Do you have a hard time circulating air in your RV? Are you looking to upgrade your RV roof vent fan?
RV roof vents and fans facilitate air movement to cool your RV down, which is especially important for camping in an RV without air conditioning. They help remove lingering odors to keep your interior smelling fresh (we all know the smell of burnt toast lingers annoyingly).
Unfortunately, these vents and fans often get overlooked. When did you last take stock of your RV roof vent fan’s condition?
How to Maintain RV Roof Vents and Fans
The lid of your RV roof vent wears down over time. It sits in direct sunlight and can also be damaged by falling debris. Below are a few tips to help you maximize the life of your RV roof vent and fan:
- Cover your RV. When your RV is in storage longer than a few weeks, use an RV cover to keep your vent lids out of direct sunlight and protected from falling debris.
- Inspect it seasonally. Safely ascend to your RV’s roof (as long as it’s fully walkable) to visually inspect the vent lid in the spring and fall. Look for cracks in the lid and missing or damaged sealant around the vent’s base.
- Clean the screen. Use a vacuum to remove dirt and debris from the vent screen before and after each trip. This reduces the potential for large debris to get caught and damage your vent fan.
- Keep it closed in transit. Leaving your vent lid open while you’re traveling significantly increases the risk of it cracking or breaking.
When you ascend to your roof to inspect your vent lid seasonally, it’s the perfect time to conduct a full RV roof inspection. Read our tutorial on everything to check on your RV’s roof.
When to Upgrade Your RV Roof Vent Fan
When you notice damage to your vent lid, that’s the obvious sign that it’s time to upgrade. But you can decide whether you simply want to install a replacement vent lid or upgrade the entire roof vent and fan assembly.
Here are a few other reasons to consider upgrading your RV roof vent fan:
- Better ventilation. You want the ability to open your roof vent and operate the fan when it’s raining.
- Quieter operation. Many upgraded roof vent fans operate much more quietly than the stock fan your RV came with.
- Roof maintenance. If you own your RV long enough, there comes a time when you’ll need to have your roof resealed. This is an excellent opportunity to upgrade your roof vent fan.
The Best RV Roof Vents and Fans from Camping World
When you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade your RV roof vents and fans, here are our favorites:
MaxxFan Deluxe Manual Roof Vent Fan
Fan Specs
- Fan Rating: 900 cubic feet per minute (CFM)
- Dimensions: 23” L x 16.4” W x 5” H (closed) and 9.3” H (opened)
- Fit: Standard 14” x 14” roof vent opening
The manual MaxxFan Deluxe is an upgrade from stock roof vent fans. It easily integrates into your RV’s 12-volt electrical system and offers four fan speeds you can cycle between using the ceiling keypad controls.
The lid opens manually but features improved rain protection compared to standard vent lids. It also features two lid-lifting arms instead of one, which provides more protection if you leave the lid open in high winds.
Learn more about the MaxxFan Deluxe RV Ventilator System.
MaxxFan 4-Speed Roof Vent Fan
Fan Specs
- Fan Rating: 900 cubic feet per minute (CFM)
- Fit: Standard 14” x 14” roof vent opening
MaxxFan’s 4-speed vent fan doesn’t offer as much rain protection as the Deluxe models, but the fan is still a significant upgrade over many stock models. It has four fan speeds that you can select using the keypad controls on the unit.
The fan operates with the lid open or closed, and it features two lifting arms for better durability and wind protection. The vent fan flange is also designed with waterproof mounted molding tabs that allow you to install MaxxAir’s Fan Mate cover for added rain protection.
Shop for this roof vent fan at Camping World.
MaxxFan Deluxe Remote Control RV Roof Vent Fan
Fan Specs
- Fan Rating: 900 cubic feet per minute (CFM)
- Fit: Standard 14” x 14” roof vent opening
If you like the manual MaxxFan Deluxe but want additional functionality, this model features a remote control for easier operation. Choose from the fan’s 10 different speeds and adjust the lid from the comfort of your RV’s sofa.
It still features the ceiling keypad controls to provide the flexibility to adjust the fan in two places. It’s also one of the easiest fans to maintain because it has an insect screen that can be removed and cleaned by loosening and removing four dedicated retaining knobs.
Check out the remote control MaxxFan Deluxe.
Dometic Fan-Tastic Roof Vent
Fan Specs
- Fan Rating: 920 cubic feet per minute (CFM)
- Fit: Standard 14” x 14” roof vent opening
Dometic’s Fan-Tastic RV roof vent features a 12”, 10-blade fan with low, medium, and high speed settings. It’s quieter than most stock roof vent fans and features integrated tabs that allow you to mount Dometic’s Ultra Breeze vent cover.
The Fan-Tastic fan also boasts a reverse switch that allows you to spin the fan in opposite directions for better air intake or exhaust. The fan operates with the manual lid open or closed.
Discover this RV roof vent fan.
Dometic Fan-Tastic Roof Vent with Remote Control
Fan Specs
- Fan Rating: 920 cubic feet per minute (CFM)
- Fit: Standard 14” x 14” roof vent opening
Dometic’s upgraded Fan-Tastic roof vent fan features 14 fan speed settings and the same forward or reverse airflow control as their standard model. This version has a remote control and a built-in thermostat for easier operation.
The thermostat signals the fan’s control board to open the lid and turn on the fan when your RV’s internal temperature exceeds your thermostat setting. It also boasts a built-in rain sensor that closes the lid and turns off the fan automatically when it gets wet, and reopens the lid when it dries out.
Discover this RV roof vent fan.
Ensuring adequate ventilation in your RV is a big deal. It’ll help you maintain a comfortable temperature and evacuate lingering odors from cooking and your RV bathroom. Here are a few more useful resources to help you keep your RV’s interior comfortable:
- This Simple Tool Will Improve the Performance of your RV Air Conditioner
- How to Keep a Clean RV with Kids
- How to Keep an RV Cool Without AC
What questions do you have about maintaining or upgrading your RV roof vent and fan? Share in the comments below.
2019 entegra qwest 24 l ceiling fan inop vent is fine can fan be replaced
Hi Gregory!
I’d recommend contacting your nearest Camping World Service Center. They’ll have the best answer for whether only the fan can be replaced or you’ll need to install an entirely new roof vent & fan unit.
Here’s where you can contact our service department: https://rv.campingworld.com/rv-service-maintenance
Let us know if you have any other questions!