HOW TO Correctly Install/Replace RV Vent Fan, by It's Worth It on YouTube. 13 min 19 s.
- Video length
- 13 min 19 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Park the RV on level ground and turn off all power to the vent circuit at the breaker or fuse panel. Remove the old fan's inner trim and screen.
Unscrew the old fan from the roof and lift it off. Scrape away the old sealant and clean the roof around the opening with lacquer thinner and a rag.
Check the new fan's flange against the opening. If the opening is too small, mark the new size and cut it with a drywall knife or jigsaw.
Test fit the new fan in the opening. Trim the flange or opening with the table saw or knife until the fan sits flush and square.
Connect the fan wires to the RV wiring with wire connectors, matching the positive and negative leads.
Run a continuous strip of butyl tape around the underside of the fan flange, then set the fan into the opening and press it down.
Drive the mounting screws through the flange into the roof frame, working around the edge evenly.
Cover the screw heads and flange edge with lap sealant, spreading it so water cannot pool or get under the flange.
Reinstall the inner trim and screen, restore power and run the fan to check it spins and pulls air out.
Tips and common mistakes
Work on a dry day and never stand on a wet or soft roof without checking it can hold your weight.
Use butyl tape under the flange and lap sealant over the screws, not one instead of the other.
Keep the sealant smooth and free of gaps, since a small leak will rot the roof deck over time.
Check the fan blade spins freely before you seal everything down.
Questions
Can I fit a bigger fan in the old opening?
Often yes, but you may need to enlarge the roof opening with a knife or jigsaw. Measure the new fan's flange first and cut carefully so the frame stays solid.
What sealant should I use on the roof?
Use butyl tape under the flange and a lap sealant made for RV roofs over the screws and edges. Avoid silicone, which does not hold up well on RV roofs.
Do I need to disconnect the battery?
Yes, cut power at the breaker or fuse and disconnect the battery so the fan wiring is dead while you work.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
