HOW TO Install RV Ceiling Fan in a campervan conversion

HOW TO Install RV Ceiling Fan in a campervan conversion the simple and easy way to fit any roof vent or fan
Find everything that I have used in my van builds. Plus more great van life essentials.
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My aim is to give you campervan conversion ideas on how to convert a van into a camper and to help inspire you to build your own tiny home on wheels
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Where you will find everything that I have used in my van builds. Plus more great van life essentials.
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hers a list of parts I used in this video
Fiamma roof fan
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Mastic Strip
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#bigvansmallworld #melsvanlife #melsvanworld #vanbuild #diycampervan #vanconversion #vanlife #vandwelling

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Find everything that I have used in my van builds. Plus more great van life essentials. www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld

[@onemanandhiswhippet]

That bloke next door is on the roof of his van talking to himself again 👍😀🐾

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Haha you know 👍🤓👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Hello mate, I was laughing when you stuck your head through the hole 🤣 That mastic sealing strip is brilliant stuff I agree. The van is really coming along now and easily be finished for camp quirky. It’s looking really good 👍🏼

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hello mate glad you’re ok with it I thought you may have a giggle 😂👍🤓👍

[@Tangotop]

Good tip for the van position... just wish I'd watched your video before cutting mine in. Great videos!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for the positive feedback and good luck with your build I’m sure you will still enjoy your van once it’s done 👍🤓👍

[@GaryThomsonJoinery]

Watch it twice Mel cause I’m fitting mine tomorrow 😬🔨📐👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Good luck with your build 👍😊👍

[@urbanarkoverland]

The position of that is top draw. No ridges to contend with 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍🤓👍

[@FreedomStrider]

Wonderful, we're just about to cut a hole in our roof too, always good to see more examples :)

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and good luck 👍🤓👍

[@thomasstaples4385]

I think this is the first time I have seen where the hole is cut last. Well done Mel worked out perfectly 👍👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍🤓👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

Great job man . Nice to see some one else not use in messy mastic as well . Now Iv got on to your cat thing and I’m guessing you watch a friend of mine BGJ . Reference the cat feeding . I was telling him about it and he was laughing . Great vid mate

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Cheers mate BJG says amateurs borrow professionals steel so I figured hay why not lol 👍🤓👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

Mel’s Van World Hahahaha he steels every thing from another friend of ours nick nimmin

[@theshedmonster]

i love the way you laugh at yourself... you are a breath of fresh air mate . took this week off to do my camper transit conversion and you have helped me loads ...

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for taking the time to comment really appreciated always nice to hear from people that found my videos helpful and entertaining 👍🤓👍

[@HonkyHorton]

Another belter Mel . I can remember when you used to have a cup of tea whilst paint used to dry 😆. The vans going to be cracking when it’s finished 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you I hope so 👍🤓👍

[@derykmacleod4979]

I had a fantastic fan inside my fiberglass camper. Was out boondocking on a humid august weekend and it started to pour, had to close the fan and had a horrible nite sleep from it being so muggy. Found out about the Maxxair Deluxe fan, that like yours is vented so it can run in the rain. One of my first projects on dobby!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Well done good job 👍🤓👍

[@ashy1423]

Hi Mel, I Loved this video, keep up the great work 👍 Thanks. Stay well. Ash 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you Ash 👍🤓👍

[@robertcairns2549]

hi mel a magnet in a sock is handy to gather up the cutting.rob

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s great thank you 👍🤓👍

[@alanmay1945]

Extremely good Mel, a first class job done, with just yourself alone and basic tools with no fancy workshop, this is why your help is so valuable, showing how these professional jobs can be done perfectly well by uncomplicated diy. Another point is that you are entirely innovative in how things can be done, with 100pc success; no one else has installed roof vents not using any sealant and it did'nt occur to me either (using sealant, even using expensive sikaflex, often causes leaks and this happened even to Greg Virgoe no less), and using a jigsaw with its footplate removed, never seen that done before either, so it's this unique thinking to solve problems that set you apart from, and above, the norm. Really inspirational stuff, thankyou Mel! Alan, in Norfolk.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi Alan thank you so much comments like this make all the hard work worthwhile 👍🤓👍

