Roof fan installation
MaxxFan Deluxe and Fan-Tastic Vent installs on a proper roof adapter, sealed with Sika and butyl, wired on its own circuit, and water-tested.
IllustrationThe fan matters less than the install
Most van fans fit the same 14 by 14 inch opening, so you can pick the model you like. What decides whether it leaks for the next ten years is the install. We mount every fan on a vehicle-specific roof adapter from DIYVan that levels it on the ribbed roof, prime every cut edge, bed it in butyl and seal it with Sika 221 and self-leveling lap sealant.
Most of our installs are MaxxAir MaxxFan Deluxe fans, which can run in the rain thanks to their built-in cover. We also install the MaxxFan Plus, the newer brushless ProBreeze, which drops into the same 14 by 14 opening, Dometic Fan-Tastic Vent models, and swap old skylights for fans.
Section through a roof fan install. The adapter flange levels the fan on the ribbed roof, butyl seals it, and lap sealant goes over every screw head and seam.
- 1Fan and lid MaxxFan or Fan-Tastic
- 2Butyl tape bedded under the flange
- 3Roof adapter flange levels the ribbed roof
- 4Primed cut edge bare steel sealed against rust
- 5Interior trim ring finishes the opening at the ceiling
The fans most people compare
| Model | Speeds | Rain cover | Thermostat | Remote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MaxxFan Deluxe 7500K | 10, in or out | Built in | Yes | Yes |
| MaxxFan Deluxe 5100K | 10, in or out | Built in | Yes | No |
| Dometic Fan-Tastic 3350 | 3, reversible | Rain sensor closes lid | Yes | No |
| Dometic Fan-Tastic 7350 | 14 + auto | Rain sensor closes lid | Digital | Yes |
| Heng's Zephyr | 3, reversible | No | No | No |
| ProBreeze (brushless) | 10, in or out | Rain cover | Auto temp mode | Yes |
Specs from MaxxAir, Dometic and ProBreeze. ProBreeze uses a brushless DC motor and is built as a drop-in replacement for the MaxxFan opening.
How we do it
Pick the spot
Between roof ribs, planned around the bed, kitchen, solar and any future AC.
Cut
Opening marked, corners drilled and cut clean.
Prime
Every bare edge primed against rust.
Adapter and seal
DIYVan adapter bedded in butyl and Sika 221, fan fastened, screws and seams lap-sealed.
Wire and test
Fused 12V circuit, interior trim ring, then a water test.
What to know before you buy
Rain
MaxxFan Deluxe runs in the rain with the lid open. Fan-Tastic models close the lid when the rain sensor trips.
Pair it with a window
A fan works best with a window cracked at the other end of the van.
Fan or AC later?
Many 12V roof ACs fit the same opening. Plan the roof so you can have both.
Check the sealant yearly
A quick look each spring keeps it leak-free.
Questions about roof fans
Which MaxxFan should I get?
A 10-speed Deluxe. The 7500K adds a remote. The 5100K is the same fan without the remote.
Can you replace my skylight with a fan?
Yes. We've done skylight-to-fan swaps, including the wiring.
Do you install fans in finished vans?
Yes, it's one of our most common jobs. Most take about half a day.
Will it leak?
Not when it's on the right adapter, bedded and sealed. We water-test before you leave.
How often does it need to be serviced?
We recommend checking the self-leveling sealant around the fan every year. If yours is leaking, bring it in and we can fix it.
Get a fan quote
Send a few details and we will call you back with ideas, options and a ballpark.
- 6771 Emigration Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City
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