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10-09-2019, 02:34 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Tucson
Posts: 1
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Outside Openings for Critters
Hello, I am new to the forum and appreciate being here and any responses. I just purchased a nearly new 2018 Montana HC 331RL. When I looked at it from the seller I did not open the propane tank doors. When I got it home I was amazed that the bottom of the compartment where the landing front legs come through on both sides are almost completely open to the ground. Anybody else have any concerns as there are openings that any rodent, ants etc. can enter and that it leads to other parts of the storage area that lead to the vents in the stairs. Thank you
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10-09-2019, 02:43 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Hemlock
Posts: 816
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I have never had an issue with critters coming in. My guess is that it is open because propane is heavier than air and that allows it to escape rather than pooling and making an explosive atmosphere. Both my fifth wheels have been open there.
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R.J. and Ginger
2019 Ram 3500 6.7 HO, Aisin Trans 3:73
Reese Goosebox
2019 Sandpiper 379FLOK
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10-09-2019, 06:31 PM
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#3
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Summerville
Posts: 37
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Edit:
I closed the bottom of that compartment in with a plastic like cardboard material, and included screened vents for plenty of ventilation. I have the 2018 Cougar 5th wheel, and I had issues with birds making nest in there all the time. Not anymore. I'll try to get some pics posted.
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10-09-2019, 06:52 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,176
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dietzldub
I closed the bottom of that compartment in with a plastic like cardboard material. I have the 2018 Cougar 5th wheel, and I had issues with birds making nest in there all the time. Not anymore. I'll try to get some pics posted.
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You have created a dangerous condition if you sealed the bottom of your Propane compartment!! If you have any leak in that area the propane will collect, and either enter the living quarters, or create/cause a fire/explosive condition.
If you have an issue with birds in that area, get some Hardware cloth https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...31EB/205960850 This is 1/4" screen mesh and will allow the area to vent and keep the birds out.
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Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
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10-09-2019, 08:18 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
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It's absolutely mandatory that area be left open!
Screen, expanded metal or something very porous would be a better choice to keep critters out or get a cat, but the coroplast (plastic cardboard) MUST be removed ASAP!!!
Would NOT sleep in there til you've taken it down....You've created what could be a VERY VERY dangerous environment by closing up those compartments.
You'd be much safer with the birds!
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Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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10-10-2019, 02:24 AM
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#6
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Summerville
Posts: 37
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I do have screened vents placed in the bottom. There is plenty of ventilation. Sorry I didn’t mention that above, I edited my post above.
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10-10-2019, 02:34 AM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,234
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I would remove any “solid” material that restricts or redirects air flow.
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2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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10-10-2019, 08:20 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckster57
I would remove any “solid” material that restricts or redirects air flow.
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Totally agree! It was left completely open for a reason.
If the vent you placed in the coroplast is not the size of the open bottom, I'd remove it ASAP!
This topic now has me concerned, actually scared, as to how many folks out there have covered this opening unknowingly thinking that they are critter proofing their rv.
Anyone reading this that may be considering this dangerous modification,
DO NOT COVER THIS OPENING!!!!!
__________________
Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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10-17-2019, 04:26 PM
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#9
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Site Team | Emeritus
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 3,878
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The OP does have it open, clarified above. Good for him.
For others, as stated in this thread, don't close this space in solidly! You have been warned.
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Chip Bruce, RPh
Kansas City, MO
2016 Impact 312
2017 Silverado 3500HD SRW
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10-24-2019, 07:22 AM
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#10
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 15
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Propane Critter Shield
I just bought a new fifth wheel and was concerned about this too. I fixed the issue with some gutter guard I bought at Home Depot. This stuff is black wire mesh and comes in 3 foot sections. The mesh is open enough to let out any seeping propane, small enough to keep out wasps and tough enough to prevent rodents.
Buy 2 sections. Take out the propane tanks. Cut the sections to fit and screw it down with self tapping screws. Replace the tanks. Your good.
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10-25-2019, 03:48 AM
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#11
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Northern Idaho
Posts: 62
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The bottoms are open because propane vapor sinks (heavier than air). If you 'look up', you'll probably also see the bare wood of your overshot, for us it's our bedroom floor. I did cut some 1.25" foam board and glued it to the top there to help insulate that area. "Great Stuff" also helps with the smaller openings, and there are a few.
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Rich
'09 Keystone Fuzion FZ403, Touring Edition, 244 of 300.
'08 Chevy Duramax
Full-time in my Fuzion since 2011
USAF Vet. B-52G Crewchief.
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10-25-2019, 09:21 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,138
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Had them all in the Alpine, ants, mice.
I’m trying to find every last hole to screen and/or seal. Bought the HW some copper wool and screen to stuff in places she thinks mice get it. Keeps her busy.
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2017 Alpine 3661FL: For Sale
2021 Vilano
2020 F350 Crew DRW 6.7, 4x4, 10 sod auto, 4:10 gears
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10-27-2019, 04:51 PM
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#13
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Panama City
Posts: 75
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I looked at my compartment and to seal it would be very difficult. What about sealing the top and any openings but leaving the bottom open. Is that a concern?
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10-27-2019, 05:33 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Hemlock
Posts: 816
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Preyou
I looked at my compartment and to seal it would be very difficult. What about sealing the top and any openings but leaving the bottom open. Is that a concern?
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That should be fine. Propane is heavier than air and will go out the bottom if it leaks.
__________________
R.J. and Ginger
2019 Ram 3500 6.7 HO, Aisin Trans 3:73
Reese Goosebox
2019 Sandpiper 379FLOK
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10-27-2019, 05:41 PM
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#15
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,836
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Preyou
I looked at my compartment and to seal it would be very difficult. What about sealing the top and any openings but leaving the bottom open. Is that a concern?
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That's exactly how it "should have been done" at the factory during building your trailer. Usually on fifth wheels, there's a galvanized box lining in the propane compartment. That box is sealed with silicone (or another type sealant) at all the seams to prevent propane from "creeping into the trailer living or storage spaces". The bottom is left open so any leak will "drop to the ground and dissipate"....
If you look closely, you'll probably find that there's a bead of sealant at all the seams on the inside of your propane compartment.
I found a photo online of an Avalanche propane compartment.
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John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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