How To Repair Your Broken RV Rooftop Vents
Those vents and covers on the roof of your RV are constantly being exposed to elements that eventually take their toll. UV rays can cause plastic to deteriorate enough that a light bump will make them fall apart. Weather, especially hailstorms, will also wreak havoc. And they don’t even have to be large hailstones – nickel-sized ice pellets will completely ruin those vents. Age is often a factor, of course, but even new vents will break without warning when exposed to destructive forces.
Since you can’t prevent everything that can destroy your rooftop vents and covers, the best you can do is replace them before the next storm so you’re not exposed to the elements.
Of all those things on your roof, the crank-open roof vents are the easiest to replace. You only have to take what remains of the old one to the dealer to get the proper replacement, but feel free to explore your options. Installing the new vent typically only involves removing a hinge pin and connecting the pivot point to the apparatus that moves the cover. Keep in mind you don’t have to remove the entire vent. Just the lid.
You might consider adding a MaxxAir cover over the new vent. This will let you keep the vent open, even when it’s raining, to keep the inside of the RV cooler when it’s closed up and/or not in use. Alternatively, you can add a metal roof vent cover. This will protect against hail and is good and sturdy.
Air conditioner vents are the most frequent rooftop pieces to break, simply because they sit higher than the rest and don’t always clear low obstacles. Like the crank-open vent, you can find a replacement at your RV dealer. Installing it involves little more than a handful of screws that attach it to the main AC unit structure.
Bathroom sewer breathers and fridge vents are a little more work inclusive since they’re part of the roof itself. So when you remove a broken one, the entire thing has to come out – including the flange mount. And much like replacing the windows, you’ll need to remove as much of the old seal as possible to ensure the new one is solid. Mounting them requires screw attachments and a self-leveling sealer along the seams.
RVs come in many brands, shapes, styles and sizes, but one thing common to almost all of them is the presence of at least one standard 14-by-14-inch crank-up roof vent. One problem with these crank-up vents is that they need to be closed in the event of rain to prevent water entry. Another problem is that RVers sometimes forget to close them before getting on the road, and they can easily be damaged, as they are typically constructed of lightweight plastic and are not made to withstand highway winds. The same is true of high winds when stationary. RV vent fan replacement may seem overwhelming and costly. But if you love to dry camp or boondock, and still like to stay cool and comfortable after a long day enjoying nature, RV vent fans can be well worth the cost!
Installing the new vent typically only involves removing a hinge pin and connecting the point to the apparatus that moves the cover.You might consider Travel trailer roof coating adding cover over the RV roof.