Alde exterior vent screen prevents mud dauber and wasps

GrayGhost
GrayGhost
edited April 2021 in Heating/Plumbing & Winterizing
The T@B 400 manual says to  "Cover exterior vents" for storage. 
Has anyone made a mod(cover) for the Alde exterior vent?
Thanks!

Comments

  • ChanW
    ChanW
    edited January 2019
    Yes, I made a little bowl-shaped cover out of ¼"-mesh "hardware  cloth" (actually might be ⅛"-mesh), that I screw onto the vent during mud-dauber season, when the Alde isn't being used.

    It's a good idea to cover any vents (incl. fridge) if you have mud-dauber wasps in your area! I've also covered all drain tubes that way.
    Chan  -  near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah! 

     A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
  • GrayGhost
    GrayGhost
    Thank you ChanW.  We have mud daubers here in SC
  • SteveW
    SteveW
    I have a screen permanently installed - Camco 42150


    Drilled a couple of tiny holes in the plastic vent to install with wire.

    Reformed tent campers now in Ab T@B - 2016 Outback
  • GrayGhost
    GrayGhost
    Thank you SteveW
  • ChanW
    ChanW
    @SteveW, thats much prettier than the one I made!
    Chan  -  near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah! 

     A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
  • atlasb
    atlasb
    Also see Alde notes to be careful about getting water in the vent when cleaning the T@B.
    2018 T@B 400, 2017 Nissan Titan Crew cab
  • targ
    targ
    SteveW said:
    I have a screen permanently installed - Camco 42150


    Drilled a couple of tiny holes in the plastic vent to install with wire.

    Got any pictures of your installation?  The screen you linked to is square, but my Alde vent is round so I'm a bit confused.
    The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice. | -REBEC OF GINAZ
    2019 T@B 320S BD Lite, Jeep TJUR, Jeep JT

  • ChanW
    ChanW
    @targ    Here you go. It just fits. It looks way better than the one I made!

    Chan  -  near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah! 

     A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
  • targ
    targ
    Looks good! 
    The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice. | -REBEC OF GINAZ
    2019 T@B 320S BD Lite, Jeep TJUR, Jeep JT

  • ChanW
    ChanW
    edited January 2019
    @targ, TBH I never run the Alde with the screen in place. I'm concerned about limiting the airflow, with the Alde's sensitivity to air/fuel mixture ratio - high altitude problems.

    I always remove it when in use, and usually only have it on during dauber and lady-bug nesting season...
    Chan  -  near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah! 

     A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
  • targ
    targ
    I can't imagine the airflow being significantly altered - that's a pretty coarse mesh.  But, the Alde exhaust is rather hot so that could be an issue if someone got a hand on it while the Alde was running on propane.
    If/when I get around to doing this, I may just run the Alde with it on and check the temp on the mesh to see how hot it gets.
    Do you also cover the various other vents?
    The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice. | -REBEC OF GINAZ
    2019 T@B 320S BD Lite, Jeep TJUR, Jeep JT

  • BrianZ
    BrianZ
    Thanks for these tips on the Alde vent screen.  While ordering one, I also ordered this item for the frig vents..

    Camco 42156 Flying Insect Screen for Norcold Refrigerator Vent https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J6DMJ0U

    And one of these to replace the duct tape that's been holding on one end of a frig vent after I broke one of the clips..

    Norcold 617772 Replacement Latch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CBZ3ST2

    No more worrying about the critters!  Thanks again.
    -Brian in Chester, Virginia
    TV: 2005 Toyota Sienna LE (3.3L V6)
    RV: 2018 T@B 320S, >100 mods 
  • ChanW
    ChanW
    @targ, Yes, I covered all the vents and drain tubes that might be attractive to a mud dauber. We also have covers over the three way fridge intake/exhaust vents when we aren't using it.

    I didn't screen the main drains for the water lines, not sure why, but they'd be easy to clear if they got plugged.
    Chan  -  near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah! 

     A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
  • ChanW
    ChanW
    edited January 2019
    Another thing to note about the Alde, is that it creates moisture with its exhaust. This will matter in winter camping, because you'll have an icicle hanging from the exhaust vent. 

    I think having a screen on it while winter camping could create an ice dam.
    targ said:
    I can't imagine the airflow being significantly altered - that's a pretty coarse mesh.  But, the Alde exhaust is rather hot so that could be an issue if someone got a hand on it while the Alde was running on propane.
    If/when I get around to doing this, I may just run the Alde with it on and check the temp on the mesh to see how hot it gets.
    ....

    Chan  -  near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah! 

     A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
  • BrianZ
    BrianZ
    I was also wondering about the best way to permanently block insects from getting inside the plumbing vent located on the drivers side near the front corner.
    -Brian in Chester, Virginia
    TV: 2005 Toyota Sienna LE (3.3L V6)
    RV: 2018 T@B 320S, >100 mods 
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM
    edited January 2019
    @BrianZ, I think if you remove the plastic vent cover you can place some screening over the opening then replace the cover.  I know @Dalehelman changed his vent, so I know thecover can be removed/replaced.

    Check this out.  https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/4535/how-i-flush-my-black-water-tank
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • gulfarea
    gulfarea
    I bought the 4 inch square bug screen and when I went to put it on out came the wasps! I suggest you all get the screen! Art
    2019 TaB 320 S Boondock Edge

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