Ceiling Vents Falling

[futzman]

Just took delivery of my new, 2018 Airstream Flying Cloud. Only been camping 3 days and ceiling vents are spontaneously falling from the ceiling (2 in the bedroom, 1 in the bath). Quite upset as I just paid over $80000 for this trailer. Any suggestions? I called the dealer tonight. (Also, zone 2 sensor is failing and not registering correct indoor temp -- not good).

[AWCHIEF]

What do you mean by “falling”? Pictures might help.

[futzman]

They drop out of the ceiling on the floor.

[dasams]

Originally Posted by futzman

Just took delivery of my new, 2018 Airstream Flying Cloud. Only been camping 3 days and ceiling vents are spontaneously falling from the ceiling (2 in the bedroom, 1 in the bath).

Same issue in our 2017 FC. I've been able to put them back it but it's only a matter of time before they fall again. But now we're in our new 2018 FC and so far no issue. But then we've only towed for 80 miles

[Lara Me]

Dealer recommended double sided tape.

[pcskier]

Do a search for 'ceiling vents' in the search box, several threads on his. People have found a fix using zip ties.

It's amazing to me that the factory is very aware of this problem but is still shipping new trailers without addressing it. Very disappointing.

[futzman]

Originally Posted by dasams

Same issue in our 2017 FC. I've been able to put them back it but it's only a matter of time before they fall again. But now we're in our new 2018 FC and so far no issue. But then we've only towed for 80 miles

Ours fell out after a while when the heat came on. All three in zone one fell out spontaneously (bedroom, bath).

[kendrick.l.j]

As stated earlier there are other threads about the vents falling out. Mine fell out in a new Classic. Apparently double sided tape is the answer for some but it didn't work for me. So far I haven't found a way to fix them so they are in a cabinet and will stay there until I can get to JC to have a few, minor, things addressed.

[jayseejay]

The placement of the Zone 2 temperature sensor (enclosed in small white plastic cage) is usually behind the TV and/or on the wall that encloses the fridge. This causes it to read much warmer than the Zone 1 sensor. There are some threads on how to mitigate this, but unfortunately there is no easy fix. Best, Joe

[Lily&Me]

Have your dealer repair or replace these things.

Maggie

[futzman]

So after talking to Airstream and non-response from the dealer who sold us this new, $80k trailer, I've attempted to re-install them. Here's what I did:
After talking with Airstream I was surprised that they didn't seem surprised. Tech guy said "yeah, they fall out sometimes". Seriously? Seems when they cut the hole out in the aluminum ceiling sometimes they leave little tabs 180 degrees in the hole. This obstructs installing the vent and snapping properly in place. I took a Dremel and ground down these tabs, applied some Silicon sealant (gray to match) and re-installed the vents. What you are listening for is a distinct "snap" when it goes in. Time will tell if they stay put. I'll keep you updated.

[TravlinMan]

My vents fell out when my trailer was new. I did kinda what you did but my dealer, like someone else mentioned, told me that double sided tape is the official fix....

[futzman]

Originally Posted by jayseejay

The placement of the Zone 2 temperature sensor (enclosed in small white plastic cage) is usually behind the TV and/or on the wall that encloses the fridge. This causes it to read much warmer than the Zone 1 sensor. There are some threads on how to mitigate this, but unfortunately there is no easy fix. Best, Joe

Thanks for the tip. I unscrewed the zone 2 sensor "cage" and pulled the thermocouple wire out from the wall cavity and dangled it over the wall. Fixed the problem! We're heading back to the camp site in a couple days and I'm taking a temperature monitor to measure the temperature in the wall cavity. I plan on experimenting if foam insulation will solve the problem and allow me to re-install the thermocouple in the wall. Will let you know.

[Bgibbs]

Mine have not fallen out since this repair.
Rather than Dremel off the aluminum tab referenced above, I got my knife and trimmed off the plastic rib on the vent where it would allow the vent to fit flush. I then got my heat gun and warmed up the plastic clips on the vent. While warm, I pushed them out slightly and held them out until cool. Two cautions: 1. Don't overheat the plastic and 2. Only push clips out a little.
This is the most important part. Do not simply push the vent in place by pushing on the aluminum face. I used a plastic trim tool and pushed on the plastic part of the vent (the back side that actually clips to the roof) until I heard an audible "click". Push up all around the vent to make sure all 4 clips have engaged.
Make sure that the aluminum tab in the roof lines up with the trimmed spot on vent. Do this and they will never fall off again.

[Bgibbs]

The reason for heating up the clips is that the vent has only been partially installed since it left the factory. The clips have been pushed in and have taken a "set".

[ekbruster]

I ended up putting a piece of flat-stock aluminum behind them and used a bolt to put the assembly back up, not falling anymore! Detailed instructions can be found on instructables: https://www.instructables.com/Airstr...ling-Vent-Fix/