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Old 08-19-2015, 03:18 PM   #1
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Insect screen for Atwood Furnace

We have a new Chateau 31L with a model AFMD 30141 Atwood furnace (according to the list on the closet wall). I have been trying to find an insect screen for it. I found one that will go on (if I bend it a bit) but the springs are too long and won't apply tension. I have searched high, low and in between on the internet and have not found anything that helps. Anyone know of a good place to find these?

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Old 08-19-2015, 03:48 PM   #2
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I assume you're talking about those camco screens

I modified a couple of mine a bit, unfortunately I can't remember which ones I had to modify
and I can't believe that I can't put my hands on pictures. Sorry.

Your furnace might be different than mine, don't have my model handy, but my furnace screen went behind the sheet metal cover, with the screen "dome" sticking out.

The one I still have not found a solution for is the range vent hood....

If nobody else chimes in and you're still stuck, let me know & I'll try to go to the storage lot & grab pictures of what I did.
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Old 08-19-2015, 03:50 PM   #3
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now that I'm thinking about it, pretty sure it was the water heater I had to modify heavily

whatever it was, easy enough with some pliers and snips
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Old 08-19-2015, 04:18 PM   #4
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This might work

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Originally Posted by blw2 View Post
Your furnace might be different than mine, don't have my model handy, but my furnace screen went behind the sheet metal cover, with the screen "dome" sticking out.
I have seen those on the internet. Didn't know if those would work or not but think that they might. Thanks for the suggestion.
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Old 09-05-2015, 01:51 AM   #5
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Camping World has some online. http://www.campingworld.com/search/i...y&Nty=1&Ntpc=1

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Old 09-05-2015, 07:47 PM   #6
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Camping World has some online. Search - atwood screens - Camping World

I bought this when I picked up my RV. Seems to have a loose fit.
I am going to cut out a piece of metal screen door mesh and use self tapping screws on the inside of each compartment doors that need them. I think it'll look cleaner and do the same job.
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Old 09-07-2015, 04:57 AM   #7
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Duh, forget the self tapping screws. I will get some muffler tape and tape the screen to the insides of the vents.
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Old 09-22-2015, 06:03 PM   #8
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I am thinking about not putting a furnace screen on. The manufacturers recommend against them. I can't believe that the screen would have that much of an effect on the furnace.

Fred
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Old 09-22-2015, 06:12 PM   #9
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I don't think the standard wide mesh would but I would not use screen door screen. Too fine of a mesh and would severely block air flow.
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Old 09-22-2015, 06:28 PM   #10
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I am thinking about not putting a furnace screen on. The manufacturers recommend against them. I can't believe that the screen would have that much of an effect on the furnace.
I don't know about Pennsylvania, but here in Texas, no screen is an open invitation for a yellow jacket nest in the squirrel cage blower. They are drawn to the smell of propane, anyway. Been there, done that, have the t-shirt (and skinned knuckles) to prove it.

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Old 09-22-2015, 06:29 PM   #11
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The primary reason for putting the screen over the exhaust port is to keep out the mud daubers that can clog the pipe and cause issues such as a fire. I have yet to find a screen that will adequately cover the exhaust and inlet vents in a manner that would prevent insects from getting into the exhaust pipe. For now I am just taking out the exhaust pipe periodically and making sure it is clear.
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Old 09-22-2015, 07:34 PM   #12
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Dave,

I am thinking about doing the same. I talked with an Atwood rep and he told me that they are not recommended and could result in a warranty disapproval.

Fred
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Old 09-22-2015, 08:04 PM   #13
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Dave,

I am thinking about doing the same. I talked with an Atwood rep and he told me that they are not recommended and could result in a warranty disapproval.

Fred
any logical (or illogical) reason(s) given?
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Old 09-22-2015, 08:34 PM   #14
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any logical (or illogical) reason(s) given?
Not sure there could be a logical reason. Walk through any campground and you will find screens on the majority of RVs. Many probably put on by the dealers that sold them. And quite honestly, most of the screens are very easy to remove so if you need warranty repairs just take it off. I've see the problems that mud daubers can make and I'll take my chance with a screen... if I could ever find one that fits.
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Old 09-22-2015, 08:47 PM   #15
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What the rep told me, was that the screen restricted air flow and the furnace was designed to operate without restriction. My response was, well if the wind is blowing directly at the furnace, wouldn't that also restrict the air flow of the exhaust? That is when he told me that if you install a screen, it is reason to deny a warranty claim. It still doesn't make any sense to me.

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Old 09-22-2015, 10:39 PM   #16
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Originally Posted by pstandiford View Post
... if I could ever find one that fits.
I must have bought every size and style made and none will work on my Attwood furnace. If they are long enough they are not wide enough, if they are wide enough they are not long enough.

I used one on my Forest River's Suburban furnace for years and never had an issue with air flow.
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Old 09-23-2015, 01:55 AM   #17
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I can't find reference right now to that atwood model number

but this is the one that worked on my coach
http://www.amazon.com/Camco-42142-Fl...ace+bug+screen
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Old 09-23-2015, 11:47 AM   #18
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Unfortunately that screen will not work on my furnace for two reasons.

First the exhaust protrudes through the cover by 1 - 1 1/2 inches and is has a chrome tip/plate on the outside. This plate is attached to the end of the exhaust tube extension which is about 6 inches long and has a bend or two. The clearances are too small to remove the chrome plate for installation of a screen and I also believe the tabs holding the plate to the exhaust end would break during the removal process.

Next, the screen is not large enough to cover the exhaust and inlet venting slots in the heater cover itself. This would allow critters to crawl into the vent slots and make their way into the exhaust tube rendering the screen useless.

Attached is a pic from the manual for the furnace. When I walk out later I'll take an actual pic of the furnace cover on the coach.

Click image for larger version

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Old 09-23-2015, 12:00 PM   #19
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Dave, This is the same kind that I have. I did find one that would fit (if I bent it out a bit) but I did not feel that I could secure it to keep it from falling off. I could secure it at the top but not at the bottom because the spring at the bottom would not have enough tension to hold it.
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Old 09-23-2015, 12:11 PM   #20
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must be a diff model of furnance....
Have you tried contacting Camco directly?
Maybe it's a new model of furnace and you could be their beta-tester for it.....
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