Belly pan weep holes--a good idea?

[cameront120]

The seems in the belly pan should be enough to drain it. Replace the fibreglass with mineral wool (like Roxul) which is hydrophobic - won't retain water.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by cameront120

The seems in the belly pan should be enough to drain it. Replace the fibreglass with mineral wool (like Roxul) which is hydrophobic - won't retain water.

Probably. The clam shells are really intended to increase airflow and evaporation, rather than drains. When I have seen water exiting the belly, it has always been on the sides where it laps over the lower banana wrap. Any notice of water in the pan should send you on a relentless search for source and repair. I would never rely on drains as a fix, only an indication of a problem. Drains should only be used as a notification of a problem, IMO.
Also, the newer ASes don't have pink glass insulation in the belly. They have Reflectix. But that can hold water between it and the floor.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by HiJoeSilver

"great idea with those clamshell vents". I'll second, third, or however many those. Those were nice and cheap.

I put some 1/8" holes in the bottom of my fresh water tank pan for your reason, sprayed them with some zinc to protect the steel lip newly exposed.

I thought of using those soffit vents as well but the sides stick up into the belly so you have to be sure the lip isn't super tight because that's where water will have to exit unless it gets to an inch or so high.

I also had a few spots where I just drilled some 1/8" holes in low spots.

I think the clam shells with some metal screen between them and skin is a great idea, think I'll borrow that one. Thanks dznf0g.

1) they won't be that tight inserted into thin sheet aluminum
2) The ones I got had slots in the collar that goes into the hole. I'd slot one which don't already have them.

[KYAirstream]

Looking at those louvered screen vents again, those alone if fastened to the belly pan look like they'd keep the water out going down road. Trimming of the collar would be all that's needed to let water into them from the belly pan.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by KYAirstream

Looking at those louvered screen vents again, those alone if fastened to the belly pan look like they'd keep the water out going down road. Trimming of the collar would be all that's needed to let water into them from the belly pan.

I though the same thing. I didn't find those when I did my search several years ago. Mine are just small plastic collared units with screen embedded in the plastic when it was molded. No louvers, thus the clam shells.

[perryg114]

Well I got rid of the plate in the process of fixing the rear end and floor problems. You remove the plate so water sheds just like it does on the sides. You can also put the compartment lid back on with a piece of 1" angle welded between the rear frame rails. The bottom skin that forms the bottom of the compartment can also be replaced with a separate section of metal. This also prevents any water that gets into the compartment from ending up under the trailer.

Perry

Originally Posted by TheCabin

"Getting rid of bumper plate compartment leaks is a good idea as well."

How is this done?

[KYAirstream]

While larger in size, a standard return air grille from Lowe's could also be used along with aluminum screen to cover a small hole or two.

[KYAirstream]

These would be an easy solution too at 4.5" square, but they are plastic so they might not hold up as well.

[KYAirstream]

For those that added ventilation in the belly pan, did you do the same for the grey and black tanks as well, or did you leave them sealed to help with winter heating?

[toastie]

I used stainless steel 4" louvered vents, take screen material and cut a 4" dia. then rivet both to belly pan.

http://www.greenboatstuff.com/seadogststlo1.html

toastie

[KYAirstream]

Those look nice. So you used them on the black and grey as well? No concern about contributing to tank freezing in cold temps?

I may have to try them for the interior furnace vents as well. I've never been a fan of those plastic ones.

[mefly2]

Originally Posted by KYAirstream

Those look nice. So you used them on the black and grey as well? No concern about contributing to tank freezing in cold temps?

I will maintain the temperature "integrity" of all tanks; it gets too cold ...freezing...while we are still streaming into November.

[dznf0g]

No vents on the tank pans for me. If it gets cold, I'll just stuff some material into the clamshells.

[Dingo Girl]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

As I said, they are screened. No rodents in 10 years. I rodent proofed the entire trailer.

3 cheers for rodent proofing! The only rodents that will be in my trailer will be the ones I invite in through the front door. 😉

[Dingo Girl]

I will be using aluminum louvers, 8 x 8 inches, 4 in all front to back with aluminum screen behind them. Then hinged to be able to open them and look for problems with a camera.
In theory, it should work like a charm.

[jbs411]

Hi,
Just some clarification if I may..."Bolt on' or screwed on your belly skins? (I can't understand a bolt being accessable)
thanks

[dznf0g]

I used stainless sheet metal screws