How Do You Replace An RV Roof Fan?
How Do You Replace An RV Roof Fan?
Replacing an RV roof fan is a relatively easy process that can be completed in a few simple steps.
1. Remove the Old RV Roof Vent Fan.
Begin by removing the vent frame from the inside of the RV. Then climb to the roof and scrape away the old roof sealants.
If your RV has a “rubber” roof, remove the old sealant with a plastic putty knife, being careful not to damage the rubber membrane. You can use a regular metal putty knife on a fiberglass or metal roof.
Remove the screws that hold the vent to the roof. Make sure you grab them all since there will be many of them. For work like these, a cordless drill like the one we have is ideal.
2. Clean and Investigate the Area Around the Vent Opening.
Clean the area surrounding the vent hole with mineral spirits or denatured alcohol, wiping away any dirt or residual sealant.
When putting mineral spirits or alcohol on your RV roof, always use caution (and the least quantity of product necessary).
Some roofs (such as TPO or EPDM, often known as “rubber” roofs) are built of materials that can be destroyed by excessive usage of these items. Just a small amount on a cloth should be enough.
3. Apply Butyl Tape to Your New RV Roof Vent Fan.
For this step, you’ll need good quality butyl tape (also known as “Putty tape”). We’ve used this product and found it to be effective for our needs:
– PROFESSIONAL GRADE RV AND MOBILE REPAIR. The XFasten Butyl Tape can easily duplicate how professionals protect their roofs or windows in terms of appearance and elasticity.
Since it’s made from high-grade polyisobutylene (PIB), it provides great adhesion and flexibility, ensuring that leaks don’t occur in the future.
– ELASTIC, SMOOTH, CORROSION-RESISTANT, AND WATER-TIGHT FINISH. It installs without gaps and can consistently shut off moisture, vapor, corrosive chemicals, and air. Once it cures, it seals your roof completely and permanently.
4. Install the New RV Roof Vent Fan.
Move the wiring out of the way and install your new vent fan, making sure the lid opening faces the back of the RV.
Secure the new vent fan to the roof once it has been correctly installed. Install the screws and tighten them just enough to see a small amount of butyl tape squeezing past the vent flange. Make sure not to overtighten the screws.
5. Seal the New RV Roof Vent Fan Properly.
As always, it’s critical to put the right sealant around the flange of your new vent. Use NO silicone or ordinary caulk.
To finish the work correctly, you’ll need a high-quality self-leveling lap sealant. We strongly suggest Dicor self-leveling lap sealant and maintaining a supply on board our rig at all times.
First, apply lap sealant to each screw head. Then, apply a generous bead of lap sealant around the flange. Don’t be afraid to speak up. You want the sealant bead to link the flange to the roof, so proceed gently and evenly.
6. Engage Your Battery Disconnect Switch or Remove the Negative Cable from Your RV Battery.
Before you begin working on any wiring in your RV, you should either engage (turn off) your RV’s 12V battery disconnect button (if it has one) or separate the negative connection from the house battery bank.
Because your new RV vent fan works on 12V electricity, you’ll need a 12V power source to wire it. The previous 12V roof vent fan’s existing wiring should be OK.
7. Follow Your New Fan’s Instructions for Making Proper Electrical Connections
Whichever replacement vent fan you choose will come with instructions for connecting the new fan to the existing wire. To connect up the new fan, follow the instructions provided.
You’ll need to remove a few wires for this operation, so a wire stripper comes in handy.
8. Disengage Your Battery Disconnect Switch or Replace the Negative Cable from Your RV Battery
Once you’ve finished connecting your new vent fan according to the instructions, turn on your 12V battery disconnect switch or replace the negative connection to your 12V battery bank.
9. Test Your New RV Vent Fan and Reinstall the Trim Ring
Test the features of your new RV vent fan before completing the installation.
Reinstall the trim ring once you’ve checked that the fan is running correctly. When tightening the trim ring screws, proceed with caution. Overtightening might cause the trim ring to break.
