Adding a vent on my 242BHSW

[ASTMedic]

So I sent Jayco an email with the suspission that there was an opening framed in the front of our trailer but no vent installed from the factory. Sure enough they confirmed that I was correct. Directly over the bed is an opening that they mark to leave unroutered. So now I have to decided if I want to brave cutting it out. I'm fairly handy but cutting the roof makes me the most nervous in this process. I'm hoping they deadhead power there but I'm guessing not.

So am I crazy for thinking about doing this project? I really want a fan over the bed for fresh air while sleeping. What should I use to route the ceiling material?

[Jagiven]

I would do it in a heartbeat. I would caulk as needed, followed up with 6" eternabond, to make a permanent seal. I would then top it off with a dark smoked Maxair vent hood.

Go for it!

[ASTMedic]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I would do it in a heartbeat. I caulk as needed, followed up with 6" eternabond, to make a permanent seal. I would then top it off with a dark smoked Maxair vent hood.

Go for it!

So Maxxair or Fantastic fan?

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by ASTMedic

So Maxxair or Fantastic fan?

I would just do the hood, so you can keep the vent open. But if you want a fan, you have to figure out a power source.

[wootman]

I did this on my x213. It was definitely nerve racking, but relatively easy. Jayco provided me with copies of the roof schematics to confirm the location of the vent framing. I used a router on the interior then used a drill to make a hole at each corner of the square opening on the roof decking. Then simply connected the dots with a jigsaw to cut the roof hole. The electrical was already ran and located near the framed rough in. I wish I had taken some pictures, but honestly it went so quick and easy that I didn’t.

[ASTMedic]

Originally Posted by wootman

I did this on my x213. It was definitely nerve racking, but relatively easy. Jayco provided me with copies of the roof schematics to confirm the location of the vent framing. I used a router on the interior then used a drill to make a hole at each corner of the square opening on the roof decking. Then simply connected the dots with a jigsaw to cut the roof hole. The electrical was already ran and located near the framed rough in. I wish I had taken some pictures, but honestly it went so quick and easy that I didn’t.

That's what I'm hoping is that they have the power run there waiting to hook up. I think I'm going to have to take the gamble and try it. I've got the schematics from Jayco so I can see the location of the frame.

[TonyCO]

Great thread! I was really surprised our trailer only has a vent in the bathroom. My old Laredo, which was basically the same size trailer, had three vents total. I hope we have an opening in our bedroom as well. If it’s there, I will definitely follow your lead. Please update us when you are done. Thanks.

[Mustang65]

Do you have a ceiling light near the planned fan opening?

If so you can tap into the ceiling light 12Volt power supply. That is what I did when I moved the original bathroom ceiling fan to the front of the TT above the bed. I replaced the bathroom fan with a thermostat fan. Works GREAT!!

Don

My Registry

RVing with SOLAR

[ASTMedic]

Debated between a Maxxair deluxe and the maxxair plus. I went with the plus and a weather cover. The deluxe doesn't look like it will flow as much as the plus so I went that route. Etrailer shipped already so late next week there should be an install update. I'll try and make a full post showing everything. I've attached the PDF from Jayco showing the roof diagram.


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3p...w?usp=drivesdk

[ASTMedic]

Also Jayco responded to my email asking if there is wiring already there. They stated that "Anything that is labeled as an option is prepped.", however I'm not sure if a vent there is an optional item.

[Alerider]

I would like to do something similar and steal power from a light for my new vent fan. What I don't understand is don't I have to keep the ceiling light switch turned on for the fan to have power? If I do that there are 2 more lights do deal with...

[ASTMedic]

Well first step is done. I didn't mess the roof yet since it was getting late yesterday. Started off by finding the studs but they were right where the plans showed them.

I punched a hole with a paddle bit in the middle so I could be sure I was in the right spot. At first I started with an osolating cutter but I was worried I would cut into a stud. So when I was buying the osolating cutter at Home Depot I picked up some bits for a RotoZip that allow tracing out electrical boxes in drywall on a hunch that they might eb the way to go.

Put one in my Dremmel and cranked it to high speed. Man was that the right choice. With the tracing tip it just stopped at the stud and I could just follow them till it was cut out. About as fool proof as it gets.

Today I tackle the roof and wiring. There's 12v right off the light next to it so that should be easy.

[ASTMedic]

Originally Posted by Alerider

I would like to do something similar and steal power from a light for my new vent fan. What I don't understand is don't I have to keep the ceiling light switch turned on for the fan to have power? If I do that there are 2 more lights do deal with...

The majority of my lights are switched at the light. Small push button in the middle. You only need one light to grab power but you're right, you'll have to keep the switch on if it has a wall switch.

[DaveT]

I love threads like this.

[Route 66 Traveler]

I just sent an E-mail yesterday asking for the drawings for my TT. They sent them back in less than an hour.


One thing I noticed was that all measurements were referenced to the right rear corner of the trailer, for both length and width.

[ASTMedic]

Originally Posted by Route 66 Traveler

I just sent an E-mail yesterday asking for the drawings for my TT. They sent them back in less than an hour.


One thing I noticed was that all measurements were referenced to the right rear corner of the trailer, for both length and width.

Yep they are. What trailer do you have cus I'm betting the frames are all the same for trailers of the same length. Did your plans have the vent frame there?

[Route 66 Traveler]

Originally Posted by ASTMedic

Yep they are. What trailer do you have cus I'm betting the frames are all the same for trailers of the same length. Did your plans have the vent frame there?

Well actually I have a Starcraft Autumn Ridge, 266RKS. And yes, it showed where all of the cutouts were for my trailer. After reading the drawings I saw where they got the 266 designation. It's the length in inches from the right rear corner to the front where the front cap attaches. All measurements are in inches.



Pretty sure it was built on a Jayco factory production line because all major components have Jayco stickers on them with Jayco part numbers. The Engineering Print Disclaimer that accompanied the drawings said the documents were owned and copyrighted by Jayco.


What really impressed me was how fast they responded to my request and sent the correct prints for my trailer.

[ASTMedic]

Posting as I work. Used my router to cut the roof deck and it's a breeze. Have a long bit to punch the holes

[Route 66 Traveler]

Great job! Is that a factory installed antenna next to the cutout?

[ASTMedic]

Originally Posted by Route 66 Traveler

Great job! Is that a factory installed antenna next to the cutout?

Ya the AM/FM. The vent clears it fine but we'll see how the vent cover does