ModsPioneers DualCool 12 / 24V AC Unit Installation Guide

This guide provides a step-by-step process for installing your new ModsPioneers DualCool 12V RV air conditioner. Please read all instructions carefully before you begin.

SAFETY FIRST: IMPORTANT PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKS

• Lifting the Unit: The AC unit weighs approximately 70 lbs (32 kg). You will need at least one other person to safely lift the unit onto your RV rooftop. Do not attempt to lift it alone to prevent injury or damage.
• Eye Protection: Always wear protective glasses when cutting or drilling to protect your eyes from debris.
• Disconnect All Power: For your safety, turn off and disconnect all power sources to your RV. This includes the battery, generator, and any shore power connection.

Part 1: Preparing for Installation

1. Tools & Materials You Will Need:

• Drill with 6.5mm-6.6mm and 9mm-10mm drill bits
• Measuring tape
• Marker or pencil
• Jigsaw or keyhole saw (for cutting the opening)
• Protective glasses
• Appropriate sealant (RV-grade, weatherproof)
• Corrugated cardboard (for creating a template)
• A second person to assist with lifting

2. Choose the Ideal Location:

• Level Surface: Park your RV on a flat, level surface before you begin. The AC unit must be installed on a flat, horizontal section of the roof with a slope of less than 5 degrees.
• Existing Vent: If you have a standard 14¼" x 14¼" roof opening (e.g., from an old vent), you can use this location.
• New Location: If creating a new opening, choose a spot on the roof that is free from obstructions.
• External Obstructions: Check the outside of the roof. The unit requires unobstructed airflow on two sides and the rear. Ensure there are no vents, skylights, or other features that would block the vents on the AC unit.
• Internal Obstructions: Check the inside of the RV. The interior decorative plate must have a clear path to be mounted. Use a measuring tape to confirm the interior space is clear of cabinets, lights, or other fixtures. Refer to the unit's specifications for the exact dimensions of the interior decorative plate.
• Structural Beams: The opening must be located between the roof's reinforcing cross beams. Use a stud finder or refer to your RV's structural diagrams to locate these beams.

Part 2: Creating the Template & Opening

1. Create a Template:

(This step ensures precise hole placement before you cut into your roof.)

• Find a piece of corrugated cardboard larger than the interior decorative plate.
• Place the interior decorative plate on the center of the cardboard and trace the main opening. Also, mark the four bolt holes.
• Carefully cut out the traced opening and the four bolt holes from the cardboard.
• Place the template against the bottom of the exterior AC unit.
• Insert the four M6 bolts (used for the decorative plate) through the template and into the AC unit to secure the template.
• Use the four M8 studs to poke the four mounting holes for the mounting bracket into the template.
• Mark the front of the AC unit on the cardboard template to indicate the direction of the unit.

2. Cut the Roof Opening:

• If you are using an existing 14¼" x 14¼" roof vent opening: You only need to drill the eight mounting holes.
• If you are creating a new opening:
  • Take your template and place it on the roof where you have chosen the location.
  • Use a marker to trace the large opening and all eight mounting holes.
  • Using a jigsaw or keyhole saw, carefully cut along the marked outline of the main opening.
  • Drill the eight mounting holes:
    • Four holes (6.5mm - 6.6mm) for the decorative plate.
    • Four holes (9mm - 10mm) for the mounting bracket.

Part 3: Installing the AC Unit

1. Prepare the Gasket:

• Insert the provided rubber spacers into the holes of the gasket. These spacers prevent over-compression when the unit is tightened.
• Clean the roof surface thoroughly where the gasket will be placed.
• You have two options for gasket application:
  • Option A: Apply the gasket directly to the bottom of the exterior AC unit. Ensure the four small condensation drain holes on the unit are not blocked by the gasket.
  • Option B: Cut the gasket and stick it around the perimeter of the mounting holes on the roof.

2. Apply Sealant:

• If you used Option A (gasket on the AC unit): Apply a thin, continuous bead of RV-grade sealant to the bottom of the gasket, all the way around. After the AC unit is mounted, apply another bead of sealant around the outside edges of the gasket where it meets the RV roof. This creates a double-layer waterproof seal.
• If you used Option B (gasket on the roof): Apply a thin, continuous bead of RV-grade sealant around the inside and outside edges of the gasket. This ensures a complete watertight seal before you place the unit on top.

3. Lift and Place the Unit:

• With the help of another person, carefully lift the AC unit and position it over the opening on the roof.
• Lower the unit gently, guiding it so the mounting studs and main opening align perfectly with the holes you cut.

4. Secure the Unit from Inside:

• From inside the RV, place the metal mounting bracket over the studs that have come through the ceiling.
• Secure the unit by tightening the nuts onto the studs. Tighten them evenly and firmly, but do not overtighten.

5. Connect Power and Secure the Interior Plate:

• Run the power cable from the AC unit to your battery bank. Ensure the connections are secure and polarity is correct (+ to + and - to -).
• Attach the interior decorative plate to the unit using the four M6 bolts.

6. Final Check:

• Reconnect the power to your RV and test the AC unit to ensure it is functioning correctly.
• Double-check that all connections are secure and there are no gaps in the sealant.

Congratulations! Your new ModsPioneers DualCool AC unit is now installed.