Cutting hole for dryer vent

[remoandiris]

What method is best for cutting a dryer vent hole in a 5er wall? I was thinking about a properly sized hole saw attached to an electric drill.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

remoandiris wrote:
Thanks all. Hole saw it is. The new unit likely has a designated spot to cut the vent hole. At least the 2013 version I saw had the spot designated. I ass-u-me the 2014 version does as well.

How about calling the trlr mfg's tech line and ask?..:h

~

[remoandiris]

Thanks all. Hole saw it is. The new unit likely has a designated spot to cut the vent hole. At least the 2013 version I saw had the spot designated. I ass-u-me the 2014 version does as well.

[Cummins12V98]

Lantley wrote:

larry barnhart wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Lantley wrote:
4" hole saw

Too small!

The pipe is 4" . 4 1/4" would be better.

My total work experience has been in construction and including myself at times without the correct tool it is usually a bigger problem with the hole too tight.

tools are everything.
chevman

If we want to get technical what is the outside diameter of the hood or discharge cover being used?

It all depends on the model. Measure what you are using and size the hole about 1/4" larger than what goes thru the wall.

[Lantley]

larry barnhart wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Lantley wrote:
4" hole saw

Too small!

The pipe is 4" . 4 1/4" would be better.

My total work experience has been in construction and including myself at times without the correct tool it is usually a bigger problem with the hole too tight.

tools are everything.
chevman

If we want to get technical what is the outside diameter of the hood or discharge cover being used?

[Atom_Ant]

BuckBarker wrote:
Start with a small hole from the inside and bend a coat hanger at 90 degrees and insert into the hole. Spin the hanger all around and if it doesn't hit on anything then you are good.

It better hit something, unless you are totally un-insulated! :E

I've installed my dryer vent in 3 different rigs now with the same 4" hole saw. Use the morning dew to find the studs, use some common sense to avoid the electrical, and go for it. I go from the outside in, then go inside and finish through the same pilot hole. The 4" hole saw is about 1/2" short of going all the way through which avoids any splintering of wood or chipping of gel as experienced when drilling all the way through from one side.

I've kept the plugs from all of them as a joke for coasters. They are laminated wood sandwiched over a Styrofoam core.

[larry_barnhart]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Lantley wrote:
4" hole saw

Too small!

The pipe is 4" . 4 1/4" would be better.

My total work experience has been in construction and including myself at times without the correct tool it is usually a bigger problem with the hole too tight.

tools are everything.
chevman

[Cummins12V98]

Lantley wrote:
4" hole saw

Too small!

The pipe is 4" . 4 1/4" would be better.

[Lantley]

donn0128 wrote:

JIMNLIN wrote:
Make sure your exploration hole isn't bigger than the pilot on the hole saw. just sayin'.......

Or make the pilot hole next to the bigger hole if there is room.

Or do it from inside?

If in doubt Make a smaller exploration hole on the inside

[donn0128]

JIMNLIN wrote:
Make sure your exploration hole isn't bigger than the pilot on the hole saw. just sayin'.......

Or make the pilot hole next to the bigger hole if there is room.

Or do it from inside?

[midnightsadie]

and tape it on both sides helps with chiping. do all the above I,realy like the 4inch plus hole ,makes easy slideing the pipe thru.

[JIMNLIN]

Make sure your exploration hole isn't bigger than the pilot on the hole saw. just sayin'.......

Or make the pilot hole next to the bigger hole if there is room.

[I_am_still_wayn]

remoandiris wrote:
What method is best for cutting a dryer vent hole in a 5er wall?

You are asking how to cut a hole in the wall of a 5th wheel trailer. That is not the correct question. It is not the type of RV at issue, but the type of wall construction that is at issue.

Is the wall construction wood frame and aluminium siding?
Is the wall construction aluminium frame and aluminium siding?
Is the wall construction bonded fiberglass?
Is the wall construction glued or riveted aluminium sheeting over what material?

[JW_of_Opechee_S]

4-1/8" hole saw works better and they usually can be found at the Depot or Lowes.

[BuckBarker]

Once you determine the location, look at the area in the early morning when there is dew on the outside. You will be able to see the structural members. Then it is a matter of determining if there are any wires or plumbing in that area. Start with a small hole from the inside and bend a coat hanger at 90 degrees and insert into the hole. Spin the hanger all around and if it doesn't hit on anything then you are good.
Use a circular hole saw but do NOT go all the way through. When the drill bit pilot pierces the opposite surface, STOP. They go to that opposite side, insert the bit into the hole that you just created and drill from that side. Go slow and steady to eliminate breakout of the surface.