Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I am installing a 14" vent (no fan) for my A/C unit. The problem I am struggling with is how to open/close the vent. I won't have direct access to it, so turning the knob to open isn't an option. I've tried to use a push/pull cable but there isn't enough leverage and the cable is too flexible.

Anyone have any creative ideas? The vent is a Ventline. (URL)

An inexpensive powered mechanism might be nice. I may end up installing some goofy lever mechanism or something.

Thanks!

You might want to look at a hobby store for ideas on motors, or google. A simple three way switch could handle it with your 12v power.

I've found some linear actuators on eBay but they cost twice as much as the vent does. :-) I may just have to get one... hoping to come up with a less expensive soution. I've already blown the teardrop budget!

eBay Link

parnold wrote:You might want to look at a hobby store for ideas on motors, or google. A simple three way switch could handle it with your 12v power.

At the risk of causing even more damage to your wallet, what makes an aileron go up and down?

I was going to suggest an automotive hydraulic clutch slave cylinder, but they are only powered in one direction. You would need two, or else a bi-directional one like I assume is used in aircraft flight control systems.....

Ok, so here's another idea. Check your local wally world or whatever and look at vacuum cleaner belts. See if they have a cogged one. Perhaps you could rig a wheel up with a belt to the spindle that the handle goes on, and by turning the wheel crank open the vent.

If it works, it should be fairly cheap.

Yea... I was looking for a spare rod end bearing laying around but didn't have one the right size. I have a an idea for something simple.

I'm thinking an aluminum tube with a rod end bearing on the end. The bearing end would connect to the lid and the other end would hang down and out through the A/C box. I would need to create a catch or ledge for it to rest on when opened.

vreihen wrote:At the risk of causing even more damage to your wallet, what makes an aileron go up and down?

I was going to suggest an automotive hydraulic clutch slave cylinder, but they are only powered in one direction. You would need two, or else a bi-directional one like I assume is used in aircraft flight control systems.....

Good idea.. problem is that I was in such a hurry to make my push/pull cable idea work, I removed the wheel and part of the screw mechanism. :-(

As mentioned above, I think I'm going to connect a rod of some sort to the lid, let it hang down inside the TD and I'll just push it up when I need to open it. Not what I'd like but it should work simply enough.

Thanks for the ideas!

parnold wrote:Ok, so here's another idea. Check your local wally world or whatever and look at vacuum cleaner belts. See if they have a cogged one. Perhaps you could rig a wheel up with a belt to the spindle that the handle goes on, and by turning the wheel crank open the vent.

If it works, it should be fairly cheap.

Could you put a light spring on it to keep it closed and allow the air from the AC to push it open like a popoff valve?

If you want an actuator that moves about an inch find a solenoid for a car with electric door locks. Then install the actuator to "POP" open the vent. If you need something with a little more power, look for an import with pop up headlights you could use the linkage and all. A simple stop could be made and a DPDT switch can be used to operate it.

Hmm... I may have to see one of these. I was considering a powered radio antenna but they are big and bulky. They also travel longer than I need. Thanks for the idea, I will definitely look into this.

DIY-Stu wrote:If you want an actuator that moves about an inch find a solenoid for a car with electric door locks. Then install the actuator to "POP" open the vent. If you need something with a little more power, look for an import with pop up headlights you could use the linkage and all. A simple stop could be made and a DPDT switch can be used to operate it.

lawn mower throttle cable. Should have plenty of strength nor should it flex trying to open and close that light weight lid... I realize you stated you tried a push pull cable... was the inside solid core and how thick? This thing or one like it goes for 4 bucks on google shopping.

The solid core cable that operates the air vents in my old S10 truck are much thicker and quite a bit stronger. Just a thought.

Thanks for all of the ideas. I managed to scrape together some parts I had lying around and come up with the following. It is a hollow aluminum rod with a screw in rod-end clevis. I found a little bracket that I bolted to the lid.







The rod will extend down and into the cabin area behind a drawer. When the vent is open, the rod will not be visible. I still need to put some sort of handle on the end of the rod inside and a way of 'latching' it when in the up and down positions.

you could have bought an electric opener from an rv shop.our shop has them in stock ,and under 30.00 to boot. fantastic fans have the same motors as well.