DIY Network

Walls, Air and Cabinets: Install New Vent Fans From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-204

Host Kevin Tetz upgrades the old hand-crank roof vents with modern electric units that have an automatic rain sensor. This means that the vents can be left open during the day--an important feature for an RV. If it starts to rain, the vents will automatically close. The installation isn't hard but it does take some time to remove the old vents and rivets.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	When the new vent opens more than a 1/4" the fan kicks on!

Installing the Vent Fans

Note: The project '70 Airstream has three fans, one with a vent and two without.

1. Start by removing the screws and disassembling the fan (figure A), taking it out from the bottom side first.

2. Cut the power off.

3. Remove wire nuts and disconnect the wires. It is a good idea to put the wire nuts back on the source wires.

4. Using a lift to get to the roof, get on top of the Airstream where the top of the vent is. The area around the vent can be weak (figure B), so be careful of these areas! Start by drilling out the rivets that hold the cover to the vent bracket and remove the cover.

5. Using a hammer and a center punch, strike each rivet head around the base of the vent, then go back and drill the rivets out (not into the shell of the Airstream--figure C). With the rivets drilled out, the vent gasket and seal can be loosened out using a putty knife. And the vent can be removed by hand.

6. Since the new vent is a little larger than the old one, Kevin used the new vent as a template to trace the corners in order to know where to cut.

7. Cut the aluminum with metal shears.

8. Before placing the new vent on, clean the area around the hole first. Use a Vulkem sealant, which is recommended by Airstream. Run a bead of sealant approximately a 1/4" wide (figure D) around the edge of the hole. The sealant will fill in the rivet holes.

9. Set the gasket into place over the sealant.

10. Now run another bead of caulk on the top side of the gasket.

11. It's important to set the hinge side (figure E) toward the forward part of the trailer so it doesn't catch wind when traveling.

12. After the vent is seated on top of the gasket, drill through the roof panel, and then load the rivet gun with the rivet and squeeze until the rivet pops out. Drill the corners first. Then cut off the remaining mandrill stub using wire cutters or sand down using a rotary tool.

13. Just like on the top, make a template for the bottom flange to fit into the roof of the Airstream.

14. Cut about an 1/8" larger than the traced line (figure F), which allows for a nice slip fit on the vent fan flange.

15. Now hook up the fan to see if it works. Strip the wires if necessary. Connect the corresponding white wires and attach a wire nut to the end. Do the same for the positive 12-volt power wires. Then secure the connections using electrical tape and tuck the wires away. Adjust the flange until it snaps into place and drill pilot holes for the mounting screws and secure it with the screws.

Note: The new vent has a thermostat control where you can set it to open or close at pre-set temperatures, and there's a rocker switch that allows you to turn the fan on and off and change the direction of the fan in exhaust or incoming air. But the most unique feature of the new vent is that it automatically senses water, so if it starts to rain the dome closes.

In the next segment a state-of-the-art air-conditioning system is installed in the Airstream.

RESOURCES :

Dremel Tools
Website: www.dremel.com

Fan-Tastic Vent Fans
Fantastic Vent Inc.
Website: www.fantasticvent.com

Penguin Duo-Therm 15,000 BTU Rooftop Air Conditioner
Dometic USA
Website: www.dometicusa.com

GUESTS :

Xavier Taylor
RV Expert
Phone: 865-388-3298 (cell)