Forum Discussion

bazaarsoft's avatar
bazaarsoft
Explorer
Sep 28, 2013

Kitchen exhaust fan

So, after several trips in our first travel trailer, I've finally identified a source of air leakage - the kitchen exhaust fan. When the fans not running, and particularly if the trailer is broadside to a prevailing wind, we get a lot of incoming air from the outside. When it's really hot outside (or presumably cold though in Texas that may not be a big issue) the incoming air makes the A/C work extra hard and sometimes it can't stay caught up. Anyone have ideas/suggestions to stop the leak?
Seeking Advice
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Sep 28, 2013
    Yes.

    It's also a source of road dirt when traveling. Go outside and stuff a rag in the vent opening. The rag (or plastic bag.. whatever) will stay put if it's stuffed in there.
  • deleted-2's avatar
    deleted-2
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2013
    Our trailer has a hard flap inside the outside cover that can be shut.

    Maybe you could replace yours for convenience.
    ...or stuff the rag like 2oldman mentioned.
  • ontheroad101's avatar
    ontheroad101
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2013
    The exhaust fan is there for a reason, to exhaust any cooking odors, steam, and grease in the air. They can build up quickly in an RV. Try putting some small weights on the outside of the vent, only enough to hold it closed when the fan is not on. Put the weights on with a removable putty. That way if you get to much on you can remove them. Try washers or small fishing weights till you get the right amount.
  • h2guy's avatar
    h2guy
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2013
    C'mon, a few strips of adhesive backed window stripping on the sealing edge of the lid and you're done.

    Unless the lid itself is badly warped (heat?), if so, then a trip to the RV parts store will get you a new straight one.
  • Larryect's avatar
    Larryect
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2013
    Mine has clips on the outside that swing into place to hold the flapper down when not in use. Take a look, I didn't know about it for years (or I did and forgot...)
  • sleepyT's avatar
    sleepyT
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2013
    Larryect wrote:
    Mine has clips on the outside that swing into place to hold the flapper down when not in use. Take a look, I didn't know about it for years (or I did and forgot...)


    X2----I would bet you have tabs that lock your vent lid down on either side of the lid :W
  • bazaarsoft's avatar
    bazaarsoft
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2013
    Thanks for the feedback. Mine has no flapper on the outside - it's literally just always open. Guess I'll have to find a replacement that does. Seems obvious in retrospect.

    For the moment though I modified 2oldman's idea by just taking the mesh filter down on the inside, lining it with a rag, then put it back up. Obviously I have to take it off when using the fan but it's an acceptable workaround for the moment.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Sep 28, 2013
    I forgot to mention that my vent has a plastic cover on the outside which is perfect for holding the bag/rag. I guess not all vents are like mine.

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