[@donaldmarks8707]

If I ever win the lottery I'm going to pay you to do my van Mel. It's looking lovely mate. :-)

[@steinjohansen3142]

I would fill the predrilled holes in the woodframe with glue to prevent condens from the screws transfer to the wood. I think the main cause of leaking roof and windows is wood getting soaked and the screws getting loose. (learned that in my youth mounting skibindings)

[@grantwyatt7615]

Mel your the man

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@ad-van-ture]

Always good to have an assistant🤔still can't decide Fiama/Max air!!!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s a dilemma 😂🤓👍

[@66TripsLeft]

Great video Mel, I've watched so many of your recent videos so it's nice to see one of your old ones, which will hopefully help me this weekend if I get to it... although I am installing it over the bed which you suggested not to do :-) (but I've got nowhere else it could go due to solar). Kev.

[@SoulofaSeeker]

Hi Mel! Great video! We're currently renovating and modernizing a 1965 Clark Cortez RV! Video's like this are super helpful! Can't wait to check out more of your channel! Andy&L

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that’s nice of you to say please feel free to share any of my videos you find useful 👍🤓👍

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

Good mastic finishing off trick Mell 👍👍👍 looks well!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍🤓👍

[@barry-cq4xg]

nice job Mel.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍🤓👍

[@mrchill1005]

Another brilliant video . I am fitting the same fan to my transit an ongoing project. Very helpful information 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and you’re absolutely welcome 👍🤓👍

[@iamthetinkerman]

I like the design of that fan! Good video, cheers Mel!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and you’re welcome 👍🤓👍

[@whu58]

Mel, your a skilled craftsman

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that’s really nice it you 👍🤓👍

[@inlinefourtr]

I think I am becoming a big fan, you do some good videos. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that’s really appreciated 👍🤓👍

[@wheelyhappyhome97]

Hi Mel! We have been watching your videos for ages now and I love your approach to things. Between you and Greg Virgoe I convinced myself I can do that! Let’s hope I can. We setup our channel and uploaded our first video today. Interestingly my job out in the van today was fitting a roof van lol. Small world. Thanks for all your videos, and keep them coming. Cheers again, Alex.

[@mickmorgan5104]

GRAND JOB THERE MEL, take care .

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and you 👍🤓👍

[@michaelbratton3319]

Liking the stained ceiling Mel it just takes the sauna vibe off the van? It's coming along nicely now enjoy all your vids keep it GOING! BIGMICK HULL.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you big Mick 👍🤓👍

[@moran68]

Great job ! It can’t be easy doing the work on the Van talking to the camera , filming and editing ! 👍

[@Rick_Todd]

Another Great Video Mel , Keep em coming. All the best from Manchester.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Cheers mate 🍻🤓👍

[@travelling_stephen]

Great job Mel, as they say its all in the planning 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you love it when a plan comes together 😂🤓👍

[@bouydogsbus3672]

Fantastic job Mel , see you have snuck some paint on your cladding looking good. 👍👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍🤓👍

[@PaulMessner]

This is awesome Mel thank you. I was a little scared to attempt this but feel more confident now. What is the size of the frame you made or is there a video that shows you making this please.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi glad you found it helpful Most roof vents are 400x400 and the frame is just a simple square really simple to make I’ll be re doing Beckys sky light soon as the people she paid didn’t do it rite 👍

[@WormsEyeView]

Good to see one that's been recommended. I may well want something like that. But never used my van in the summer yet.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

They are definitely worth considering and getting parts for them is really easy too I had one with dodgy switches and they replaced them with no hassle at all 👍🤓👍

[@NWHomesteader]

You always do such nice work Mel! 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍🤓👍

[@garrybeard2031]

Well done MEL great job.👍🇬🇧🍺🤘

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍🤓👍

[@marks-0-0]

I like your technique of shaping the putty at the end! I'll use that next time thanks. On mine I used Sikaflex after I trimmed the putty but in theory you don't need to.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you I’m glad you you like it I appreciate your positivity 👍🤓👍

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

Great video Mel, thanks.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and you’re absolutely welcome 👍🤓👍

