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SoquelDude
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2021
Posts: 380
Location: Soquel, CA
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 Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2025 11:28 am Post subject: Skylight Bug Screen |
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Hi!
Apologies in advance for this long-winded post.
The PO had a skylight bug screen at one time, but not at the time I bought my rig. Anyway, the Velcro strip is coming down:
So, it's time to replace it.
The one from GW uses a Velcro strip to attach it, so I'm guessing that would be the best, especially since it covers the old Velcro scars. But I like the RMW kits:
https://vancafe.com/vanagon-westfalia-skylight-bug...ght+screen
The RMW item attaches with a hook and not Velcro. The web page doesn't include instructions, so can someone tell me how the hook is attached.
And I've got many additional questions:
1. I guess I could scrape the Velcro strips off, but what's the best way to clean up the gummy residue. I was planning on using Goof Off but was wondering if that is good option against fiberglass.
P.S. Yeah, I know that the whole Skylight opening needs to be cleaned. I know I'm lazy and a slop to boot!
2. Besides the 2 that I've mentioned, are there other (and better) screen options? I've read about the kit made by a member in Manitoba, but it doesn't look like he's making those anymore (bummer).
3. I'm having a hard time visualizing how the screen works. From where the Velcro strips are, it looks like it covers thee Skylight screen and maybe slips under the knob assembly. Does anybody have a photo of their screen attached?
Thanks!
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'90 Vanagon Westy GL, AT, EJ22E conversion (1993 2.2L Legacy Engine) |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4588
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2025 11:36 am Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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RMW - YIKES $120 for for a Sq Ft of fabric and some velcro!!! https://vancafe.com/vanagon-westfalia-skylight-bug...ght+screen
I really like the frame solution for this. no crappy velcro and a firm fit (someone will come along with the post/link...I was super shocked about that fabric price  )
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83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 8600
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2025 11:57 am Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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From the webpage: "Attaches via heavy duty hook and loop".
Hook and loop = generic name for Velcro
Ergo, the one you linked to uses Velcro; it attaches to the pop-top just as the factory-original did.
I did away with the Velcro altogether using magnets. [Edit: Since my screen/cover was dismissed and "forgotten about" all while being accused of hurt feelings by the snark intolerant, details and photos have now been removed. Petty? You bet your ass. If you're reading this and want screen/cover details, PM me.]
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1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子
Last edited by kamzcab86 on Fri Nov 14, 2025 7:42 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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SoquelDude
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2021
Posts: 380
Location: Soquel, CA
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| Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2025 12:03 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| kamzcab86 wrote: |
| Hook and loop = generic name for Velcro |
Thanks for clarifying! I need to get out into the world more.
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'90 Vanagon Westy GL, AT, EJ22E conversion (1993 2.2L Legacy Engine) |
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pathao
Samba Member
Joined: November 01, 2012
Posts: 340
Location: Montreal, Canada
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| Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2025 9:27 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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Are you into 3D printing ?
With a Ender3-v3 Plus (300 X 300 X 350 - I think - from memory), I was able to glue together something that do the job. No ideal.
I don"t really like the current design (fix bugscreen - 5 embedded magnets for the blackout) because the scissor-follower-roller twist and I have to play with it to be able to close the windows (my bad - I probably force it at one point in the past). So that means removing the hole frame. I will redesign with removable screen portion too, not just the blackout.
embedded magnets
oooops missing 1 cap to hide the screw on this photo.
Anyway
Lots of fiddling around
I guess I could push the STLs of that.
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1982 AC P27 - 2.0 FI FED - 091 - BA6
English is a second language to me |
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SoquelDude
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2021
Posts: 380
Location: Soquel, CA
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| Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2025 11:18 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| pathao wrote: |
Are you into 3D printing ?
With a Ender3-v3 Plus (300 X 300 X 350 - I think - from memory), I was able to glue together something that do the job. No ideal.
I don"t really like the current design (fix bugscreen - 5 embedded magnets for the blackout) because the scissor-follower-roller twist and I have to play with it to be able to close the windows (my bad - I probably force it at one point in the past). So that means removing the hole frame. I will redesign with removable screen portion too, not just the blackout.
... |
I like the look and idea, but I own an old Vanagon so I can't afford a 3D-printer. In fact, getting a new 2D-printer is gonna be a challenge.
Thanks
P.S. English most times is a second language to me too.
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'90 Vanagon Westy GL, AT, EJ22E conversion (1993 2.2L Legacy Engine) |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4588
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 5:59 am Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| SoquelDude wrote: |
| pathao wrote: |
Are you into 3D printing ?
With a Ender3-v3 Plus (300 X 300 X 350 - I think - from memory), I was able to glue together something that do the job. No ideal.
