EDIT - I may have posted this in the wrong channel. If so apologies - mods please move if appropriate!
I recently completed the install of an outside vent for our Furrion OTR Microwave vent and thought I would share a couple of observations and pics in case someone else is considering the same. Overall, a straightforward project and very happy with the result. Start to finish – under 2 hours. And I was being deliberately cautious. Almost all the work was inside the RV – only about 15-20 minutes total outside on the ladder.
NOTE: If anyone is considering this – make sure you find out (metal stud finder or from Grand Design) exactly what’s inside your wall before making cuts. GD had told me the wall was framed for the vent (they are now standard on the 303). I thought they meant there was nothing in the way, like a stud, backer plates, wiring etc. I certainly wasn’t expected a metal framed opening sized exactly for the OEM vent part (see photo). Glad I went with the OEM vent from GD and took extra care in locating the wall template before cutting. For reference, the inside dimensions between the metal frame members was exactly 4” x 11” (YMMV)
Couple of notes:
I recently completed the install of an outside vent for our Furrion OTR Microwave vent and thought I would share a couple of observations and pics in case someone else is considering the same. Overall, a straightforward project and very happy with the result. Start to finish – under 2 hours. And I was being deliberately cautious. Almost all the work was inside the RV – only about 15-20 minutes total outside on the ladder.
NOTE: If anyone is considering this – make sure you find out (metal stud finder or from Grand Design) exactly what’s inside your wall before making cuts. GD had told me the wall was framed for the vent (they are now standard on the 303). I thought they meant there was nothing in the way, like a stud, backer plates, wiring etc. I certainly wasn’t expected a metal framed opening sized exactly for the OEM vent part (see photo). Glad I went with the OEM vent from GD and took extra care in locating the wall template before cutting. For reference, the inside dimensions between the metal frame members was exactly 4” x 11” (YMMV)
Couple of notes:
- In the 303 the mounting screws for the m/w are behind the top trim plate on the m/w. There were five LOOOOONG screws that are screwed through the metal m/w frame into the cupboard frame.
- The Installation Manual was included with our original documentation from GD and contained the instructions to re-orient the blower fan to vent out the back, as well as the wall template. The cutout size on the template is generic – I had to adjust to the size of the vent. Note the factory cutout in the top of the cabinet - must be generic for use in other models - can't vent the m/w out the top in a 303 - it is in the slide.
- For the vent, I used the OEM vent available from GD parts site (screen shot attached).
- In addition to the vent itself, for the Furrion m/w you also need the small metal “exhaust adaptor”. It is a galvanized extension with a damper/flap (about 4” x 12”) that attaches to the back of the m/w. GD Customer Service sent it to me and I totally forgot to take a pic. before installing (apologies). This is an important piece as the extension flange fits inside the plastic vent duct and directs the airflow into the vent - although I wouldn't exactly call it "hermetically sealed". The bag was labelled as p/n #720442 (don’t know if that is GD or Furrion #).
- I used a Dremel multi-tool (oscillating) to make the cuts and I worked from inside out. I had seen how others drilled the four corners then cut from outside in. Either works… I liked the inside out method because it saved the point of no return (cutting through the fibreglass) until the end.
- Because of the metal framing, accuracy is important. Measure carefully and test fit. Think cabinetry tolerances here.
- I used #8 x 1” s/s pan head screws to attach the outside vent as well as LePage Quad Window, Door and Siding sealant (clear). As a bonus, the screws ended up going into the metal framing – this thing ain’t coming off unless I want it to!
- In hindsight, this turned out to be way more straightforward because I used the OEM part the wall is framed for. If going after-market, be cognizant of the dimensions – in my case the opening was framed exactly for the OEM part and it matched exactly with the Furrion exhaust adaptor.
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