[@DaveTheDasher77]

Great job. I am looking at putting a second fan in,so perfect timing With 2 fans I can have one blowing air in,and the second sucking air out,, Our summers are brutal,and one fan not enough Cheers

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I did the same in one of my vans it was a real game changer made a massive difference definitely worth doing 👍🤓👍

[@PaulGloverHowDo]

Excellent Video Mel, never used the mastic tape but I think I will give it a go.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

It’s brilliant 👍🤓👍

[@peteabel3182]

Great video Mel, one tip though, apply a sheet of plastic to the inside to catch the metal filings, saves trying to sweep them up later.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Nice one thank you 👍🤓👍

[@patrickjobling8676]

Gees mate .. its lookin the goods .. 😁

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Cheers 🍻👍🤓👍

[@davidfirth6535]

You went a bit Norman Collier on me when you wiring fan Mel, great job, well done, regards. David.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you David 👍🤓👍

[@rvc9876]

Great build and smart moves with the preparation. BTW, how high is your bed?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you my bed is about 34” high at the bass 👍🤓👍

[@davidellerby732]

Hi Mel, you make this all look easy, great job made simple :-)

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍🤓👍

[@Maggiemay1942]

Good job, Greg would be proud:)

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I think he would and I’m sure he’ll be leaving a comment soon 👍🤓👍

[@broadlandbushcraft]

Hi Mel, great video and thank you your tips must have saved many self builds for the scrap heap. Could you tell me the exact size of the ceiling fan frame please, and what is the max thickness of the ceiling you can have. Many thanks Kevin.👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi Kevin most ceiling fan’s require a 400x400 hole as for thickness it’s never been an issue as long as you can get the rod extension

[@marks-0-0]

I fitted the same model fan using the same putty aswell. Got no complaints and no leaks!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Well done 👍 🤓👍

[@garriecurtis7267]

Vans looking brilliant, ive sent people to watch the diesel heater video's as caravaners are converting Cheers Mel

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you I really appreciate your support 👍🤓👍

[@rugathecanecorso4865]

Another great vid 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍🤓👍

[@mikehurley5052]

Neat job that.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍🤓👍

[@MichaelofEngland]

Hey Mel, another great video. I'm binge-watching them all ha! Can you give us the dimensions for the Fan wooden frame?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi thank you glad you like them the hole in the middle needs to be 40X40 it’s standard size 👍🤓👍

[@MichaelofEngland]

Mel’s Van World thanks mate. So just to be sure the hole in the roof will be 40x40 and the box surrounds that so inside box measurement is 40x40 too. Ok got it thanks 👍 keep the vids coming mate its a massive help! :)

[@dparris61]

Mel brilliant vlog mate even thow your fannyin about 😜 the van is look mint 👍👍😎

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍🤓👍

[@cheekymonky61]

Mel ,what type of stain did you use on your ceiling timber ,only asking coz i am just about to start my colour scheme in my build ,and that colour you have done ,will match my other side walls colour . your stealthy van is coming on a treat now lol. cheers mate.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi ya I used dark oak wood stain and then interior wood varnish 👍🤓👍

[@cheekymonky61]

Cheers Mel, the van interior is looking good already ,nearly finnished my own van ,its taken what seems for ever lol ,take care, all the best mate.

[@73smoo]

I regret having bought the fiamma fan. Before I had just a roof hatch, the Mini Heki. I don't like that one has to screw into the metal, I prefer the Heki type. Then in my case the opening mechanism was very tight. That led to breaking the turning handle which is made out of really flimsy plastic, like the whole thing. Then the electronic control is very awkward. If you want to turn the speed down from 2 to 1 you have to ramp it up to full power before going down again. And I never figured out how the polar control works. I don't understand the manual as well. But maybe I am dumb. Probably I am. Last but not least mine is too loud. Maybe I have a bad copy. I cannot sleep with the fan switched on on the lowest speed. It's not just the volume it's also the type of the sound which is very annoying. Mel, could you make a volume measurement to how loud your fan is? I have the Android App Sound Meter by Abc Apps (Icon is a white gauge). Could you measure the volume on 1 and full power blowing out? Then I will see if mine is a bad copy... Have fun!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Sounds like you got really unlucky I’ve had quite a few over the years and never had a problem 👍

[@sheyedlington9046]

Hi Mel just watched this again before fitting. Can you tell me what fuse you are using. I only have 5amps to hand. I think it's 3 but will 5 be OK?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I would have a look in the owners manual if I was you good luck 🤞

[@sheyedlington9046]

@@BigVanSmallWorld No info on manual. Went with 5 amp n working thank you.

