Vent Lids & Covers

Replacing a vent lid or adding a cover

There are two separate jobs here, and it's worth knowing which one you have. A cracked or yellowed lid needs a matching replacement lid. A vent that leaks, won't seal, or has a broken hinge base may need a whole new assembly. And a good lid that you just want to run open in the rain needs a vented cover over the top. Match by these:

• Lid size and style. Most are the 14" x 14" opening, but there are old-style and newer profiles that aren't interchangeable — a Heng's 20000-series lid won't fit a newer frame. Check the hinge and pin style, not just the outer dimension.
• Tint. Smoke lids cut glare and hide the interior; white and translucent lids let more daylight in. Pick for how the vent is used — a translucent lid over a galley brings light, a smoke lid over a bunk keeps it dim.
• Lid vs. full assembly. If the frame and hinge are sound, a lid alone is the cheap fix. If the base is cracked or leaking at the roof, a complete vent kit like Camco's replaces the whole thing and gives you a fresh seal.
• Vented roof covers. A domed cover mounts over the vent so you can leave it open in rain and wind without water coming in — the difference between airing the rig overnight and waking up to a wet floor.
• Screens and specialty vents. Range hood bug screens and dryer/exhaust vent parts live here too — small stuff that keeps insects and weather out of appliance vents.

When you pull an old lid, plan to reseal the base — have your lap sealant ready so the new hardware goes down watertight. If the vent won't open rather than won't seal, the problem is usually inside the fan or crank mechanism, not the lid.