outside cover for CoolCat AC vent T@b400

jimcenname

I keep the outside AC vent on my 400 covered when not in use or when towing. Previously I used the snap-on canvas cover NuCamp provided aided by tape so it wouldn't come off while driving. Removing and replacing it got old since I tape it in place. I created a slide-frame for a slide in panel by fastening three 3/4-inch aluminum angles to the top, bottom and front of the vent. I then slid a Coroplast panel into place to cover the vent. The photo shows it prior to application of paint for a white matching finish. I drilled condensation drain holes in the bottom angle to match the existing holes in the vent. I used sheetmetal screws to attach the angles to the vent.  

As a side note. Notice the white band around the perimeter of the two round windows. To repair water leaks NuCamp cut the black decal away from the window's perimeter and sealed the windows with white caulk. NuCamp service said the windows leaked because the black decal moved too much when it got hot, breaking the seal of the black caulk against the window. 

Dona

Love this. I’m assuming the “plastic” has to be a very tight fit to prevent vibrations from jiggling it out because you don’t mention anything on the 4th side.  What did you use to cut the plastic so precisely? And while I’m at it, what did you use to cut the metal?  I’d love to try this, but I’m afraid I don’t have the right tools and then it’ll look like #*$%.  Thank you!

Sharon_is_SAM

Jim,  I like the white ring around the windows!  Great idea for the vent cover.  

DenisP

Jim, really nice job an elegant solution. I made a rigid cover for my Coolcat for the same reason and it has worked well for the last couple of years for travel and storage. I used materials on hand so my attachment is different but as with any modification there are many ways to approach it. 

DanManz

@jimcenname and @DenisP - I like both of your solutions.  Back up and explain to me why we cover this vent anyway?  We live in VT and rarely use the AC.  Are we trying to keep dust out, mice out, moisture out or something else?  The original vinyl cover that came with the trailer got stained and discolored pretty quickly so I've just been leaving it off.  Is that hurting anything?

jimcenname

I keep my t@b very clean. I don't want dirt, dust, road grime to enter the ac vent. Especially when I'm towing it. 

Verna

@DanManz, the cool spring, fall and winter air comes into the vent and then cools down the inside, so I kept my cover on when it was below 50*. 

Also, during heavy rain, the tire spray from trucks could enter the Cool Cat vent. Depending on the severity of the rain, you may need to clean it up. (I never did remember to put the cover on for severe rain and never had any rain water inside.)

VictoriaP

@DanManz I have a 320 with the high side mount AC. Made a similar cover both for drafts and to keep mud dauber wasps from trying to nest on or worse yet, in! the AC area. Around here, they’re always hunting for places to build.

ChrisFix

jimcenname said:

As a side note. Notice the white band around the perimeter of the two round windows. To repair water leaks NuCamp cut the black decal away from the window's perimeter and sealed the windows with white caulk. NuCamp service said the windows leaked because the black decal moved too much when it got hot, breaking the seal of the black caulk against the window. 

Nucamp must have realized this issue after your model year...
on my 2021, the decal is cut back from the windows, with white caulking - just like yours looks now.

Denny16

I doubt mice can get in through the CoolCat back vent, the screen mesh is too fine, but mud dabblers, dust and water can.  A good cover is a grand idea.
cheers

jimcenname

@Dona, I used scissors to cut the coroplast to size. Those two edges aren't perfectly straight but they're hidden once I slide it into the frame. I used a hand held hack saw to cut the aluminum to length. The 45 degree cuts for the mitered corners are not perfect so I filled the gaps with caulk. The coroplast fits just snug enough.  @DenisP, I like your decorations. I bought an extra coroplast cover so my grandkids can do finger painting or something to decorate mine.

DenisP

Thanks Jim.  I have been using the cover to record our National Park adventures with stickers.  The 400 artwork was an experiment.

jimcenname

A photo of the top 3/4 inch aluminum angle installed to retain coroplast over the AC cover. 

JeffroNC

Thanks for the photo. It clears things up for. I'm off to Lowes!

Governor

Jim, that's slick!

jimcenname

@DenisP
You inspired me to make my AC cover personal. My grandkids helped. 

DenisP

@jimcenname  Nice job with the Artwork. 

ReenieG

I have a 320S. They're way too proud of their vent cover. I like the mods you all have made for a fraction of the cost. I think I'll attempt one from your mods.. Granted, it's not diamond plate but it's also not over $300! LOL 
https://teardropshop.com/products/t-b-320-a-c-vent-door?variant=12160755990592

PMW

Thank you for this post. We just bought a 2016 320S Sofitel, and I was perplexed the air conditioner vent wasn't covered. Your post gives my husband some ideas on how to cover that vent. 

Slackers

We also did the Plexiglas for our 320 CSS.  It was easy and works well.  

SgtYork

Thanks jimcenname! My first mod

jimcenname

@SgtYork, it looks great. Did you have any trouble get the coroplast to fit snuggly?

jimcenname

@SgtYork, where's your black tank flush hose connection?

SgtYork

jimcenname said:

@SgtYork, it looks great. Did you have any trouble get the coroplast to fit snuggly?

I put #8 stainless screws in place of the snap and screws. Made a tight fit when putting the cover in and out.
 

SgtYork

jimcenname said:

@SgtYork, where's your black tank flush hose connection?

It has the Nautilus Water Management System with the flush connection on the panel.

DanWeitzel

Did this to our 2016 320Qmax. 

kmulh

@SgtYork That looks great.  Can you leave it in while driving or will it slip out the back.  We are in a stink bug area and I'm worried about them infesting the AC vent, do you think that is sealed enough to keep the things out?

SgtYork

kmuth  INot sure. the screws hold the cover tight but also there is a gap  the screw heads create. 

Jake_Elwood_and_us

We just picked our 'never used' 1 year old 400BD on Monday 5/23 and are heading out 5/26 for a 4 night trial run. This forum and other searching has proved invaluable. The previous owner had it a year and didn't remember too much from the walk through. I was wondering when to use the snap on cover for the A/C, while driving? All the time except when using the A/C?

Thanks.

Blueespy

Jake_Elwood_and_us said:

We just picked our 'never used' 1 year old 400BD on Monday 5/23 and are heading out 5/26 for a 4 night trial run. This forum and other searching has proved invaluable. The previous owner had it a year and didn't remember too much from the walk through. I was wondering when to use the snap on cover for the A/C, while driving? All the time except when using the A/C?

Thanks.

I've traveled with the snap on cover several times and never had an issue.  I read in this forum, another t@b owner does the same and never had an issue.  I have thought adding velcro along the cover and frame to reinforce the snaps while traveling.  We did 3-months (Fl to AK) and didn't use the cover as often as we should have so when we got home, I lifted the seat cover and used a heavy vac to really clean the area.  I do a partial cleaning in this area after every trip - wash the air filter, vac, etc.  I think the vent cover is effective in keeping the dirt out.

Jake_Elwood_and_us

Thanks Blueespy, one more thing I can check off the list!