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Topic: vent lid blew off on freeway (Read 447 times) previous topic - next topic
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vent lid blew off on freeway
Our vent lid above the rear bedroom blew off our 2000 MB while driving on the freeway at 75mph in NM. I've noticed all of them were a bit rattly. We circled back and managed to recover pieces of it.

It of course started raining and hailing right after this happened, so it's now covered with random household items and a black garbage bag.

Any tips for how to get the crank working better / less rattly? The mechanism doesn't seem to be the most secure. I'm not sure why it flew off in the first place, but all the rattling we would hear while driving down the road didn't inspire confidence.
Ford 2000 MB
Re: vent lid blew off on freeway
Reply #2 –
The photos show what appears to be the original fan, without a vent cover. 25 years of sunlight turned the plastic vent cover brittle. Few LDs see the air turbulence that driving at 75 MPH produces. We always leave the vents down when driving.
The vent lift mechanism wears with time and is considered to be a consumable item. Fantastic Fans use the same lift mechanism, the difference is that the roller can be on the right or left side. Determine this before ordering. The crank motor and/or gearbox can wear out too.

After replacing the lid and lift, get a vent cover to protect the cover from sun damage, and enjoy having the vent open during the rain.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: vent lid blew off on freeway
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
The photos show what appears to be the original fan, without a vent cover. 25 years of sunlight turned the plastic vent cover brittle. Few LDs see the air turbulence that driving at 75 MPH produces. We always leave the vents down when driving.
The vent lift mechanism wears with time and is considered to be a consumable item. Fantastic Fans use the same lift mechanism, the difference is that the roller can be on the right or left side. Determine this before ordering. The crank motor and/or gearbox can wear out too.

After replacing the lid and lift, get a vent cover to protect the cover from sun damage, and enjoy having the vent open during the rain.

Larry
I thought someone would comment on the 75 mph. Yeah, I think most of us don't drive that fast. I may reach 70 once in a while but 65 mph is usually the max.
I second the Maxxair cover, great to have it to keep the rain out but it also protects the vent.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: vent lid blew off on freeway
Reply #4 –
Hi Kaaeel;  All of your vents should be cranked down tight while traveling, especially if it might be raining.  If you have the MaxAir (or other brand) cover over the vents, then it would be safer to have them cracked open.  The little nylon or metal wheels or the tracks they ride in wear down, and account for the rattling.
    Once my bathroom fan had the roll pin in the lift mechanism work it's way out, and the cover would fly open while moving. A safety pin fixed that until I got home. Now both of my vents have a stainless 2-56 screw through the center, with washers. Nut with blue lock-tite to keep the roll pin in place.  
     At the age of your LD the Air Con shroud, escape hatch cover and the shower moon-roof should be checked for condition. That sunlight UV up there on the roof will 'kill' those plastics after 10-20 years.     RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: vent lid blew off on freeway
Reply #5 –
We went by the nearest RV shop and they had all the parts we needed. The install was super easy. I had to cut off some sealant applied to the hinge on the roof. Probably a good idea to add more back on.
Ford 2000 MB
 
Re: vent lid blew off on freeway
Reply #7 –
When i replaced my vent covers, I noticed the brackets were loose all around.  New covers after I cleaned the vents, new screws fastened down tight, no more rattles.  I replaced the escape hatch with an aftermarket replacement some years ago, after it blew off in Albuquerque in a storm, has never pinched down tight.
2005 RB
Re: vent lid blew off on freeway
Reply #8 –
Quote from: kaaeel  - 
We went by the nearest RV shop and they had all the parts we needed. The install was super easy. I had to cut off some sealant applied to the hinge on the roof. Probably a good idea to add more back on.
Nice, I wonder how many RV places have that part on hand.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath