Community Forums

Whammon2 · 08-23-2019, 11:18 PM

Has anyone placed bug screens over their exterior refrigerator, furnace, and hot water heater exhaust vents? Typically sold at RV stores. If so, how do you like them?

G Schulz · 08-24-2019, 05:20 AM

I’ve put them on my fridge vent and am looking to do the furnace and hot water heater. When I replaced my Norcold for a residential fridge I found a wasp nest in the back of it.

georgelesley · 08-24-2019, 05:39 AM

Our Norcold specifically warns against putting screens on the exterior vents. It reduces air flow I guess. I read a trick to stop wasps on this forum years ago that works well. Just put a fresh cat flea collar in the compartment every season. When I did it a very angry wasp came out of the compartment as I was replacing the lower cover. I have not had a wasp since. Some say dog flea collars work as well but I have not tried it. I can say for sure that cat flea collars work i change it twice a year.

traveler of california · 08-24-2019, 07:58 AM

Yes, but only on my furnace vents. I have used them for years and they work. Without them I’ve had issues including a small bird nest.

Nick
Tiffin Allegro Red 34QFA

guten tag · 08-24-2019, 08:17 AM

I use the screen over the furnace vent that you referred to, nothing on the hot water tank vent, and used strips of vinyl screen & gorilla tape on the inside of the refer intake vent.

arcaguy · 08-24-2019, 08:24 AM

You might want to take a look at how much even fairly large mesh screens will restrict air flow. It's probably a whole lot more than you think. I know that it will void most warranties. Your coach, your call.

guten tag · 08-24-2019, 08:50 AM

The coach is beyond any warranty period so I decided to give the screens a try on the refer vent. I actually forgot about them until some scorching weather that we normally avoid. I wondered then about heat buildup with the screens in place, and we do tend to linger in the southwest after many have gone. I originally put them in a while back after watching some curious wasps eye balling a potential nest area while we were in a forested area. Honestly though, I'm in that compartment fairly often for cleaning and now that this thread has brought them to my attention I'll remove them. It was an experiment I suppose and although it was not a fail, the screen there doesn't seem necessary. It is however needed at the furnace vent. So an edit for our OP, furnace vent only. The others I'm in often enough for cleaning.

Whammon2 · 08-24-2019, 01:58 PM

Need to be clear on my post. I am referring to the Camco bubble type stainless screens designed for this purpose. I agree not to ever use screen door types you can buy at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Can’t imagine the Camco screens would restrict air flow. Anyway, keep those opinions coming. Need everyone’s experiences and opinions. Thanks

TripleEEE · 08-24-2019, 04:04 PM

I have used the Camco screens on my furnace, water heater, and fridge on the last 4 RV's. Never had a problem.

riverat · 08-25-2019, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whammon2

Need to be clear on my post. I am referring to the Camco bubble type stainless screens designed for this purpose. I agree not to ever use screen door types you can buy at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Can’t imagine the Camco screens would restrict air flow. Anyway, keep those opinions coming. Need everyone’s experiences and opinions. Thanks

That is what I use with the exception of the springs I used stainless steel safety wire and wire twist pliers to attach the screens, the springs tend to fail and you lose your screen.

MSHappyCampers · 08-25-2019, 10:46 AM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Noticed you are kinda new on IRV2 and wanted to say hello! We have had the screens on all our exhaust ports for a long time! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Whammon2 · 08-25-2019, 10:32 PM

Thank you

Arch Hoagland · 08-26-2019, 12:02 AM

https://www.lowes.com/pd/BAYER-ADVAN...Killer/3018795

I use a strong mix of this and spray all my exterior vents, etc along with my tires and undercarriage a couple times a year.

Teamfoxy · 08-26-2019, 05:21 AM

We us the Camco screens on the furnace only. The wasps get into the heat exchanger passages and stop the blower from turning. Never used them on the fridge or water heater.