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Old 12-09-2017, 05:24 AM   #1
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Ceiling AC returns magnetized

For those of you that have newer Fleetwoods that have 8/10/12 AC returns each with air filters in them, here is a easy modification that will make cleaning those filters easy.

I have installed magnets on two of my ceiling AC returns. The magnets hold the grills fairly tightly to the ceiling. We have just taken a 200 mile trip and the magnets held the return grills in place, so this idea has been successfully road tested.

The mod is easy to do and it will save a ton of time when I need to clean my(12) filters. I ordered the magnets I used from Amazon, I chose 15mm X 2mm size round disk magnets ( approx. 0.6" X 0.1"). I used four magnets on each grill, one in each corner. I used Gorilla brand contact cement to glue the magnets to the grills.

Then I installed four flat head #8 X 1" screws into the ceiling. Once the glue dried, I snapped the grills into place. You do have to adjust the four screws to get the grill flush with the ceiling and making good contact with the magnet. For a finished look, cut the heads off the original screws and glue the screw heads to the grills to plug the original mounting holes.
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Old 12-09-2017, 07:33 AM   #2
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I use the central vac hose with no attachments and just suck the dust out. All 12 vents take less than 10 min.
Some left dirt actually increases filtering efficiency.
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Old 12-09-2017, 09:14 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fiesta48 View Post
I use the central vac hose with no attachments and just suck the dust out. All 12 vents take less than 10 min.
Some left dirt actually increases filtering efficiency.
Installing the magnets does not preclude you from using your vacuum on the returns. When you want to really clean or change the filter material this mod saves you from having to remove and then re-install the 24 screws (in my case) that attach the returns to the ceiling. Plus the risk of stripping out the screw holes.
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Old 12-09-2017, 09:18 AM   #4
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Great idea Thanks for sharing!
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Old 12-09-2017, 07:07 PM   #5
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Ordered my magnets yesterday!
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Old 12-11-2017, 01:17 PM   #6
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X2 on just using the central vac, it is just too easy. In 5mins mine are all clean.
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Old 12-18-2017, 08:26 AM   #7
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Magnets on order. Great mod!! Thanks.
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Old 12-28-2017, 06:54 PM   #8
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Just a follow up to the original post. I have installed magnets on all twelve of my returns. We just returned from a 600 mile round trip and all returns stayed in place.

I have cut the heads off the original mounting screws and glued the screw heads into the vacant screw holes on the returns. Now the coach ceiling looks original.

I am very pleased with how well this little project turned out. I can vacuum the returns in place or in 2 minutes or less I can pull all the returns from the ceiling then wash or replace the filters.
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Old 11-08-2018, 10:12 PM   #9
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Did this mod myself about two months ago...it’s brilliant.
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Old 11-19-2018, 01:31 PM   #10
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Great Idea...

I did the same on my A/C intake grills with a hinge on one side
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