How-To Install A Roof Fan On Your Van

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... .

[@joehikes5855]

By far the best van fan installation video I've seen. And believe me, I've watched a bunch of them.

[@jcardosa02]

i was just wondering if all of what they did was necessary. this is the first video i watched

[@joehikes5855]

@@jcardosa02 I did mine just like they did and it turned out perfect.

[@AnselTroy]

i wish i would have seen this video before I installed min. super clean install

[@uCare2much4them]

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!

[@mysticvirgo9318]

No issue at all with the BGM :) When ya helper hhanded the roller through the opening to you, I jaust had to think "Why , Thank you Thing! " Lol

[@smacdiesel]

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!

[@lkazanov]

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.

[@michaelstgeorge2185]

Why use 4200 when 5200 is available? 5200 is amazing.

[@jeffkarrow6924]

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.

[@EL34XYZ]

Thanks for the video. getting ready to start working on my 2015 Transit cargo van

[@TSunshineful]

That’s what I call a professional job👍

[@TheBigBloakHimself]

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?

[@bigtransitadventures7449]

looks like thats where I will be installing my fan, thanks for sharing :)

[@swagg3rmuffin]

So do I not actually attatched the fan itself to my roof? Just to the adapter? That’s the only part I’m Confused on at this point, thanks!

[@noturningback2023]

Where can I have this done FOR me, either in Oregon or Colorado? And how much will it cost???

[@asdfgoogle]

Probably any RV place.

[@joapps8135]

Also, any concern with a skinny thief slipping through that hole? Too small of a hole? Thanks!

[@gypsiewanderer24]

14"×14" with sharp sheet metal edges

[@christineritchie8289]

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.

[@cleokey]

Nice job! Which model Transit van is this as I'm thinking about buying one and getting rid of truck and camper. Thank you.

[@Chaseomungus]

Looking at the thumbnail i had litterally thought you had taprd a pic of urself to your roof.

[@danieln9474]

What did you end up using as a power source for the fan?

[@moreysintransit545]

The fan is not permanently wired in yet. Still working on the electrical system. For the video I just used an emergency car battery jumper I had.

[@denniss8644]

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?

[@audreyh6628]

exactly what I was thinking

[@age_of_reason]

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.

[@christianarias4850]

How did you electrically hook it up!?? You didn't show that part?

[@meanderingmike7640]

Its a 12v supply, ive got the same one, just run it to a 12v fuse box

[@createthisdotcom]

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?

[@moreysintransit545]

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.

[@createthisdotcom]

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.

[@audreyh6628]

@@moreysintransit545 Can you give an update on how its holding up two years later? About to install in my own van

[@Samhain2323]

Awesome video and install :) way too anal about the metal fileings but great job in the end.

[@DarkEternityz]

THANK YOU

[@melissag7071]

Thank you for this video. Did you have to order the seal adapter separately and where did you get it?

[@wolfmanwalrus1604]

You didn't say how to wire it up! And that bell music, dang

[@mayjortom3770]

Awesome channel! Q: So you did NOT drill into the roof itself? Just stuck the frame with glue and drilled into it to mount the fan?

[@santadog9]

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.

[@cesarvinzon7721]

I will start working on my first campervan. What is the actual brand name of the adapter you used for the curved roof of the Transit to make it flat?

[@FBall-im8ui]

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

[@Crickiepoohlala]

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.

[@crayonbandit]

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?

[@teflonpan115]

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).

[@straightfromthefarm5276]

why the use of the duct tape again ?

[@michaelandrew83]

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??

[@vantime2911]

It would scare me to death to make a hole in my new roof.

[@davidgunsallus8918]

subscriber 1000!

[@rustbeltvan-life1932]

What were the dimensions of the hole you cut?

[@2Country4Nashville]

So where would I find that black spacer/adapter to buy?

[@miraflores5901]

www.ebay.com/itm/131748730820

[@straightfromthefarm5276]

can you drive while the exhaust is lifted up ?

[@JLeeChron]

william saunders yes, lifted fully and locked. Not partially open though, it’s gotta be either open all the way or closed all the way.

[@unitedpestecostal]

what did you use as a power source for the fan?

[@moreysintransit545]

The fan is not permanently wired in yet. Still working on the electrical system. For the video I just used an emergency car battery jumper I had.

[@BakouMOH]

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!

[@moreysintransit545]

The fan is not permanently wired in yet. Still working on the electrical system. For the video I just used an emergency car battery jumper I had.

[@recoveringbaptist2023]

Did sonething bad happen to you? You haven't anawered any questions.

[@lynnxwilkinson3927]

I always wonder why van dwellers don't go with 2 fans? one for in and one for out for better air flow?

[@moreysintransit545]

The more airflow the better but we also need roof space for solar panels so that is why we aren't going with multiple fans.

[@taradead]

Wow, that tape is really ugly.

[@stevekey6180]

where did you buy the adapter for the ford transit? The roof leveling foam thingy.

[@jens488]

Couldn't stand the music, but otherwise good video.

[@FirstLast-ze7sl]

get rid of that annoying music

[@jamesboaz4787]

First Last ikr I feel like its made for 4 year olds lol

[@driger888]

so are you able to park in the sun in 90+ degree heat and stay cool with the fan going and windows cracked?

[@stephenyork7318]

I was considering getting one of these but they’re so loud.

[@Trang-xq9fn]

Thank you for showing detailed step by step with explanations!!!

[@joapps8135]

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?

[@audreyh6628]

blowing air out helps more with condensation :)

[@majesty10xu15]

Hi, how are the wires from the fan connected for power? Thanks.

[@santadog9]

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.

[@12vLife]

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.

[@nv200bob7]

Great job. One question: How many inches from roof to the Max fan highest point when the fan is closed? Thanks.

[@99dferrell]

Nice install vid with good explanation. Would love to hear about what you used to cover the walls. Is it painted 1/4" ply or something else?

[@MrCoolbeanstogo]

how do you do the wiring?

[@UnicornMeat512]

When it comes to music, sometimes less is more. Thanks for the great tutorial otherwise.