Insect screens over appliance vents?

[kohai]

As people are bringing their rigs out of storage, there is a lot of discussion about mice, squirrels, etc.

My 5th wheel is still in storage but I'm curious which insect screens work for my Crusader 296BHS. Link here to the type of thing I'm talking about.

Do any of you know which model numbers work for crusader? I'm probably just being overly paranoid since my trailer is stored indoors.

[bob caldwell]

No your not.....critters like to be warm and cosy also. Move over!

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by kohai

As people are bringing their rigs out of storage, there is a lot of discussion about mice, squirrels, etc.

My 5th wheel is still in storage but I'm curious which insect screens work for my Crusader 296BHS. Link here to the type of thing I'm talking about.

Do any of you know which model numbers work for crusader? I'm probably just being overly paranoid since my trailer is stored indoors.

I don't know about your Crusader but I'm getting a set of these exact screens since I have a "Dometic refrigerator with vents which have 20" long louver openings".

[Ole Buzzard]

Check a camco dealer, I'm pretty sure the offer different sizes. The ones that I bought fit perfectly.

[geotex1]

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

I don't know about your Crusader but I'm getting a set of these exact screens since I have a "Dometic refrigerator with vents which have 20" long louver openings".

They make them to fit all fridge, heater, and water heaters currently used and many older models. They keep the stink bugs and mud daubers out! Have Camco models on my fridge and furnace. However, I use stainless steel mesh with same opening size and wire gauge on the water heater vents (mounted inside cover) because it's a cleaner look over two individual exterior covers (Camco solution). The mesh can be purchased from McMaster-Carr.

[kohai]

Originally Posted by geotex1

They make them to fit all fridge, heater, and water heaters currently used and many older models. They keep the stink bugs and mud daubers out! Have Camco models on my fridge and furnace. However, I use stainless steel mesh with same opening size and wire gauge on the water heater vents (mounted inside cover) because it's a cleaner look over two individual exterior covers (Camco solution). The mesh can be purchased from McMaster-Carr.

Good idea, I'm not a fan of the external mounted approach.

[Mr. Dan]

When I bought my trailer, my dealership gave me external screens for furnace and water heater. I'm partial to free. Their technician installed them for me. Yesterday I ordered the internal mesh strips for my refrigerator.

[Wiscampsin]

Don't forget to add screening to your bumper plugs also. Wasps, etc. can find any place to build a nest.

[757Dave]

A quick question for those of you who have put the mesh strips on the refrigerator vents. Do you punch a hole in them for the drip line? If not, then what do you do with the drip line. I know this is probably a newbie question, but I am curious. Thanks.

[geotex1]

Originally Posted by 757Dave

A quick question for those of you who have put the mesh strips on the refrigerator vents. Do you punch a hole in them for the drip line? If not, then what do you do with the drip line. I know this is probably a newbie question, but I am curious. Thanks.

Yes, you bring it through the screen. The problem with the Camco fridge inserts is that they are woven mesh and not welded. So when you go to trim them for this, you need to be cognizant that each "thread" is free to move so your cuts must be wise. A little trick is to get some JB Weld and mix up a small amount and spread it over a slightly largely area than you'll trim out. It'll keep all the threads in-place and not be noticeable at all when mounted.

Mr. Dan, they are not internal for the fridge vents. The screens mount on the outside and are retained by zip ties. Once installed, you can barely tell they are there. I can take some photos if you'd like.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by geotex1

Yes, you bring it through the screen. The problem with the Camco fridge inserts is that they are woven mesh and not welded. So when you go to trim them for this, you need to be cognizant that each "thread" is free to move so your cuts must be wise. A little trick is to get some JB Weld and mix up a small amount and spread it over a slightly largely area than you'll trim out. It'll keep all the threads in-place and not be noticeable at all when mounted.

Mr. Dan, they are not internal for the fridge vents. The screens mount on the outside and are retained by zip ties. Once installed, you can barely tell they are there. I can take some photos if you'd like.

I have the pics. Thanks. My terminology is ambiguous. They are tied up under the rows of vent holes but are not as visible from 6' away as are the truly external versions of furnace and water heater screens. I'll look into the JB Weld tip as my parts order including these screen strips is scheduled to ship today.

[757Dave]

Thanks Geotex1. I figured that was the correct thing to do, but just wanted to check with someone with experience.

[BamaBob]

Yep, if it is a opening, screen it!


We even pulled the covers on our 2 A/C and covered the vents with screen door screen (metal tape is your friend here )


One place some folks forget as well is your propane vents - yeah they are small openings but go ahead and put some fine mesh over the inside (again use metal tape) it is amazing how the smell of propane attracts critters!!

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

I have the pics. Thanks. My terminology is ambiguous. They are tied up under the rows of vent holes but are not as visible from 6' away as are the truly external versions of furnace and water heater screens. I'll look into the JB Weld tip as my parts order including these screen strips is scheduled to ship today.

Precisely. HOWEVER...make sure that the condensation drain for your refer still has a outlet through the vent or you could have a disaster in the making!

If the condensation drain is left inside, the water will leak down the inside wall of your refer cabinet and soak in to the wood floor...and you know what this will lead to, don't you?

[KyDan]

When we picked up our new trailer the tech giving us the pre-delivery inspection said I could drill a hole in the edge of the plastic for the drip hose
and he advised screen for the vents in the fridge hatch. I'll have to see if
the hose is long enough for that. The only reason to do that is so you can
remove the hatch without worrying about getting the hose back thru
the screen when replacing the hatch. You must have the hose outside or
it can rot out your floor under the fridge.

I used hot glue to hold flexible window screen material on the back side
of my previous fridge hatch and see no reason not to again. Ordered camco SS screens for water heater and furnace vent just now from Wally World.
Free pickup in store but I never get out of there without buying something
else

Also BE SURE the drain hose has a screen over the end or a mud-daubber can clog it right up!

[Flybob]

Suggest a small piece of vinyl tubing, hose or plastic pill container with bottom removed just larger than the drain hose. Permanently mount this through the vent and screen and seal around it with JB weld or silicone. Then simply slide the fridge vent through it when installing the vent.

[keeprr]

First thing I did after taking delivery Saturday of our new Mini Lite 2502 was to buy Bug Screens for the Refrigerator, Hot Water Heater and the Main Heater. In Oklahoma these are mandatory. I went to Camping World and bought items for the specific manufacturer, ie: Dometic refrigerator, Atwood Hot Water Heater. All fit perfectly and simple to install.

[757Dave]

Another newbie question. Which vent do you use to put the drain line through? Top, middle, bottom. Left, center, right? Help is greatly appreciated!

[geotex1]

Originally Posted by 757Dave

Another newbie question. Which vent do you use to put the drain line through? Top, middle, bottom. Left, center, right? Help is greatly appreciated!

Whichever one can be reached after you bend a U in it to form a P-trap to keep critters out of the fridge.

PS - no problem taking out/putting through my tube with just a cut screen.

[OldCoot]

The easy method of screening out the insects is just get alum screen wire and attach it inside the vent covers, works for the water heater and the refrigerator. This works great for everything but the furnace. If you have a Norcold refrigerator, the drain tube does not to thru the vent holes, it goes into a pan above the heater and is evaporated and as such does drain outside the compartment. Don't know why you couldn't do the same with a Dometic and keep the hose from going thru the vent.