I don"t really like the current design (fix bugscreen - 5 embedded magnets for the blackout) because the scissor-follower-roller twist and I have to play with it to be able to close the windows (my bad - I probably force it at one point in the past). So that means removing the hole frame. I will redesign with removable screen portion too, not just the blackout.
... |
I like the look and idea, but I own an old Vanagon so I can't afford a 3D-printer. In fact, getting a new 2D-printer is gonna be a challenge.
Thanks
P.S. English most times is a second language to me too. |
Yeah, that's the solution I mentioned earlier. WAY nice than hook n loop Velcro with icky gummy dried out glue.
Having a 3d printer is no longer necessary/no longer a barrier... Many libraries offer that service and then there are the many maker spaces, possibly even more for you seeing you are in techy CA... Heck, for you, if someone gets me a finalized design, I'll print it for you for free if you pay shipping to you.
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83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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4Gears4Tires
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Joined: October 08, 2018
Posts: 4394
Location: MD
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 6:38 am Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6763171
It's on thingiverse, you can print it out at your local library for $5 probably.
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'87 Syncro Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition
'85 Westy Sciuridae Domus Edition |
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bobbyblack 
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4694
Location: United States, Iowa
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 10:04 am Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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Cool, but the thingiverse one does not seem to have magnet locations?
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'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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SoquelDude
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2021
Posts: 380
Location: Soquel, CA
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 11:50 am Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| bobbyblack wrote: |
| Cool, but the thingiverse one does not seem to have magnet locations? |
Looks like it's held in place by brackets that are screwed into the roof.
Since I'd like to avoid screwing anything into the roof, are the magnets that some designs use strong enough to hold the piece in place, or is this a thing that should only be put on when the van is stopped at the campsite?
| vanis13 wrote: |
| Heck, for you, if someone gets me a finalized design, I'll print it for you for free if you pay shipping to you. |
Thanks, but still looking around for options. Great offer, though. I appreciate it!
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'90 Vanagon Westy GL, AT, EJ22E conversion (1993 2.2L Legacy Engine) |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4588
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 12:13 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| SoquelDude wrote: |
| bobbyblack wrote: |
| Cool, but the thingiverse one does not seem to have magnet locations? |
Looks like it's held in place by brackets that are screwed into the roof.
Since I'd like to avoid screwing anything into the roof, are the magnets that some designs use strong enough to hold the piece in place, or is this a thing that should only be put on when the van is stopped at the campsite?
| vanis13 wrote: |
| Heck, for you, if someone gets me a finalized design, I'll print it for you for free if you pay shipping to you. |
Thanks, but still looking around for options. Great offer, though. I appreciate it! |
no new holes - uses the same existing bolts/bolt holes already there for the front hinges
the magnets are not for the screen, they are for a black-out additional insert. those magnets are REALLY strong and I would expect them to hold the blackout insert in place over bumpy surfaces unless the blackout insert is made from something really heavy like a clay tile.
----really it seems like you can't see alternate solutions possibly from being fixated on the solution you are envisioning - I have no solution for such a state.
SO, what other options do you envision being out there you might see?
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83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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SoquelDude
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2021
Posts: 380
Location: Soquel, CA
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 12:54 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| vanis13 wrote: |
no new holes - uses the same existing bolts/bolt holes already there for the front hinges.
the magnets are not for the screen, they are for a black-out additional insert. those magnets are REALLY strong and I would expect them to hold the blackout insert in place over bumpy surfaces unless the blackout insert is made from something really heavy like a clay tile. |
Thanks, that clears things up.
| Quote: |
----really it seems like you can't see alternate solutions possibly from being fixated on the solution you are envisioning - I have no solution for such a state.
SO, what other options do you envision being out there you might see? |
A bit snarky, but I am not envisioning any particular solution since I don't know what other folks have done. I agree, the only 2 options that seem to be used out there are either the Velcro types or the plastic types bolted in from the back and shimmed under the housing cover.
To be honest, neither approach seems like it will keep the screen in place. Velcro strips will peel, and the plastic ones seem like it can lead to breaking the housing cover that holds it in place. So, option #3 is to peel the Velcro off and clean the residue and live with it.
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 8600
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 1:30 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| SoquelDude wrote: |
I agree, the only 2 options that seem to be used out there are either the Velcro types or the plastic types bolted in from the back and shimmed under the housing cover.
To be honest, neither approach seems like it will keep the screen in place. Velcro strips will peel, and the plastic ones seem like it can lead to breaking the housing cover that holds it in place. So, option #3 is to peel the Velcro off and clean the residue and live with it. |
More snark incoming...
