Deteriorating vent caps

[bkahler]

I realize that the Argosy line was the "cheaper" line that Airstream produced but I was definitely surprised this evening when I stood on a step ladder to look at the pipe vent cover(s). Turns out the covers are cheap plastic that are deteriorating rapidly. As you can see by the picture the normal aluminum pipe cover is one heck of a lot nicer than the Argosy version.



At first I thought the Argosy only had one pipe cover and then after taking a closer look I realized there were three. The two that I saved from the 345 are now going to be installed on the Argosy along with one that I will salvage from the 74 Excella trailer.

Unfortunately I only ordered one rubber gasket and screen kit so now I have to order two more

Maybe that will teach me to do a little more research before ordering...nah not likely

Brad

[ViewRVs]

Dang!

I think my 1977 has the same style. I may have to get that replaced before I take it in for painting in 2 weeks! My fridge vent cover is a fiberglass material and is broken in half. I have the aluminum Airstream replacement to get installed as well.

It's hard to tell if those things were are of the "Argosy experiment" or part of the Argosy brand.

[bkahler]

Fred,

Does anyone sell the aluminum pipe vent caps? At this point I consider myself lucky that I had two I could remove from the 345 and the old Excella trailer that we have appears to have three on it. I was surprised to see my Argosy has three caps, one for the bath/shower, one for the sink and I'm assuming one for the black water tank.

I would think a place like Colaws might have some in stock. If you strike out send me a PM if it looks like you might need a couple of the aluminum ones.

It's hard to tell if those things were are of the "Argosy experiment" or part of the Argosy brand.

You could say it is part of the "Argosy experience"

Brad

[wyomingair]

Inland RV has carries the aluminum vent caps for airstreams which should be the same.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by wyomingair

Inland RV has carries the aluminum vent caps for airstreams which should be the same.

That's good to know. Thanks for the tip.

Brad

[ViewRVs]

Originally Posted by wyomingair

Inland RV has carries the aluminum vent caps for airstreams which should be the same.

You beat me to it! I was just looking up the page!

Inland RV - Vents and Vent Covers

I think he sells the vent cover separate from the gasket and screen!

[wyomingair]

Yes the screen gasket kits comes separate.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by 1985air345

You beat me to it! I was just looking up the page!

Inland RV - Vents and Vent Covers

I think he sells the vent cover separate from the gasket and screen!

I'm just surprised (and happy) the aluminum pipe cover is still available. At least you should be able to meet your paint schedule now

Brad

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by 1985air345

My fridge vent cover is a fiberglass material and is broken in half. I have the aluminum Airstream replacement to get installed as well.

I didn't realize the fridge vent cover was fiberglass. I'll have to take a look tonight and see what shape it is in. I saved the aluminum vent cover from the 345 so at least I have something to replace it with.

I wonder how many more little surprises are waiting to be found

Brad

[overlander63]

FYI, any Airstream dealer will have those plumbing vent covers and gaskets. The gaskets are still used on the newer trailers that have the cheesy round plastic covers as well.

[ViewRVs]

Here are pictures of my fridge vent cover (original and the replacement aluminum one from Inland RV) and my vent cap.

My vent cap is not aluminum, it is made of the same plastic or fiberglass material that the fridge vent is made of. Mine just has not deteriorated like yours.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by overlander63

FYI, any Airstream dealer will have those plumbing vent covers and gaskets. The gaskets are still used on the newer trailers that have the cheesy round plastic covers as well.

The originals are oval shaped, did they not change the shape for the new round ones?

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by 1985air345

Here are pictures of my fridge vent cover (original and the replacement aluminum one from Inland RV) and my vent cap.

My vent cap is not aluminum, it is made of the same plastic or fiberglass material that the fridge vent is made of. Mine just has not deteriorated like yours.

That fiberglass fridge cap looks taller and shorter (side to side) than the aluminum one. Have you taken any measurements to see if the aluminum cover will fit?

Maybe I better pull the shell that attaches to the roof under the vent cap just in case I need it.

Brad

[ViewRVs]

Originally Posted by bkahler

That fiberglass fridge cap looks taller and shorter (side to side) than the aluminum one. Have you taken any measurements to see if the aluminum cover will fit?

Maybe I better pull the shell that attaches to the roof under the vent cap just in case I need it.

Brad

According to Inland RV:

Refrigerator Vent Cover, stamped aluminum. 28"L x 8.5"W x 4"H The original vent was made in a small and large size (P/N 84000) if you are replacing a smaller cover we suggest installing rivets and sealer in the old holes and spanning the opening equally with the new vent.

Yes, it is longer so I will need to seal the old rivet holes with new rivets. My understanding is that the larger size is the only one currently available. It is roughly the same width and height. The aluminum one will cover the fridge vent and allow space to .... vent!

[wyomingair]

I replaced my fiberglass with the longer aluminum vent. Did exactly what Inland suggested with no problems. Looks much better and vents fine. No issue with leaks.

Also getting back to the issue of gasket kits for vents, I simply made my own gasket. I used high quality gasket material you can by at any hardware store. I made a template and cut to specs. I used metal screen on vent pipe which is held in place with a radiator clamp. This is hidden inside the aluminum vent cover. Looks and works great.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by bkahler

The originals are oval shaped, did they not change the shape for the new round ones?

No, stil using the rubber gaskets under the new plastic covers.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by wyomingair

I used metal screen on vent pipe which is held in place with a radiator clamp. This is hidden inside the aluminum vent cover. Looks and works great.

Using a radiator hose clamp is a great idea! I'm going to stop and pick up some hose clamps on the way home from work this evening.

Thanks!!!

Brad

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by overlander63

No, stil using the rubber gaskets under the new plastic covers.

That's just weird. The new covers are round, seems like it would make sense to use a round rubber gasket. Who knows, maybe Airstream has a million of them in stock and wants to use them up before changing their shape

Thanks!

Brad

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Who knows, maybe Airstream has a million of them in stock and wants to use them up before changing their shape

Thanks!

Brad

Now you know what's in that building across the street from the factory...

[Keyair]

Brad,
I used pond liner... and did a mod on the vent stack to protect further..

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f455...ons-82910.html