Refrigerator Vent Cover Removal

[69RoadRunner]

I'm considering adding a solar panel or 2 on the roof of my Ventana. While checking things out on the roof yesterday, I took a look at what I assume is the refrigerator vent.

It's right above the refrigerator (which is NOT in a slide). The cover looks like a mini version of those roof rack "coffin" storage containers.

There are 4 spots on top that look like screw or bolt holes, but they've been covered with Dicor (or something similar).

I didn't take a flashlight up with me to look under the cover. Is it possible to fish power lines from solar panels down the vent without removing the cover itself?

If not, how easy is it to remove the Dicor without damaging the cover?

[Norm4015]

Use a flat blade screwdriver to dig the sealant out of the four holes until you see the screw heads, then remove the screws and the cover comes right off. I have wondered why Newmar seals those screws because if they leak it will not cause any problems. Just a drip or two down the flue. A blowing rain will send more water down the flue than those screws will ever allow.

Oh, handle the refrigerator vent carefully because it breaks easy.

[69RoadRunner]

Thanks for the info, Norm!

[Luv2go]

I removed the vent. I drilled holes through the side of the vent (the part that is attached to the roof, not the painted cover) for the wires. I was concerned that if I put them through the wire mesh that they would chafe and eventually short to the mesh (you'll see the mesh if you remove the cover).

You may be able to avoid removing the cover by carefully drilling the holes. Of course you should seal the holes after running the wires. I used Proflex RV sealant, making sure it did not drip on the TPO roof (you won't have that concern if your roof is fiberglass).

Also, scrape carefully if you do remove the screws. The paint came up with the Dicor on a couple of my screws when I removed the vent to put in my panel wiring. The paint does not seem to adhere very well to the plastic.

If I had to do it again I'd try to uncover just enough Dicor to get to the screw's head and try not to disturb the Dicor next to the paint. Fortunately nobody can see it if they aren't on the roof!

Stewart