Let it Rain! June 09, 2018, 10:16:07 pm Now we're ready to keep the air flowing even when it rains. One of those easy projects with nice results especially when there's strong wind and/or rain. These MaxxAire vent covers are made of sturdy plastic and will protect the somewhat more vulnerable OEM cranking vent covers from anything falling from above. We haven't decided if we'll cover that 3rd vent, which I don't like and wish we didn't have it. (I suspect we'll order a 3rd vent cover for the reasons just mentioned.) Finally, I still look like a spider climbing on and off that roof! 4 Likes
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #1 – June 10, 2018, 12:16:07 am Quote from: Ed & Margee - June 09, 2018, 10:16:07 pmWe haven't decided if we'll cover that 3rd vent, which I don't like and wish we didn't have it.Curious why you don't like the middle vent?The P.O. installed the one over that vent in such a way the antennae cannot rotate on ours. Not sure if it can be avoided but just one thing to consider if you do that one.Looks like you did a good job. Seems like something that should be standard.Wish my roof looked as clean and shiny ;-)Rich M. 1 Likes
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #2 – June 10, 2018, 01:29:33 am Quote from: Rich Meek - June 10, 2018, 12:16:07 amCurious why you don't like the middle vent?The P.O. installed the one over that vent in such a way the antennae cannot rotate on ours. Not sure if it can be avoided but just one thing to consider if you do that one.I don't see the necessity for having 3 vents within a few feet of each other. In my mind, it's an unnecessary opening in the roof. As we all know any opening is a potential source for water intrusion. And it looks like Lazy Daze agrees with me in that the Factory eliminated this vent a few years ago. I've considered sealing that vent with a piece of aluminum riveted to the roof, reinforced with 2" X 2" wood, properly sealed and painted. Then use block Styrofoam inside and cover the inside opening with a piece of stained and varnished wood to match the existing inside wood. This isn't a project we'd do ourselves.In the above photo, the antenna is upright and there "appears" to be adequate room to install the 3rd vent cover. These Maxxaire covers are tight fitting around the vent housing. Nevertheless, I'll know by next Wednesday and if it conflicts with the antenna, it goes back. (Or perhaps, it gives me another reason to seal that lovely vent!) Hope this helps. 1 Likes
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #3 – June 11, 2018, 01:21:17 am Thanks.I wonder if LD did away with it to save a little on time and materials or for your reasons or something else?Sounds like you've got a good plan for making it go away if you go that route. I think the release latch is what our antennae hits. Haven't looked close enough to see if it could be changed.Good luck and be careful "up" there.Rich M
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #4 – June 11, 2018, 05:49:33 am Ed-That vent behind the A/C is where they used to mount the Pla-cool evaporative ("swamp") cooler. Our MB had one.You can get a modern version, or DIY.I understand it can work well in dry environments, of which New England and the Southeast are not. I considered removing the Pla-cool and installing a vent, but didn't get to it before we sold the coach. I would have liked the extra light and air circulation the third vent would have provided. To each his own, however.On the covers, did you consider using the UltraBreeze from Atwood? We have the MaxxAir IIs on our current coach, and they don't allow the Fan-Tastic Vent covers to open completely. Perhaps the ones you have do. The UltraBreezes are supposed to allow full opening. I've also read that the "smoke" UltraBreezes shatter after only a short while in the sun (!!!).MarkFormer owner, 1997-8 mid-bath
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #5 – June 11, 2018, 09:26:44 am I suspect LD did away with Swap coolers because all three manufacureres of swamp coolers went out of business, Until Turbo Cool was revived.
