On Facebook, many say that Grand Design is against using screens like these on your RV. This is not my RV, just a pic from the group. Wondering if this is true. My technician highly recommended them especially here in Florida to keep out beehives.
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Scott&Tracie amp;
The advice to not use bug screens comes directly from the furnace/water heater appliance manufacturers. This has been repeatedly stated by reps from these companies at Rally seminars. Their advice is to lay either a dog's "flea collar" or a closet deodorizer containing "moth crystals" inside the appliance cover to repel nesting insects/wasps/etc. This seems to be working for us. Both Canada in the summer and Florida in the winter.
RobCate & Rob
(with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
2015 Reflection 303RLS
2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
Bayham, Ontario, Canada
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Good morning to all. As a retired engineer I would like to know what technical data the appliance manufacturers base their advice on. We tried the "moth ball" route on our previous trailer and the wasps totally ignored that idea. We finally installed screens for both the furnace and water heater vents on that trailer and then on our 337 which is our current rig. No problems with insects and no issues with operational efficiencies on the appliances. We also installed screens on the fridge vents. I can understand why they might not like screens since it does create some blockage for air flow. But I don't believe the amount of area obstruction impacts air movement to any serious extent. If they have done testing and can show data supporting their concerns I'm sure all of us would appreciate seeing it.Mark & Ellen
2020 Reflection 337RLS
2019 RAM 3500 Mega Cab SRW
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Originally posted by MAW7228 View PostGood morning to all. As a retired engineer I would like to know what technical data the appliance manufacturers base their advice on. We tried the "moth ball" route on our previous trailer and the wasps totally ignored that idea. We finally installed screens for both the furnace and water heater vents on that trailer and then on our 337 which is our current rig. No problems with insects and no issues with operational efficiencies on the appliances. We also installed screens on the fridge vents. I can understand why they might not like screens since it does create some blockage for air flow. But I don't believe the amount of area obstruction impacts air movement to any serious extent. If they have done testing and can show data supporting their concerns I'm sure all of us would appreciate seeing it.
I completely agree with your engineering perspective. Certainly makes sense to me . . . particularly for the fine wire screens . . . maybe not for some of the stamped metal versions. I specifically asked (at a Dometic/Attwood tech seminar several years ago) if there was data to support their position that screens cause airflow problems. Nothing was offered.
To be clear . . . I am not supporting the perspective that screens cause a problem, just relaying the statements made by the reps from the appliance manufacturers. The comment was also made that if you take your trailer in for warranty service work on one of these appliances . . . take the screens off first.
RobCate & Rob
(with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
2015 Reflection 303RLS
2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
Bayham, Ontario, Canada
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Understood. Interesting comment about removing the screens for appliance warranty work. I would concur but this might be interesting for the group. When we purchased our travel trailer we received from the dealer a free service contract from NWAN, Inc. called "Warranty Forever" which covers almost everything, including water system and heating system components. To maintain the warranty, the RV must have the following maintenance performed by a professional repair facility on a yearly basis. The maintenance check that must be performed on the RV includes:- inspecting and cleaning the furnace (clean the blower, combustion chamber, control compartment as necessary) along with testing the gas line for leaks.
- inspecting the hot water heater (flush holding tank, manually operate the pressure temp relief valve, clean burner tube as outlined by the manufacturer)
Mark & Ellen
2020 Reflection 337RLS
2019 RAM 3500 Mega Cab SRW
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Originally posted by Scott&Tracie View PostOn Facebook, many say that Grand Design is against using screens like these on your RV. This is not my RV, just a pic from the group. Wondering if this is true. My technician highly recommended them especially here in Florida to keep out beehives.
Just some thoughts. One reason may be that not all people are very handy and if they install them incorrectly behind the cover it could fall off and cause problems with the appliance operation. Electrical shorts and fires. The less experienced or knowledgeable may even think it would be OK to install nylon house window screen. Which is flammable. And when the screens are secured on the outside they can become very hot and are easier to touch and burn yourself. I am confident it has nothing to do with airflow. Usually when a manufacturer says 'don't' it is more because of liability and less about performance.
Mike & Lisa
Central Florida
2021 Imagine 2970RL
1996 Chevy K3500 Crew SRW 7.4L Gas
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And consider this. As an example during fall camping with falling leaves and the furnace running, it seems possible that a screen on the intake side could more easily block and cover the screen with a leave(s) vs having a completely open "tube." Remote chance of occurring, certainly - but the manufacturer probably had this discussion along with many other very remote scenarios including getting blocked by falling space junk !
I too would really like to see the meeting minutes/documents/etc. from the manufacturer on why saying no to screens. It could be real eye opening experience.
DanDan & Carol
2014 303RLS Reflection #185 (10/2013 build)
2012 Silverado LTZ Crew Duramax 2500HD - 2700/16K Pullrite Superglide
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I too would like to see the memo and data as to why they shun the screens. Would not be surprised if "unofficially" someone determined that flying organisms help generate parts sales.
If someone were to sit down and do all the math, it would not surprise me if the net airflow area minus losses is greater than the airflow area of the appliance.
Also, the screens help provide an additional layer of thermal shielding. Yes the screen gets hot, but it also tends to cool faster than the venting on the appliance thus helping reduce the potential for age challenged organisms from getting branded.Joseph
Tow Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
South of Houston Texas
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