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Topic: That torn bug screen in my fridge top vent (Read 418 times) previous topic - next topic

That torn bug screen in my fridge top vent

The aluminum screen up top, under the fridge vent cover was in pretty crappy condition. Really no other way to describe it. It was torn in pieces on the end towards the front of the coach and pieces were actually missing. Even had some silver tape covering a couple holes. The screen itself was decomposing.
Definitely not much of a bug guard anymore.
Fast forward to me out in the shed tearing down my table saw to replace the arbor bearings that seized. I happened to look up (in frustration I was asking for help) and what do I see?? Some leftover leaf guard eaves trough covers with almost the same size aluminum screen!!! I thought I was looking at the same screen as is up top on the coach!! Available at most big box lumber company stores I guess.
Anyway, today I plan to replace the rotten screen with new. I think I will fasten the screen in place with screws or wire, or even some (ready for it??---SHOE GOO!!!) Who would have ever guessed??
There is also one screw hole (driver's front) that the long screw is a very loose fit. The screw just turns so I will put a piece of .030 welding wire thru the hole, twist it in place and then put the loose screw in place.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: That torn bug screen in my fridge top vent

Reply #1 –
I folded my replacement screen over long sides and fastened with self tapping screws and fender washers. Also installed a 12 volt van to pull hot air up over coils.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: That torn bug screen in my fridge top vent

Reply #2 –
Wouldn't you rather "pull" the hot air off the coils and "pull" cool air onto the coils? :))
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: That torn bug screen in my fridge top vent

Reply #3 –
As long as we're talking about fridge venting and fans pushing or pulling.
 What I did was install a double fan at the lower sidewall vent and a double fan just under the roof vent with both being thermostatically controlled.  The lower one has the sensor zip tied to the condenser tube. It runs almost constantly. The roof one has the sensor dropped down into the cooling fins and it only runs occasionally. Bottom pushes and top one pulls.

    That said , in the Arizona heat there both running 24/7.    Sorry if a little off topic,, I did get some good ideas for tuning up that vent screen though.  Since we ran the solar wiring through that screen its not as pristine as it once was. 
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: That torn bug screen in my fridge top vent

Reply #4 –
Exhaust fans above the refrigerator condenser do a better job as there is more laminar flow over the condenser.

Pushing air up from the bottom makes for an easier install, but lots of turbulence over the condenser.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: That torn bug screen in my fridge top vent

Reply #5 –
Wolfe says it better. My  top mounted fan pulled air from lower vent, across coils and out the top. This literally "saved the bacon" in warm weather. Installing at top usually involves messing up the bug screen and requires patching or replacing.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: That torn bug screen in my fridge top vent

Reply #6 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Exhaust fans above the refrigerator condenser do a better job as there is more laminar flow over the condenser.

Pushing air up from the bottom makes for an easier install, but lots of turbulence over the condenser.


 So Brett,
is what your saying that id be better off shutting down my lower vent fan and let the top one do all the heavy lifting.    Although I can think of another option.  Because there adjustable I could slow the lower fans to lets say 1/2 speed. That would still feed the area some.  Perhaps that whould avoid the turbulence for a smother flow.    I imagine what your going to say is ,,try it and see ?
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: That torn bug screen in my fridge top vent

Reply #7 –
Robert
The other thing that the Force draft fan (the one you have at the bottom) does is it pressurize the fridge cabinet area. Although small amount of positive pressure if you have any seal leaks around your fridge face and the wood trim you will be pushing in hot air. The result is your A/C system will need to move the heat back outside.  My opinion is double up on the Induce draft fans (the ones at the top sucking air out) and you will be better off.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."