Roof Vent Replacement

[thesameguy]

Hi folks!

I've still got Ye Olde '93 Southwind and it's doing absolutely great. I'm actually stunned at how wonderful it's been. Buuuuuut?. last weekend while driving down a bumpy road the cover for the bedroom roof vent shattered into a million pieces.

The vent is a standard 14x14 size, the brand is Heng. Unfortunately, there is no model number or part number on it, so it's difficult to find a replacement cover. At the same time, I'm also entertaining replacing it with a vent that has a fan - I pulled the interior shroud off this afternoon and there is wiring in the roof there so a fan should be an option.

The questions I have:

1. Does anybody know Heng? Is there any good way to identify what I have to see if a replacement cover is an option?
2. Does anybody have any recommendations for a vent with a fan?
3. How universal are these "systems?" Like, if I can't find a replacement cover, am I then left with replacing both interior and exterior components, or is there some hybrid option?

I'm a little afraid of collateral damage when removing parts that have likely been installed for a decade or two (I don't think the Heng is original - the other two vents are not Heng). Although, I should be more nervous about removing the Max Air cover on top.. it'll probably shatter when I try and remove it anyway. I have *not* tried to remove it yet, so I can't see what the actual vent cover looks like... right now, that Max Air is the only thing keeping rain out.


Edit: The cover might be similar to this:

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Vents-and-Fans/Ventmate/69284.html?feed=npn&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpK_K4-Kn3wIVj8BkCh1LrgzpEAQYAiABEgKsWfD_BwE

It is a single cross-beam with a similar guide in the middle.
Thanks much!

 

[Larry N.]

Those roof vents are pretty standard -- sounds as if yours is the standard size -- and I'd look at Fantastic Fan models for replacement. I think the Max Air just screws on the existing vent, so it might be easy to remove. Probably others are more familiar with that, though, and I'm sure they'll be along shortly.

 

[blw2]

Heng is just an aftermarket sorta generic thing as far as I can tell.  Replacement stuff.  You can get from amazon, camping world, etc...
I think there are a cople different styles of covers that are a bit different, but I think you'd prob be able to match it up by picture...pretty standard stuff.

As far as a fan...
I had a basic model fantastic fan in an old popup.  Good fan.

I replaced a vent in my current rv with a maxxair max fan.  I like the thermostatic control but wish that I'd have gotten the remote control version... but that is personal opinion dependent, and depends on your application/location.  It's the one with the integral rain cover.
I wish I would have went with a more standard fan and a separate rain cover....only because I like the idea of having a cheap replaceable shield above the more costly fan...thinking hail, tree branches, etc...  and this fan doesn't really match well with the covers.

I replaced the bath fan from the manufacturer with a Heng's replacement vortex fan, fits in an existing vent.  Works ok, but it's loud, but I'm ok with that because I want to know if my kids or someone leaves the fan on while I'm trying to conserve battery...  I like it well enough....but not as well as I did the fantastic fan.

both were easy jobs iMO

 

[blw2]

www.hengsindustries.com/replacement-parts-list/

 

[thesameguy]

Yeah, I found their site, but there are five different covers listed and I don't know whether I have a Jensen w/ pin, Jensen w/o pin, series 20000, or what. Makes it hard to select one. I can't believe they don't post pictures of that stuff... in this day and age!

I am glad you mentioned the existence of a remote control fan - I did not know that existed, and that seems like something I'd like to have!

The Max Air shroud I have is "externally" installed, but I am 100% positive that the base is being held together by the screws that hold it to the roof. If I remove those screws, I am sure the base will crumble into pieces. Removing it will almost certainly mean replacing it... but now seeing how these lids install, I don't think I'll have a choice anyway. Boo. If I was gonna spend a couple hundred bucks on this rig, this is not the way I wanted to do it. I guess I can't be too mad - it's been a stellar friend so far.

 

[grashley]

Frequently the model numbers for vents are on TOP of the vent / fan.  Go figure. 
The Max Air Shroud may surprise you!  My covers are mounted to a base plate with four pins and cotter keys - real simple removal.  The plastic is generally more UV stable than the basic vent covers.

