Vent won't shut

[utahredrock]

I've had problems with my front vent ever since buying my Airstream. It's a '73 Tradewind. Three dealers have worked on it, it only worked right after one of them did their magic.

I am including three photos here.

The vent cap won't shut. I am including three photos--two with it in the open position one with it "shut." The shut photo is deceptive because it looks like one edge is actually shut, however, the back edge is open so far that the whole thing "rocks" open and catches wind while driving.

I used duct tape to shut it for a while but want to fix it properly.

Any ideas?



This is as far as it will "shut" currently. It actually rocks open, so the side that looks shut does not stay down either.

[azflycaster]

I had the same problem with mine when I bought it and the PO had wired it shut. In your second picture there is a horizontal bar that the arms to the lid attach to. Your bar has a bend, just like mine did. You can remove the bar (be careful not to loose the plastic bushings) and with enough heat and a few wacks with a big hammer it should be fine.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

I had the same problem with mine when I bought it and the PO had wired it shut. In your second picture there is a horizontal bar that the arms to the lid attach to. Your bar has a bend, just like mine did. You can remove the bar (be careful not to loose the plastic bushings) and with enough heat and a few wacks with a big hammer it should be fine.

Ditto, except we would not use any heat.

Andy

[utahredrock]

Is this the bar that looks like it is dipping in the middle? Is my goal to straighten it? And to do this I need to remove it first?

[azflycaster]

That's the one. Yes, you have to remove it first. Andy says that you don't need to heat it first, but you still need to take a few good swings at it and you can't do that when it's in place. It took me about 5 minutes to get mine out, but I didn't have a vent motor and shroud in the way. They will have to come out as well.

[utahredrock]

Just use a mini-sledge hammer once It's out? Do I need to do anything to prevent damaging the threads . . . I can't even rememer if it has threads, but it must.

[utahredrock]

Richard . . . it looks like we're neighbors and have similar trailers too! Just noticed that.

[azflycaster]

It wll take a few good hits, I don't remember any threads on the shaft.

I live near Union Hills and Central in North Phoenix...

[utahredrock]

I am in the 'hood at 19th Ave and Colter. I am so in love with my Airstream I couldn't move out even when I stopped traveling! Plus, it's a good way to save money.

[Zelda]

Just had this same thing happen. Did you get it fixed?

[utahredrock]

I was intimidated at the thought of completely dismantling it to pound the bar straight. I zip-tied it shut from the inside.