Bob, just want you to know we've ran up your watch time, watching this over and over and checking each step of the way! My dad and I just installed my maxi fan in my van! Thank you so much for making such a detailed video(s) about how to do it.
You can tape a trash bag up to the ceiling of the interior van with duct tape to catch all the debris nice and tidy. Use a heavy duty bag and the duct tape for strength to catch the falling wood. saves quite a bit of time.
Thank you, thank you. You're a very good instructor, Bob. You don't make mental leaps assuming that everyone has a certain amount of knowledge. That might be tedious for some people who have a lot of experience but for those of us who know little, you just made me feel confident that I could install a fan. Now I just need to understand hooking up the electrical part. It's always something! LOL
Bob is the absolute greatest asset we have. We can't possibly thank him enough. I'm mere months away from my build after watching since 2016. I wouldn't dare try without his channel. Thank you so much, Bob!
After 30 years of dreaming of living on the road I finally purchased a used van to build out. Potentially screwing up the roof by installing the fan incorrectly has been keeping me awake at night. After watching this video I actually feel like I'll be able to do it successfully. I'm so glad you also have a video showing how to cut out the opening. That's what I'm most concerned about. Gonna watch that next. I love all your videos so much Bob!
Bob thank you for going into details of how this gets done in a manner that helps even someone like me could at least have a basic understanding of how I could do this with some help for sure but I wouldn't be afraid to try my hand at this type of project because you really are thorough in presenting on how to do this detail by detail which I certainly appreciate. Have a wonderful day👍👏☝️😍
Some people might think this is self explanatory and or too much detail but at least for me it's not. I don't want to cut holes in my most expensive possession, re; my home without knowing exactly what to do because there's no turning back once a hole is cut!
Thank you for all you do to help the transition of others to the nomadic life easier! You are amazing! I hope you and your mother are doing OK! I am still praying for you all!
I've started watching this series of videos and I can't believe I'm actually considering whether I could convert a van (with help). I used to think my best option was a class b campervan, but the negatives to the class b (for me) are the cost, worrying about your plumbing freezing & being damaged, and the lack of ground clearance. I think I could deal with a composting toilet (vs. a flush toilet in a campervan), and by gosh if I really can't stand life without a hot shower now and again there's always the truck stop. I believe Bob is right, it's all about figuring out where you are on the comfort vs. freedom continuum and making your decisions from there. I have an opportunity coming up to try "car camping" for a weeklong trip and I know if I can do that, living in a converted van will be easy. I'm sure living in a van isn't for everyone, and better for me to find out before making any drastic life decisions. Bob, thank you so much for these videos and all you do to educate your viewers.
I love how bob explains everything as if we are all clueless: "Make sure you have everything you need before you climb up the ladder to the roof because if you forget something, you will have to climb all the way down the ladder then all the way back up"
Good job Bob ,,, I have used Eternabond tape on an RV over All seams,,,None ever leaked....Get the surface clean per the instructions,,, Stick it down and you are done for a long time....I have had it to still be stuck for 7 years with no issues.... Old Guy
A way to stop the water seeping into the roof cavity once it's finally gets it's way in is to line the cutout foam insulation edge with aluminium foil tape. Then it should only drip out through the trim around the inside edge
Nice job! I'll be using dicor etc soon for the first time. I'm curious what you might think about using steel roof screws with the rubber grommets as another water barrier. Or would that just be overkill?
Wondering, for those valley's, what if lasagna layer butyl, a piece of cut plastic, butyl etc. since the plastic is firmer to fill. Like, cutting out of some bucket or something.
Hey Bob, loved the way you wore the rubber gloves until you got to spreading all the gooey stuff out, then got you hands all messy :0) You put out some great videos, someday I hope our paths cross, maybe at the next RTR,, Safe travels.....
Thank you for being thorough and mindful of all skill levels. You are a good teacher. Do you prefer to install fans before or after the insulation is in, does it really matter?
I want to share my review of the Fantastic Vent 3350 because my experience with the fan is anything but fantastic. I bought mine 18 months ago, as friends, who have an older model, said it was very good. However mine makes a lot of noise and pushes so little air that I can barely tell if I have it set to exhaust or blow. If I turn it up to get more airflow it becomes even noiser! The rain sensor closes the vent at night so I can only assume that it senses the night time moisture and closes even though it is NOT raining. My friend's older model seems to push more air than my newer model. I get much better & quieter airflow from my little Sirocco fan and it was only $!60 not over $600. Dometic agreed to replace the fan and the airflow improved a little but it is still very noisy AND the rain sensor closes the fan at really odd times like late afternoon. So we can't use the fan unless we manually open the cover. So in summary, I have found it an appallingly poor performing fan that is just not worth the money.
My husband and I are planning on trying van life [thanks to your video's] I'm game.. : ) I would love to come to your Jan. gathering for our 20th wedding Anniversary.. Lynn & Rick
Thank you so much now I believe I could do this without any problems! The only question I have is about the raw steel where the cut was made, should that be sealed with paint or primer?
Has the roof vent leaked at all since installing it? I see you placed a sheet metal screw in the middle of the "valley" ... does it matter if you would have used two sheet metal screws on either side of the valley?
You chose good sealants. Alternatives would be ProFlexRV caulk instead of the Dicor lap sealant, and Aluminum Alkyd Fibered Roof Coating instead of the tape.
I was thinking about taking out one of the back windows and putting the fantastic fan in the back window. And taking the other back window out and putting event in to vent a small air conditioner. That way I would have the whole roof for solar. Is that a good idea?
"Stacking" the butyl tape to fill the valleys seems like a recipe for disaster - leaks. You can see the void between the layers. 70 mph rain blowing against WILL leak. I plan to use the self leveling Dicor sealant to fill the valleys flush to the high ribs. Then butyl tape, and perhaps another silicone caulk around the perimeter afterward.
Hey Bob, you could have done with a spatula for the lap sealant...looks like you're putting the icing on the cake. There's always a better way in somebody's eyes, but as long as it does the job, who cares! Your videos are definitely reducing my fear of the unknown, keep 'em coming!
Bob, what consideration is given as to which side someone would want the hinge to go? Mine seem to have the hinge towards the front of the camper, but I don't know if this matters.
I may have missed the video but have a couple of questions. When you put insulation on the roof did you put the first layer between the ribs and then second layer covering ribs and all? Would it have been easier/better to cut the hole for the fan before you put in the insulation? Did you in put insulation in your side& rear doors? If so what did you use, pink fiberglass or chunks of Styrofoam ? thanks in advance. Just found you about a month ago and really enjoy your interviews and videos, keep them coming
Nice job Bob, but.... before drilling or cutting your roof, cover it with plastic foil and cut it open on the spot where you will work. You avoid any particles that will start rusting on your paint. And use caulking stuff UNDER the seams, it makes no sense to cover the outside seams with inches of caulking. Good point you didn't use silicone based caulking. Keep going!
Hey Bob, I'm preparing to head out on the road in my existing vehicle, and am wondering if you think it would be possible to frame in and install a fan in the existing sunroof opening (I would obviously never use the sunroof again, as it was designed to be used). Thanks for your advice...Renee, traveling in "Pearl" 🧜♀️
Nice job Bob... But, I cringe every time you throw a tool with sharp blades on the top of the roof. If I were you or anyone doing this bring up some thick towels to protect the roof of the van. Also, while you are up there, best to clean the roof really well and bring up some wax and give that roof a good waxing, will make the roof last a heck of alot longer. Other than that...great job! :) Also, a nice tarp over the bed would have been nice for easy clean up! ;)
What I didn't see you do, is wipe down your fan flange assembly with alcohol to get rid of the manufacturer's oily finish to the mold injected plastic.
Hi Bob & Cody, great detail. I would be very happy if I could do this myself if I had a van, how much would a so called specialist charge? More money to me 👍 for travelling. Big Hugs from Australia 🇦🇺
I understand how a screw can go through wood and hold tight.. but how does it work through that thin metal? Seems like it has nothing to grab. Does it just stick out the other side?
