By Dustin Simpson
Join me “In The RV Shop” as I talk about inspecting your RV refrigerator roof vent cover. We come across customers’ RVs all the time that have nests from bugs, mice, squirrels, birds and insects that collect on top of the screened area. This can cause venting issues, making the refrigerator not operate like it’s supposed to, and even in some cases cause a fire.
Please make sure to add “Remove the refrigerator cover” as part of your routine maintenance schedule. Below is an example of what you might find inside the cover—in this case, wasp nests.
Getting to know your RV refrigerator vent covers
RV refrigerator roof vents and covers come in various styles and colors. They mount on the top of your motor home, fifth wheel or travel trailer roof to provide venting for your refrigerator to let the heat escape.
Common refrigerator roof vent covers
More from Dustin
Make sure you check out my website, California RV Specialists, and our YouTube channel for more helpful information, and see our published articles on RVtravel.com and other social media pages.
I found the fiberglass insulation installed around the sides had fallen down and was 1/3 blocking the area behind the refrigerator. Pushed it back where the factory had installed it and added a fan to it.
Mine was the same way. They sure didn’t waste any insulation. Barely enough to fill the gap.
I pushed mine back in and stuffed more into the space.
The screws on my vent cover are covered with sealant, lot’s of it. I know I could dig out the sealant, but the head of the screw would be filled.
I’ve been trying to find the proper size screw with neoprene washers.
I could only find #12 and 14 screws, and most are over an inch long.
Try metal roofing screws.
Those are the ones I was talking about.
Too long and they are the #12-14. Plus the heads and wshers are too large to fit in the recess in the cover.
No. Phillips or no. 2 Robenson square point.
Excellent article, thanks Dustin.
Thank you sir!
Squirrels will chew right through that flimsy aluminum screen to get in to the fridge enclosure and make a nest. Ask me how I know….
I covered it with the metal gutter guard material you can get at Lowe’s/HD.
Thank you, Dustin! Good reminder. Happy new year and safe travels! 🙂