Roof vent/Roof rack questions

[Jasper Jones]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to add a roof vent to my E250, but I'm not sure what route I want to take. I've been looking at the MaxxFan deluxe models, and I really like all the features it includes, but I am worried it is too large for a van. Does anyone have a low profile roof vent (with fan) they would recommend over the MaxxFan? Does anyone have a MaxxFan and like it?

I also would like to eventually add a roof rack. Will this be possible with a vent? Could I just make an opening in the floor of the rack large enough to allow the vent to work?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Toolman]

I'm not familiar with Maxxfan. I used the FAN-TASTIC 3 speed which takes a 14" X 14" hole. Let me say, when you crack the front windows and turn the fan on low it becomes a wind tunnel. The other day I accidentally left it on low for over 18 hours. I checked my battery voltage when I realized it and it was at 12.33v normal is 12.44v very efficient.

I like my fan so much I want the fully automatic one now. Senses rain and closes, opens via remote control, variable speed control. Nice.

Keeps my van nice and cool even on the hottest days.

 

[Gvan]

I have a Fantastic as well it does move a bunch of air...I was looking at the Maxx Air Deluxe fans when I bought it and really wished I had bought that instead.

Here are a few reasons why I think its better...
I like the looks of it when it is down
I think it is more aerodynamic
A much nicer remote
You don't have to have the remote to use it
It can recycle air without the vent being open (the Fantasic only works when all the way open)
Better lid support
Lets in less light, open and closed
Higher build quality

 

[Gvan]

OH and the number one reason is it can STAY open in the rain so you still get fresh air

 

[Jasper Jones]

Thanks guys. I think I will be going with the MaxxAir. As Gvan stated, I like the rain cover design a lot.

Any tips on sealing the roof around the vents? I am planning on butyl putty tape to fill the large gaps, and give the vent something to "clamp" down on, and then coating and sealing everything with a sealant. I heard C-10 Flow Seal works great, but I have a black van so I want to use something in black.

Anyone have experience with Sikaflex 221?

 

[CodyY]

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=715683

A little "light" reading.

 

[SWbySWesty]

Not cool, CodyY....my day is ruined.

 

[Jasper Jones]

Yeaahhh... I was going to thank you for the helpful link, but I am still reading through that encyclopedia of a van build!

Really, thanks though. Some great info in there.

 

[CodyY]

Yeaahhh... I was going to thank you for the helpful link, but I am still reading through that encyclopedia of a van build!

Really, thanks though. Some great info in there.

There's good maxxair info, i just don't have time to dig thru 137 pages

 

[CodyY]

Not cool, CodyY....my day is ruined.

I'm here to help.

 

[Jasper Jones]

There's good maxxair info, i just don't have time to dig thru 137 pages

Oh, no doubt, there's tons of other good info too. I'm reading through the whole thread anyways.

I guess I should start a build thread for my project at some point.

 

[Kursac]

I am removing the Ac / Heating system off the roof o my van & I have been doing some research on the Maxair systems. I'm pretty sure this is the route I want to go.