John, he was in a work-related accident where he injured his arm. The scar is from the surgery. I don't know the intimate details, but it was a bad injury.
well it is a nice work but to complicated due to the short blade then change it , easy way is to drill all 4 points all way down thru the cover panel , cut the top metal how deep it Wii go , then from the inside to cut it upwards and that sit !
Wasting the self leveling. Just double row the edge and loop in at every screw head. No need to handle it, let it self level and flow naturally. Top with Eternabond.
Does any one use the solar powered roof vents like they sell at the big box stores? They sell for 1/3 the price of the fantastic fan. Same 14 x 14 size.
Does anyone ever just use a metal casing and use either solder or weld metal to metal to install a rooftop fan? Better leak protection. There's also an independent solar powered attic fan that doesn't use your existing solar setup.
Are you using butyl tape here or putty tape? Is there a difference? And you keep saying "Dicor" but then you link to a CAMCO brand of putty tape in your Amazon link. Can you please clarify.
Great video Bob thank you so much for doing this one! Now Bob, where did your gloves go? You shouldn't touch that stuff the oils in your hands will help it break down over time. I'm just joking I pulled that one out of my bum. You really need to wear gloves though when working with chemicals. :-)
Hmm I think I would have double or more layered the tape in the gaps... you know what they say about hindsight! Also, I believe silicone stands up to heat and UV better. I think the sealant you're using is ideal.
As far as I’m concerned you put way too much sealant on there. I have installed these things for the last 40 years with just butyl tape and never had a problem with leaks.
Thank you for making this video. You enabled a middle aged woman the ability and courage to install her fan on her van, herself! You are my hero!!!!
Bob, just want you to know we've ran up your watch time, watching this over and over and checking each step of the way! My dad and I just installed my maxi fan in my van! Thank you so much for making such a detailed video(s) about how to do it.
You can tape a trash bag up to the ceiling of the interior van with duct tape to catch all the debris nice and tidy. Use a heavy duty bag and the duct tape for strength to catch the falling wood. saves quite a bit of time.
That is golden information!!!!
Thank you, thank you. You're a very good instructor, Bob. You don't make mental leaps assuming that everyone has a certain amount of knowledge. That might be tedious for some people who have a lot of experience but for those of us who know little, you just made me feel confident that I could install a fan. Now I just need to understand hooking up the electrical part. It's always something! LOL
Bob is the absolute greatest asset we have. We can't possibly thank him enough. I'm mere months away from my build after watching since 2016. I wouldn't dare try without his channel. Thank you so much, Bob!
After 30 years of dreaming of living on the road I finally purchased a used van to build out. Potentially screwing up the roof by installing the fan incorrectly has been keeping me awake at night. After watching this video I actually feel like I'll be able to do it successfully. I'm so glad you also have a video showing how to cut out the opening. That's what I'm most concerned about. Gonna watch that next. I love all your videos so much Bob!
Bob thank you for going into details of how this gets done in a manner that helps even someone like me could at least have a basic understanding of how I could do this with some help for sure but I wouldn't be afraid to try my hand at this type of project because you really are thorough in presenting on how to do this detail by detail which I certainly appreciate. Have a wonderful day👍👏☝️😍
It really is a relief to know how it's done, isn't it? :)
Some people might think this is self explanatory and or too much detail but at least for me it's not. I don't want to cut holes in my most expensive possession, re; my home without knowing exactly what to do because there's no turning back once a hole is cut!
Thank you, Bob!
Thank you for all you do to help the transition of others to the nomadic life easier! You are amazing! I hope you and your mother are doing OK! I am still praying for you all!
I don't think it will leak! Thanks for showing us the process! ☺
I've started watching this series of videos and I can't believe I'm actually considering whether I could convert a van (with help). I used to think my best option was a class b campervan, but the negatives to the class b (for me) are the cost, worrying about your plumbing freezing & being damaged, and the lack of ground clearance. I think I could deal with a composting toilet (vs. a flush toilet in a campervan), and by gosh if I really can't stand life without a hot shower now and again there's always the truck stop. I believe Bob is right, it's all about figuring out where you are on the comfort vs. freedom continuum and making your decisions from there.
