metal insert from inside RV exhaust pipe

[jeffcarp]

While tailgating today I noticed a piece of metal sitting next to my RV. It is a metal insert that used to be in the exhaust pipe of the generator that has a cone shaped metal screen on it. Somehow the screw through the exhaust pipe that held this insert in place has actually ripped through the insert itself. I'm running my generator today and the exhaust literally blew the insert onto the ground.

What purpose does this serve and is it critical that I replace it? The constant metal clanging of that insert was something that I hated to listen to and the generator is actually much more pleasant to run without that insert in place. Can I just leave it out?

[shilohdad]

That is the spark arrestor. It prevents any sparks from coming out the exhaust pipe and potentially starting a fire. Many state and national forest campgrounds require these spark arrestors. If you are not set up near any combustible material you should be OK. Seeing as you may very well camp in areas with dry leaves, grass, etc. you should probably get it replaced.