[@E3CB]

Merry Christmas! is it possible to install sun blinders on the vent? I have cold winds blowing in from the vent sides. And currently using blanket on top of the roof to insulate the vent.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yes you can I made a video all about them good luck 🍻👍

[@chrisneville7310]

Nice and informative video once again Mel👍 I've just bought a van off of eBay this evening. Can't wait to get started. I might even start my own videos on how not to do it😂

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Well done good luck with your van 👍🤓👍

[@gkuk]

Hi Mel, First class job as always. I think the word you were looking for is Shit 9:50 😂 ATB Glen

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

No I never swear lol 👍🤓👍

[@LostNative]

I've been buying everything u recommended, even down to the screws. As I build my van which is getting going now as it gets warmer.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s nice to know thank you and the very best of luck with your build 👍🤓👍

[@martinhickman9012]

What are you using for the electric Mel are you using the ring system again ?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I have a voltage sensing split charge really at the moment but I will fit the ring DC to DC Mppt controller when I get round to fitting solar 👍🤓👍

[@johnpw24]

Great video Mel, vans looking great!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍🤓👍

[@kevinjames7367]

Just started following 👍 I've noticed most people are using the Maxxair roof fans but they are alot of money. Is this the reason you went with the fiamma, or do you still prefer this fan?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Kevin James Hi first of thank you for your support really appreciate it I prefer the Fiamma because of it’s low profile and the fact it it’s permanently vented greatly reduces condensation also parts are really easy to get and there just so simple to fit 👍🤓👍

[@kevinjames7367]

That's great thank you 👍

[@roddysallie9861]

Hi. Does this fan have a built in fly net? I am in Scotland so I have to watch out for the midges 😖 thanks

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi yes it does 👍🤓👍

[@Drew_Eden]

Nice job Mel, the van is coming on nicely :)

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍🤓👍

[@smoothieblues]

Nice job Mel😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍🤓👍

[@jonesdecorators]

Happy to give you a hand anytime 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Cheers mate 👍🤓👍🍻

[@bobscullion7374]

well done love the videos Mel, how did you manage to measure where the fan was going? its in an ideal location on the roof with the flat part all around but i cant work out how you got it bang on in the inside, really curious.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

It’s simple just look up from inside and you can see the ribs glue the frame where you want the fan sorry I didn’t cover that in the video 👍🤓👍

[@bobscullion7374]

@@BigVanSmallWorld Ah, now you've said it it is obvious now, feel like a bit of a pillock now

[@rockrebeluk5315]

Nice And Neat Job....

[@barryfarnsworth3360]

Nice job.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍🤓👍

[@johnharris6691]

Big fan of you now!!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you John 👍🤓👍

[@michaelwatson7223]

How did you connect the power Mel? Did you channel a cable from your fuse box then connect them up?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yes mate

[@michaelwatson7223]

@@BigVanSmallWorld love the videos by the way, I'm on a van project and find your videos brilliant! Mine won't have all the tech gadgetry as I want simple but your ideas inspire me to think outside the box, especially budget wise

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that’s really kind of you to say good luck with your build

[@UKRussellSmith]

Great video Mel, do you need to seal the screws on the outside or are they ok to be left?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

They go so tight in the plastic I’m sure they’re be fine I’ve never covered them up 👍🤓👍

[@bobscullion7374]

Hi Mel, what stain did you use on the ceiling cladding? cheers Bob

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi I use dark oak wood stain and then varnish over that 👍🤓👍

[@chatteyj]

