Roof fan vent replacement.

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

MY cheapie 4" roof fan in the bathroom stopped working toward end of last season. I kept it going for the last trip, hitting it a few times with the dry silicon lube and giving it a push. As of now, it's completely gone. I'm still under warranty, but not going to bother going through the trouble of having them replace the crappy fan with the same crappy fan and because I'm still under warranty, I'll skip the full removal and install of an XL vent fan by going with 'middle of the road' with the Hengs, replacement fan kit. Both the II and I versions have some nice discounts right now. I ordered the Vortex II for $56. The Vortex I is even lower in price. The difference between each is the V.I has a single one way speed and the V.II has 3 speeds, as well as reverse.

 

[TCNashville]

I installed the Hengs 3 speed in my bedroom vent. I tapped into 12V from the ceiling light nearest to it. Although just a little loud, it creates a lot of air flow both in and out. Your install should be pretty easy since you have 12V already there. It's a huge upgrade from the little 4'' beanie cap fan that was in there, lol. I think you'll enjoy it.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

That's good to know. I know it's not as quiet as the authentic Maxxair, but I understand the low setting is nearly silent.

I do have a question. since I do not have a whole lot of wiring experience (I do wish I could practice more) but understanding this is the simplest of jobs, what would be the best way to make this connection? Wire nuts or those shrink wrap connector thingies? It is up in the area that is exposed to the most moisture when the vent is open. This particular vent is one where, last season, I installed the aftermarket fan vent shroud.

 

[TCNashville]

I wired nutted mine and encased them in electrical tape because it was in a non moisture setting. Shrink wrap it then electrical tape it just in case, and you should be good to go. Lots of good wire connection options out there. The Hengs fan was fairly simple install.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

I watched a couple install videos and read some reviews with photos. People mentioning it'd helpful to have a second pair of hands, trying to work with hands over head and stabilizing the fan is tough. Then I spotted an install photo where someone used bungees from ceiling to fan edges, supporting the fan while they worked.

 

[RogerR]

I had my wife hold it while I secured it in place. I used low temp solder joints that come enclosed in shrink tubing. Works great and only need a heat gun on low to make it work. Used them while replacing the running lights and tail lights. Then did the brake connections which were crimp connectors and starting to corrode after 3 years. Inexpensive. My Hengs vortex works well and isn't as noisy as the tiny factory one but moves a lot of air!

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

I believe I know the common sense answer, but want to ensure it's necessary, I have to be sure the camper is unplugged from shore AND disconnect my battery cables, before working on this 12v roof fan, right? I only ask because I have a well switch in the bathroom, for the fan ad thought I’d be okay as long as that switch is off.

 

[JFlightRisk]

Yes, it's always safer to disconnect all power before anything electrical. Accidental sparks aren't a good surprise.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Rivets are giving me a hard time

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Rivets are giving me a hard time

Whole damned camper should be made with these rivets. They won’t even dent with the drill bit.

 

[JFlightRisk]

Looks like a job for a Dremel-type tool and a small grinding wheel, or a drill and 1/8" bit.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Looks like a job for a Dremel-type tool and a small grinding wheel, or a drill and 1/8" bit.

Did the bit. No go. I’m gonna search my dremmel tool I haven’t used or laid eyes on in a couple years. I have a multi tool but i don’t think i can get it close enough to slip in between the metal pieces to cut the rivets.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Found my Dremmel. I completely forgot it was cordless (battery) Even if it accepts a charge, it's not ready for THREE hours. That's how you know how aged it really is...3 hours to charge a tiny battery. I truly believe it hasn't seen a charge in over 15 years. The multitool can get in there, but I have to go get a blade. I burned mine up the last time I used it. If the blade is flexible enough, it might work.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Did the bit. No go. I’m gonna search my dremmel tool I haven’t used or laid eyes on in a couple years. I have a multi tool but i don’t think i can get it close enough to slip in between the metal pieces to cut the rivets.

Multitool success! Went a bought myself the best metal cutter blade.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

I'm such a dope. Had I plucked off the tiny fan blade piece, I would have seen 2 small Phillips head screws that held the motor to the metal mount piece, the piece riveted to the center metal bracket of the roof vent housing.

Oh well, I got a nice clean cut and a new blade for the next time I need my multi-tool.

Install succeess! But, not without a truckload of terrible words aimed at the screws and the fan, trying to work with my hands and arms above my head. I used bungees to suspend it in place while I wired it. I also took the time to tidy up the wires with some tape, then trimmed off the long tips of the triangular flaps created when they cut a square hole in the roof, then stapled them securely to the wood.

No need for nuts or connectors, as the wiring from the camper was fitted with a the clamp down, lever type connectors. Open it, stick in the wire, close/clamp. Done.

There's a tiny gap where the shroud doesn't quite butt up to the ceiling. Completely unnoticeable from below.

Glad to have done this job when the weather is still cool. There would have been a mega-ton more had it been hot out there.

I'm very satisfied, for $55.

 

[JFlightRisk]

Very nice job. By the way, getting a new tool negates the new vocabulary.....ask me how I know!

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

But, it was just a blade AND before the actual install.
I think the fan'd still be hanging there by bungees, if I wasn't allowed to swear at it.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

MY cheapie 4" roof fan in the bathroom stopped working toward end of last season. I kept it going for the last trip, hitting it a few times with the dry silicon lube and giving it a push. As of now, it's completely gone. I'm still under warranty, but not going to bother going through the trouble of having them replace the crappy fan with the same crappy fan and because I'm still under warranty, I'll skip the full removal and install of an XL vent fan by going with 'middle of the road' with the Hengs, replacement fan kit. Both the II and I versions have some nice discounts right now. I ordered the Vortex II for $56. The Vortex I is even lower in price. The difference between each is the V.I has a single one way speed and the V.II has 3 speeds, as well as reverse.

UPDATE: 4/27/2025

Hengs Vortex II at its lowest price, ever: $55.99 at Amazon.