Anyone Else With Damaged Vent Lids?

[JulesandtheBear]

So we just traded up to a new 2024 2600RB. During the walkthrough I noticed the dark spots on the vent lids, but assumed it was just roof debris that could be cleaned. Not the case - the opaque spots are actually inside the plastic. They appear white when you look at the lid straight on, and do not seem to have changed the feel of the surface of the lid either inside or out. Tried cleaning - no luck. Tried a plastic restorer - no luck.
Anyone else come across this?
Mostly curious - my bad for not bringing it up during our walkthrough (you know what they say about 'assume'). If I end up replacing them, it won't be a huge deal.
Other than that, we are more than pleased with our new little house!! Our second GD, and hopeful that it works as well as the last one!

 

[Riverbug]

Never encountered that situation where it's embedded in the plastic. The roof or anything else doesn't have those spots? Just the vents? I would have them replaced under warranty whether you choose to just call for parts to GD directly and do it yourself or take it back to the dealer. I don't recall that I've ever replaced just the hinged lid. I can't imagine that would be too difficult. It would have to be easier than replacing the entire assembly. But I'd have to look at one to see how it's done.

 

[Wileykid]

Call GD and get them to send you a new ones under warranty. It takes 5-10 minutes to replace them.

 

[JulesandtheBear]

I did contact GD about our issue. They requested additional pictures and indicated they would be dealing with the manufacturer on the issue. That was Wednesday and since then *crickets*. I'll follow up next week after we take our inaugural trip with our girls. Couple of more pictures for your viewing pleasure.

 

[Steven@147]

Haven't had that happen on our RV but on my enclosed car trailer I had to replace the lids every once in a while. The Texas sun would just baked them, they would get brittle and crack and just fall apart..

A lot of things like this I think it's in the plastic composite material. UV or heat just breaks them down and they start to deteriorate. I hope GD will be responsive for you and replace it. Sure would be easier to replace just the lid though.
We put covers over both of our vent lids, even the one in the kitchen that is rain sensing.

 

[GNRWhite]

Or you could also put a Maxxair vent cover on it. It won't get rid of the spots, but maybe make them less visible. Then you could also use the fan if it's raining out. The best thing is, if you ever happen to accidentally leave your vent open when you hit the road, you have to worry about it being blown off.

 

[Cheldric]

We had this as well on our new 2670mk last year. Those spots are indicative of hail strikes. Blue Compass RV installed new ones before we took possession.

 

[JulesandtheBear]

We had this as well on our new 2670mk last year. Those spots are indicative of hail strikes. Blue Compass RV installed new ones before we took possession.

Thanks - I thought that might be the case. The spots look like what happens if plastic is bent - so stress from an impact makes sense.

 

[JulesandtheBear]

Update - Grand Design came through with three new vent assemblies(Kudos to Customer Service!). Here's the question for the brain trust: It appears to me that I can change out the lids only.

Here's my plan: 1) Remove the two screws in the exterior of the lid to free the lid from the lift brace. 2) Use some needle nose pliers to bend up the tab that secures the hinge. 3) Slide the lid off the inner hinge tube. And then reverse the procedure to reinstall on the trailer. Trying to avoid removing the whole unit and sealant if possible>View attachment 190583

Anyone else tried this? Any input about best practice, my plan, or success/failure from your experience?

 

[Wileykid]

Update - Grand Design came through with three new vent assemblies(Kudos to Customer Service!). Here's the question for the brain trust: It appears to me that I can change out the lids only.

Here's my plan: 1) Remove the two screws in the exterior of the lid to free the lid from the lift brace. 2) Use some needle nose pliers to bend up the tab that secures the hinge. 3) Slide the lid off the inner hinge tube. And then reverse the procedure to reinstall on the trailer. Trying to avoid removing the whole unit and sealant if possible>View attachment 190583

Anyone else tried this? Any input about best practice, my plan, or success/failure from your experience?View attachment 190586

Yup, that is the way I did it to change mine. No need to replace the whole thing. Only difference I had, was I needed to go through the underside to get to the bracket on the one I changed. No biggie, easy taking the screen off, just be ready for the junk (sawdust, wood chips...etc) that will drop.

You can easily get just the vent lid at trailer parts store.