Radiator bug screen

[Spinner]

Hi
We have a 2018 Thor Axis 25.3 we purchased in the Fall. Thinking about planning a trip soon as the country is opening back up.
We live in Florida along with the pesky LOVEBUGS.

Any recommendations on how to protect the radiator?

Thanks

[paulwadley]

I had the same issue last year with those love bugs while down in Florida. I just had to rinse out the front of my coach every time I washed it. Luckily I found a coin operated rv wash bay at a gas station when I went into Kentucky after leaving Florida. The wash station had an option of a bug removal chemical spray which washed away all of them from my front end.

Paul

[axis earl]

Originally Posted by Spinner

Hi
We have a 2018 Thor Axis 25.3 we purchased in the Fall. Thinking about planning a trip soon as the country is opening back up.
We live in Florida along with the pesky LOVEBUGS.

Any recommendations on how to protect the radiator?

Thanks

Do a search in this forum on the subject and also look at Ed Felker's manual on this subject. Your biggest problem with the Axis/Vegas is the large opening which is great for air flow but makes a great target for not only bugs but rocks. A rock hitting your radiator will definitely put a large kink in your trip.

I personally purchased a large piece of expanded aluminum and cut it to size. There were two already tapped holes at the top of the radiator frame that I secured the expanded aluminum with after I painted it black. I did go through a swarm of grasshoppers around Fallon, NV and they didn't make it to the radiator either.

[mcr1010]

You can check here
https://www.thorforums.com/forums/f8...tion-2179.html
post # 7 for what I did to keep bugs and FOD out of grill.
Also lots of posts of other ideas on mods for that area. May save you some search time.

[Pilobob]

I just added a custom bug screen to my 2019 Hurricane 29M. Looked at a bunch of different options and went with a custom made grill cover that snaps on. I made a template out of a plastic sheet by tracing the outline of the grille and cutting it out. It’s the same thing you’ll see on many tractor trailer rigs.

I had it made by A&F Truck Art in El Paso Texas. 915 588 3960. I sent them the template and had my screen in a week. Really good service

I had it done in Black and had a felt material on the backing where it’s against the front of the coach. I installed the supplied hardware myself in order to get a tight fit. Installed with button snaps that I painted black to blend in. Cost was $60. Kim
Blakey is the owner and did a great job. I’ll try get a photo and post tomorrow

[Lt Keefer]

Has anyone actually experienced radiator damage? I have read a lot about screens and stuff but don't recall reading someone actually having their motorhomes radiator damaged.

[LAEN]

To remove the LOVE BUGS from any vehicle like the hood and glass just get some BOUNTY FABRIC SOFTENER SHEETS and wet them. The bugs literally melt away. Then rinse with water.


I have many helpful hints-this is one

[Pilobob]

Here is the bug screen I had made for my 29M Hurricane. Took it out this past week and it worked great. All engine temps were in the same range as before.

[Rysiek]

Originally Posted by Pilobob

I just added a custom bug screen to my 2019 Hurricane 29M. Looked at a bunch of different options and went with a custom made grill cover that snaps on. I made a template out of a plastic sheet by tracing the outline of the grille and cutting it out. It’s the same thing you’ll see on many tractor trailer rigs.

I had it made by A&F Truck Art in El Paso Texas. 915 588 3960. I sent them the template and had my screen in a week. Really good service

I had it done in Black and had a felt material on the backing where it’s against the front of the coach. I installed the supplied hardware myself in order to get a tight fit. Installed with button snaps that I painted black to blend in. Cost was $60. Kim
Blakey is the owner and did a great job. I’ll try get a photo and post tomorrow

Hello Pilobob,
Would you please, attach the photos of your project. I am really interested in your idea. Thank you very much.

[Pilobob]

Hi Ryseik,
I posted a picture of the screen yesterday on my coach. Look back on the thread and all the info on how I measured and where I had it made is there. Was pretty simple and came out really well.
Take care,
Bob

[jannnda]

Originally Posted by Pilobob

Here is the bug screen I had made for my 29M Hurricane. Took it out this past week and it worked great. All engine temps were in the same range as before.

Hi Bob. That looks great. I have a 31z and the front is the same. Do you think if I call the guy that did yours he would be able to do another one?
Not sure how you attached it but it may be easy once I see it. Thanks Jeff.

[Pilobob]

Hi Jeff, I know Kim can make one for you, I’m not sure the measurements would be the same as my 29m. I took a plastic sheet and taped it tightly to the front of the coach. I then outlined the shape I wanted with a magic marker and cut it out to come up with the template. I went out about an inch all around. I attached it with snap buttons that I painted black. The male part of the snap is drilled into the front of the coach. I installed the snaps and hardware myself as I wanted to a tight fit. Kim did a great job, I paid around $60 for the whole job, he also included the hardware, and put a felt backing on it to protect the gel coat.I’m glad I did as the front grille on my coach is wide open. Radiator and transmission coolers are all exposed to debris.

[Rysiek]

Originally Posted by Pilobob

Hi Jeff, I know Kim can make one for you, I’m not sure the measurements would be the same as my 29m. I took a plastic sheet and taped it tightly to the front of the coach. I then outlined the shape I wanted with a magic marker and cut it out to come up with the template. I went out about an inch all around. I attached it with snap buttons that I painted black. The male part of the snap is drilled into the front of the coach. I installed the snaps and hardware myself as I wanted to a tight fit. Kim did a great job, I paid around $60 for the whole job, he also included the hardware, and put a felt backing on it to protect the gel coat.I’m glad I did as the front grille on my coach is wide open. Radiator and transmission coolers are all exposed to debris.

Hello Pilobob,
I got it. Saw the picture and the description of your project. You did really good job. Thank you. Happy Memorial Day![emoji481][emoji631]

[Cathyroark]

Amazon Has them for about 30 bucks. That’s where we bought ours. We love it

[vkb]

Our documentation regarding the radiator protector is in the link to the old discussion on same.
Briefly, … we went to Lowes and bought a screen door protector which Ron installed in front of the radiator. Allows plenty of air circulation and stops the bugs as well.
On a side note...last May, when visiting family in FL...we encountered the love bugs...at the RV park in Lakeland, we used wet dryer sheets to remove most of them...and then after we escaped to north FL, we washed off the remainder of those pests !!

[paulwadley]

Those Love Bugs were terrible last year when we were in Florida.

[Big-Foot]

1/4” mesh Hardware Cloth (metal screen) from Menards, Lowes, etc... Put it on my 2017 Vegas and tow a 6,000# Jeep Wrangler Unlimited in 100+ degree heat. No problems and it stops all the bugs you’re really concerned about without adding too much restriction to air flow...
(Will upload more photos when this bloody iPad lets me - right now it will only load one)

[Big-Foot]

Another pic - I cut the metal fabric to shape and size with tin snips and then zip tied to the back of the grilles.

[jannnda]

Originally Posted by Big-Foot

Another pic - I cut the metal fabric to shape and size with tin snips and then zip tied to the back of the grilles.

That looks like something even I could do!! I am not the handiest person.

[Big-Foot]

And after install...
I don’t think it took me more than 45 minutes including cleanup. There were some holes I had to drill for the zip ties, but they’re barely noticeable...