskets again if/when you have to replace the trays.

Newer FTs have been built with the drain kits as OEM. In (most of) those cases, the trays will be oriented so the barbs are under the roof units, protected from UV and with the tubing run interior to the roof, and they don't have as much of an issue.

Thanks Michelle for the info, I will add this to the to do list, I hate the streaks on the sides where the gutters overflow.

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #12 – July 22, 2019, 04:00:13 pm

Quote from: craneman – July 22, 2019, 02:05:46 pm

Thanks Michelle for the info, I will add this to the to do list, I hate the streaks on the sides where the gutters overflow.

It's so freaking stupid! Our Airstreams had a 'bowl' with tubing down to daylight underneath; worked perfect; once a year I'd throw some compressed air up through the drain at the bottom.

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #13 – July 22, 2019, 04:10:02 pm

Quote from: craneman – July 22, 2019, 02:05:46 pm

I will add this to the to do list, I hate the streaks on the sides where the gutters overflow.

It goes without saying that you can't just have the water exit the coach anywhere when you install one of these aftermarket kits. Their tubing is held down to your roof with little clamps (remember to paint these as well) and since water needs to run downhill, you start at the A/C units and the tubing must be routed so it goes down through the rear endcap at the outer edges of the roof.

That said, a painted roof plus the drains does significantly cut down on the streaking that occurs on the sides. You'll still get some from the drip rails if you drive in the rain, though.

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #14 – July 24, 2019, 01:06:41 am

Old school motel hvac units evaporated the mostly pure condensate onto condenser coil to improve unit efficiency. Modern refrigerators have a pan that uses the compressor hot gas discharge to evaporate. No

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #15 – July 24, 2019, 01:17:11 am

Quote from: Old phart phred – July 24, 2019, 01:06:41 am

Old school motel hvac units evaporated the mostly pure condensate onto condenser coil to improve unit efficiency. Modern refrigerators have a pan that uses the compressor hot gas discharge to evaporate. No

My fairly new window unit drains condensate into condenser side and condenser fan picks it up and puts it on condenser coil to help remove heat. Probably a good idea, but sounds like a gurgling toilet.

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #16 – July 24, 2019, 08:46:45 am

You could install a Turbokool evaporative cooler in your bathroom roof vent opening, then pipe the condensate water from the roof A/C units over to the swamp cooler to wet the pads, where it would be absorbed back into the (cooled) outside air that gets blown back into your coach.

Result: A totally closed self sustaining system. NO CONDENSATE WATER RUNS OFF THE ROOF!

Turbokool 12 Volt Evaporative Air Cooler, 2B-0001, RV Roof Air Conditioner,...

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #17 – July 24, 2019, 09:14:13 am

Why does a simple swamp cooler cost more than a good atwood roof AC??!!

After leveling i always drop the drivers side a bit to force condensate away from the entry door. Otherwise it always seems to drip right on the entry door

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #18 – July 24, 2019, 09:37:18 am

Quote from: RvTrvlr – July 24, 2019, 09:14:13 am

Why does a simple swamp cooler cost more than a good atwood roof AC??!!

Cuz they only sell 10 units a year and they have to make payroll?

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #19 – July 24, 2019, 09:52:28 am

Quote from: wolfe10 – July 22, 2019, 10:36:53 am

Assume your condensate has always drained onto the roof (vs internal drain that may be plugged up and needs to be cleaned):

Build a "dam" from a white polysulfide to direct water away from that area.

Slightly modify coach level to that area is no longer the lowest point.

Brett; do you know what years that FOT started to incorporate the internal run off lines? I will be heading up to the roof and pulling the covers and seeing what can be done if I don't have that internal drain. Like others have stated, the water coming off the sides of the coach, does present a problem.

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #20 – July 24, 2019, 10:44:05 am

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #21 – July 24, 2019, 11:27:40 am

I moved my drains up the drop rail . Drip

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #22 – July 24, 2019, 01:06:33 pm

Quote from: juicesqueezer – July 24, 2019, 09:52:28 am

Brett; do you know what years that FOT started to incorporate the internal run off lines?

Not Brett, but as OEM it wasn't until maybe 2006 or later, IIRC. Certainly 2003/4 didn't offer it as a factory option.

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #23 – July 24, 2019, 01:46:20 pm

Our Carriers (that Brett installed) , will drip ( in high humidity) if I don't go to 'high' right away. After a hour or so, I can go to low and adjust the thermostat. Works fine for us!

Re: AC condensation runoff

Reply #24 – July 24, 2019, 03:39:15 pm

Quote from: Michelle – July 24, 2019, 01:06:33 pm

Not Brett, but as OEM it wasn't until maybe 2006 or later, IIRC. Certainly 2003/4 didn't offer it as a factory option.

Thanks! Question, what does IIRC mean?

Affiliate Notice