Furnace Bug Screen

[markopolo]

This idea / product has been out for a very long time but I thought I'd post it anyway in case some people have never seen it.
I saw a post about Stink Bugs on the Roadtrek Yahoo group and thought it would be a good idea start screening any potential bug openings on my Class B Van.

You'll see these Mud Dauber Screens in RV parts stores:


The screens attach to the furnace vents with springs and the kit comes with a small tool to help put the spring in place.



It's not too difficult to get the screens and springs in place.


Last Spring, during a really heavy rain storm I saw some water in the RV on the floor where the furnace is. I don't see the water after washing the van or normal rains but I figured I put a small bead of high heat caulk on the top and sides of the exterior furnace vent anyway. It probably would be better to take it all apart and re-seat the exterior vent but if the combination of the new screens and the caulk prevents the water from getting in then that's good enough for me. The high heat caulk is red and it looks good if done neatly. I used tape to prevent a mess

[RSchleder]

Thanks for posting this "reminder". Been planning to install this item buy simply forgot about it. By the way, great job of applying the red high temp silicone.

[Mike]

Ditto. Need 'em, and nice job on the caulking.

[peteco]

Originally Posted by markopolo

It's not too difficult to get the screens and springs in place.

The top screen is pushed away by the 4 "ribs" of the exhaust fitting. Those mud daubers can easily crawl under that opening. I used a dremel tool with the thin abrasive cutting wheel to cut slots in the screen base ring where the ribs were, so it fits snug all the way around. From your nice caulk job it looks like you could do a nice professional looking job.

Pete
2006 RT210P

[markopolo]

Thanks everyone

That's a great idea Pete. I noticed that gap. I have a Dremel tool and some of those cutting wheels. The furnace vent looks like it is made from a blend of soft metals. Any worries about corrosion or did the cuts just oxidize a bit and self seal?

Re: the caulk - I'm not a big fan of caulking exterior parts on an RV if you can avoid it and instead bed them in butyl rubber or some other compound and create a clean look and still get a watertight seal. I took the quick / easy way out this time. I am the worst caulker on the planet so I've learned to use tape where and when I can. With tape, you almost wipe all the caulk off the tape before you pull the tape off. If there is too much caulk on the tape it will "pull" the rest of the caulk away from the surface and it won't look good.

[peteco]

Originally Posted by markopolo

The furnace vent looks like it is made from a blend of soft metals. Any worries about corrosion or did the cuts just oxidize a bit and self seal?

There has been no corrosion of the cuts. I did this in June.

Pete
2006 Roadtrek 210P

[markopolo]

I think I'll go ahead and make the cuts or notches like Pete described.
I measured the largest point of the gap at 1/4" even though the "ribs" are raised 3/16". Lots of bugs could get in a 1/4" gap.
Thanks for suggesting it Pete.