Comments on: How-To Install A Roof Fan On Your Van

By: Brett Hawton

Brett Hawton — Sat, 19 Oct 2019 15:01:55 +0000

The fan shouldn’t leak if installed properly. Eternabond or Dicor is just another seal on top of everything.
Did you go up on top of your van after it rained and push on the tape to see if there’s any trapped water?

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 19 Oct 2019 11:57:05 +0000

In reply to Brett Hawton. Interesting, no leaks on mine, I wonder what the difference is.

By: Brett Hawton

Brett Hawton — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 20:43:21 +0000

Eternabond is meant to be used on flat surfaces!!!
How do I know???
I read this blog and used it on my brand new van only to find water squishing out when I pressed on the tape after a rainstorm. It took me 8 hours using a heat gun, plastic scraper, and mineral spirits to remove this crap from both my fans so I can have the entire roof & fan frames coated with Line-X. Do not use Eternabond for this application unless you want a leaky/rusty van.

By: Steve McElwee

Steve McElwee — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 15:29:50 +0000

Matt – I have the same van as you guys with no windows that open. I do not plan on adding any windows and was wondering how much air does the one Maxx-Air move and does it keep you comfortable when camping and the van is shut up. I was considering an AC unit and one Maxx-Air but now thinking of NO AC unit and maybe two fans?? Do you think the one fan is sufficient as you have? Would you think two fans would be better?

By: Don Bertolette

Don Bertolette — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 20:54:05 +0000

I would add to John’s admonition regarding acetone…it is a a very powerful solvent, and shouldn’t be handled without PPE (rubber gloves, respirator) and away from any ignition source. It’s very volatile.

By: John

John — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 15:23:04 +0000

Thanks for this well documented and clearly explained installation. You guys do a great job on all your posts.

As a autobody professional, I would caution you against using acetone for a surface prep cleaner on painted surfaces. Acetone is far too harsh a solvent for that purpose and will partially dissolve the clearcoat, leaving it permanently damaged. I don’t mean that your roof’s going to cave in, but it doesn’t help the long term life of the paint, especially since the roof surface takes the most weather abuse.

Next time you need to prep a painted surface, I recommend using a standard automotive wax and grease remover (available from any autobody supply store) like PPG DX330, or if you are a dedicated Amazonian, there’s also this wax and tar remover: https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-Automotive-251475-32-Ounce-Remover/dp/B006ZLQELW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1516893318&sr=8-5&keywords=wax+grease+remover

After the work is finished, apply any standard automotive wax to restore protection over the paint.

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 20:10:56 +0000

In reply to Christopher.

Gayle’s comment made we want to confirm that zero screws or butyl tape would be used for any part of this method that she is talking about, only adhesives? That would simplify the install considerably and mean that the only hole in the roof would be the 14″ x 14″ square one? Please let me know if I have misunderstood any of that.

Yes, you could do the install with just adhesives and only a single 14" square hole. My install only has one single 14" square hole.

What are the pros and cons of having the fan way towards the back? I thought about installing it further forward, so I could reach the controls without getting on the platform bed. I guess the air flow from the forward windows would be more throughout the van with the fan at the back?

The fan I have came with a remote so I can turn it on from the front cab without getting on the bed. Unless you put a vent in the floor, most of the airflow will bypass the living quarters, it pretty much just comes in the front windows, goes to the roof and then out the fan. I plan on adding a vent behind our fride on the floor to help cool the fridge coils and improve the air flow. We choose the back location as we have a solar panel on the roof towards the front of the van that would have blocked the fan.

By: Christopher

Christopher — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 19:29:55 +0000

In reply to Matt.

Excellent instructions and very clean install Matt! I really appreciate your website.

Gayle’s comment made we want to confirm that zero screws or butyl tape would be used for any part of this method that she is talking about, only adhesives? That would simplify the install considerably and mean that the only hole in the roof would be the 14″ x 14″ square one? Please let me know if I have misunderstood any of that.

What are the pros and cons of having the fan way towards the back? I thought about installing it further forward, so I could reach the controls without getting on the platform bed. I guess the air flow from the forward windows would be more throughout the van with the fan at the back?

I started my Transit camper van conversion with installing 4 windows before my construction buddy left town for 2 months. After working with him on the first 2 windows, I did most of the install of the final 2. So, I think I am ready to tackle this Maxxfan installation solo.

Thanks again!

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 20:04:32 +0000

In reply to Jay. No, I would just use 3M adhesive.

By: Jay

Jay — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 02:02:53 +0000

Thanks for the good information. One question on using 3M adhesive to attach fan flange to the adapter. Would you put butyl tape as you did and 3M adhesive on top of that? I mean together?