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #6 – June 11, 2018, 09:47:22 am Quote from: l1v3fr33ord13 - June 11, 2018, 05:49:33 amOn the covers, did you consider using the UltraBreeze from Atwood? We have the MaxxAir IIs on our current coach, and they don't allow the Fan-Tastic Vent covers to open completely. Perhaps the ones you have do. The UltraBreezes are supposed to allow full opening. I've also read that the "smoke" UltraBreezes shatter after only a short while in the sun (!!!).Hello Mark. We didn't consider the UltraBreeze vent covers although we looked at a few other brands. And our vents don't open completely with the MaxxAir either ... probably 80% - 90% or so. The features I liked about the MaxxAire were the ease of installation and the heavy duty plastic construction, which should be able to take a hit and keep on working. Hope this helps.
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #7 – June 11, 2018, 10:27:47 am Being from the PNW were it tends to rain now and again I installed the Maxair vent covers to get fresh air during rain storms. I also allows me to open them to cut down on 'internal' condensation. And one more benefit I can drive with the vents open allowing a good air flow thru out Baxter. 1 Likes
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #8 – June 11, 2018, 01:56:41 pm All three of the smaller air vents are covered on our mid bath with MaxAir vents. The front vent / escape hatch does not have a cover. This was done by the previous owner long before I purchased the RV. Not only do the covers protect from the sun but as already pointed out they allow the RV to breath when it is raining. I've heard the hatch can't be opened as far but I don't see that as a real problem (I don't doubt this, it is just I have never seen the hatch open all the way without a cover). The opening is plenty big enough to allow good airflow. When I am driving in very cold or very hot weather, I open the rear most hatch an eighth to a quarter inch. That allows the air that has been warmed or cooled by the cab's dashboard HVAC take care of the RV. the only room that really doesn't cool or warm perfectly is the bath area and it is not horrible. John, (currently in the very very wet MidAtlantic state of Virginia)
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #9 – June 11, 2018, 02:29:12 pm "Now we're ready to keep the air flowing even when it rains."You've selected a good brand but perhaps you stopped one step too soon.On my 30'IB I have five roof vents including the one in the toilet. I have long since added or replaced all fans/vents with the MaxxAir integral vent/fan/rain cover units. They include not only a fan that is (in my estimation) better than the Fantastic but easier to install and operate. Quieter too! They come standard with their own rain covers, no need to add anything. They can be opened and locked in place in the rain or while driving and WILL NOT allow water intrusion. It's been my habit to leave the center vent open but off. With the others set to exhaust air to the outside this sets up a double draft, fore and aft, continually moving fresh air through the coach.Yes, they are a bit pricy but you get what you pay for. MaxxFan Deluxe Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan - Manual Lift - 4 Speed - Smoke MaxxAir... 3 Likes
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #10 – June 11, 2018, 06:52:55 pm I fussed about these vents for about 24 hours and so this afternoon, I made a few changes which are reflected in the attached pic. I had to make 5 trips up and down the ladder with enough sweat in my eyes to look like I went swimming. This configuration gives me the best air flow as tested with sweaty eyes and hands.I have two (2) pieces of good news. First, I'm totally and completely done with vents on our Lazy Daze forever! And secondly, while working on these vents, I found my favorite phillips head screwdriver. If you've ever lost and found a favorite tool, then you know how it feels. JOY! 2 Likes
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #11 – June 11, 2018, 08:22:27 pm Ed,The good news...everything looks fabulous. The bad news...I’m still looking for my 4” Vice Grips.Nice job. Kent 2 Likes
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #12 – June 12, 2018, 02:11:59 am Ed said, "I had to make 5 trips up and down the ladder..."That's what I call the "ladder marathon." I'm too much of a wimp to climb onto the roof of even a simple little 1-story ranch these days, so gutter-cleaning involves ascending the ladder with the blower & trailing cord, blowing as far as possible, descending the ladder, moving the ladder 3-4 feet, rinse & repeat (including re-plugging the cord as needed) until I've made it around the perimeter back to the starting point. It certainly seems like 26.219 miles when I finish (of course, I couldn't even flat out run 26.219 feet, but it does make for a good cardiovascular workout). Not sure why climbing to the LD's roof seems less un-nerving...perhaps it's those well-placed rails to grab onto as I heave myself over the edge onto a flattish surface (instead of anxiously wondering if the gutters are a sturdy enough hold as I contemplate even the moderate pitch of the roof on the stix ).The POs put a MaxxAir cover over the bedroom vent, & I've given some thought to something for the midship Fantastic Fan, which I rarely open all the way...just waiting 'til I find my missing Round Tuit (maybe it's on the LD's roof ). Lynne
