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xmit · 09-22-2020, 06:39 AM

I hope I can get some suggestions. I have a musty almost chemical smell in the rear of my coach. I have completely check the coach for water intrusion including the slide walls and floor. It seems the smell is higher in the air then lower near the floor. I thought that it was coming from the a/c vent but can't be sure. It is only in the rear of the coach but that area has it's own AC. It's not like a typically water musty smell but it does smell like that or actually a bad gym locker room. I'm pretty much at the end of my rope to figure this out. I have done a search on this site and don't really find anything that is like my issue so I hope someone can offer suggestions.

FormerBoater · 09-22-2020, 07:50 AM

I would purchase a pinless moisture meter to determine where the moist area is.

Once you locate the area, seal appropriately.

I am sure there are folks here that can give some advice on dealing with the odor once the source of the moisture is eliminated.

windsorbill · 09-22-2020, 12:10 PM

Take your A/C cover off from the roof and look around. Possibly something will not look normal. Any chance the 'chemical smell' you mention is actually electrical?

What coach do you have? Rear engine?

wolfe10 · 09-22-2020, 12:14 PM

Likely, the roof A/C evaporator is in need of cleaning.

Done from the roof. Should be done annually if used much in humid climates.

You will likely be SHOCKED by what you find (dirt, mold, etc on the evaporator fins).

If the smell is worse right after you start the A/C, you have identified the source.

xmit · 09-23-2020, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by windsorbill

Take your A/C cover off from the roof and look around. Possibly something will not look normal. Any chance the 'chemical smell' you mention is actually electrical?

What coach do you have? Rear engine?

I have a Bounder 38V Diesel. I don't think it's electrical. A few months back I had the A/C's Cleaned and tuned up. But I live in Florida and it has been raining non stop and so humid. Now that I think of it I don't smell that odor when the unit has been parked unused for a while. It's hard to pin point but I do think it might be the A/C vents. It's only on the back A/C though

xmit · 09-23-2020, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfe10

Likely, the roof A/C evaporator is in need of cleaning.

Done from the roof. Should be done annually if used much in humid climates.

You will likely be SHOCKED by what you find (dirt, mold, etc on the evaporator fins).

If the smell is worse right after you start the A/C, you have identified the source.

You have a good point. I don't think that I get that smell when the coach has been parked for a week or so with no use. I did have the A/C's cleaned and maintained a few months ago but I live in Florida and it is non stop rain and heat now. It's hard to track down the smell but I really do think it is coming from the rear A/C.

windsorbill · 09-23-2020, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xmit

I have a Bounder 38V Diesel. I don't think it's electrical. A few months back I had the A/C's Cleaned and tuned up. But I live in Florida and it has been raining non stop and so humid. Now that I think of it I don't smell that odor when the unit has been parked unused for a while. It's hard to pin point but I do think it might be the A/C vents. It's only on the back A/C though

Even if you had the units serviced, I'd take the cover off and see for yourself. I like the phrase "trust, but verify". Maybe they didn't do such a good job cleaning.

Ray,IN · 09-23-2020, 08:55 AM

After you are satisfied there are no water leaks, AND everything is dry, consider using a Mold Bomb to eliminate musty/mold odors.

xmit · 09-23-2020, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by windsorbill

Even if you had the units serviced, I'd take the cover off and see for yourself. I like the phrase "trust, but verify". Maybe they didn't do such a good job cleaning.

You are so right. This A/C tech said ...well I used a lot of chemical to clean it but boy was it hot up there. I'll verify