Make a Generator Exhaust Vent for Motor Homes

If you own or spend much time in a motor home, you will need an exhaust vent to the outside for your power generator. Without an adequate ventilation system, you will be at risk of both personal injury and of your generator not performing as efficiently as it could.

Step 1: Understanding the Need for an Exhaust Vent

In most large recreational vehicles or other large passenger vehicles featuring standard, built-in power generators, the generator is typically located somewhere under the vehicle's chassis. As a natural byproduct of the generator's operation, dangerous carbon monoxide gas is released. Without an exhaust vent to carry these dangerous fumes away from the vehicle's body, there is a risk that fumes may leak into your vehicle, creating an unsafe environment. A generator exhaust vent, therefore, is an important component of any large recreational vehicle.

Step 2: Measure and Purchase Hose

First, you will want to look under your vehicle and locate the exhaust port coming off of your vehicle's generator. Typical exhaust ports on these vehicles are usually around 1 and 1/2 inches in diameter, but you will want to carefully measure your exhaust port to make sure you purchase the right materials. After measuring the diameter of the port, purchase several feet of flexible exhaust tubing that is approximately the same diameter as the exhaust port. If you cannot find tubing that is the same diameter, always go too big rather than too small, as this will help you in later steps.

Step 3: Purchase Piping

Next, you will need to purchase a length of steel tubing, that will be long enough to be taller than the height of your motor home. This will usually mean purchasing 10-12 feet of pipe. The diameter of this pipe should be slightly smaller than the tubing that was purchased in Step 2.

Step 4: Connecting Pieces

Once you have purchased your materials, you will need to connect them together. First, connect the hose you purchased in Step 2 to the exhaust port of your generator. Use a hose clamp at this junction in order to ensure that the seal that you create is airtight. Similarly, attach the piping to the other end of your hose, using a hose clamp to ensure a proper seal.

Step 5: Figure Out Positioning

Once your pieces are all connected, you will need to figure out a feasible position where your pipe will be attached to your motor home. You will obviously want to have the exhaust from the generator expelled into the air above your motor home, so the pipe will definitely be tilted up. In addition, angling the pipe towards the back of your vehicle may be more aesthetically pleasing and provide a sturdier construction.

Step 6: Secure Pipe to Motor Home

Finally, once you have angled your pipe in the position that you desire, you will need to permanently secure the pipe to the side of your motor home to prevent it from flapping around on the side of your vehicle or even falling off. To do this, you have the option of using a strong metal adhesive to glue the pipe directly to the side of your vehicle, or using one or two pipe brackets to attach it. Keep in mind that if you opt for the latter solution you will need to drill several holes into the side of your vehicle to attach the brackets.