Forest River Riverstone – AC Capacitor & Fan Motor Service

by

Complete repair guide for the Forest River Riverstone – AC Capacitor & Fan Motor Service. Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue yourself.

Parts & Tools You’ll Need

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Step-by-Step Repair Guide

Step 1: Diagnose AC Issues and Safety

Start by running your air conditioner and listening for unusual grinding noises or observing weak cooling performance, which typically indicate capacitor or fan motor failure. Before beginning any work, disconnect your RV’s electrical system at the main breaker and allow the rooftop unit to cool completely, as capacitors can retain dangerous electrical charges even when power is off.

Step 2: Remove Rooftop AC Shroud Carefully

Climb onto your RV roof and locate the bolts securing the outer AC shroud or cover, then carefully remove them while supporting the unit to prevent damage. Gently lift away the shroud and set it aside in a safe location, exposing the internal fan motor, capacitor, and condenser coil assembly.

Step 3: Replace Dual Run Capacitor Unit

Photograph the wire connections on your old capacitor before disconnection, then carefully disconnect each wire terminal using a screwdriver or wire removal tool. Install your new dual run capacitor by matching the wire positions to your photograph, ensuring terminals are firmly seated and the capacitor is securely mounted in its bracket.

Step 4: Service Fan Motor and Connections

Inspect the fan motor shaft for corrosion or debris, and apply a small amount of electric motor oil to any accessible lubrication ports if present. Remove any visible dust or buildup from the motor housing using a soft brush, then check all electrical connections for corrosion and reconnect securely if you’ve disturbed them.

Step 5: Clean Condenser Coils and Fins

Apply the AC coil cleaner foam according to product instructions, allowing it to dissolve built-up dust and debris on your condenser coil surfaces. Use your fin comb tool to gently straighten any bent cooling fins, working carefully to avoid puncturing the delicate aluminum fins that are critical for heat transfer.

Step 6: Reinstall Shroud with Fresh Gasket

Remove the old roof gasket from your AC shroud and apply the self-leveling lap sealant to create a new weathertight seal before reinstalling. Carefully lower the shroud back into position and tighten all bolts evenly in a cross pattern to ensure proper sealing and prevent roof leaks.

Step 7: Test Cooling Performance Thoroughly

Reconnect your RV’s electrical system and run the air conditioner on maximum cooling for 15-20 minutes, listening for normal fan operation and checking for any unusual noises. Use your non-contact infrared thermometer to measure the temperature difference between the air entering and leaving the AC unit—a proper differential is typically 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating successful repair.

Recommended Parts

PartLink
RV AC dual run capacitor (Dometic/Coleman-Mach)View on Amazon
Rooftop AC fan motorView on Amazon
RV AC thermostat / control boardView on Amazon
AC evaporator/condenser coil cleaner foamView on Amazon
Rooftop AC shroud / outer coverView on Amazon
AC roof gasket & self-leveling lap sealantView on Amazon
Fin comb / coil straightener toolView on Amazon
Non-contact infrared thermometerView on Amazon