Vent/Fan installation

[pauldeandean]

We purchased a used 2004 Fleetwood Timberlake in the spring via Craiglist and it is everything the seller promised it to be. We love it and have already taken it on three trips.

For whatever reason, our model does not have a vent/fan opening in the hardtop roof and I'd like to have one installed.  Local RV dealers (there are no Pop Up dealers in our area) have said they would need blueprints of the roof to see where to make the cut and install the vent/fan within the existing structure.  They are curious if there is a internal frame where the vent/fan can be mounted.  They are also looking for electrical hookups within the roof.

I emailed Fleetwood to get the blueprints of our Pop Up and their response was that adding a vent/fan would not be possible.  I'm confused because I believe adding AC was an option on this model when the prior owners bought it. Plus, I just noticed today that there are 4 screws in a 14" x 14" square in the roof right where one would expect the vent to be.

Do I believe Fleetwood when the tell me this cannot (or shouldn't be) done?  

Any advice?

Paul

Bend, Oregon

[wavery]

WELCOME TO PUT!!!!!

If you own the camper, you can do what you darn well please with it.

Those 4 screws are exactly where the AC is to be mounted. I don't see any reason that a vent couldn't be installed there. You would need to run your own wiring on the inside of the camper to get 12V to the vent fan.

If it were me, I would just put the wiring in a nice molding across the ceiling and over to where the wire comes up to the roof for the interior lights. I'd run the wire right down the same place and back to the converter. If there is a place for another fuse on the converter, I'd use it. If not, I'd install a 10-15A inline fuse.

Then again........that's just me.... :sombraro:

[coach]

From that company that brags about their custome service!

"We do not compromise the integrity of our roofs with a vent because we know the plastic dome and the additional screws and caulking are potential sources of leaks and damage when not properly maintained

[flyfisherman]

My first PU was a Coleman/Fleetwood model with the infamous ABS roof (which had alteady began to sag) and I was not about to mess with idea (with that roof anyway) of cutting a hole in it. My next (and present) Starcraft came from the factory with the roof vent and  by all means I really like it. Was thinking of installing one of those fans that goes in it's place but a friend of mine got this particular fan which I think does a great job and is moveable ~

http://members.aol.com/fantasticvent/endless_breeze.htm

Don't know how "attached" you are to your present PU, rather you plan to get some real extended use or that maybe another PU might not be too far in your future. But I think the roof vent can be (notice I said "can be") a major undertaking. If maybe your time and energies are limited, you might consider just starting with this Fantastic Breeze fans and see how that works out.



Fly

[Northcamper]

We purchased a used 2004 Fleetwood Timberlake in the spring via Craiglist and it is everything the seller promised it to be. We love it and have already taken it on three trips.

For whatever reason, our model does not have a vent/fan opening in the hardtop roof and I'd like to have one installed.  Local RV dealers (there are no Pop Up dealers in our area) have said they would need blueprints of the roof to see where to make the cut and install the vent/fan within the existing structure.  They are curious if there is a internal frame where the vent/fan can be mounted.  They are also looking for electrical hookups within the roof.

I emailed Fleetwood to get the blueprints of our Pop Up and their response was that adding a vent/fan would not be possible.  I'm confused because I believe adding AC was an option on this model when the prior owners bought it. Plus, I just noticed today that there are 4 screws in a 14" x 14" square in the roof right where one would expect the vent to be.

Do I believe Fleetwood when the tell me this cannot (or shouldn't be) done?  

Any advice?

Paul

Bend, Oregon

Paul

I installed a Fantastic Fan last year on my Fleetwood popup. I  cut a 14" x 14" opening in the roof using the four buttons on the ceiling as a location guide.  This centers the opening between the framing that is built into the roof.  If you ever decide to install an airconditioner - you will use the same opening.

I ordered my fan from Camping World. There is a special thin mounting plate that you should use when installing the Fantastic Fan in a popup - because the roof is thinner than a travel trailer. This special piece is available from the manufacturer at no cost. Once you cut the hole - you just drop the fan into place, and attach it with a dozen screws, you need to calk the outside.
The 12 volt wiring may be the hardest part. I tapped mine into the nearest ceiling light - the problem was I had to drill a 48" hole through the roof to get to the light. The actual wiring is easy - just two wires.

The fan works great. It really cools the camper on a hot sunny day. It will only get as cool as the outside air - but the breese feels good. The fan is quiet and uses very little power. It was the best mod I have made to the camper.

