Replacement Roof Vent Type

[huskerdooo]

Hi, I was looking for some advice on the selection of a replacement roof vent for my camper.  I bought a second hand camper last weekend and I am trying to get it into good order to take my family out.

The camper is a 97 Starcraft 1706.

It currently has a Elixir galvanized vent (looks like it is a replacement).

I was looking at 2 different type replacements from Elixir.  One is the same Galvanized vent, and the other is a totally plastic vent.  I believe the plastic one would look better and would not rust like the galvanized one.

Is there any downside to the plastic type?

Thanks for any advice.

Seth

[austinado16]

Seth if this is the standard 14x14 vent then there should be 2 plastic choices available, a cheaper one at about $12 and one that's "guaranteed for life" for about $20.  Should come in a choice of "smoke" tinted, or "white."

I just put a $12 white one on ours.  Looks fine/works fine and I like the light coming through to light up the trailer inside.

By the way, welcome!

[huskerdooo]

Thanks for the reply.  I wonder if I didn't state the vent type in enough detail.

The plastic/galvanized description I used was intended for the base of the 14" vent and not the lid.

I was curious if a plastic base type vent was any good.

You said there were 2 plastic ones available.  were those metal with a plastic lid, or do you know of 2 different vents with plastic bases?

I saw one plastic base elixir online.  I believe it was around 40 dollars.

Thanks!

[austinado16]

Sorry, thought you were talking about the lid.

Can't really offer any advice on the bases......other than it might be very tough and maybe very destructive to take yours off.  Maybe treating it with a rust convertor type paint like //www.zerorust.com and then a topcoat would be an option?

[huskerdooo]

Well..

Actually rust is only one issue  The real issue is that the mechanism is broken and needs replacement.  The mechanism is about the same price as a new unit.

It looks like the unit is attached from above with 28 or so screws.  The trick might be getting the existing sealant material off the roof after seperation to install the new one.

Looks like the galvanized elixir unit sold now matches the same screw holes I have now.  So no new holes would have to be drill/used.  The down side is the unit will rust over time.

[Jeremy]

I thought galvanized metals don't rust?  I picked up an "off the shelf" 14"x14" aluminum & plastic version from the local RV joint when my 9"x9" vent was leaking.

[wavery]

I thought galvanized metals don't rust?  I picked up an "off the shelf" 14"x14" aluminum & plastic version from the local RV joint when my 9"x9" vent was leaking.

Galvanized metals will rust over time. Galvanizing is just a little better than painting.

[austinado16]

Galvanized metals will rust over time. Galvanizing is just a little better than painting.

Great.......thanks for bursting my bubble.

[wavery]

Great.......thanks for bursting my bubble.

 :confused: The good news is.....steel is much stronger and less susceptible to Sun damage than plastic. It may take years to start rusting and when it does, just sand & paint it :sombraro: .

[flyfisherman]

Think those 14" X 14" vents are about standard for the industry. My '99 Starcraft orginal equipment is the galvanized base with the clear plastic dome. To date the galvanize is holding up just fine. Maybe three years ago I replaced the plastic dome with the same thing ... kinda gouged the orginal when loading one of my canoes aboard. I bought mine directly from Starcraft and maybe because of a mis-understanding, they also sent the interior screen. As luck would have it, poked a hole in the interior screen and had the replacement right there to install!

Personally, I like the clear dome - like the outside light shinning through! In fact, sort of helps light the interior. If I had to replace the orginal frame, unless I were to go to one of those 12V fan assemblies, I'd stick with the orginal equipment.


Fly

[huskerdooo]

Thanks all,

After hearing what people have to say, I think I will go with the galvanized type with the white plastic lid.

Maybe it will start to look ugly after it starts to rust, but at least it won't fall apart.