AC Return Air Drip.

[Les Tompkins]

2018 Jayco322RLOK

The last 2 times it has rained, we have developed a drip out of both AC return vents on the celling. It is not condensation, or the AC drain. It only does it while raining. I'm guessing it is the gasket around the rear AC unit. The roof is in excellent shape. This is a ducted AC, so I'll have to take the celling out to get to it.. Just checking to see if anybody else has had this issue before I go to removing the celling..... Thanks!

[Screwby]

There should be 4 bolts that you can see when you remove the inside cover of the AC unit. These are the bolts that tighten the AC until to the roof and create the seal between the foam AC unit seal and the roof. They have a tendency to become loose over time, I’ve tightened mine back twice now. Worth checking them and seeing if they are the problem and go from there.

Wait....you said ducted....well crap

[Les Tompkins]

Yes, that is what I figured it to be.. There is no inside ac cover so I believe I have to remove the celling to get to those bolts..

Thanks!!

[RoadrunnerII]

You can access it top side. Takes some digging and be careful of the edges. Wear gloves. You have to pull the cowl off then remove some metal sheets. I asked an rv repair tech. It can be done. The mounts are topside down. So either they missed tightening down or missed the wooden truss on install.

RoadrunnerII

[Les Tompkins]

So... Found the issue.... The hold down bolt on the outside of the unit... Found a big gap under one foot. Removed sealant off to of screw to try to tighten.. As you can see, it's been broken for some time...… Now I'm going to have to remove the entire unit, try to find a way to get the piece that is still in the wood/nut below. I have 2 words.... Stainless Steel...…….

Hard to understand.. Unit stays in covered storage 8+ months a year, is 2yrs old.
Oh well.. Guess I should have bought the extended warranty.

[RoadrunnerII]

It was likely over torqued when installed.
If you work your way down from topside into the inside ductwork where condenser is you may be able to get at the broken off nut and stem. Be careful of the tubing and fins. Its going be a challenge to get to. I agree stainless but ensure to use some barrier between the metal tab top side. Silicone or rubber caulking It looks like aluminum. Add salt and water you get galvanic action... Equals Corrosion.

RoadrunnerII