I have an opportunity coming up to try "car camping" for a weeklong trip and I know if I can do that, living in a converted van will be easy. I'm sure living in a van isn't for everyone, and better for me to find out before making any drastic life decisions.
Bob, thank you so much for these videos and all you do to educate your viewers.
Thanks to you and Carolyn I tackled this job myself and saved a bunch of money. Just replacement. But I did it!! Thx
Great job, Bob. The close up shots make a big difference.
I like how clearly you explain things on all your videos
I love how bob explains everything as if we are all clueless: "Make sure you have everything you need before you climb up the ladder to the roof because if you forget something, you will have to climb all the way down the ladder then all the way back up"
lol....
i agree lol
Where's my ladder, left my tools on top of the van!!!lol . Bob never put your fingers in the dicor I mean butal tape I mean putty tape!
That was fun and interesting watching you, 'guru Bob'. lol. You're the best. Take care. Hope it all came out great!
Wow Bob, that is not going to come off easily ! Looks great and from what you have said they are very efficient as well !
Thanks for the video. Helped me lots. Job done
Good job Bob ,,, I have used Eternabond tape on an RV over All seams,,,None ever leaked....Get the surface clean per the instructions,,, Stick it down and you are done for a long time....I have had it to still be stuck for 7 years with no issues.... Old Guy
I'm so glad you could get up there.
I get one foot off the ground knowing I'm heading up to the top of something, and I'm dizzy. 😂
Its a Flawless video!!! On how to install a fantastic fan.... I'll be installing soon!!!
Thanks Bob for the very helpful video how too.
fantastic fans are awesome; got two in my fifth wheel and could not survive without them. great work Bob!!!!!!
121 here in phx ........ nobody beats us for heat except death valley
whtmikeg30vanlife damn I it was miserable yesterday in the San Joaquin Valley at 104. can't imagine what it's inside Bobs van?
Nice job, you make it look easy Bob! Thanks
I love that lip seal o much I've started to use it in other places around the house.
You can use a wood shim to feather out your caulk around the outside too, works well...
Would love to see other ways to keep cool in a van now that summer is upon us.
No rustproofing solution applied to the bare metal edges in the roof where you cut out a section for the fan?
No idea what you mean by that but I would suggest you don't eat grapes.
That tape is just like weather striping once the screws are tightened down it it works like a suction cup giving a tight seal all the way around
Bob you follow directions! I like that in a man
Thank you Bob! Nicely done.
A way to stop the water seeping into the roof cavity once it's finally gets it's way in is to line the cutout foam insulation edge with aluminium foil tape. Then it should only drip out through the trim around the inside edge
Nice job! I'll be using dicor etc soon for the first time. I'm curious what you might think about using steel roof screws with the rubber grommets as another water barrier. Or would that just be overkill?
Wondering, for those valley's, what if lasagna layer butyl, a piece of cut plastic, butyl etc. since the plastic is firmer to fill. Like, cutting out of some bucket or something.
Hey Bob, loved the way you wore the rubber gloves until you got to spreading all the gooey stuff out, then got you hands all messy :0) You put out some great videos, someday I hope our paths cross, maybe at the next RTR,, Safe travels.....
Thank you for being thorough and mindful of all skill levels. You are a good teacher. Do you prefer to install fans before or after the insulation is in, does it really matter?
I want to share my review of the Fantastic Vent 3350 because my experience with the fan is anything but fantastic. I bought mine 18 months ago, as friends, who have an older model, said it was very good.
However mine makes a lot of noise and pushes so little air that I can barely tell if I have it set to exhaust or blow. If I turn it up to get more airflow it becomes even noiser!
The rain sensor closes the vent at night so I can only assume that it senses the night time moisture and closes even though it is NOT raining.
My friend's older model seems to push more air than my newer model.
I get much better & quieter airflow from my little Sirocco fan and it was only $!60 not over $600.
