Question about wood louvers on steps in some

[RMccord]

We noticed that some of the 2007 Montanas have wooden louvers at the base of two steps and there appears to be venting straight to the basement. What is the reason for this? or is that the case or is it going somewhere else.

Thanks
Bob

[gkbutler]

I'm not sure, but I think it is a way for the heat to get into the basement to keep the basement area and pipes warm in cold weather.

[nailbender]

The wood louver is the return air grill for the heating system and as gkbulter said it also heats the basement area. There is not a return air filter on the system.

[Okie Guy]

Some people have been putting shutters on this area which look like plantation shade parts so the air will go in whne the furnace is on but will close when it shuts off. There were several people who talked about the back draft from this area during the really cold weather.

[exav8tr]

Some folks (Ozz, I believe) have installed a HEPA type filter on the inside of this duct.

[Bob Pasternak]

The sole purpose of those lourvres on the '06 3000RK is as a cold air return to the furnace. It does not put air or heat to the basement. To winterize, there are two panels, one on either side of the basement, you need to slide over to get to the by-pass valve for the water heater and pump antifreeze in.

[Glenn and Lorraine]

It's a Cold air return in the 3485. I have hinged the bottom grill and use that area for storage of the vacuum cleaner hose and accessories. My 50 AMP Hughes Autoformer sets behind the grill on the second step. Having the Autoformer and the vacuum accessories down there does not impede the cold air return. This entire area is accessible from the basement by removing just one panel.

[bncinwv]

I am assuming everyone is referring to the slotted openings in the bottom step. (I noticed them on the 3400). If I understand correctly, these slots open directly to the basement area in front of the laundry chute. Now I am brainstorming. I have been trying to figure where in the Monty to set up the cat's litter pan. Does the basement area extend up or under to these slots?? I can invision a pet door installation with litter pan in the basement near the laundry chute????? Is this possible????
Waiting for Saturday (d-day) and next Friday (c-day) d-delivery, c-camping. Oh, the days are dragging by!!!!