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Topic: Adding Fan to Escape Hatch  (Read 414 times) previous topic - next topic
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Adding Fan to Escape Hatch
We wanted a power venting fan in the Kitchen/Dinette area of our 98~MB but did not want to cut into the roof and possible weaken it by removing a cross member so the emergency exit was the best location for our power vent fan.  So I started by purchasing a new escape lid form the Mothership.  I then purchased a Fantastic Fan which is now made by Dometic and is unfortunately a different product then the original Fantastic Fan.   I cut the E-lid to fit the F-fan and cut two pieces of wood to use as filler for the front and back so the F-fan fits tight in the E-lid.  I used polybutyl tape in between the wood filler, E-lid and flange on the F-fan and squeezed it all together with machine screws and lock nuts.  I added the plastic trim flange with longer machine screws and lock nuts and added a piece of 2" L metal to strengthen the plastic trim flange to add the red emergency latch.  I removed the front hinge from the old E-hatch and added it to the new E-hatch before the fan was installed, I then tested it to make sure it would fit and open with ease..  The setup fit well with the original hinge part still on the roof flange on the LD  roof.  Now the new setup with the new fan installed in the E-lid could be slid onto the old hinge attached to the roof flange and the job was complete.  Currently I am running the 12v wires along the roof and down the wall inside to a 12v accessory plug near the dinette, I plan to make finish this when I finish some other wiring soon.  I have photos of the work in my photo album under Emergency Escape Fan.

                 Karen~Liam
                    98 ~ MB
                      NinA







1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags

Re: Adding Fan to Escape Hatch
Reply #1
We wanted a power venting fan in the Kitchen/Dinette area of our 98~MB but did not want to cut into the roof and possible weaken it by removing a cross member so the emergency exit was the best location for our power vent fan.  So I started by purchasing a new escape lid form the Mothership.  I then purchased a Fantastic Fan which is now made by Dometic and is unfortunately a different product then the original Fantastic Fan.  I cut the E-lid to fit the F-fan and cut two pieces of wood to use as filler for the front and back so the F-fan fits tight in the E-lid.  I used polybutyl tape in between the wood filler, E-lid and flange on the F-fan and squeezed it all together with machine screws and lock nuts.  I added the plastic trim flange with longer machine screws and lock nuts and added a piece of 2" L metal to strengthen the plastic trim flange to add the red emergency latch.  I removed the front hinge from the old E-hatch and added it to the new E-hatch before the fan was installed, I then tested it to make sure it would fit and open with ease..  The setup fit well with the original hinge part still on the roof flange on the LD  roof.  Now the new setup with the new fan installed in the E-lid could be slid onto the old hinge attached to the roof flange and the job was complete.  Currently I am running the 12v wires along the roof and down the wall inside to a 12v accessory plug near the dinette, I plan to make finish this when I finish some other wiring soon.  I have photos of the work in my photo album under Emergency Escape Fan.

                Karen~Liam
                    98 ~ MB
                      NinA




Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Adding Fan to Escape Hatch
Reply #2
This is awesome!! Always wondered if there was something like this but I guess it's more of a diy projects which you've proved it's doable!!
1995 23.5 Rear Lounge