Dometic agreed to replace the fan and the airflow improved a little but it is still very noisy AND the rain sensor closes the fan at really odd times like late afternoon. So we can't use the fan unless we manually open the cover.
So in summary, I have found it an appallingly poor performing fan that is just not worth the money.
My husband and I are planning on trying van life [thanks to your video's] I'm game.. : ) I would love to come to your Jan. gathering for our 20th wedding Anniversary.. Lynn & Rick
nice install but id just use selftappers. where do you find room to store that real ladder?
Thank you so much now I believe I could do this without any problems! The only question I have is about the raw steel where the cut was made, should that be sealed with paint or primer?
Has the roof vent leaked at all since installing it?
I see you placed a sheet metal screw in the middle of the "valley" ... does it matter if you would have used two sheet metal screws on either side of the valley?
Hi Bob,
That's an excellent installation. Really perfect stuff.
I think that comment you made about "half assed and good enough" isn't true here.
You chose good sealants. Alternatives would be ProFlexRV caulk instead of the Dicor lap sealant, and Aluminum Alkyd Fibered Roof Coating instead of the tape.
I used a marker to outline the flange to make sure I would have fan centered before putting sticky butyl tape down.
Thanky you for this education.
Brilliant work! Keep it up!
Wow Bob, up to 60,000 subscribers, you must me doing something right. 👏🏻👍 Big Hugs from Australia 🇦🇺
267 thousand now
When I had my van I put a vent in it. For me, the hardest part was getting up the nerve to make that first cut into the roof...lol.
Very informative . Thanks !
I was thinking about taking out one of the back windows and putting the fantastic fan in the back window. And taking the other back window out and putting event in to vent a small air conditioner. That way I would have the whole roof for solar. Is that a good idea?
Did you build up buying all your tools over time? Where do you store them all in van life? Can all the tools be rented and build on site where rented?
"Stacking" the butyl tape to fill the valleys seems like a recipe for disaster - leaks. You can see the void between the layers. 70 mph rain blowing against WILL leak. I plan to use the self leveling Dicor sealant to fill the valleys flush to the high ribs. Then butyl tape, and perhaps another silicone caulk around the perimeter afterward.
Hey Bob, you could have done with a spatula for the lap sealant...looks like you're putting the icing on the cake. There's always a better way in somebody's eyes, but as long as it does the job, who cares! Your videos are definitely reducing my fear of the unknown, keep 'em coming!
Do you locate the fan over where you spend most of your time in the van or are there other considerations? Perhaps where you sleep?
I take it if it's a 70 degree day outside it will make it approximately 70 degrees in the van vs 90 100 with it being sealed up
Bob, what consideration is given as to which side someone would want the hinge to go? Mine seem to have the hinge towards the front of the camper, but I don't know if this matters.
nice install
I may have missed the video but have a couple of questions. When you put insulation on the roof did you put the first layer between the ribs and then second layer covering ribs and all? Would it have been easier/better to cut the hole for the fan before you put in the insulation? Did you in put insulation in your side& rear doors? If so what did you use, pink fiberglass or chunks of Styrofoam ? thanks in advance. Just found you about a month ago and really enjoy your interviews and videos, keep them coming
Nice job Bob, but.... before drilling or cutting your roof, cover it with plastic foil and cut it open on the spot where you will work. You avoid any particles that will start rusting on your paint. And use caulking stuff UNDER the seams, it makes no sense to cover the outside seams with inches of caulking. Good point you didn't use silicone based caulking. Keep going!
Thanks for sharing,,, I know it's "exhausting"! Where is your air inlet?
Beautiful Job Thank you ...
Hey Bob, I'm preparing to head out on the road in my existing vehicle, and am wondering if you think it would be possible to frame in and install a fan in the existing sunroof opening (I would obviously never use the sunroof again, as it was designed to be used). Thanks for your advice...Renee, traveling in "Pearl" 🧜♀️
good video!
