TONDA RV Furnace Vent Screen, Bug Screens Heater Vent Cover for Camper with Installation Tool and Silicone Rubber, 2.8 x 1.3 Inch, 2 Pack

Why I added vent screens to my RV

A tiny circle of mesh can be the difference between a peaceful shoulder season and a furnace packed with wasps, stink bugs, or nesting debris. After one spring of evicting pests from my RV furnace exhaust, I decided to install a pair of TONDA vent screens. They’re simple stainless-steel guards designed to keep insects and small vermin out while letting the furnace breathe. After several trips—including a long highway run and a couple of wet weekends—I’ve got a good sense of how they install, how they hold up, and if they affect furnace performance.

What’s in the kit

The kit includes:
- Two stainless-steel mesh screens (about 2.8 inches in diameter, 1.3 inches deep)
- Two spring hooks to secure the screens to the vent crossbars
- Two silicone rubber strips that serve as protective edging
- A small installation tool for tensioning the springs

The parts are straightforward, and the mesh is a sensible size (roughly 0.12-inch openings) that blocks insects without obviously choking airflow. The silicone edging is more than a nicety—it protects the RV’s exterior from scuffs and helps the screens grip securely.

Build quality and design

The stainless mesh feels appropriately rigid without being brittle. The edge is clean, and once the silicone strip is fitted, it looks tidy and deliberate rather than like an afterthought. The springs have enough tension to seat the screens firmly against the vent without deforming the mesh. After rain, highway spray, and a coastal stop, I haven’t seen any rust blooms or discoloration on the mesh.

Because the screens are round and fairly shallow, they tuck in close and don’t shout “aftermarket add-on.” The profile is low enough that I’ve had no snags with covers or brush.

Installation: simple, not mindless

The process is conceptually simple: wrap the silicone edge around the rim of the screen, thread a small spring through the mesh, and hook the other end of the spring to the “X” crossbars inside the furnace vent. The included hook tool helps you grab those crossbars without shredding your knuckles.

A few practical tips from my install:
- Test-fit the screen first to confirm orientation and ensure the silicone edge is fully seated all the way around.
- Thread the spring through the mesh with the open end of the coil facing the screen. That keeps the coil centered and reduces the chance of it popping free during tensioning.
- Use the tool through the screen and coil to grab the vent crossbar. Seat the coil roughly in the center of the screen as you tension it.
- Keep gentle, steady tension on the spring as you engage the crossbar; jerky pulls are what bend mesh.
- If your vent has thicker or oddly positioned crossbars, you might need to slightly pinch the hook end of the spring with pliers for a snugger bite.

On my Suburban furnace vent, the fit was spot on. The first screen took a few minutes of trial and error, mostly to get the spring tension right without over-tightening. The second went on in under a minute once I had the technique down. I did appreciate the silicone edge—besides protecting paint, it helps the screen stay put and prevents the metal-on-metal squeak you sometimes get with bare mesh.

My only complaint is that the kit doesn’t include printed instructions. A quick reference card with a diagram would eliminate most of the fumbling.

Fit and compatibility

These are designed to fit common round RV furnace vents—think many Duo-Therm and Suburban models. At 2.8 inches in diameter and 1.3 inches deep, they matched my application exactly. If your vent is shallower or has an oblong housing, double-check measurements before you commit. While the screens can also physically fit some other round vents on an RV (like certain appliance vents), I stuck to the furnace exhaust/intake assemblies they’re intended for.

The springs connect to the vent’s internal crossbars, so you do need those to be accessible and appropriately oriented. If your vent’s geometry is unusual, be prepared to adjust the hook or consider a different attachment method. I did a dry run and confirmed clearance around the opening so that the screen doesn’t interfere with any moving covers.

Airflow and furnace performance

I was wary of anything that might restrict combustion air or exhaust. After installation, I ran the furnace through multiple cycles. I didn’t observe longer run times, short cycling, or ignition hiccups. On the road, including a roughly 1,000-mile trip with elevation changes and gusty crosswinds, operation remained normal. There were no rattles, no whistling, and no carbon monoxide alarms. I also checked the exterior vent for signs of sooting or backdraft stains after a few long burns and found none.

The mesh is open enough to pass exhaust gases and draw make-up air while still blocking the bigger offenders—paper wasps, stink bugs, ladybugs, and windblown debris. If you let leaves or pet hair accumulate on the screen, you can create your own restriction, so a quick glance during walk-arounds is sensible.

On-the-road durability

After multiple rainstorms and two highway stints, the screens stayed tight. The springs didn’t stretch or slip, and the silicone edging didn’t creep off the rim. I checked them after a particularly rough, washboarded campground road and found no change in tension. The mesh will “ring” if you flick it, but I haven’t heard any vibration or jingling under normal driving or furnace operation.

As with any exterior accessory, periodic inspection is smart. A soft brush or a quick shot of compressed air clears dust. I’d avoid pressure washing directly at the mesh to keep from deforming it.

Safety notes

• Don’t stack aftermarket accessories over the screen (like caps or guards) that could create backpressure.
• Keep the mesh clear of cobwebs and lint, especially if you travel with pets.
• If you suspect any furnace performance issues after installation—delayed ignition, soot, or unusual odors—remove the screens and re-test, then consult a technician.

The screens themselves don’t change the furnace’s clearances, but they do add an extra surface where debris can settle, so “inspect and clean” becomes part of your routine.

What I’d improve

• Include a one-page instruction sheet. The learning curve is short, but clear guidance would prevent frustration.
• Slightly narrower spring tips would make hooking certain crossbars easier.
• An extra spring in the box would be welcome insurance for those of us who launch one into the gravel now and then.

None of these are dealbreakers, and the included installation tool is a thoughtful touch that reduces the need to improvise.

Value

As a two-pack, the TONDA vent screens are a cost-effective preventative measure. Compare that to the time and money of removing nests, dealing with blocked exhaust errors, or repairing heat damage, and the math is easy. The stainless build and silicone edge make them feel more premium than some bare-wire alternatives I’ve used in the past.

Who they’re for

• RV owners storing or camping in insect-heavy regions
• Anyone who has dealt with wasp or stink bug infestations around furnace vents
• People comfortable with a five-minute DIY install and periodic visual checks

If your vent design is atypical or rectangular, you’ll want a different style of guard. And if you’re not comfortable assessing furnace performance after modifications, have a tech take a look.

Final take

The TONDA vent screens do exactly what I hoped: keep pests out without compromising furnace operation. They’re sturdy, low-profile, and weather-resistant, and once you get the hang of the spring tool, installation is straightforward. The silicone edging elevates the fit and finish and helps protect your rig’s exterior.

Recommendation: I recommend these screens. They’re an inexpensive, durable safeguard against a common and costly nuisance, with solid build quality and user-friendly touches. A simple instruction sheet would make the first install smoother, and the spring hooks could be slightly refined, but those are minor quibbles. If your furnace vents match the dimensions and style, these are easy insurance for your next season on the road.