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #13 – June 12, 2018, 08:28:30 am Lynne, don't you know everything's available on Amazon?Amazon.com: round tuit coins 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #14 – June 12, 2018, 09:18:50 am Quote from: l1v3fr33ord13 - June 11, 2018, 05:49:33 amThat vent behind the A/C is where they used to mount the Pla-cool evaporative ("swamp") cooler. Our MB had one.MarkI found this information very interesting. I recently found a picture of this setup in an ad for a '98 LD. I copied one of the ad's pictures to post here so that the Forum might have it for future reference. The TV's antenna is near the front of this MB, which makes we wonder were's the TV. Our MB antenna is to the right of that rear vent cover and the swamp cooler with the TV on the driver's side in the lounge. 2 Likes
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #15 – June 12, 2018, 03:50:09 pm Ed-Our former mid-bath didn't have a TV. It apparently came that way from the factory, and there was no sign either of the two prior owners installed one. The bat-wing antenna crank handle was in the galley area. There may have been a second, but the only coax wallplate I can find in pictures was the one with the antenna amplifier button mounted to the rear wall in the "lounge" (bed) area. The roof layout matched the one shown in your picture.MarkFormer owner, 1997-8 mid-bath 1 Likes
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #16 – June 12, 2018, 06:41:12 pm Quote from: Ed & Margee - June 09, 2018, 10:16:07 pmNow we're ready to keep the air flowing even when it rains. One of those easy projects with nice results especially when there's strong wind and/or rain. These MaxxAire vent covers are made of sturdy plastic and will protect the somewhat more vulnerable OEM cranking vent covers from anything falling from above. We haven't decided if we'll cover that 3rd vent, which I don't like and wish we didn't have it. (I suspect we'll order a 3rd vent cover for the reasons just mentioned.) Finally, I still look like a spider climbing on and off that roof!I've eaten off plates less clean than your roof. Nice! 4 Likes
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #17 – June 12, 2018, 07:40:50 pm Quote from: l1v3fr33ord13 - June 11, 2018, 05:49:33 amThat vent behind the A/C is where they used to mount the Pla-cool evaporative ("swamp") cooler. Our MB had one.In the last few years, there's been a few discussions about Swamp Coolers. However a search of the LDO Forum shows there are at least 363 topics related to this subject which seemed to be one of those hot topics that came up quite often many years ago.http://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?action=search;sa=results;params=eJwtzM0KgzAQBOBXKb30shdbf_o2IW4GbImubNKKkId3I95mPobx4e8XRiiP0pR7GbWmJ72opZ7e1FFDg3maZHMs8xqRYYtKv_ELzk6WuF8imi0pIs7Ti1z4qHFA4irwypP1tPl5vbFIhB6y1TI7;start=0I only read a dozen or so of them but I found the discussion fascinating especially because of how Swamp Coolers and Air Conditioners offered owners a wide range of camping experiences especially in the Southwest. I also found it interesting that at some point the Factory didn't list Swamp Coolers as an option, but were available upon request until somewhere around 2001. I really like LD History. 2 Likes
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #18 – June 12, 2018, 11:20:53 pm Sawyer said, “I've eaten off plates less clean than your roof. Nice”... ya? Well I have served dinner on plates .... oppps.... never mind. 2 Likes
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #19 – June 13, 2018, 12:45:32 am Ed said,m "I really like LD History."...and I really the goodies you bring to the surface as you go exploring in the archives--so much to learn, so thx for your sharing. Even if it's not a 30' TB, I enjoy vicariously experiencing what others have.Lynne
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #20 – June 16, 2018, 12:00:17 pm Quote from: John DaCrema - June 12, 2018, 11:20:53 pmSawyer said, “I've eaten off plates less clean than your roof. Nice”... ya? Thank you for the kind comment. It was actually a bit dirty and so today in preparation for a trip tomorrow, we washed our LD to include the roof. Now she's ready for the road. And of course it's suppose to rain as soon as we leave.