Nice job Bob... But, I cringe every time you throw a tool with sharp blades on the top of the roof. If I were you or anyone doing this bring up some thick towels to protect the roof of the van. Also, while you are up there, best to clean the roof really well and bring up some wax and give that roof a good waxing, will make the roof last a heck of alot longer. Other than that...great job! :) Also, a nice tarp over the bed would have been nice for easy clean up! ;)
great info...thanks so much
What I didn't see you do, is wipe down your fan flange assembly with alcohol to get rid of the manufacturer's oily finish to the mold injected plastic.
LDV V80 van has rectangular seciton with NO corrigations, for fans or skylights I assume
would using fiberglass cloth and resin be better?
Hi Bob & Cody, great detail. I would be very happy if I could do this myself if I had a van, how much would a so called specialist charge? More money to me 👍 for travelling. Big Hugs from Australia 🇦🇺
Lovely content! Keep it up!
Are the screws going into the roof or into the rims of the roof?
I understand how a screw can go through wood and hold tight.. but how does it work through that thin metal? Seems like it has nothing to grab. Does it just stick out the other side?
What size (inches) of screws did you use to install Fansastin fan?
Bob what did you do to your arm. I see a nice scar on the right arm? It Looks like my back surgery scar nice job on the vent!
John, he was in a work-related accident where he injured his arm. The scar is from the surgery. I don't know the intimate details, but it was a bad injury.
Why did you chose to put the hinge on the side instead of the front ? thank you
i think i missed why you don't like self tapping screws, would please let me know ???? thanks
It looks easy but I'm nervous to try thinking that I'm going to distry my van.
Does the lap sealant crack due to changes in heat or cold temperatures?
well it is a nice work but to complicated due to the short blade then change it , easy way is to drill all 4 points all way down thru the cover panel , cut the top metal how deep it Wii go , then from the inside to cut it upwards and that sit !
Hey bob my fantastic fan (new) how do i wire it up
Wasting the self leveling. Just double row the edge and loop in at every screw head. No need to handle it, let it self level and flow naturally. Top with Eternabond.
What would happen if you leave the extra tape?
ROFL!
you rock mr.....bob....hope your mom is being taken care of.....?
Put the butyl tape on the fan instead of on the roof. That way it will make sure it fills any gaps along the very edge of the fan.
Does any one use the solar powered roof vents like they sell at the big box stores? They sell for 1/3 the price of the fantastic fan. Same 14 x 14 size.
Is that sheet metal screws, Bob? Sorry man, you crack me up :-) Love it though
Does anyone ever just use a metal casing and use either solder or weld metal to metal to install a rooftop fan? Better leak protection. There's also an independent solar powered attic fan that doesn't use your existing solar setup.
Are you using butyl tape here or putty tape? Is there a difference? And you keep saying "Dicor" but then you link to a CAMCO brand of putty tape in your Amazon link. Can you please clarify.
After you drill the first hole, put in a screw immediately so it doesnt move, same with the second. Makes predrilling the rest easier
How do u handle the Calif desert heat? Ugh
There are high heat warnings for the next few days for all those desert states, I hope he has moved on or is back east.
Me too ! Im trying to work on my shasta omg!! Over 100 here BLAHHHH
Great video Bob thank you so much for doing this one! Now Bob, where did your gloves go? You shouldn't touch that stuff the oils in your hands will help it break down over time. I'm just joking I pulled that one out of my bum. You really need to wear gloves though when working with chemicals. :-)
Hmm I think I would have double or more layered the tape in the gaps... you know what they say about hindsight! Also, I believe silicone stands up to heat and UV better. I think the sealant you're using is ideal.
845 pm still 110f
Another piece of putty tape on the valley would have helped.
As far as I’m concerned you put way too much sealant on there. I have installed these things for the last 40 years with just butyl tape and never had a problem with leaks.
I need someone who can do it for my van
DID HE SAY THAT HE WAS USING SHEET METAL SCREWS???
Three part video on installing a fan?
nice job on the roof bit but how about the wiring? I can't find a single freaking person on this channel who is actually showing how to do the wiring.
Get clear Silcone if needed