3D printed mouse proof RV utility hatches

[2manytoyz]

Our Forest River Georgetown uses a marine style hatch for the water and power cord connections. While this works well, it leaves a large opening for rodents to climb through.



There are many possible solutions, but I have a 3D printer, and this is a pretty simple project.



I've uploaded the 3D files on Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3756856

Each piece has 15mm x 3mm magnets embedded into the recesses. The parts simply snap together, and the magnets hold the pieces firmly in place. No tools needed to clamp or release the cables/hoses. Only takes seconds to install or remove. No new holes need to be drilled! This is an exact replacement part for the factory hatches.









These are free for your personal use. If you don't have 3D printer yet, and don't have a friend who does, there are print services available: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3756856/apps/print/#apps

I've uploaded a video of this being installed on our rig: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep0isOZir_4


Hope you find this useful!

[Planning]

2manytoyz wrote:

With the ever growing popularity of 3D printers, they can be found at some libraries as well. Not sure they'd let you tie up a machine for as long as it takes to make these parts. FDM type of printing is relatively slow, but the printers are also inexpensive and the filament material is cheap.

I registered on thingiverse, and also verified that our library allows 10 hours per month of 3D printing.

I am going to measure our hose intake port today to verify the size.

This is an ingenious product. Thank you again for the imagineering!

[2manytoyz]

Planning wrote:
Robert,

Beautiful work!

How did you secure the magnets in the recesses?

Also, for someone who has zero knowledge regarding getting something fabricated (printed), how does one accomplish that?

Thanks. The magic is in the software, and YouTube is fantastic for finding tutorials on such topics. I'm still a novice, but can make functional things.

I used a drop or two of super glue in the recessed areas, then pushed the magnets in until they were flush with the surface.

I used a compass to determine the orientation of the magnets. Very important that they pull towards the mating part! You might be able to see the "N" or "S" on some of the magnets. I used a fine tip Sharpe, and will clean it off with a little alcohol when I'm done.

If you check out the apps section on Thingiverse, they have some links to companies that will 3D print whatever you need. I have no idea what they charge. Here's the link: https://www.thingiverse.com/apps

Of course there's a million or so places advertised on Google: https://www.google.com/search?q=3D+printing+service&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1-e

With the ever growing popularity of 3D printers, they can be found at some libraries as well. Not sure they'd let you tie up a machine for as long as it takes to make these parts. FDM type of printing is relatively slow, but the printers are also inexpensive and the filament material is cheap.

I like the ability to print large stuff, so the one I have will print 300mm x 300mm x 400mm. That's roughly 12" x 12" x 16". You could buy a Creality Ender3, which is 220mm x 220mm x 250mm, and is $229: https://amzn.to/2LJTPR4

The largest part of this print is 145mm, so it would easily fit on the smaller printer.

[Planning]

Robert,

Beautiful work!

How did you secure the magnets in the recesses?

Also, for someone who has zero knowledge regarding getting something fabricated (printed), how does one accomplish that?

[MrWizard]

Oh I like that, many thanks