Vent caps - pros cons

Mike · 03-12-2015, 02:55 PM

From another thread...
What are the pros and cons of having a vent cap? I ask because my older model didn't come with one, and I'm not sure or haven't noticed whether newer motorhomes are factory equipped. I've considered adding one but it's never been a priority. I'm sure we've discussed it before but I can't recall the nature of the discussion.
Just curious what others think.

markopolo · 03-12-2015, 03:11 PM

The second photo in this topic http://www.classbforum.com/phpBB2/vi...hp?f=12&t=3574 shows the screen Booster put on the vent.

We do talk about this from time to time. A cover or screen would keep debris out. The chance of a branch or small pine cone landing in the vent hole is likely slim but odd things like that happen. I've had little branches and small pine cones hit the roof at some campsites.

If the debris is small enough to enter the hole it could pass right through to the tank and later exit when you empty the tanks. The vent plumbing in my van has two bends that could cause debris to get caught.

Only a small amount of rain would find its way to the tank via the vent.

Here's another topic about it: http://www.classbforum.com/phpBB2/vi...php?f=9&t=3446

booster · 03-12-2015, 03:26 PM

I think what put us over the edge on putting on the screen was our last trip's "acorn adventures". Quite a few of the dents we got on the hood are no more than 3-4 inches apart, so it saw pretty full coverage, I think, and that was only for two days parked under the trees that did the damage. Odds would say that we would eventually get something down the vent. That said, when I did the drain work this winter, I didn't find any acorns.

As it turned out, the new water heater we got for the house came with vent and inlet screens that we didn't need and the size of the mesh was just about right. Anything the screen would let by should make it through the pump. I don't think screens would have any of the airflow issues that folks mention about other caps.

Needed? Maybe, but so easy to do, why not

peteco · 03-12-2015, 04:39 PM

I think I will add a screen. Though the probability is low, it is not worth the risk of having something go down the vent and damage the macerator.

Pete
2006 Roadtrek 210P

Davydd · 03-12-2015, 06:58 PM

Booster, You probably bring up the most valid point about a vent cover and screens in regard to hard objects (acorns) and macerators since every macerator company warns about putting such in waste tanks. It would probably be a much lesser issue with a gravity dump system.

Mike · 03-12-2015, 07:09 PM

Interesting comments. I guess a screen of some sort can't hurt based on the suggestion of ease of installation. To keep acorns, meteorites, wayward drones, and such out. We're still liquids only, gravity dumpers, but what the heck?

Thanks to all.

markopolo · 03-12-2015, 09:15 PM

I just hate it when meteors and drones rain on the RV

Mike · 03-12-2015, 10:08 PM

Yes to that.
BTW, they make bird poop screens now, too. They're called "solar panels".

booster · 03-12-2015, 10:45 PM

Geeee-I wonder if maybe it was aliens in drones bombing us with acorns.....

Solar panels are great poop screens, they keep the paint you can't see very poop-free.

Mike · 03-12-2015, 11:04 PM

Eeeeyoowwwzah!!!!

Boxster1971 · 03-12-2015, 11:57 PM

My Airstream Interstate came with the 360 Siphon vent caps. They keep stuff out and extract fumes when driving or with any wind when parked.

https://360productsnorthamerica.com/site/

rjf7g · 03-13-2015, 02:39 AM

I installed http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...ar-white/35183 as suggested in the thread I started. There was a little lip I had not found in my first two investigations that I was able to bite in to. So far, so good.

WJones · 03-13-2015, 01:23 PM

I've got the same vent caps as mentioned in the previous post. I've never given it much thought, but I am now. I wonder if the air restriction caused by certain caps could make dumping the tanks slower? If air can't get into the grey tank fast enough, I guess it could pull the water out of the P traps. As for the black tank, the only way air can get in is through the vent.

William
2000C200P
Sherbrooke, Quebec

peteco · 03-13-2015, 02:03 PM

Are both the gray and black tanks connected to the one roof vent on a Roadtrek?

WJones · 03-13-2015, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peteco

Are both the gray and black tanks connected to the one roof vent on a Roadtrek?

No, not on a 200 at least. There is one for the grey tank on the driver's side and one for the black tank on the passenger side.

William

booster · 03-13-2015, 08:03 PM

On the Chevies, 190, they are connected to one vent.

You may also like: