Forum Discussion

marpel's avatar
marpel
Explorer
Feb 24, 2023

Kitchen stove fan "flap".

I have to replace the stove fan vent flap (or whatever it is called) on the exterior of the trailer which hinges at the top and is light enough to lift when the stove fan is activated and expels fumes/smoke/steam etc.

The flap and hinge pins are made of flimsy, cheap plastic and this is the second time I am having to replace the flapper (actually have had to replace the entire unit as they apparently don't sell just the flapper) due to the hinge pins breaking. The last time, I net-searched and made enquiries at the RV dealer parts department, trying to find a product which has a stronger (even metal) composition, with no success. The parts department was happy to sell me a replacement (exactly like the previous) unit, but offered no real assistance in finding a better solution.

I have the new unit sitting in my shop, waiting for spring time replacement, but thought in the meantime I would enquire if anyone knows of a better product.

Marv
  • The good news is you can paint it. You might try using Aerospace 303 UV protectant to slow the yellowing.

    1320Fastback wrote:
    I changed mine two years ago with one of of Amazon. It is already yellowing.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    I have a new toy that's perfect for your needs. A 3-D printer.

    You can get a decent one for 200 bucks (often on sale for half that I think Micro Center is pushing 'em at $99 off just now)

    And you carefully draw the flapper or scan it (Another toy I don't have)
    And print it using one of the higher temp tougher plastics.

    I'm printing with PLA (Good to around 120 F then it gets soft) but it's way stronger than I expected it to be.

    And you can make signs. and toys, and parts (I have a collection of plastic parts for selected RV devices) Cost to print a part is about 2-3 cents per Gram and stuff takes very few grams as it turns out.
  • Interesting. My 14 year old 5er (and original plastic kitchen vent flapper) were still good when I sold it 2 yrs ago.

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