Learn how-to install a roof fan on a Ford Transit van. A roof fan provides ventilation and helps remove moisture while you're sleeping. Full details with step-by-step instructions on the blog moreysintransit... .
Your reference to "wood screws" seems to be inaccurate...they looked like "sheet metal screws"...not tapered to a point. My only audio comment was that attenuation of vacuum cleaner would be nice but the music is pleasant. Nice helper participation. Otherwise this was a thoughtful and nice video. Where did you get the adapter? Products used list would be helpful, the Eternabond tape since that may be missed. I also contend that the unit should be secured to the roof with "through screws" perhaps with nuts on interior and Stainless Steel is preferred since nickel plate will weather and rust if any moisture encroaches though this is unlikely if well sealed as shown in your helpful video. Thanks for your share!
Very cool and gutsy install with regards to not penetrating the sheet metal with the screws. The 4200 is very strong adhesive, so hopefully it will hold it for you. Since you did that, there really is no need for eternabond tape since your screw holes terminate in the plastic gasket (and those go through butyl tape). I hope it works for you (I kind of think it will), just check the 4200 bond periodically.
Nice install! I'm getting ready to install one also, scary cutting into a new rig like that, looks like you have a nice workspace though. Look forward to seeing your build progress!
I'm about to install a roof vent with 12 volt fan in my Windstar mini RV. The kit came with putty tape and screws. There must be a dozen screw holes on each side of the flange! I'm going to try a tinsnips to cut the sheetmetal.
Nice video! You said at the end you would have not used screws on the flange to the black plastic spacer. You would have used the 3m glue instead. So if you did that, would you not have used the butyl seal tape and used glue only? Then used lap sealant around the outside edges?
Very clean install! IMO, the tape looks and performs better than lap sealant . One thing about the vent right over your bed.. sleeping under walmart and street lights is annoying.
So.... I'm surprised you didn't use mechanical fasteners for any of this. I'm planning my own install on a Ford Transit Passenger lwb in pretty much the same location (just bought the van yesterday). I'd feel a little better about it if the screws went through the roof and clamped into a wood frame or something below the roof. Aren't you worried the adhesive will fail and the fan will just blow off in the wind?
At first we were worried. But between the 3M 4200 and the Eternabond tape it's not going anywhere. We have driven on the highway at 80MPH+ and it's still holding.
Cool. I plan to do this on my Passenger Wagon sometime in the next few months. I'll have to break the rear AC to make it happen, then re-route it, but it looks do-able.
Hi, I’m a new FTransit owner trying to get the guts to cutting a hole into my roof! I love your video and am curious how everything has held up this far. Also, I met a gal who has 4 non flexible solar panels held onto her roof using 3M and she says it’s held up great. Anyway, I hope you can let me know how your fan has held up. My research shows that the maxxair is the superior one.
I enjoy all your videos, nice work. Question - if the screws only went into the adapter and not the van, does that mean that the whole unit is only attached (to the van itself) with the adapter sealant and the tape? Or did I miss a step? There has to be some other attachment that actually goes into the roof, right?
Cool! Can the fan blow air out of the van as well? Also, regarding reducing condensation buildup (esp. in winter), do you find that the fan blowing air in or blowing air out helps more?
What size hole did you cut? Instruction say 14" x 14" but the size of the flange is 13 7/8". I 1/8" seems a bit excessive. I would think that the fit would need to be more snug.
The flange sits low enough into the van that you do not need to drill the screw holes into the roof. This just eliminates the possibility of more leak points. with all the adhesives on top of that, it's not gong anywhere.
There is a connecting post on the left side of the drivers seat toward the rear. There is a plastic cover you need to remove to access it. Ground near by on the wall. See user manual.
you can get one on eBay from impactproducts , some people put up videos they want you to watch but don't list the equipment they used or reply to you so hope this helps
The description has a link with steps that include list of supplies. When you click the adapter on list it takes you to an eBay page with all the details of the one they used.
according to the package of Camco putty tape I purchased... butyl tape is made specifically for rubber roofs. for fiberglass and aluminum roofs it's recommended to use putty tape not butyl tape. curious if you've run into any problems yet?
Great vid. Do you find that one fan is enough to keep the van cool and remove condensation? I was thinking of installing two fans in my own van. One in the same location where you installed yours and one closer to the cockpit. One to draw in fresh air and the other one that would run in the opposite direction, as to create a flow. Thoughts? Overkill? I have no windows at all in the back of my van. Also, as a couple other people mentioned already, if you could show how you wired the fan, that would be great. Cheers!
It looks like you glued the adapter to the van, and then screwed the fan to the adapter? That doesn’t seem like a very solid install. You are essentially gluing a fan to the van. That glue is good, but why not screw it into the van like it’s designed to be??
cut, then paint - wait 12 hours apply frame and glue/silicone - wait 24 hours apply rest of the fan - maybe I'm done? dude, some of us don't have a facility to work on this stuff and need it to be done on a parking spot in less than 24 hours(when it's hopefully not raining).
