Furnace? New Escape 21

[CharlesPou]

I have new Escape 21, and see the single exhaust vent for the furnace on the driver side of the trailer. My previous trailer, Casita Spirit Deluxe 17, had 2 outside vents, one for exhaust and one for fresh air intake. So where is the furnace fresh air intake on the Escape 21?

I need to know, have mud dauber problem, need to cover the furnace fresh air intake or will have mud dauber nests in the furnace. Thanks, any comments welcomed.

[cpaharley2008]

There is only one vent, on the driver side which pulls in fresh and exhausts. Not sure what kind of heater you had in the Casita with both fresh and exhaust vents, but in the Escape it is only one vent to worry about the insects.

[stephen99]

This is the screen I bought to fit over the vent on our 2017 21 ft.
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-42150-F...furnace+screen

Had a deuce of a time trying to get the 2 little springs attached until I figured out that the tool needs to go down through the spring.
It has stayed on through all kinds of weather and road conditions.

[cpaharley2008]

Yes, I have installed those in the past, but my eyes no longer allow me to try again, they are a PITA to put on! Another issue is the new cover on the new Escapes, I have not seen one in person yet, but they may need another type screen, hopefully an easier to install type!

[padlin]

Charles, can you post a picture of what you have? If I search on rv furnace vent bezel I see some with the doubles and some that look like singles. I can't tell by the 21's pictures on ETI's web site which they are using now.

[CharlesPou]

On closer inspection, I can see where maybe fresh air goes into the furnace around the outside of the exhaust pipe. There appears to be space, maybe preheats the cooler outside air and is more efficient?

I was looking at this round screen cover, Camco 42144 Flying Insect Screen - FUR 500

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1

Looks like the square one would work well too, Camco 42150 Flying Insect Screen - WH 200

Here's a pic of the furnace outside exhaust vent, looks red from reflection from my new Escape Trailer Industries Tshirt, lols.

[gbaglo]

I believe if you read the instruction manual, it tells you not to obstruct the vent ( which is what a screen does ).

[rotateclockwise]

Your picture is interesting. On our 2017 21, the furnace exhaust pipe comes directly out of the fiberglass body. Yours appears to be connected to some sort of removable panel.

[CharlesPou]

I think my furnance is a Dometic 12000 btu unit, may have changed since 2017? The panel is the end of the furnace, and can probably be removed from the trailer through that panel?

I see from the operating instructions Dometic DF Series Furnace, that the fresh air intake is at the exhaust vent. here's a pic from the instructions, sorry turns upside down if enlarged.

[CharlesPou]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I believe if you read the instruction manual, it tells you not to obstruct the vent ( which is what a screen does ).

you are correct, and I always appreciate your posts, thanks.

however, I have to put a screen over the vent or the mud daubers will shut down my furnace for sure. already happened to my 2004 Casita, before I installed a screen. don't want it to happen again with my new Escape 21.

[rotateclockwise]

Originally Posted by CharlesPou

I think my furnance is a Dometic 12000 btu unit, may have changed since 2017? The panel is the end of the furnace, and can probably be removed from the trailer through that panel?

Interesting. I didn't realize they made a change. The panel will certainly make access much easier. Thanks for sharing the pics.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

There is only one vent, on the driver side which pulls in fresh and exhausts. Not sure what kind of heater you had in the Casita with both fresh and exhaust vents, but in the Escape it is only one vent to worry about the insects.

Casita uses a 16,000 btu Suburban propane furnace
It has separate intake and exhaust flues thusly two pipes to the outside of the trailer

[Donna D.]

If I remember right, even the instructions on the vent screen say they should be removed before using the furnace.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by CharlesPou

I think my furnace is a Dometic 12000 btu unit, may have changed since 2017?

I think the Dometic 32715 and the Atwood AFSAD12 are the same furnace.

[steve dunham]

When I bought my furnace vent screens from a local RV dealer he was adamant that you should inspect and clean the screens on a regular basis if you were going to leave the screens on permanently

[CharlesPou]

I ordered the Camco round screen from Amazon, if it doesn't fit when it comes in, I will try to post an update. Note: this round screen is a little larger, approx 3.6 inches diameter, the smaller ones like used on Casita will not fit. Thanks for all the great replies.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by CharlesPou

I think my furnance is a Dometic 12000 btu unit, may have changed since 2017? The panel is the end of the furnace, and can probably be removed from the trailer through that panel?

The furnace hasn't really changed (unless it's now the AFSD instead of the AFSAD), but Escape is now installing it with the exterior access door, which is the normal installation for these furnaces. Yes, parts are serviced or replaced through the exterior door.

Originally Posted by rbryan4

I think the Dometic 32715 and the Atwood AFSAD12 are the same furnace.

Yes, Dometic bought Atwood Mobile some time ago, and Dometic's web page for a furnace of this series shows the old Atwood model identification.

[CharlesPou]

I received the round furnace cover, Camco 42144 Flying Insect Screen - FUR 500, and it fit perfect, very pleased with it. I used safety wire to attach, as others said, the springs that came with the kit looked like pita to me.

I installed the following additional screens: framed screen over the lower refrigerator vent, screen glued with silicone adhesive over the top refrigerator vent, two screens on the water heater door (glued screen on the inside for the small louvered opening, and screen held in place with the existing screen for the large vent opening and a little silicone adhesive on the outside for good measure), and finally a screen for the battery vent opening in the back of the trailer. I think that's everything?

Was a lot of work for me, but I think my trailer is totally mud dauber proofed.

[cpaharley2008]

Pictures?? We love pictures....

[CharlesPou]

some pics of locations where I installed wire screens: