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| Summer Campsite |
Plumbing Vent Cap Replacements
We returned to our summer campsite which includes our "cabin", a travel trailer at a campground in MI. On inspection I decided I'll be doing some repairs and preventative maintenance. Of particular interest is the roof, which needs a good cleaning and to which I may apply a roof sealant this year.
But first, a few other minor repairs. This post is about the plumbing vent caps.
After unloading we walked to the shoreline and enjoyed a sunset. I'll do the roof work on a cloudy day.
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| Sunset on Lake Michigan |
We get partial shade because we are under a tree. However, that does mess up the roof a bit, and the two plumbing vent caps showed signs of failure. LOL.
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| Old Plumbing Vent Cap |
I replaced both vent caps. I used two types. I'm not recommending or promoting either cap. I suggest one do additional research. I've included a link to one of the manufacturer's videos in the post.
One cap is an inexpensive Camco universal replacement. I removed the one screw holding the old cap in place, pulled it off and cut off the stabs which joined the base to the cap. A razor knife did it. This was a quick and easy replacement. I also used some Dicor non-sag lap sealant to fill a crack which was forming in the existing lap sealant.
I use a plastic putty knife to remove old lap sealant. I am concerned about damaging the existing membrane roof by using a steel scraper. I buy 2" wide putty knifes in a two-pack at Ace.
Here's a photo from another of my RV roof projects, showing a putty knife in action:
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| Using a 2 inch plastic putty knife to remove lap sealant |
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| Camco Universal Vent Cap Replacement |
The second cap was replaced with a Lippert Components 389381 360 Siphon Roof Vent Cap - White (Gen 2). This is significantly more costly than the Camco universal replacement.
The Lippert has several different installation methods. One method allows the reuse of the existing base. Another method replaces the entire vent cap.
After removing the second, existing vent cap I decided to retain the base. In other words, I didn't have to scrape all of that old lap sealant off and remove the base. I chose to retain the old based because the roof flange was of a larger diameter than the new base. I also did a test fit of the entire cap and decided I didn't want to hacksaw the 2-3/8 diameter vent pipe, which projected too far above the roof for the Lippert. To do the partial replacement required some glue. I used Goop and with a rock on the cap, I let it set overnight under pressure. The instructions for this approach was included with the Lippert I purchased. After the glue set, I applied "Eternabond" tape over the seam, for good measure.
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| Lippert Vent cap replacement - using old base. |
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| Lippert Components |
The Lippert claims to have better siphoning because of its patented design. I'm curious about this, which is why I purchased one......It may be an improvement at our winter location and I want to see how it performs. However, the cost is a consideration.
For more on the Lippert, here is a promotional video which shows how it works:
Original Material: http://Roadtrek210.blogspot.com
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