The 14" x 14" is a VERY standard size.  Almost any RV vent or fan will fit in that opening.  Replacement vents / fans come in many varieties and prices from basic to remote control to thermostatic control, to reversible fan direction to rain sensing, and many combinations of these options.  Check out RVUpgrades, a sponsor here, or Amazon or any other RV accessory place to see what is available

 

[NY_Dutch]

Here's a chart that may be helpful:

 

[kdbgoat]

Hey moderators! Can one of you please put that chart in the library?

 

[thesameguy]

No doubt - that's amazing!

I'll crawl up on to the roof tonight and verify my recollection on the shroud - I'm pretty sure it's just screwed into the roof, but I haven't ever paid that much attention. Hopefully it's an easy removal and I can gain access to the top of the vent.

One "happy" part of this is event is that when we bought this gigantic contraption back in '14, I noticed a tiny amount of (presumably water) discoloration on the ceiling around this vent. The roof itself seemed solid and I've never found any leaks. Now, realizing the bedroom vent is a different brand than the other two, I can draw the conclusion the original vent failed and was replaced with the Hengs vent at some point. "Mystery" solved. Now I just need to get my butt out in the cold before the rains come back!

 

[thesameguy]

It's sunny today, so I climbed on up the roof...

The Max Air shroud on this rear vent is indeed cracked on top, so probably time to replace it anyway. It's okay, because the mounting tabs are also damaged... albeit serviceable and in better shape than I recalled.

Below are some pictures - not sure they mean anything to anyone, but my takeaway is that my replacement challenge is a bit more... intense... that I would have liked.

http://www.sacsaabs.org/sacsaabs.org/misc/southwind_roofvent1.jpg

http://www.sacsaabs.org/sacsaabs.org/misc/southwind_roofvent2.jpg

http://www.sacsaabs.org/sacsaabs.org/misc/southwind_roofvent3.jpg

 

[NY_Dutch]

Looks like a Ventline or new style Elixir vent to me...

 

[thesameguy]

Yeah, I think you're right. I pulled it off the evening, and the thing I thought was broken is not, so that's positive!

 

[NY_Dutch]

Here's Camco's replacement cover: https://www.amazon.com/Ventline-Replacement-Trailer-Weather-Cover/dp/B004IW24EG

 

[thesameguy]

I think you may have meant to post this link:

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-40161-40168-Unbreakable-Polycarbonate/dp/B0006JLU1I/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1545190139&sr=8-4&keywords=rv+vent+cover+ventline

(Camco vs. Ventline)

That particular link also has a kickass diagram of the hinge types - an expansion of the one posted above. Might be worth snipping & saving.

 

[sightseers]

I wanted a vent cover that I wouldn't discover it was broken at the worst possible time...

so I replaced that cheap sun sensitive plastic cover with one of these...... )

https://www.amazon.com/Ventline-BVO534-00-Steel-Vent-Cover/dp/B0007ZQ7NW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1545190498&sr=8-5&keywords=metal+rv+vent+cover+ventline

 

[NY_Dutch]

I think you may have meant to post this link:

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-40161-40168-Unbreakable-Polycarbonate/dp/B0006JLU1I/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1545190139&sr=8-4&keywords=rv+vent+cover+ventline

(Camco vs. Ventline)

That particular link also has a kickass diagram of the hinge types - an expansion of the one posted above. Might be worth snipping & saving.

Good catch... Thanks!

 

[thesameguy]

Here is that hinge diagram in case anyone wants it:

http://www.sacsaabs.org/sacsaabs.org/misc/southwind_venthinges.PNG

I tried to order it last night, but for some inexplicable reason Amazon wouldn't ship it to me due to a "California Prop 65 warning." Um, what? Pretty sure Prop 65 doesn't include polycarbonate, and I'm pretty sure even if the cover was BPA treated that I'm not going to eat off it. Idjits.

I ended up ordering a similar part at a similar price from a brand called Leisure Coach. We'll see how that does. I'm going to deal with adding a fan and replacing the shroud later - no further time for research, I need it to not rain into the motorhome on Saturday!