A/C Vent Cover won't stay up

[kdp3078]

Seems the hole to screw the cover in to the ceiling have been worn out....does anyone have a good solution of how to secure this better?

This is on the living room AC.....the bedroom AC the black bracket/frame inside had holes to screw in to that were more sturdy....the living room cover is just screwed straight in to the ceiling.

[sdelam]

Just pull the screws and rotate the vent 90 degrees and screw it in new holes

[kdp3078]

Originally Posted by sdelam

Just pull the screws and rotate the vent 90 degrees and screw it in new holes

sorry, I may have used the wrong description, this is the cover that goes on the AC unit, with return air and dump valves...not the small vents from the duct

[robo44]

If you can't use the screw holes, you could use command strips, they will hold up and act like Velcro yet not damage the roof or items. Just trim few for each side . Just thinking outside the box

[sdelam]

A picture might help, after re reading your post. It sounds like the cover is screwed into the thin ceiling paneling as opposed to a metal bracket like most? If that's the case can you use a drywall anchor, or larger screw?

[kdp3078]

Originally Posted by sdelam

A picture might help, after re reading your post. It sounds like the cover is screwed into the thin ceiling paneling as opposed to a metal bracket like most?

Yes, this is correct.

[NMWildcat]

Take it completely off, see what it is screwed into and decide what type of anchor is needed.

[hunterrick]

Simply switch to the next size larger screws. For instance, if they are 8, get 10s, etc. You can probably just use standard sheet metal screws available from any hardware store or Hone Depot, etc. if they wear out again, you could insert anchors as well.

Good luck.

[Nutz4OSU]

I just had the same issue. Get some steel wool. Pull it apart to get a nice small piece. Take an awl or ice pick and pack the old screw hole in the ceiling with steel wool. Screw the A/C cover right back up to the same hole, using the same screw. Works like a charm.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by sdelam

A picture might help, after re reading your post. It sounds like the cover is screwed into the thin ceiling paneling as opposed to a metal bracket like most? If that's the case can you use a drywall anchor, or larger screw?

Get this set and keep it in the trailer.

You can almost always use the #6 anchors. Drill the hole to 3/16" and tap the anchor in flush. Push very gently on the screw as you tighten it so you don't push the anchor all the way through the panelling.

Other people will suggest using a larger size screw. Bad idea. You have to drill the hole larger in the cover you're mounting. The hole gets close to the edge and weakens the cover, and often the larger screw head won't fit the recess in the cover.

[Blallen58]

I did what Larry-NC says and it works fine. Had the same issue.

[colmbarry]

I also did what Larry-NC suggests, did it about 3 years ago on my 2015 FR3 30Ds, still holding fine. My only suggestion is to find a set of wall anchors that have a lip on the end that will rim the hole and make it a little harder to push the anchor thru should you press too hard while screwing in the fastener.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by colmbarry

I also did what Larry-NC suggests, did it about 3 years ago on my 2015 FR3 30Ds, still holding fine. My only suggestion is to find a set of wall anchors that have a lip on the end that will rim the hole and make it a little harder to push the anchor thru should you press too hard while screwing in the fastener.

I use both kinds. The ones with the flanges are good where the apparatus to be mounted has a recess on the back, like the wall lamps in our trailer; they have a big bell-like base. But I also used the ones with a flange on a couple of towel bars where the base bracket was supposed to be flush to the wall. The bases of the towel bars now stand off the wall. There's a gap that would just about accept a credit card.

Not sure whether the Air Conditioner grille has a hollow back or not.