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #21 – June 16, 2018, 02:25:41 pm "I found this information very interesting. I recently found a picture of this setup in an ad for a '98 LD. I copied one of the ad's pictures to post here so that the Forum might have it for future reference."Ed, this was the exact setup we had on our 98~MB before I made some modifications. Our PlayCool evaporate cooler top cover blew off in a major wind storm while we were driving on 395 in the Eastern Sierras a couple years ago. Craig a member of LDO brought his PlayCool top cover mold to the Moro Bay GTG a couple of years ago and gave it to me, I modified it to fit and it works well. I have used Evaporating coolers in the west for over twenty five years and they work well for us and require little energy to function. On our other SOB itaska we have used a TurboCool Evap-Cooler mentioned earlier here in the desert in 106 degrees and we kept our cool. I have also used the MaxAir covers over existing vents and they work well. I recently bought the MaxxFan Roof Vent fan with auto opening and closing and a hand controller to change out with our existing old fantastic fan in the Rear Lounge. We have one of the couches set up as a queen bed in that rear lounge, so we use that space as our bedroom and want better control of our ventilation which this new fan with a hand controller will give us. Our 98~MB only has the escape hatch in the front without a fan for air circulation, this has been inadequate. I have bought a new escape hatch cover from the mother ship and I will modify it to hold our old fantastic fan from the rear lounge. Now we can add additional air circulation in the forward part of our MB without making a new hole in the roof. If all works out we will have power ventilation and a working escape hatch combined. I will report back here to LDO when completed. Karen~LIam 98 ~ MB 3 Likes
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #22 – June 16, 2018, 02:33:50 pm "I recently bought the MaxxFan Roof Vent fan with auto opening and closing and a hand controller to change out with our existing old fantastic fan in the Rear Lounge."Kudos on that purchase! I've got five (5) of those units and love what they can do. Mine are the manual open/close types, so one less thing that can go wrong. I'll be waiting for your comments on how you like your MaxxAir.
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #23 – June 16, 2018, 03:45:20 pm Steve, we wanted to be able to open and close and control the unit from in bed, otherwise I agree with you that the manual works well. The automatic unit also has the manual close knob in case unit failure or power is lost. ~Liam 1 Likes
Re: Let it Rain! Reply #24 – June 22, 2018, 06:03:32 pm Quote from: Ed & Margee - June 12, 2018, 09:18:50 amI found this information very interesting. I recently found a picture of this setup in an ad for a '98 LD. I copied one of the ad's pictures to post here so that the Forum might have it for future reference. The TV's antenna is near the front of this MB, which makes we wonder were's the TV. Our MB antenna is to the right of that rear vent cover and the swamp cooler with the TV on the driver's side in the lounge.So it was possible to spec both an AC and a swamp cooler? That sounds like the best of both worlds. Its too bad the AC can not be run off solar. How were the water line and power run up to the swamp cooler? Has anyone tried to install a swamp cooler in the middle vent position on a post 2001 LD?Quote from: Karen & Liam - June 16, 2018, 02:25:41 pmI have bought a new escape hatch cover from the mother ship and I will modify it to hold our old fantastic fan from the rear lounge. Now we can add additional air circulation in the forward part of our MB without making a new hole in the roof. If all works out we will have power ventilation and a working escape hatch combined. I will report back here to LDO when completed.This sounds like another best of both worlds solution. You will need some sort of flexible power connection to the vent within the hatch and a place to get 12V near the forward hatch. I am interested in your experiment.Wade
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