Too Many Roof Vents

BR

Brifla

Guest
Having just spent time recaulking a good portion of my TM roof with 3M 5200 in hopes of solving a centerline leak, I have to ask why there are so many vents installed. I'm of the opinion that you only compromise a solid roof when absolutely necessary (you won't see a sunroof in any car I own). I understand the AC and Fantastic Fan vent on the TM but would have preferred to not have at least one (if not both) of the skylight vents. There are a ton of windows so light isn't an issue. Also, all these vents are so close together that it seems that some of the structural integrity/strength of the roof was likely compromised. Every hole, seam, screw, etc on that roof is a leak waiting to happen and with the middle seam, edge seams, 3 vents, AC, awning and TV antenna, it's just a matter of time. If I were ordering a new TM, I would skip the addition of the two skylight vents (if that's possible). This would also save in labor and part costs for the TM construction and reduce potential leak and maintenance trouble. Just my $0.02.
 
Brifla said:
I understand the AC and Fantastic Fan vent on the TM but would have preferred to not have at least one (if not both) of the skylight vents. There are a ton of windows so light isn't an issue. Also, all these vents are so close together that it seems that some of the structural integrity/strength of the roof was likely compromised.

Brifla:
My 25/18 is a 1996 and comes with only one vent that has the fantastic fan in it. Have not noticed any problems as like you said there are plenty of windows for sunlight. Less things to recaulk. The only extra one that might be useful would be in the bathroom.

Bob
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Brifla said:
Having just spent time recaulking a good portion of my TM roof with 3M 5200 in hopes of solving a centerline leak, I have to ask why there are so many vents installed. I'm of the opinion that you only compromise a solid roof when absolutely necessary (you won't see a sunroof in any car I own). I understand the AC and Fantastic Fan vent on the TM but would have preferred to not have at least one (if not both) of the skylight vents. There are a ton of windows so light isn't an issue. Also, all these vents are so close together that it seems that some of the structural integrity/strength of the roof was likely compromised. Every hole, seam, screw, etc on that roof is a leak waiting to happen and with the middle seam, edge seams, 3 vents, AC, awning and TV antenna, it's just a matter of time. If I were ordering a new TM, I would skip the addition of the two skylight vents (if that's possible). This would also save in labor and part costs for the TM construction and reduce potential leak and maintenance trouble. Just my $0.02.
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Camping in Fl I'm surprised you said that about vents. for us more is better. We have owned two TT, and a motorhome before the TM and vent leaks. Roof seams are the culprit from what we have seen.
 
I grew up camping the Southeast in a canvas pop-up, tents and the back of my pickup with a topper. None of them had any roof vents (or AC) so I guess I'm used to going without. The TM Fantastic Fan does a great job of pulling the air through the trailer and there are a ton of windows in addition to the AC. I just feel that I could do without two more skylight vents right next to these other items. In addition to the potential for leaks, the skylight plastic has gotten very brittle with some cracks so I'm looking at either having to put on a new vent lid (if possible) or a cover. I've noticed on the forum that many people have installed vent covers for various reasons. Was just thinking that maybe the skylight vents (or at least the 2nd one) should be an option on new TMs.
 
I don't know about the camping world one, this is the one we use:
http://www.maxxair.com/standard-maxxair.html
Since you have beds at both ends of your TM your configuration is different then our inside. On ours with the living room slide there is a vinyl flap between the couch and the front shell. It almost like a 6 to 8 inch wide shelf. A screen can made up to place in this area.
 
scrubjaysnest said:
I don't know about the camping world one, this is the one we use:
http://www.maxxair.com/standard-maxxair.html
Since you have beds at both ends of your TM your configuration is different then our inside. On ours with the living room slide there is a vinyl flap between the couch and the front shell. It almost like a 6 to 8 inch wide shelf. A screen can made up to place in this area.
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Do you have one of these over the Fantastic Fan vent?

Tom
 
We use the power vent anytime we are cooking bacon. Other times it is optional. I am tempted to somehow connect the fan to the smoke detector so that it turns on automatically.

We only have two vents. The other one is in the center in front of the a/c. This one is critical for the TM. Where else would they hide the switch for the front reading lights. :D This vent is open all of the time if it is warm out.

We have no reason to open the vents in the rain because we rarely camp in the rain. That is why our camping season is limited to May 1 through October 31. (I enjoy rubbing this in)
 
My wife loves the skylights. I wanted to put insulating pillows in them to help with the cold but she wouldn't have it. She likes to sit in the trailer in the the morning and read or paint. She leaves the curtains closed for privacy.
 
Yes, we find the skylights add a lot of light, maybe because of the tinted windows. I had to make black plastic interior covers for them so we could sleep in. And only the Fantastic Fan vent has leaked ...
 
scrubjaysnest said:
We camp from Jan 1 to Dec 31 with a day here or there that we go to the house.
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I should move further south. But not east. I hate humidity, but I can tolerate temperatures higher than 100F.

After 100F I have to use the a/c while preparing dinner.
 
In the same boat as bob , on the good side, our old tm only has the one vent, and some kinda funky antenna(soon to be gone) so not to bad to keep up on, good thing , does not need to add any more to the list.
 
The two extra vents let in a lot of light, which on a cloudy day can really make a difference. I only put a cover over my Fantastic Fan, try to get one that has openings in 3 sides, and are made to be used with a powered vent.
I agree it is abit much on real sunny days, for those i just cut two squares of foam from an old sofa and stuff em in there.
That way I can have my bacon and eat it too....
 
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