Roof vent cover question July 29, 2018, 02:42:58 pm Is there a reason there is enough of a gap around the bottom of the roof vents big enough for sticks and leaves to build up under the cover? Can I just use weather stripping thick enough to seal the gap?Thanks!
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #1 – July 29, 2018, 04:07:21 pm What cover are you referring to? If it is an aftermarket Maxxair model, the smaller ones of those did not have a very large vent area, so typically they were installed with a gap to allow less resistance to airflow. This is not something installed by LD at the factory.Steve
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #2 – July 29, 2018, 04:26:33 pm Quote from: Pat & The Pearl - July 29, 2018, 02:42:58 pmIs there a reason there is enough of a gap around the bottom of the roof vents big enough for sticks and leaves to build up under the cover? Can I just use weather stripping thick enough to seal the gap?The vents are designed to have a gap as mentioned by Steve. In addition, if a vent was sealed and somehow water collected in the vent in a heavy rain, the only place it could go is into the vent opening. Perhaps I'm overthinking this, but it's not worth the risk IMO.
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #3 – July 29, 2018, 05:04:29 pm I suspect they are aftermarket as the vent lid doesn't open all the way.And I wondered about the water collection, but was hoping I could close some of the gap, but leave enough for water to get out. I cleaned a couple of the vents (lots of sticks on the screen and even more leaves around the opening) a few weeks ago, and there are already bits of stick on the screens. Sounds like this might be a bi-annual job.I was also investigating a cover for the FantasticFan, so I could leave it open while I'm at work... any opinions?
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #4 – July 29, 2018, 06:31:09 pm Quote from: Pat & The Pearl - July 29, 2018, 02:42:58 pmIs there a reason there is enough of a gap around the bottom of the roof vents big enough for sticks and leaves to build up under the cover? Can I just use weather stripping thick enough to seal the gap?Guess you can. Not sure if you want to.The gap helps provide air flow on high fan settings and allows water and debris that comes though the vent slots to escape.If you are concerned about dirt build up, it may be worse with a sealed bottom. Once dirt has entered, it will not be able to escape and require periodic cleaning. Nothing stays clean for long periods in a RV.Vent covers are available that open easily for cleaning.Amazon.com: Camco RV Roof Vent Cover, Opens For Easy Cleaning, Aerodynamic...Larry As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #5 – July 29, 2018, 07:00:18 pm Quote from: Larry W - July 29, 2018, 06:31:09 pm Nothing stays clean for long periods in a RV.LarryEspecially with two dogs and two cats - LOL!!! Thanks for the tip on the alternative cover!
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #6 – July 30, 2018, 12:13:09 pm Quote from: Larry W - July 29, 2018, 06:31:09 pmGuess you can. Not sure if you want to.The gap helps provide air flow on high fan settings and allows water and debris that comes though the vent slots to escape.If you are concerned about dirt build up, it may be worse with a sealed bottom. Once dirt has entered, it will not be able to escape and require periodic cleaning. Nothing stays clean for long periods in a RV.Vent covers are available that open easily for cleaning.Amazon.com: Camco RV Roof Vent Cover, Opens For Easy Cleaning, Aerodynamic...LarryVent covers are available that open easily for cleaning.Amazon.com: Camco RV Roof Vent Cover, Opens For Easy Cleaning, Aerodynamic...These vents look interesting and practical because they open from the front for easy cleaning - and the price is right. However, there are a few complaints of brittleness and cheap manufacturing. Has anyone used these vents? Opinions on quality? I am close to needing to replace a few cheapo vent covers and like the front end opening. With five of them on the LD, it's a major chore now to open them up for cleaning the LD vent lids.Chris As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #7 – July 30, 2018, 01:22:09 pm Quote from: Chris Horst - July 30, 2018, 12:13:09 pmHas anyone used these vents? Opinions on quality? I am close to needing to replace a few cheapo vent covers and like the front end opening. Hi, Chris, I have one of that model that I installed above the Fantastic Fan in the bath. It's been fine for over 6 years now, and I'm happy with it. I used to have another brand (can't remember which one), that cracked and got so brittle that it basically disintegrated when I removed it.I did have to Dremel off about 1/4" of one lower edge of the 40431 somewhat, in order to get it to fit properly with the bathroom skylight. That was easy and it now fits nicely.Even if this one fails tomorrow, I'd buy another one just like it, because the price is right and 6 years is a pretty good run in the bright sunlight where I tend to camp.Oh, and that's the back side that opens easily for cleaning (away from the airflow as you're driving).
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #8 – July 30, 2018, 07:21:26 pm Quote from: Jan Forseth - July 30, 2018, 01:22:09 pmHi, Chris, I have one of that model that I installed above the Fantastic Fan in the bath. It's been fine for over 6 years now, and I'm happy with it. I used to have another brand (can't remember which one), that cracked and got so brittle that it basically disintegrated when I removed it.I did have to Dremel off about 1/4" of one lower edge of the 40431 somewhat, in order to get it to fit properly with the bathroom skylight. That was easy and it now fits nicely.Even if this one fails tomorrow, I'd buy another one just like it, because the price is right and 6 years is a pretty good run in the bright sunlight where I tend to camp.Oh, and that's the back side that opens easily for cleaning (away from the airflow as you're driving).Jan, thanks for this testament. Just what I was looking for.Chris
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #9 – September 15, 2018, 02:47:48 pm I am getting ready to cover my vents on our new 2017 RB. I had used the camco models on prior motor homes. I surfed around the trusty Internet a bit and found a vent cover manufactured by the same company that makes the Fantastic vents. They have a nice product, and it removes easily for cleaning using standard pins. Installation will be a snap, as well. What convinced me to pay for the higher priced model was the attached YouTube video and the molded-in dome for the Fantastic vent lid to nest into when opened. Have any of you used this specific product?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1fhkbl_1yQI am purchasing three from eTrailer.com:Fan-Tastic Vent Ultra Breeze Trailer Roof Vent Cover - 23" x 19.5" x 10.25"...
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #10 – September 15, 2018, 03:14:12 pm Hi Ray S,Thanks for posting the video of the Fantastic Ultra Breeze. I did notice that it is available through Amazon Prime for $52+ with free shipping. If I order one, I would go that way. Probably could use the LD group's affiliate program that helps with costs for maintaining this forum too.Steve K. 1 Likes
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #11 – September 16, 2018, 12:51:12 am I have been puzzled by the accumulation of debris on the screen...I only have a Maxxair cover over the manual vent in the bedroom, & have wondered how debris got inside the cover & under the closed vent, since I only have that vent open when sleeping & close it when driving. I use the two Fantastic Fans (lounge/bathroom only on exhaust, so they pull air in thru the windows, so I guess that keeps them from sucking anything from outside, But the gremlins depositing twigs & leaves on the screen inside the cover of the back vent are indeed a puzzlement...gonna have to make an expedition to the roof & clean the sucker out one of these days. Lynne
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #12 – September 16, 2018, 02:32:31 am Hi Lynne. Those over covers aren't mounted tight to the roof. Usually they are up one washer worth or more to allow water to drain out at the base. Wouldn't do to have the fan on intake, suck in rain and not have somewhere for the water to drain out. That would negate the purpose. Leaves, small twigs and bugs do manage to get in underneath. Indeed some of those covers have openable tops for cleaning. Others just four nuts with lock washers that you need to unscrew to remove the cover to clean. RonB 1 Likes
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #13 – September 16, 2018, 09:09:46 am Yes, Lynne -- this is correct. The vents do allow for cleaning. Some use bolts. The particular vent I reference in my post above uses pull-pins, so no wrench or screwdriver required to remove for cleaning. Like has been stated above, you would not want the cover sitting flush to the roof because it is important for the water to drain off. Don't caulk around the vent cover. Leave it open and free to pass air and water.
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #14 – September 16, 2018, 10:40:44 am "But the gremlins depositing twigs & leaves on the screen inside..."LynneI share your irritation about the debris collecting inside regardless of the type of cover on the roof. I removed all of my Fantastic Fans and replaced them with MaxxAir units long ago. As I recall, standing under one of the fans, you should see some Phillips head screws in the perimeter of the screen assembly. Removing those will allow you to take the screens down and give them a good cleaning in the sink. Judicious use of a dust rag will no doubt freshen up the fan blades and surrounding structure.
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #15 – September 21, 2018, 11:59:20 am Hi Ray, I installed one of these Ultra Breeze covers last March to try it out and liked it so much, I got another one. so now both vents are covered — easy install and have been happy with them— even at around $50 (on Amazon) I’d do it again! I also bought the extra/optional screen for the rear-facing grill— keeps debris and critters from getting near the the fan’s screen :-) Daryl Extra screen: Amazon Amazon.com: Atwood Fan-Tastic Vent U1550BL Ultra Breeze Bug Screen Kit -... As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #16 – September 21, 2018, 12:48:31 pm And for those of you who are tired of taking out the inside screws to clean the screen, FanTastic (now Atwood) has a snap in screen available, two to a package, that covers the old holes. Much easier to clean the fan blades and surroundings also.Fan- Tastic K2035-80 Off White Pop 'N Lock Vent ScreenRonB
Re: Roof vent cover question Reply #17 – September 21, 2018, 03:33:44 pm As indicated in my previous post all of my vents (5) have the MaxxAir fans. With those, to remove the screen for cleaning, all you have to do is rotate four tabs to allow the screen to fall free. Sure makes it simple, no more Phillips head screws to deal with. 1 Likes
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