See the photos below for my current configuration. My requirements are:
- Louvered cover, lets air flow during summer
- Insulated for winter camping, total air block
I do not know if such a cover exist, but if it does please let me know. The cover that came with the rig is a heavy, louvered monster made from metal and does not seal very well.
I suspect that you will get more knowledgeable eyes looking at your question if you change the subject line to "Kool-O-Matic INSULATED LOUVER"...
Don
I know this isn't the answer you are looking for - but just an idea:
We made a cover with a 16x16 paint canvas, some extra carpet, some good magnets, and some medium compression frost king insulation just a little thicker than the the magnets. Put a 2nd set of magnets into the ceiling next to the Kool Matic to attach the cover when fan was in use. Magnets held it tight against the original metal cover I believe you are describing
After 5 months, the canvas lost structural integrity, so recreated the cover with some 1/4" plywood and an additional set of magnets for the extra weight. This time left an extra half inch on 2 sides to make removal easier. Works great, and the carpet is the same color as the ceiling so it doesn't look terribly out of place, either.
These are the magnets we used - the width is very similar to that of the metal rim of the fan vent, and the rectangular shape made it easy to line up insulation and prevent air leaks/draft. Holes allowed us to use screws to attach into the ceiling. Used VHB for the magnets on the cover itself.
Master Magnetics CA403CNX20 Magnet Fastener, Rectangular with Center Hole... (https://www.amazon.com/Master-Magnetics-CA403CNX20-Fastener-Rectangular/dp/B00IYFO7KM/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496339799&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=Master+Magnetics+CA403CNX20+Magnet+Fastene)
My other Rv had a couch pillow stuffed in it and it held and worked fine. Just an idea
When our OEM plastic cover cracked beyond repair we found out that there wasn't any covers made much less one that was insulated. So I (Pamela) had enough messing around and put Mr. Mike in gear to figure out a replacement. We tried to vacuum mold a new one that was a disaster. The OEM clips nor magnets would hold the insulated cover up. So here is some pics. of what we (in the singular form) came up with. The cover is made with 1/4" aluminum channel, insulation, and heavy vinyl. It weighs slightly more than 1/4# but not 1/2#. The ceiling brackets are made of 3/4" aluminum channel and 3/4" aluminum angle along with a piano hinge.
Pamela & Mike
After looking at the pics. it looks a lot better in real life than these pics. but you get the idea. My pic. taking leaves a lot to be desired while Mike was trying to hold the cover.
Hi,
Camping World (and others eBay, etc) offer a square "pillow" to fit up against inside opening inside that works very well to insulate the cold.
Jim
2002 U320
You're probably not going to do better than a heavy, louvered monster made from metal for the grill. As for the formed plastic piece that covers it I would ditch the screws and have a couple of plastic brackets mounted along two sides of the opening that the cover slides into. A thin piece of foil covered bubble-wrap laid inside the cover will provide the insulation.
That is how our old Monaco's Kool-O-Matic was. I always left the plastic cover with insulation in place regardless of the time of year, unless the fan was being used. Plus the plastic cover seems better as it doesn't draw the eye.
I have two Kool-O-matic fans. (Great Irish Name!) The grill on the kitchen unit, is in need of paint stripping, powder coat, lube and re-do of the felt pads that originally "sealed the deal." Our plastic covers are intact and both are with original foam square insulation. Open a couple of windows and hit it. Whoosh. Cool fans!
Rance re-glassed the galley K-o-M when we lost our roof equipment to heavy hail in Laramie last year. I am interested in keeping them running well and making some covers, since we love the coach. Any members have a brother-in-law with a vacuforming business?
Thanks for your suggestions. In my research, I found the following:
- Adjust-o-Vent is a easy-to-use louver
- Ventamatic automatic louver https://www.alpinehomeair.com/viewproduct.cfm?productid=453064181
- Automatic damper technology could be adapted for this application
There are no small square insulated louver systems commercially available. There is no easy solution, but it could be business opportunity. Too bad Foretravel did not invest some engineering time in an efficient solution.
The pillows Jim posted about work nicely for too hot or too cold conditions. The big concern I've found is the shower "skylight". I've made styrofoam cutouts to fit them when needed.
Oh yes, I made a foam piece to block the skylight too.
Jim
2002 U320
Used to make up velcroed vinyl squares to cover up the kool-o-matic metal louvered face plate.
Better than nothing. Same thing for the bath one and a piece of block foam to go in first
Are you handy with wood?