The Complete Guide on How to Replace a Roof Vent for Your RV
If you're like many of the 2 million-plus Canadian RV owners, your RV is a way to vacation as well as a way of life. In 2017 alone, those 2 million RV lovers took a total of 8.2 million trips!
Hitting the road often, even with a rock-solid RV you love, minor repair needs crop up here and there -- like when you need a new roof vent. And often, you want to just fix them yourself.
To help, we've put together a quick guide on how to replace a roof vent on an RV. Keep reading to learn the simple steps to take out the old vent, put in the new one, and get the parts you need.
Then, you'll be ready to grab those parts and your tools and make the switch so you can hit the road in good form for your next adventure.
How to Replace a Roof Vent
Once you have your tools, supplies and the new vent, you should be able to do this quickly -- under an hour.
Start by getting your new vent from the RV parts store. Your best bet is to get the same vent you have or one that's the same style and size. That way, you can use the same location, space, and screw holes you already have.
In addition to the new vent, you'll need:
- Screwdriver
- Something to take off the old putty seal
- New sealant with caulk gun if needed
- Double-sided tape -- also called putty tape
Once you have everything, you're ready to roll up your sleeves and begin.
1. Take Out the Garnish
The garnish is the metal or plastic part inside on the ceiling of your RV that covers the opening where your vent goes.
From inside, reach up and pull out the garnish. Put it aside so you can put it back later after you put in the new vent.
2. Take Off the Old Vent
Go on top of the roof of your RV and scrape off the sealant. A putty scraper works great and a flathead screwdriver will do as well.
You don't have to get it all off but it should be easy to do so once you get started.
Next, unscrew the vent and lift it out. Hang onto the screws. They may come in handy with the new vent.
Clean off the remaining sealant. It doesn't have to be perfect but you can gently scrape off and wipe down with a cloth. Make sure not to scrape or rub too hard so you don't damage the roof.
If the vent is attached to a fan, turn off the RV power and cut the wires diagonally and close to the vent but with enough left to attach them to the new vent wires. You'll need wire cutters to do this.
3. Put In Your New Vent
Check the instructions of your new vent in case there are tips or special notes. Also, it's always helpful if they have a visual diagram.
Put putty tape or sealant on the edges of the vent that will be facing down onto the roof. This will help attach the vent to the roof.
Next, screw in the screws.
Lastly, seal over the screws and along the edges of the vent to make it watertight and hold it firmly in place.
If you have a fan, attach the wires as your first step here.
4. Put the Garnish Back In
Go back inside and put the garnish back in. If your new vent comes with a garnish, use that and toss the old one.
And that's it!
Getting It Done
Now that you know how to replace an RV roof vent, you're ready to do yours.
To start, you can give us a call to order the Recreational Vehicle parts. We're also here if you have any questions regarding all your RV needs, from service to parts to the campers themselves.
Our goal is to keep Saskatoon's happy campers rolling strong in their RVs!