heater exterior vent screen

[rogerdodger]

Does anyone know if you can place a mesh screen over the exterior vent? What kind of material? Where to get it?
Roger

[Gene]

You should be able to get them at any RV store. I think we got them at Camping World. The one for the water heater came with some springs to attach them that are impossible to use. They kept flying off and when one hit the aluminum and scratched it, I ended up using mechanic's wire—sort of like bailing wire.

Gene

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by rogerdodger

Does anyone know if you can place a mesh screen over the exterior vent? What kind of material? Where to get it?
Roger

You can use most any "good" metal screening that will take some temperature.

Don't make the mesh too small, so that is doesn't effect the air flow.

Andy

[tslanier]

Had one put on my at the AS dealer. Very inexpensive.

[rogerdodger]

How about wire mesh screen from a screen door?

[dwightdi]

The typical aluminum screen they use on doors might be a little too fine. The professionally made ones work better and are more durable. As I remember it they were less than $5.

[samb]

I bought mine from an RV parts place...........kinda expensive. Then I found nice stainless steel dome shaped screens about 2 1/2" diameter at Wal Mart or similar store for less than $2 Look in the kitchen section for the small strainers and sifters. You have only to remove the handle. They also work good for holding tank vent screens to keep out the mud dauber wasps. I have the wasps here that get into everything. They even plugged up the telltale water squirt on my outboard motor.
Sam

[Silverwanabe]

But, the companies do not recommend using the mesh covers.
Suburban believes it could effect air flow.

What is the real deal?

[azflycaster]

The mesh might disterb the airflow slightly. Mud daubers and wasps can cause greater damage.

[Mexray]

Check out the 'Mud Dauber' screens that are sold at most RV parts outlets...Here's their web site...they have all types and sizes...

JCJ Enterprises - Mud Dauber Screens and Other Recreational Vehicle Accessories - Screens

I've used them on our Lance Camper for years, and 'hooked' up several on our AS when we got it this past summer...

We have Mud Wasps in a bad way here in Northern Calif, and they will build their 'cells' in every nook and cranny it they get the chance...

When we bought our AS, there were 'cells' in the water heater, furnace, and a huge cell/hive underneath the vent for the refrigerator!

These screens are easy to hook up with the spring and tool provided if you go easy and follow the instructions...there is a 'learning curve' the first time, but it's not that difficult to master...

[rogerdodger]

Yes, we wasps and mud wasps in central california too. Thanks for all the help, everyone!

[Gene]

Roger, the refrigerator vent is another place wasps love to enter. I stick a piece of cardboard there when the trailer sits at home and hopefully remember to remove it before we take a trip. I was going to epoxy some screening material on the back of the door, but one of those plans that has been deferred indefinitely or until the cardboard dissolves.

Gene