Vent flap flapping

[Mark S]

So we are sitting on the edge of the bay, enjoying the steady rhythm of the rain tapping away and the range vent flap starts flapping in the wind. Simple answer is close the vent locks. But on the Seneca there is no way to reach them without a ladder which I'm not about to take out every move.

On previous RVs I closed the vent before we moved or in high winds like today. If I didn't lock it it would break before our next arrival. But that is not practical on this one.

What do you Seneca owners do with the vent flap?

[Marcm157]

I don't have a Seneca but have the same trouble depending on the site I'm on. Even when I can reach the vent, it takes a great deal of force to open the vent. I typically leave it open. Haven't had any issues as a result...

[t18skyguy]

The one on my Greyhawk is high too. Another member said he use's the end of a broom handle to push it closed, but I haven't tried it.

[chasfenwick]

Originally Posted by Marcm157

I don't have a Seneca but have the same trouble depending on the site I'm on. Even when I can reach the vent, it takes a great deal of force to open the vent. I typically leave it open. Haven't had any issues as a result...

This same latching vent has been used for years in several different Jayco models. In the 2014 Melbourne 29D you didn't need a ladder to get to it, if you were tall, so no serious issue, but it was still sort of a pain to use. In our 2017 Precept 31UL it is too high off the ground but a pain to use a ladder every time you use the vent, even if you do carry one. We discussed this with the folks in Middlebury when we were there. They have no magic answer. There are tales of people putting in small Velcro patches that can hold it closed but make it possible to open the flap with a rod of some sort. No doubt other clever workarounds have been devised. But we have decided to leave it CLOSED all of the time and, when we need to vent the cooktop, we open the window next to it and run the ceiling fan to get circulation through that area.

[che57vy]

glue magnet to flap, fan on it opens off it stays closed what i did works great one of those small window alarms magnet sets works good

[t18skyguy]

Originally Posted by che57vy

glue magnet to flap, fan on it opens off it stays closed what i did works great one of those small window alarms magnet sets works good

Does one magnet stick to another? Sounds like a very good idea however you set it up. I know it wouldn't be easy, but a picture of that setup would be like gold.

[Tunce the traveler]

Originally Posted by che57vy

glue magnet to flap, fan on it opens off it stays closed what i did works great one of those small window alarms magnet sets works good

Bingo

[BigJohnD]

Got any pictures of the magnet set up?

[Mark S]

Originally Posted by che57vy

glue magnet to flap, fan on it opens off it stays closed what i did works great one of those small window alarms magnet sets works good

I like that idea. I am surprised that the fan is strong enough to separate the magnet that is strong enough to hold the vent closed.

Thanks for the idea.

[chasfenwick]

Originally Posted by Mark S

I like that idea. I am surprised that the fan is strong enough to separate the magnet that is strong enough to hold the vent closed.

Thanks for the idea.

Yes, I applaud the ingenuity but I am surprised about that as well. Also, wouldn't the magnet cause a gap which could whistle when you are running down the road? Hopefully not . . .

[javamon]

Our flaps while driving as well. Very annoying.

[DonaandDon]

Although I haven't tried it, my friend sys to superglue your favorite silver dollar to the outside therefore causing enough weight to close the vent when not in use.

[che57vy]

I will try to get a picture, I never had any trouble getting fan to open vent as magnet is not that big.I also used same magnet on my screen door that got lost made my stairs to stop working

[che57vy]

This is the magnet I used, I glued it in the opening flush with the door, then on the door I glued a thin piece of metal a small washer would work or a piece of metal foil tape type used in duct work may work. I said if the metal fell off i may try the tape. These are small enough you could use two I got mine off Ebay they are for a alarm system on a window

[che57vy]

Here is picture of magnet, I know there are people out there doubting this works but does on mine traveling and parked no more ladder or stick.This fan is so strong if I left latches closed flap would bow out in middle when turned on. I glued a very thin metal washer on the flap with gorilla super glue then I used J B quick weld to glue a spacer of wood on inside duct to bring magnet up higher then use the J B to glue magnet to spacer.All you have to do is offset the magnet the thickness of the washer and the flap is tight against the flange I think even two magnets would still let fan blow it open.

[t18skyguy]

Very cool thank you for that