Can I Paint or Coat the Copper Piping on My Furrion Air Conditioner to Prevent Salt Water Corrosion?
Updated 04/17/2026 | Published 04/11/2026
Question:
I live 3 blocks from the Pacific ocean and salt in the air caused the piping in my old unit to corrode and leak. Can the copper piping be painted or coated to prevent corrosion?
asked by: Andrew M
Expert Reply:
Hello Andrew,
Living that close to the ocean creates a very harsh environment for any exposed metal, and copper refrigerant lines are especially vulnerable. Salt carried in the air settles on the surface of the tubing and, combined with moisture, can lead to accelerated corrosion over time. This is often what causes the small pinhole leaks that show up in older systems, even though copper is normally considered corrosion resistant.
For your Furrion Chill HE RV Air Conditioner System - Manual - 13,500 Btu - White - R32 # FR95TD, the copper refrigerant lines can be coated to help slow down or prevent this type of damage. Applying a protective coating creates a barrier between the copper and the salt air, which is exactly what you need in a coastal environment. This is a common practice in HVAC installations near the ocean and can significantly extend the life of the system.
That said, the type of coating and the preparation are very important. Standard spray paint is not the best option because it may not adhere properly or could trap moisture against the copper. Instead, a coating designed for HVAC or marine environments is recommended. These are typically clear or thin-film coatings that bond well to metal and resist salt and moisture. Before applying anything, the copper should be clean and free of oxidation, dirt, or oil so the coating can properly adhere.
It is also a good idea to protect the lines physically in addition to coating them. Using insulated line covers or a sealed line set wrap helps keep salt air from directly contacting the copper in the first place. Pay special attention to joints and fittings, since those areas tend to corrode first.
I grew up in California, I miss the smell of the salt water in the air.
Any big upcoming trips you are looking most forward to? Where are you headed this time?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Furrion Chill HE RV Air Conditioner System w/ ADB with Knobs - 13,500 Btu - Ducted/Non-Ducted - R32
- RV Air Conditioners
- Complete AC System
- Cool Only
- 13500 Btu
- Standard Height
- Single Zone
- Rooftop
- Ducted
- Non-Ducted
- White
- Furrion
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: advent heat strip
- Search Results: heat strip
- Video: Review of Advent Air Air Distribution Box Built In Thermostat RV AC - ADV57QR
- Video: Review of Advent Air RV Air Conditioners - White 13500 Btu RV AC System - ADV87QR
- Video: Review of Advent Air RV Air Conditioners - White 15500 Btu RV AC System - ADV99QR
- Q&A: Can the Mach-C Everest Variable Speed RV Air Conditioner System CM35MR Be Used Top-Down?
- Q&A: Replacement For Dometic AC 59516.331
- Q&A: Is It Easy To Replace Old RV AC Unit With Complete Kit From Coleman Mach?
- Q&A: Heat Strip For The Coleman-Mach Signature Mach 3 RV Air Conditioner CM48RR
- Q&A: Does the Air Blow Forward or Rearward on GE Appliances Low Profile RV AC Unit
- Video: Review of GE Appliances RV Air Conditioners - 13500 Btu Black HE LP Ductless Heat Pump - GE66RR
- Q&A: Does Coleman Mach AC Unit Come With Gasket And Heating Element And Thermostat?
- Q&A: Air Conditioner and Heater for Cargo Trailer
- Video: Review of Coleman-Mach RV Air Conditioners - Signature Mach 3 Ducted Sys Polished White - CM83RR
- Video: Review of Coleman-Mach RV Air Conditioners - Roughneck Mach 3 Ductless Sys Polished White - CM68RR
- Video: Review of Coleman-Mach RV Air Conditioners - Signature Mach 3 RV AC System Textured White - CM38RR
- Shop: Mach-C Everest Variable Speed RV Air Conditioner System - 18K Btu - Ducted/Non-Ducted - R32 - White
- Shop: Mach-C Everest Variable Speed RV Air Conditioner - 18K Btu - Ducted/Non-Ducted - R32 - AC Unit Only
- Shop: Advent Air RV Air Conditioner System - 15,500 Btu - Single Zone - Ducted - White - R32
- Shop: Advent Air RV Air Conditioner System - 13,500 Btu - Single Zone - Ducted - White - R32
- Shop: Coleman-Mach Signature Mach 3 RV Air Conditioner System - 13,500 Btu - Non-Ducted - R32
- Shop: Electric Heater Kit for Coleman-Mach Medium and Low-Profile RV Air Conditioners - 120V
- Shop: Air Distribution Box w/ Built-In Thermostat for Advent Air RV Air Conditioners - Non-Ducted - R32
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
on RV Air Conditioners
Df
4/17/2026
Andrew, it's going to be hard to get an answer better than Kate's. I'm not even gonna try. Couldn't have said it better myself.