Alde exterior vent screen prevents mud dauber and wasps

GrayGhost · January 2019

The T@B 400 manual says to "Cover exterior vents" for storage.

Has anyone made a mod(cover) for the Alde exterior vent?

Thanks!

ChanW · 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.

GrayGhost · January 2019

Thank you ChanW. We have mud daubers here in SC

SteveW · January 2019

I have a screen permanently installed - Camco 42150

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00480BVXS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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

GrayGhost · January 2019

Thank you SteveW

ChanW · January 2019

@SteveW, thats much prettier than the one I made!

atlasb · January 2019

Also see Alde notes to be careful about getting water in the vent when cleaning the T@B.

targ · January 2019

SteveW said:

I have a screen permanently installed - Camco 42150

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00480BVXS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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.

ChanW · January 2019

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

targ · January 2019

Looks good!

ChanW · 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...

targ · January 2019

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?

BrianZ · January 2019

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.

ChanW · January 2019

@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.

ChanW · 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.
....

BrianZ · January 2019

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.

Sharon_is_SAM · 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

gulfarea · April 2021

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

Alde exterior vent screen prevents mud dauber and wasps

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