How to open the stove vent

[Toyman]

My Forester has a plastic stove vent with a covered flapper. The flapper has tabs on the bottom edge that apparently lock the flap. How do you unlock the flap, I've tried pushing and pulling the tabs, but they don't seem to move.

[Wobbles]

Originally Posted by Toyman

My Forester has a plastic stove vent with a covered flapper. The flapper has tabs on the bottom edge that apparently lock the flap. How do you unlock the flap, I've tried pushing and pulling the tabs, but they don't seem to move.

Do the tabs have a screw? While I have a TT, I have the tabs and have to rotate them out of the way.

[fonzie]

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ent-44099.html

[Flybob]

On many, the little tab rotates around the smaller end to allow the flap to open. When new they can sometimes turn hard. Be sure to close it and lock it prior to traveling as they will flap and fall off.

[Davidceder]

If they are plastic tabs molded into the bottom of the cover flap, push harder and in an upward direction. They can be very stiff when new.

[SailorSam20500]

Originally Posted by Toyman

My Forester has a plastic stove vent with a covered flapper. The flapper has tabs on the bottom edge that apparently lock the flap. How do you unlock the flap, I've tried pushing and pulling the tabs, but they don't seem to move.

This was showed to me during my PDI, guy said just give it a push and it'll pop open. NOT!!! So he tried and gradually increased the pressure. Then he slid a mini screwdriver along the bottom. Factory got some sealant on the bottom edge and glued it shut. The screwdriver broke the sealant, works fine now... Still is a bit stiff, DW wouldn't be able to open it, but then again, she'd need a stool just to reach it!

[RSchleder]

Originally Posted by Davidceder

If they are plastic tabs molded into the bottom of the cover flap, push harder and in an upward direction. They can be very stiff when new.

X2 --Use both your thumbs on one tab at a time. Push the tab up and slightly out from the trailer. After the 1st tap releases, go to the 2nd tab and perform the same process. This will now allow the vent to "open" when the vent fan is turned on and the vent will exhaust the fumes.
To close, simply reverse the process, again, 1 tab at a time. I also agree that these tabs are very stiff when new, however, they will "loosen up" as they are used. You'll probably want to snap the vent close when finished cooking as the vent will flap with even minimal wind/breeze and drive you nuts!

[Mtnman64]

Originally Posted by RSchleder

X2 --Use both your thumbs on one tab at a time. Push the tab up and slightly out from the trailer. After the 1st tap releases, go to the 2nd tab and perform the same process. This will now allow the vent to "open" when the vent fan is turned on and the vent will exhaust the fumes.
To close, simply reverse the process, again, 1 tab at a time. I also agree that these tabs are very stiff when new, however, they will "loosen up" as they are used. You'll probably want to snap the vent close when finished cooking as the vent will flap with even minimal wind/breeze and drive you nuts!

That is a perfect technique, as I employed it for the first time today !!

[DocRob]

If the flap moves at all it's likely the tab issue but if it doesn't move it was likely sealed shut at the factory by some careless workman. Mine had to be pried open with a putty knife. Works fine now. Happy camping.

[Toyman]

Thanks for the responses....it WILL be opened!

[Wolverine 1945]

Originally Posted by Flybob

On many, the little tab rotates around the smaller end to allow the flap to open. When new they can sometimes turn hard. Be sure to close it and lock it prior to traveling as they will flap and fall off.

Does your 2015 unit really have the Old Style locks ???

[Toyman]

Done, it opened without tearing anything up.

[Wolverine 1945]

Originally Posted by Toyman

Done, it opened without tearing anything up.

Good Job Toyman !!! LOL !!!

In our old Flagstaff TT,,, the fan was soooo weak,,, it would not even blow the vent door open,,, I had to pin it open with a clothes pin when we used it !!!

[joel ritchie]

I just when out and tried what everyone said what to do and I couldn't get it to bulge. Here is a picture of what it looks like.

[Davidceder]

Not being funny but if it is operating correctly pushing up on the tabs (try one at a time) is the only way to open it. Is it caulked close by any chance? Anything can happen in the factory. I only latch one side when on the road for the very reason it is too hard to open and on my rig too high up. Keep playing with it.

[bruin]

Ours does the same thing. One side opens fine but not the other. The actual flap is binding, nothing to do with chalking. Useless dealer says they are all like that and recommended to run finger inside until it pops open. They will not fix it under warranty. "Rangeland RV in Calgary Alberta". Went to RV show a couple weeks back and tried at least twenty vents. Not one binded. Sent email to Rockwood last week to see if they would send me a new one so I can fix myself. As it goes dealer tries to get out of repair.

[ManlyMan]

OK, don't try pushing straight up on the tabs, push outward and then upward. BTW, one of the tabs looks like it might have too much caulking so that me be a problem too.

[benagi]

The second photo shows a little something on the right that may need to be trimmed away with a knife. I think that is definitely a problem on that tab.

[JohnF]

Mine stuck as well. I think some glue was on it. Broke the tabs trying to get it open. It was replaced at Goshen Rally. Only beef I have with it now is that I have to get my step ladder out to reach it!

[flocktothewall]

I use a butter knife in the tab slot. A slight twist and it pops open. On my 2401 mine is up high. I'm 6'1" and I still have to stand on my toes to try and pry it.