Exterior wall vent fix

[NorseNW]

Not sure how "technical" this is but I'm wondering if anyone has an idea for a fix for this. I lost one of the two tabs (circled in the picture) that secure the vent flap for when you are driving. I can't find anything online that allows you to buy just a new plastic deal. The new vent assembly is only $12 but than I'm looking a more involved replacement project.

My theory was to fashion something to go on the bottom of the flap. Similar setup as the side vent tabs but larger and easier to access. Maybe just screw it into the bottom of the plastic assembly?

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Vents-and-Fans/Ventline/V2111-13.html

Sorry just realized posting photos is beyond my capabilities on this site. Above is the link to the piece I'm talking about

[mobeewan]

When not in use and left unsecured daubers and other insects can get inside the vent when the wind causes them to flap open and closed since they typically do not have screens.

[ItsyRV]

Many of these air flow to open flaps get damage when subjected to external winds that causes them to repeatedly swing open and close while driving. That's why clips are on the unit. Those with the heavier spring or manual opening flaps don't have this problem. Many just use a piece of foam (such as those pool noodles) and shove it in the flap while driving when the clips break off.

[wnjj]

jkwilson wrote:

theczar wrote:
Just Curious, Why is it important to latch it closed? Mine is far off the ground (and a different style) and cannot reach without the ladder. I found it too much of a hassle to add to my setup and teardown routine and have left it unclipped for years. Never had any issues.

Rain can blow in either on the road or in a storm when the flap opens from the wind. Might not be a problem in your area.

Plus the flap itself isn’t meant to withstand road-speed winds. If anyone has gotten away with it they’re just lucky.

[jkwilson]

theczar wrote:
Just Curious, Why is it important to latch it closed? Mine is far off the ground (and a different style) and cannot reach without the ladder. I found it too much of a hassle to add to my setup and teardown routine and have left it unclipped for years. Never had any issues.

Rain can blow in either on the road or in a storm when the flap opens from the wind. Might not be a problem in your area.

[NorseNW]

I greatly appreciate all the replies and ideas. I will say I debated if it was needed or not. Just kind of assumed since it had clips there was a reason. I will say for the first year I didn't realize it had clips and just thought the fan sucked (or didn't suck) because we would run it with the clips close and it wouldn't do much! I'm pretty sure I've forgotten to close them before getting on the road a handful of times now and haven't seen any ill effects unless that how the one clip got snapped off.

I may check out those screen clips just for a piece of mind

[wnjj]

NorseNW wrote:
Thank you. I knew I forgot something simple!

You have extra “IMG” tags around your photo link still. I edited your post here.

[rhagfo]

theczar wrote:
Just Curious, Why is it important to latch it closed? Mine is far off the ground (and a different style) and cannot reach without the ladder. I found it too much of a hassle to add to my setup and teardown routine and have left it unclipped for years. Never had any issues.

X2
Never an issue!

[mobeewan]

Something like this should work.

Flush plastic screen clips.

I'd leave the existing screws alone and drill 2 new holes in the bottom flange of the vent frame.

[wrgrs50s]

On some models they do sell a replacement flap. After 2 of them failed on mine I put a piece of window screen in place of the flapper to keep bugs out, and use a piece of round foam water pipe insulation stuffed in the opening to keep the cold and heat out when not in use. When I use it I just pull the the foam piece down to one corner, then push it back afterwards.

[GaryS1953]

Or, do what I do, just stick an empty toilet paper roll up there. It does the job, and if you forget about it, it rot's sooner or later and falls off : )

[theczar]

Just Curious, Why is it important to latch it closed? Mine is far off the ground (and a different style) and cannot reach without the ladder. I found it too much of a hassle to add to my setup and teardown routine and have left it unclipped for years. Never had any issues.

[Charlie_D_]

Replace it. They are cheap. If you are a Amazon Prime member you get free shipping.

[Robocop]

Why not use 3M locking velcro tabs? I use them on everything inside/outside and they rarely fail.

[Dick_B]

A few years ago one of the members on another site made replacements out of metal which I have been using for years. He charged $25 each and lost so much money he stopped making them.
They consisted of a rod, the diameter of the tabs that break off with a flat piece of metal wrapped around the rod. Basically it was the same shape and size of the plastic one.
So if you are handy, or have access to a high school metal shop (do they still have those?) make one or have one made.
Once made the trick is to install it!