Roof Vent Covers

Airstream’s original Drain Waste Vent cover, as shown in the top left image, was a wonderful design although ABS plastic was not the best material selection. I do not understand why they went to the metal version, and only available version, shown in the top center image. The metal version, to me, just invites a leak to happen since it is so dependent on a gasket that is exposed to the elements. A fiberglass version in the original design, however, would be the ultimate as it would have probably survived a basketball hit better than the one pictured below. Although I did use a metal replacement in that location, I still have the busted one to use as a basis for a fiberglass version for when the metal one needs a new gasket.

The old DWV covers were originally sealed with a tar-ry substance. I used Vulkem, and then Par-bonded the perimeter of the installed cover. Some fiberglass window screen material, left over from another project, was used to cover the pipe before the cover was installed.

The refrigerator vent cover suffered damage from the pine trees like the air conditioner shroud did. Although there were several cracks, the only hole it had can be seen in the top right hand image. Masking one side of the hole & filling it with ABS Plastic cement fixed it. “Painting” several coats on both sides of the cover with the same cement sealed the cracks. Of note, Airstream sells a metal refrigerator vent cover, but it is much longer than the one I have.

The previous owner mentioned a problem with squirrels making their way through the refrigerator vent. Between that, and finding a bird’s skeleton under the refrigerator, I went ahead & screened off the vent opening before reinstalling the cover.

At least for now, I am still using the original roof vent fans (as opposed to Fantastic Fans). New [inside] gaskets, and a fresh wipe of Vulkem sealer around the perimeter got them back in camping condition.

Not related to the above discussion is the cover “stand” in the top left hand image. That is a scale model of my Overlander’s footprint which I used, along with a scale model of my Suburban, to back my Airstream into my scale driveway complete with obstacles (utility pole, ditches, etc.) to make sure it could be done. I’ll bet you’re probably shaking your head.