Bugs/debris in the Fantastic fan screen

[troth]

I've found an effective solution for a quick-n-easy removal of the fan screen to clean out the dead bugs, pine needles, leaves, etc.
It seemed like every camping trip, I'd find stuff lying on the screen, and you may already know that just turning the fan on doesn't always blow it away. -Frankly, I was getting tired of removing the eight itty-bitty phillips screws to take the screen down for cleaning.

My solution was to install reusable plastic clips.

I simply drilled out the screen mounting holes in the main fan frame to 3/16" diameter. The holes in the round screen frame were already large enough. Just push in the plastic clips (they're 1/2" long) and you're done. No more screwin' around !!!

The round screen frame is securely held in position, but now when I need to clean it, I just reach up and pull it down... No tools needed, and the job is done in a jiffy.

Next project is to see if I can convert the little bathroom fan screen the same way...

[troth]

I've found an effective solution for a quick-n-easy removal of the fan screen to clean out the dead bugs, pine needles, leaves, etc.
It seemed like every camping trip, I'd find stuff lying on the screen, and you may already know that just turning the fan on doesn't always blow it away. -Frankly, I was getting tired of removing the eight itty-bitty phillips screws to take the screen down for cleaning.

My solution was to install reusable plastic clips.

I simply drilled out the screen mounting holes in the main fan frame to 3/16" diameter. The holes in the round screen frame were already large enough. Just push in the plastic clips (they're 1/2" long) and you're done. No more screwin' around !!!

The round screen frame is securely held in position, but now when I need to clean it, I just reach up and pull it down... No tools needed, and the job is done in a jiffy.

Next project is to see if I can convert the little bathroom fan screen the same way...

[ISLAPP]

Good idea, Tom!!
Like yourself, I was getting tired of having to remove it several times during the season. Even with a maxi cover, you still get junk in there and it doesnt look that nice. So I am putting that on my things to do list.

Tom, I hope you dont mind, but I am gonna move this post to innovative solutions since others besides motor homes have these vents.
Mike

[DonavonP]

Neat idea troth, thank you.

[floyd]

Troth, Thanks for a great idea. I'm going to be on it first chance I get.
Floyd

[troth]

Thanks guys! This job was a piece of cake; took all of 10 minutes, if that. I've studied the smaller bathroom fan, and that location is gonna take something different. There's only two screws on that screen, but they're recessed and I don't think the pine tree clips will work there. But same principle applies, I think; I want to be able to do a quick-n-easy, toolless removal of the screen. -I'm workin' on it...

[Zimectrin]

If ever there was a "why didn't I think of that"!

Thanks for sharing.

IRV2 and it's members never stops being of service...

[Sandyboris]

Great Idea!
But my question is how do you get the screen down now? Everything is smooth and flat. What do you do to get the reusable plugs to turn lose? There is nothing to grab a hold of.
Lee & Linda Branum

[troth]

You don't have to pull on the plastic plugs themselves, just get your fingernails (or a screwdriver?) beneath the lip of the circular plastic frame around the screen. It pops down pretty easy and holds securely when reinstalled, time after time.