Jeff

[wavery]

Paul

I installed a Fantastic Fan last year on my Fleetwood popup. I  cut a 14" x 14" opening in the roof using the four buttons on the ceiling as a location guide.  This centers the opening between the framing that is built into the roof.  If you ever decide to install an airconditioner - you will use the same opening.

I ordered my fan from Camping World. There is a special thin mounting plate that you should use when installing the Fantastic Fan in a popup - because the roof is thinner than a travel trailer. This special piece is available from the manufacturer at no cost. Once you cut the hole - you just drop the fan into place, and attach it with a dozen screws, you need to calk the outside.
The 12 volt wiring may be the hardest part. I tapped mine into the nearest ceiling light - the problem was I had to drill a 48" hole through the roof to get to the light. The actual wiring is easy - just two wires.

The fan works great. It really cools the camper on a hot sunny day. It will only get as cool as the outside air - but the breese feels good. The fan is quiet and uses very little power. It was the best mod I have made to the camper.

Jeff

If the Fantastic fan is thicker than the roof, it should lend itself well to a thick piece of weatherstripping as apposed to caulking it down. That would make it far easier to service and I think that it may do a better job of keeping water out (if it's applied properly).

That's what they use when installing AC and the AC is much more apt to leak than the fan.

[Northcamper]

If the Fantastic fan is thicker than the roof ...

A final trim piece mounts from the inside and hides the inside screws and the rough edges of the hole you cut in the roof.  This trim piece will fit a roof 2" thick to 4" thick, IIRC.   They have optional piece for roofs thinner than 2" - or you could cut the deep piece - but the optional piece is available for free from the manufacturer.

There is a foam gasket that seals the unit to the roof - but they recommend you run a bead of caulk around it as a extra measure.

I hope this explanes it better

Jeff

[pauldeandean]

Paul

I installed a Fantastic Fan last year on my Fleetwood popup. I  cut a 14" x 14" opening in the roof using the four buttons on the ceiling as a location guide.  This centers the opening between the framing that is built into the roof.  If you ever decide to install an airconditioner - you will use the same opening.

I ordered my fan from Camping World. There is a special thin mounting plate that you should use when installing the Fantastic Fan in a popup - because the roof is thinner than a travel trailer. This special piece is available from the manufacturer at no cost. Once you cut the hole - you just drop the fan into place, and attach it with a dozen screws, you need to calk the outside.
The 12 volt wiring may be the hardest part. I tapped mine into the nearest ceiling light - the problem was I had to drill a 48" hole through the roof to get to the light. The actual wiring is easy - just two wires.

The fan works great. It really cools the camper on a hot sunny day. It will only get as cool as the outside air - but the breese feels good. The fan is quiet and uses very little power. It was the best mod I have made to the camper.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff.  While I'm not brave enough to do the task on my own, this should give me enough information to take to an RV dealer and get it done.  

One guy quoted me about a 2 hour job including the wiring, but he was guessing since he wasn't sure what he'd find when he cut into the top.

As long as I'm not undermining the stability nor weatherproofing of the roof in doing this, I'll take it to a local dealer next spring when I have a little more money in my pocket.

Peace.

[Northcamper]

Thanks Jeff.  While I'm not brave enough to do the task on my own, this should give me enough information to take to an RV dealer and get it done.  

One guy quoted me about a 2 hour job including the wiring, but he was guessing since he wasn't sure what he'd find when he cut into the top.

As long as I'm not undermining the stability nor weatherproofing of the roof in doing this, I'll take it to a local dealer next spring when I have a little more money in my pocket.

Peace.

One other thing Paul ...
I'm not sure how Fleetwood (or whoever might own them at the time) will feel about you cutting a hole in the roof.  Who knows - I may have voided my warranty but cutting the roof.   Or at least created further complications. However, I don't plan to have roof issues.   From what I have observed; roof rot can be prevented by proper storage and maintenance.  My roof is not from the time frame of known roof failures, I keep in indoors most of the year, and I check and recalk as needed.

Jeff

[wavery]

One other thing Paul ...
I'm not sure how Fleetwood (or whoever might own them at the time) will feel about you cutting a hole in the roof.  Who knows - I may have voided my warranty but cutting the roof.   Or at least created further complications. However, I don't plan to have roof issues.   From what I have observed; roof rot can be prevented by proper storage and maintenance.  My roof is not from the time frame of known roof failures, I keep in indoors most of the year, and I check and recalk as needed.

Jeff

Paul is not the original owner on his PU, therefore he has no warranty on his roof anyway.