Vent Covers and Slideout Awnings

[dsmith3]

We will soon be ordering a new Jayco bunkhouse TT and wanted to know what add-on accessories folks recommend.

Appreciate thoughts on the following:
(1) Vent covers (e.g., MaxxAir I vs MaxxAir II)
(2) Fan (power vent) covers
(3) Slide Out Awnings

Many thanks!

[micron]

I bought the Camco ones at Walmart but if I were getting them for a more expensive model TT than what I have I would spend a little moreand get the smoked Maxxair.

[Rustic Eagle]

Welcome to JOF

IMO installing a MaxxAir style cover over an RV vent, and/or fan vent one can't go wrong. It allows the vents' to remain open during rain showers, and they are more robust then the OEM plastic vent covers in the event something hits them.

I'm not a fan of slide out awnings (potential for water pooling), but I will a admit that there are advantages to them.

Bob

[Ustabslim]

Tons cheaper to order the covers off the www and install yourself.

[Nighthawk 96]

Many people upgrade their bathroom fan. There are basically two companies that make these standard size 14" x 14" fans; MaxxAir and Fantastic. There are several models from basic to ones that work on remotes and even close themselves when it rains.

You should get a cover by the same manufacturer as they are designed to work together.

[dsmith3]

Thanks for the replies. I will definitely be ordering the Maxx Air vent covers and doing the installation.

Has anyone used both the Maxx Air I and II? Any design preference? Looks like the main difference is the hinged lid on the Max-II and a slightly larger louver/vent surface area.

For slide out awnings what are the better brands for quality?

[Nighthawk 96]

My daughter's father-in-law had slide toppers on his first trailer and hated them. More to clean.

I guess if you camp in the open a lot they could help with keeping the sun off.

We camp in the woods so this wouldn't be an issue.

What makes you think you want them?

[dsmith3]

Originally Posted by Nighthawk 96

My daughter's father-in-law had slide toppers on his first trailer and hated them. More to clean.

I guess if you camp in the open a lot they could help with keeping the sun off.

We camp in the woods so this wouldn't be an issue.

What makes you think you want them?

These are not window awnings (to provide shade). They cover the top of the slideout roof and protect it from water and debris.

Camping in the open would probably not require them but in the woods would be extremely beneficial keeping out leaves, twigs, acorns, and other debris that could damage the seal or be brought inside the trailer when the slide was retracted.

A friend who owns a TT recommended them so I thought I'd query the forum to get their take. Sounds like about half the folks like them and half don't. I can sure see how they could be an issue in high winds and also a maintenance headache (something else to clean). But I think the pluses probably outweigh minuses.

[Salsa03]

I put a slide-out topper for 3 reasons

1- Extends the life of your top slide-out seals (less sun, doesn't dry as fast)
2- Prevent water from being on it (which creates a heck of humidity of even dripping water when you pull the slide-out in
3- prevents debri from getting on the top of the slide-out and damaging the seals when you slide them in


Slide-out topper are not meant to reduce the heat in the RV!

[UPCamper]

I recommend the Maxxair vent covers. I don't know much about the fans so no comment. Also, I highly recommend slide toppers if you often camp places that are wooded or where it rains (ie: not the SW USA). There really is no down side that I have found to them other than initial cost. On the flip side the sill keep water from pooling on the top of the slide and keep debris off. Both of which need to be removed prior to slide retraction. They are a convenience thing. If you don't mind climbing up there every trip and cleaning then they are not needed. Lots of threads on them.

Edit: FYI, from my experience with 3 trailers with slide toppers, they do not effect the heat. Also if installed properly, they do not puddle and they do not blow in the wind as some suggest. Wooded sites I recommend them because needles, leaves, acorns, etc.

[3'senough]

Vent covers are a must have IMHO. I had the slidout awnings done on this unit and I like them for debris. The large one does pool some water, but NBD as it does eventually work toward the edge and drain. At the end of the day it's a personal preference and comfort, not a must have like the vent covers IMHO. Vent cover advantages far outweigh the slideout awnings and at a fraction of the cost.

I put Maxx air II's on all my vents, power or not. Work fine with the volume and clearances.

Good luck.

[Seann45]

When I added power vents last winter to the roof I read in the material from Fantastic fan they they do not recommend having vent covers over them they say it reduces the efficiency of the power vent

[namusmc65]

We have the Max air vent covers, the fantastic fan, and the slide out toppers. The slide out toppers are a must have for me for keeping debris off the slide out roofs. I'm just getting over the age of climbing on the roof and sweeping them off. If you don't have them and are not sweeping your slide outs off before putting them in, you are just asking for trouble. For those of you still spry and climbing, its not a problem. Like someone said before, just a matter of preference. We love em!

[nbhybrid]

Originally Posted by namusmc65

We have the Max air vent covers, the fantastic fan, and the slide out toppers. The slide out toppers are a must have for me for keeping debris off the slide out roofs. I'm just getting over the age of climbing on the roof and sweeping them off. If you don't have them and are not sweeping your slide outs off before putting them in, you are just asking for trouble. For those of you still spry and climbing, its not a problem. Like someone said before, just a matter of preference. We love em!

don't you still have to climb up and clean off the awning?

I always sweep and wipe down my 10 foot awning every time I pack to make sure there is no dirt and debris in there or you are going to get mold.

Water alone doesn't cause mold so it isn't an issue but leaves and dirt with water will mold.

My awning is pristine white

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by dsmith3

Thanks for the replies. I will definitely be ordering the Maxx Air vent covers and doing the installation.

Has anyone used both the Maxx Air I and II? Any design preference? Looks like the main difference is the hinged lid on the Max-II and a slightly larger louver/vent surface area.

For slide out awnings what are the better brands for quality?

I installed the Maxx Air 1 on our X23B (now gone) and the MA 2 on the 351. They install the same but as you note the 2 has the "hinged" brackets which let you open it easily. The 2 seems to have more vent area than the 1 and they claim better air flow. Makes sense to me. We leave the vent open all the time except when running the A/C in super humid weather. I was able to buy the hinged brackets separately when I got the 1 so both had the hinged feature. I'm a believer in the Maxx Air.
I had the dealer install slide covers as part of our purchase deal and neglected to negotiate what was installed. So he installed the cheapest thing he could. The brand is Carefree which seems to be OK but the roller is not covered which leaves the rolled up fabric open to the elements. Would specify something better if I had it to do over.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by dsmith3

Thanks for the replies. I will definitely be ordering the Maxx Air vent covers and doing the installation......snip

Just one after-thought, even with the MaxxAir's keep your vents closed while in-tow or you may find a thin film of dust throughout the TT when you arrive at you destination.

Bob

[cekkk]

Dsmith3 said, "I can sure see how they could be an issue in high winds and also a maintenance headache (something else to clean). But I think the pluses probably outweigh minuses."

X2