So you don't even seal the edges with some sort of sealant like sikaflex? On my transit the roof is such that you cannot avoid water pooling as the ribs travel the entire length of the van so I'm having problems with a small leak in one corner of my roof vent :( which is annoying so I'm going to have to do it again when I get time. If you have any tips to make a good job to prevent leaks I'm all ears.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s a really common problem with the ribs since I started using the mastic sealing strip I have never had a problem but you must make sure it is clean use thinners or pvc pipe cleaner and you should be fine just don’t leave it on the plastic to long 👍🤓👍

[@WhipperdeetsAdventures]

Hey buddy I’m scared cutting a hole in my roof but would you think I should give it a go? Try and fit the rear one? I’m not sure how to remove the front one to replace with the fan one I got. Which size wood did you use for a frame? :) 🤗🍻

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Send me a PM on Instagram

[@WhipperdeetsAdventures]

@@BigVanSmallWorld ok buddy have pm you 🤗

[@jordskates]

Really informative video 👍🏼. I'm just wandering if you get much heat loss as you said the vents are always open? If so is there a way they can be closed/blocked up from the inside?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi thank you yes probably get some are going through the vent but that’s a good thing as you need ventilation to minimise condensation build up I also open the front windows an inch when I’m sleeping in the van once I fit the wind deflectors that is 👍🤓👍

[@jamesgoodwin2450]

I assume turning that knob opens and closes it

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s rite 👍🤓👍

[@Leatherkid01]

Youre lucky that theres actually a flat spot that fits the fan...without the ribs ......some vans dont have that 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Cheers yes it was lucky 🤓👍

[@itdoesntmatter6622]

Hi Mel, I love trying to dodge your jabs at the camera, good hand speed my friend.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you lol 👍🤓👍

[@nightwalker5278]

Awesome :)

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍🤓👍

[@Jamie-re9cv]

Do you wire directly to the van for power supply

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Leisure batteries

[@LostNative]

Love the thumb nail haha

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hehe thank you 👍🤓👍

[@andrewlee4938]

Hello. Any luck with the engine issues you had last year !??

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yes it was the EGR 👍🤓👍

[@andrewlee4938]

Glad you got it sorted !

[@anthonyhodgson20]

Hi mel do not put the fan on extract when the stove is lit it will pull smoke back in the van

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I’ve not used it yet but you’re rite common sense really 👍🤓👍

[@blklez39]

Hey Mel 🤚🏽

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi how are you 👍🤓👍

[@RemusKingOfRome]

why is the hole offset ?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

So I can get my kayak on the roof 👍🤓👍

[@Travelling_about]

You put nothing on screwheads?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s rite no need to there stainless steel and if I need to replace the fan there’s no drama 👍

[@David_11111]

Yay

[@justinsmith6296]

What do your neighbours think of you standing outside all day talking to yourself?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I’m not talking to myself I’m talking to you 👍😂👍

[@rudyvannistelrooij6150]

👏

[@rogerrabbit6522]

Since you have your wood burner installed now be aware if you have your fan on suck/extract you will be affecting the chimney/flue and drawing exhaust fumes into your van....a lesson learnt by someone else.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Cheers mate don’t worry it’s common sense really and I’ll only do it once lol 👍😂👍

[@louisjantzen7141]

Nice fan, great install, link to ebay... FEKK MEEEE !!! £230 ??? A *ceiling fan* ?!?! Wowsa... Not for me, nope. Sorry Mel.

[@louisjantzen7141]

For that money l'd buy the diesel heater *and* a £30 chino 12V fan...

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s ok 👍🤓👍

[@louisjantzen7141]

@@BigVanSmallWorld My solar panel was £300 four years ago, so it would be cheaper now, about the price of the fan l would think. Bejaysus...

[@munkehpower]

@@louisjantzen7141 go look the price of a max fan

[@chatteyj]

I reckon a standard roof vent (without a fan) would probably be adequate for most people, not sure I would bother with a fan again, as like louis says they aren't cheap, whereas a vent costs around only £50.

[@NOMAD-LEISURE]

whos the sexy redhead in the thumbnail mate?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Nothing to do with me lol 😂

[@NOMAD-LEISURE]

@@BigVanSmallWorld had to watch again to see if she turned up Mel 😁