Installing a kitchen Stove Vent?

[Dave_H_M]

We have a non vented range top in the fifth wheel. What a mess trying to get some serious cooking done there. Smoke alarm goes off immediately. Usually we open the vent in the bathroom and run that fan for exhausting odors.

has anyone installed a range top vent to the outside from scratch? If so is there already a post on it or some knowledge gained from experience that you all care to share?

thanx

[KKELLER14K]

I can't believe the non-vented hoods even exist. I used to have a rig with no vent to the outside and bought it not knowing it wasn't vented (should have looked)...what a huge mistake. I ended up putting up with it and traded it in for a new rig with a vented hood!! Like you said, it makes cooking almost impossible. The big question is why is it not vented? Is there something in the design that would restrict you from doing it? My first attempt would be to remove the existing one and carefully cut a starter hole in the wall where the vent would be and see if there are any wires, pipes, studs etc. If it is clear, go for it...you didn't mention what type of siding you have but if it is fiberglass you would probably want to use a router or zip tool not a saw. It would really damage the edge. Good luck when you muster up the courage to blaze through that wall if you can, do it and you know you will be a much happier camper.

[Gsport]

I do remember someone putting a vent in. They put a vent on the wall and switched the wires on the fan to blow out, instead of in.

[pcm1959]

We had a 2007 rear kitchen Outback fiver that had a range hood with fan but it was not vented to the outside. I took care of that!
It was a really simple mod to do. Just use a stud finder to make sure there are no wall studs right where the vent needs to go through the wall.
If your existing range hood has the fan but not vented all you need is some simple metal duct work to go thru the wall and cut the knock out of the existing hood. Of course, you'll need the exterior vent of which there are a few to choose from.
If you have to buy a new hood, there will be a few of those to choose from, too. I doubt any o them will come with the exterior vent. Don't forgot to seal up the duct work in the wall and caulk the exterior vent. Good luck.

[bbaker2001]

none on our 2001 cardinal
installed a fantastic fan and works great, and quieter

[ScottG]

Another option is to install a High flow fan (like Fantastic fan but any brand will do) in a roof vent in the kitchen area. I did this and it works great for clearing out the kitchen of fumes or smoke. It even has a thermostat so it comes on by itself when the stove is lit.

[fj12ryder]

I don't believe any RV building code requires a vent. Our 5th wheel toyhauler doesn't have one, just the silly recirculating fan on the microwave. Our previous 5th wheel had one, but we rarely used it because it only seemed to generate noise, not vent fumes.

[golf_bears]

Are you sure you don't have a vent? I would think that RV building codes would require one? Maybe you have a vent but the vent cover is locked down outside. The covers usually lock down for when you are traveling so they don't flap around in the breeze.

[George_H]

Have seen items about microwave with exhaust fan and adding vent behind micro, Our micro fan is not vented, we have Fantastic Fan directly above range area, must turn both fans on to keep smoke detector silent. Have not tried for less sensitive smoke detector.