RE: Fan-tastic Roof Vent Installation

TheWallRocks · Sep 28, 2003, 07:05 PM

I have been looking at the " Fan-tastic" powered roof vents for our 01 Bayside (ABS roof). Has anyone ever installed one of these? I do not have an A/C unit installed, and as I understand it, the small dimples on the interior roof show where the cutout is made for an A/C unit, or in this case, a roof vent. Are there wires already in the roof, or do I need to run the wiring? Is it just just a matter of cutting a hole in the dimple area of the roof and going from there?

The fan website is:

http://fantasticvent.com/products/model_6000/model_6000.html

Thanks for any input.

Cadeuses · Jan 12, 2003, 06:18 AM

TheWallRocks

QuoteORIGINAL: TheWallRocks

I have been looking at the " Fan-tastic" powered roof vents for our 01 Bayside (ABS roof). Has anyone ever installed one of these? I do not have an A/C unit installed, and as I understand it, the small dimples on the interior roof show where the cutout is made for an A/C unit, or in this case, a roof vent. Are there wires already in the roof, or do I need to run the wiring? Is it just just a matter of cutting a hole in the dimple area of the roof and going from there?

The fan website is:

http://fantasticvent.com/products/model_6000/model_6000.html

Thanks for any input.

I can t answer all your questions about such an installation as I have niether AC or roof fan, but as for wiring... you will have to run the wires up there yourself, as there isn t any pre-installed wiring present in the ABS roofs.

As for cutting the hole... I presume that you could cut it almost anywhere, as the unit you are installing doesn t have the same weight concerns as an air conditioner. As a matter of pre-planning though... I would put it somewhere else, as the day may come when you decide to install AC in the PU. If you have installed the roof fan there, the cut-outs may not match, or leave gaps, making the AC installation impossible. Additionally, if you do decide to install the AC unit and the fan is installed elsewhere, you will benefit from having the roof fan for extra air circulation as well. HTH

Have yourself a great day.

chasd60 · Jan 12, 2003, 08:14 AM

TheWallRocksI have a Viking that had a vent in it already with a cheap fan. The wiring was there in my case because it already had the fan. You should have some wiring in the ceiling now for your lights, this is a 12V fan.

I put one in mine and am totally impressed with it. If I open the camper up and wash it, I then set the vent for inlet and put it on high. It has enough power to inflate the tenting on the bedends to make the water run right off. I have had it pressurized a few times while I was scrubbing the tenting.

Just remember you probably won t feel a breeze while it is blowing out and everything wide open. We just open the flap on the bunkend next to us so it draws the breeze right across us.

SCCS · Jan 12, 2003, 10:34 AM

TheWallRocksI would be careful when doing any installation yourself through the ABS roof.I understand do it your self install could void your roof warranty.Let the dealer do it .The dealer will warranty the installation of the fan and the roof will still be covered if something were to happen like ABS ROOF SAG later down the road.Just my thoughts.

Tim5055 · Jan 12, 2003, 10:37 AM

SCCS

QuoteORIGINAL: SCCS

I would be careful when doing any installation yourself through the ABS roof.I understand do it your self install could void your roof warranty.Let the dealer do it .The dealer will warranty the installation of the fan and the roof will still be covered if something were to happen like ABS ROOF SAG later down the road.Just my thoughts.

I agree with this comment. If you have a warranty on your roof don t chance loosing it.

I really can t see a problem with installing it in the normal A/C cut out location, but should you decide to cut the roof elsewhere because you may want an A/C in the future warranty problems may arise.

Have a talk with your dealer and/or Coleman customer support.

Good luck

Civil_War_Buff · Jan 12, 2003, 01:31 PM

SCCS

QuoteORIGINAL: SCCS

I would be careful when doing any installation yourself through the ABS roof.I understand do it your self install could void your roof warranty.Let the dealer do it .The dealer will warranty the installation of the fan and the roof will still be covered if something were to happen like ABS ROOF SAG later down the road.Just my thoughts.

The issue of warranty was discussed at length in the past, and I think that what was said was if you penetrate the roof yourself, be it for ac or any other reason, the entire roof warranty is not void, only the area where you made the cut. This way if the vent should leak....too bad, but if the roof sags, they will honor the warranty and might charge a few bucks for the area " not covered" but I doubt whether any dealership would push it!! Coleman would rather a dealer do the install, but there is nothing special about their abilities over your own IMO.

If you caulk the area well, and maintain the integrity of the seal I doubt whether you would have any problems.

Happy Campin <><

Tim5055 · Jan 12, 2003, 02:07 PM

Civil_War_Buff

QuoteORIGINAL: Civil_War_Buff
The issue of warranty was discussed at length in the past, and I think that what was said was if you penetrate the roof yourself, be it for ac or any other reason, the entire roof warranty is not void, only the area where you made the cut. This way if the vent should leak....too bad, but if the roof sags, they will honor the warranty and might charge a few bucks for the area " not covered" but I doubt whether any dealership would push it!! Coleman would rather a dealer do the install, but there is nothing special about their abilities over your own IMO.

If you caulk the area well, and maintain the integrity of the seal I doubt whether you would have any problems.

Happy Campin <><

Larry,

I agree with what you say, unless a 14 inch square is cut out of the roof in a location other than is designed for the a/c.

JMHO

mike4947 · Jan 12, 2003, 03:45 PM

TheWallRocksLet s see; first of all, use the location that Coleman provides, you know the four little dimples on the ceiling. Second don t worry about wether or not AC will fit later ALL PU roof vent s and AC units fit the same 14 inch square opening. The roof is reinforced around the dimple area for AC. If I remember right the Coleman prefered procedure is to drill the dimple locations with a 3/8 or 1/2 drill and saw between them. That leaves the corners rounded, because square corners create a stress point and can be the starting point for cracking.

As for the warranty, as far as I know Coleman honors the roof warranty as long as the cause of the roof problem wasn t created by the owner installation and over the years I ve seen more dealer botched installations than owner ones.

As for the Fan-Tastic vent, I love the ones I ve had. On high with everything buttoned up tight I swear you could get your ears to pop. We d crack the bunk end windows and fire up the vent and have a wonderful breeze going even on the hottest calmest days. The vent plus bunk end covers made it liveable dry camping. But it does draw amps. For those above the Mason Dixon line or those camping with out hookups It can be a life saver providing you ve got the battery power or recharging capability.

News: