Styrofoam Blowing From AC Vents

[Thomas Aaron]

Hey, guys.

Another newby question.

2014 Fun-Finder (266-KIRB). I am first owner.

We are not on our fourth camping trip, and whenever we turn on the AC, a small amount of styrofoam particles (like the little beads that a styrofoam panel is made of) blow out through the vents. They also somehow make their way into the light fixtures on the ceiling.

There are no leaks or roof damage, or anything of that nature.

I was thinking it was just some left over mess from manufacturing. However, it doesn't seem to be running its course if it is.

Is this normal?

[profdant139]

I am sure you are right about the source of the mess -- the walls and ceiling have thick styrofoam insulation. We did not experience this same situation with our new trailer, but I would bet that it is not uncommon. When they install the air conditioner, they have to trim back the foam around the hole -- the styrofoam comes in big thick solid sheets and is not pre-cast to form a hole for the A/C. So there is a good chance that there is leftover junk from the installation.

Hopefully, this will go away, sooner rather than later. I would advise running the A/C for a while at home to blow out the junk until it is all gone.

[gmw photographics]

You might want to take the interior trim panel down and see what all you can vac out of there with your shop vac.

[Eagle]

I've never had the A/C blow out any styrofoam particles but have found them from time to time in the light fixtures.

No big deal as they need to be removed and cleaned on the inside occassionally anyway.

:-0

[runner421]

Yep - agree with the other posters - most of the air from the main A/C unit is channeled through a styrofoam "duct" which also serves as the ceilings' insulation. So it's kind of normal for bits to float/blow through. Probably a result of the manufacturing process of drilling holes for wiring, screw/fasteners and other processes that nibble at the styrofoam and leave the "snow" in the system only to be blown out by the A/C system.

[michellep]

A little over 2 years in, and I still have a bit of that dang styrofoam every time I turn on the air.

In my first little Fun Finder, it was wood dust all over the kitchen up until the day the new owner drove 'er away.