New rv owner -drafty vents

[Bjesquivel]

I recently purchased a 2016 Cypress redwood CY36CRL. We have had multiple issues with it already. A cracked tub, leaky sinks, faucets not working, leaks in the basement, my basement radio not working (still not working) etc. but something I really want to address is the draft from the vents on the interior steps that lead up to the sleeping area. After some investigation I noticed that the 2 vents just open up to the mechanical room and the basement. There are no duct work that auctually connect to them. My major question is, are these 2 vents required for air flow or can I insulate these openings that allow lots of cold air to creep in? Thank you!

[atom ant]

They are required return air for the furnace. You need to find out where air is getting into the utility chase and try to block that.

[rob_fla]

The return vents to the basement area are typical on most towable RVs.
When the furnace is running the return air has to come from somewhere.
Our last Rear Living (Front Bedroom) 5th Wheel had these vents under the stairs going up to the Bathroom / Bathroom.
If there was a storage compartment door open there was quite a draft from the stairway vents.
Our Redwood is a Front Living layout with a middle galley kitchen, the vent to the basement / furnace area is under our pantry and a grill by the steps, I have not noticed a lot of cold air drafts is this area when all storage bay doors are closed.

[mhs4771]

Here's a trick that can be done: You can replace those vents with closeable vents, BUT you must remember to open them if using the Furnace. We've done that on all three of our 5ers.

[johnboytoo]

Wonder if there is a one way flap or something you could put on it ?

OR,
get an electrical impulse from the furnace when it's on to open a flap ???
(thinking out loud )

[Bjesquivel]

I was thinking about putting closing vents in the bedroom because it gets super hot on that side of the rv. I never thought about using closing vents for those. The down side is that it is low 40's here in Southern California. So they'll be open 24/7 right bow

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by Bjesquivel

I was thinking about putting closing vents in the bedroom because it gets super hot on that side of the rv. I never thought about using closing vents for those. The down side is that it is low 40's here in Southern California. So they'll be open 24/7 right bow

I think they are standard sizes at Home Depot. If not, these folks have been a good source.

Venting Products - DW Inc.

[travelin' texans]

Added the register that closes to the bedroom vent on the RW & the last 2 rvs we've had, if not the bedroom gets extremely hot. I would imagine on the FL the living room gets hot.

[travelin' texans]

Oh yea! You can get them at most any home improvement stores, a standard 4"x8" register.

[Dave&Ginny]

I don't think I'd mess with them much. That air circulation will help keep the mildew down which I think is important. I've seen too many RVs with mold or bacteria growing in the storage compartments.

[Shane Wood]

Dave
That's from spilled beer at the basement refrigerator

[rob_fla]

Originally Posted by travelin' texans

Added the register that closes to the bedroom vent on the RW & the last 2 rvs we've had, if not the bedroom gets extremely hot. I would imagine on the FL the living room gets hot.

The furnace vents on our FL heat the whole coach pretty evenly, since the Front Living area is open to the Kitchen / Dining area, we do not get over heated up there when using the furnace.

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by Dave&Ginny

I don't think I'd mess with them much. That air circulation will help keep the mildew down which I think is important. I've seen too many RVs with mold or bacteria growing in the storage compartments.

Serious! Yuck

I guess we are so dry here we cant get it to grow very well.

[Dave&Ginny]

Originally Posted by Shane Wood

Dave
That's from spilled beer at the basement refrigerator

No Shane......

I don't spill my alcohol

[johnboytoo]

Me either !
The Bourbon is too precious:
Amazon.com : Wow Cup for Kids - NEW Innovative 360 Spill Free Drinking Cup - BPA Free - 9 Ounce (Orange) : Baby Drinkware : Baby