Dryer Vent Flap Cover

[ARD]

So I'm in need of some creative DIY help. Walked by the rear of my coach today and notice dryer lint on the ground, so naturally I looked up to see if I was shaming myself with a dirty vent. What I discovered was that the flap cover is missing. I felt around in the vent and can't find the flap (I was hoping it was just stuck.) I'm not sure how it looked before. I just remember that there was a flap. Talked to Newmar and they said you can't just buy the flap, but would have to replace the vent. Well as you can see from the photo, that isn't going to look too pretty. I just want to protect from critters getting in. Any advice, suggestions on what to do until I can order a new coach in May? Thanks as always for your help.

PS Excuse the not so shiny, clean vent area.?

 

[Neal]

The simple solution is probably get some mesh screen and cut it to size. Put 3M double sided tape along the edges and install over the hole.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MVK9BYX/?tag=rvf01-20

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

The simple solution is probably get some mesh screen and cut it to size. Put 3M double sided tape along the edges and install over the hole.

3 PCS Stainless Steel Wire Mesh Screen - About 12 x 8inch - 1mm Hole 20 Mesh Easy to Cut - Air Vent Mesh, Hard and Heat Resisting Screen Mesh, Window Screen Mesh: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

View attachment 4726

Screen will probably clog up pretty quickly with lint and might create overheating problems when the dryer is in use. I think I would bite the bullet and get a mobile RV tech involved.

TJ

 

[Neal]

You could get a louvered one and silicone it in place just not sure if it would fit. Need to measure. Or find a mesh that has larger holes as some are shown in this search:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=dryer+vent+cover+outdoor&crid=2Z9O60EML8AWY&sprefix=dryer+vent+,aps,307&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-da-p_7_11

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S67DPPS/?tag=rvf01-20

I don't think RV tech is the right solution. It's a simple DIY solution, just need to find the right materials. Newmars vent is painted so getting their parts and replacing is not the answer IMHO.

 

[Neal]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MJP95MS/?tag=rvf01-20

 

[ARD]

Screen will probably clog up pretty quickly with lint and might create overheating problems when the dryer is in use. I think I would bite the bullet and get a mobile RV tech involved.

TJ

But it won't be painted like the present vent cover.... ? Or do you think they can get the cover off, replace the inside part and replace old, painted cover? Do you think that would work?

 

[ARD]

Newmars vent is painted so getting their parts and replacing is not the answer IMHO.

It's a $9.00 part. Wonder if I can use my same cover and just replace the inside part. That might work, yes?

 

[Neal]

It's a $9.00 part. Wonder if I can use my same cover and just replace the inside part. That might work, yes?

I think that would work. The outer painted part could be reused. The inner part is the bad one. I bet the vent dropped or was never installed. Wouldn't hurt to try.

Sound the @NWIP alarm. Hotline engaged.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

O

But it won't be painted like the present vent cover.... ?

OTOH, the coach color won't be changed to black!

Chrome or "basic black" goes with any color.

TJ

 

[Neal]

Just checked mine, has a vent cover / louver in there. Sure is dirty, I should clean someday

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Wonder if I can use my same cover and just replace the inside part.

I like this approach!

And, where in the world is @ARD these days?

TJ

 

[ARD]

I like this approach!

And, where in the world is @ARD these days?

TJ

Awesome. Can't hurt to try. I thought of some kind of mesh like Neal, but didn't think of the overheating. ? Will order part and find a tech when I get to AZ. I am uncertain how they put the vent in there. Maybe once the cover is off, you can unscrew black plastic part or something?? Guess we shall see.

I'm in Sherrills Ford, NC visiting family. Leave here January 7th for Pensacola, FL for a couple of days and then I work myself to Arizona! Sure hope it's warmer there. This past week has been cold. We had lows of 18. Of course the weather is warming up now that I'm getting ready to go. LOL

 

[Richpatty]

Sherrills Ford? You are only about 60 miles away from us, We are southeast of Charlotte. And yes, its been pretty cold.

Take care.

 

[Buly]

Rene, I removed and reinstalled the vent cover.
First I masked around the vent with duct tape to protect the paint.
Than went around carefully with a razor blade cutting the silicone caulk around.
After that popped it out with a screw driver.

 

[Neal]

I see the same tabs on the bottom of mine so it seems it just pops off??

 

[ARD]

Sherrills Ford? You are only about 60 miles away from us, We are southeast of Charlotte. And yes, its been pretty cold.

Take care.

Hope ya'll are doing well! ? Supposed to warm up and rain. Yay.?

 

[ARD]

Rene, I removed and reinstalled the vent cover.
First I masked around the vent with duct tape to protect the paint.
Than went around carefully with a razor blade cutting the silicone caulk around.
After that popped it out with a screw driver.View attachment 4735View attachment 4736

Thank you so much @Buly! That is really helpful.

 

[ARD]

@Buly does this seem look like the right part number. It looks a little odd to me. My dryer vent looks like yours with the slanted, plasticky piece. Oh wait, the part below is showing the back rather than front, right?

 

[Neal]

The left piece with the cylinder goes in and the hose connects to it. So you're looking at the back side of it.

 

[ARD]

The left piece with the cylinder goes in and the hose connects to it. So you're looking at the back side of it.

I'm so slow and you are fast. I was editing post as I realized that. Thanks Meester Neal.