A third, non-Velcro, non-plastic option was posted by me way up there in the second reply, but it involves a sewing machine, not a trick 3D printer, so I guess it doesn't count. 
_________________
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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SoquelDude
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2021
Posts: 380
Location: Soquel, CA
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 1:38 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| kamzcab86 wrote: |
| SoquelDude wrote: |
I agree, the only 2 options that seem to be used out there are either the Velcro types or the plastic types bolted in from the back and shimmed under the housing cover.
To be honest, neither approach seems like it will keep the screen in place. Velcro strips will peel, and the plastic ones seem like it can lead to breaking the housing cover that holds it in place. So, option #3 is to peel the Velcro off and clean the residue and live with it. |
More snark incoming...
A third, non-Velcro, non-plastic option was posted by me way up there in the second reply, but it involves a sewing machine, not a trick 3D printer, so I guess it doesn't count. |
Look, I forgot about your option, OK? Sorry to have hurt your feelings, but back off with the snark!
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bobbyblack
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Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4694
Location: United States, Iowa
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 2:27 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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I did a topic on taking the stock one apart, and re-sewing it with new velcro and screen... I was dumb tho, and used the adhesive type on the fabric and screen, since I couldn't find non adhesive stuff at the big box place, 'cuz I'm thick, and can't see very well.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=686654&highlight=
-bobby
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SoquelDude
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Joined: June 13, 2021
Posts: 380
Location: Soquel, CA
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 3:36 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| bobbyblack wrote: |
I did a topic on taking the stock one apart, and re-sewing it with new velcro and screen... I was dumb tho, and used the adhesive type on the fabric and screen, since I couldn't find non adhesive stuff at the big box place, 'cuz I'm thick, and can't see very well.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=686654&highlight=
-bobby |
Thanks! Unfortunately, the PO left the Velcro around the skylight but didn't have the screen + cover. Just as well, since (like you) I'm just as thick and can't see worth shit!
Since I've been living without the screen for the 5 years I've had my rig, I think I'll remove the remaining Velcro and clean the hell out of the area around the skylight to remove the crud. If the discoloration (e.g. Velcro scars) starts to bug me, then I'll revisit this thread and do something to add the screen+cover.
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bobbyblack
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Joined: May 21, 2015
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Location: United States, Iowa
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 3:51 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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I used Goo Gone on the remaining glue, and replaced it all. I think I included enough dimensions in my thread that you could at least make yourself a screen.
-bobby
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DanHoug
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Joined: December 05, 2016
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Location: Bemidji, MN
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 5:31 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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living in the land of 10,000 Swamps, i'm no stranger to mosquitos. surprisingly, i rarely use the vent screen. it's my impression that mosquitos aren't hunting much above 9 feet off the ground. sure, on a warm humid night they'll seek CO2 from any opening but by and large, i'll see skeeters clustered against the window screens yet can have the vent open.
what seems really effective is to have a box fan in the screened slider window and the top vent open. positive pressure forcing air out the top. the Cat's Meow would be a tightly sealing vent fan with a screen aka every other RV ever made. still waiting for the perfect 3D printed fan frame with integral screen for the vent...... i'd pay $100 for a good one. $250-$300 for the whole kit including full dimension fan and frame that replaces the skylight vent.
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60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.
'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd
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Corwyn
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Joined: December 29, 2009
Posts: 2447
Location: Olympia, Washington
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 6:23 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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When I reupholstered my top, I made my own bug screen. it really isnt that difficult. 1/8" marine plywood, a roll of narrow VHB tape and some nylon screen. Viola!
I used some bent-open rubber-coated P-clips for the front retainers.
Cost - under $20
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'90 White Westy ("White Lightning")
FAS Gen V 2.0
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SoquelDude
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2021
Posts: 380
Location: Soquel, CA
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| Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2025 9:44 pm Post subject: Re: Skylight Bug Screen |
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| DanHoug wrote: |
living in the land of 10,000 Swamps, i'm no stranger to mosquitos. surprisingly, i rarely use the vent screen. it's my impression that mosquitos aren't hunting much above 9 feet off the ground. sure, on a warm humid night they'll seek CO2 from any opening but by and large, i'll see skeeters clustered against the window screens yet can have the vent open.
what seems really effective is to have a box fan in the screened slider window and the top vent open. positive pressure forcing air out the top. the Cat's Meow would be a tightly sealing vent fan with a screen aka every other RV ever made. still waiting for the perfect 3D printed fan frame with integral screen for the vent...... i'd pay $100 for a good one. $250-$300 for the whole kit including full dimension fan and frame that replaces the skylight vent. |
Thanks! I agree that a bug screen may not be needed in the long run, so I'll still, for now, clean off the Velcro and crap and leave it be.
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