Are You Looking for the Best RV Roof Fan?

Installing an RV roof fan is an excellent and low-energy way to keep your interior comfortable and free from moisture.

In this article, I dive deep into why you need a RV roof fan, what to consider when shopping for one, and some of the best options available on the market, including what we installed in our rig.

Our family converted a retired school bus into our dream tiny home on wheels during the pandemic. We learned so much about building a skoolie along the way, and this blog is dedicated to sharing that knowledge with this community.

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Table of Contents

Do You Need an RV Roof Fan or Vent?

Yes! The primary reason for an RV roof fan or vent is to help to remove moisture from the interior of your RV. This is important because excessive moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can be harmful to your health.

Interior moisture is created most often by your literal existence inside the home. After all, the CO2 from your breath, sweat from your body, cooking, and shower steam have to go somewhere!

Additionally, a RV roof fan or vent can provide lighting, remove odors, and help cool a warm interior by circulating air.

As a note, you may not have a need for a RV roof fan or vent if you do plan to run your air conditioner all the time since that will extract moisture as it cools; however, the likelihood of always running an AC is not 100% in many people’s home on wheels.

Personally, we installed a mini-split and two roof fans though our bus is quite large.

Below is the ductless mini-split AC we installed in our skoolie.

Best RV Roof Fans

Here are some of the best RV roof fans and vents available on the market, including the two types that we installed in our skoolie RV.

1. Hike Crew 14” RV Roof Vent Fan with LED Light

Editor’s Choice

This Roof Fan is most similar to what we installed in our school bus conversion – our exact model is no longer available online. We liked that it offered a rain shield, variable speeds, bug screen, lighting, and a remote control to operate the fan.

If you’re looking for a great RV roof fan with lighting, the Hike Crew 14” RV Roof Vent Fan with LED Light is a fantastic option.

The fan comes with a 12V motor and three-speed options for intake and exhaust, which helps to keep your RV comfortable and fresh. The LED lighting is trimmed around the entire frame, which is the most I’ve seen on an roof fan. For someone with limited space or budget for lighting, this is a huge win.

This fan has a compact design makes it perfect for smaller RVs, and comes with a remote control – great for the vertically challenged or when you don’t feel like getting up from the couch.

The fan is reversible so it has the ability to cycle air inside or vent stale air and condensation outside.

2. RVLOVENT 12V RV Roof Fan Vent

Simplistic Design

The RVLOVENT 12V RV Roof Fan Vent is an excellent choice for those who prefer an easy-to-operate fan with manual controls. There’s no worry of losing a remote or the extra ambient lighting. You simply open and close the vent by turning the knob, though this could be a deterrent for someone with limited mobility.

The fan is reversible so it has the ability to cycle air inside or vent stale air and condensation outside.

The simpler design makes it an affordable option to the Hike Crew fan.

3. Maxx Air Vent Maxxfan Dome 00-03812W

This fan is the perfect option for smaller rigs that want a small-profile exhaust fan. It has only a 6″ diameter, making it one of the tiniest fans on the market, it’s manually operated, discrete, and affordable.

If you’re looking for a reversible fan that cools, this isn’t it. It only sucks out the air of the vehicle.

4. Camco RV Roof Vent Kit

Vent Only (No Fan)

If you’re looking for a simple RV roof vent that doesn’t have any fancy features, the Camco RV Roof Vent Kit is a great option. This vent comes with a standard 14″ x 14″ opening, and it’s made from high-quality materials that are built to last.

The vent is easy to install, and it comes with all the necessary hardware, so you won’t have to make any additional purchases. The vent’s interior dimensions are 10 x 10 x 4.5 inches, and it weighs just 2.87 pounds, making it very lightweight.

Kit Dimensions

21 x 16.5 x 11.5 inches

Power

none

Frequently Asked Questions

What products are needed to install a RV roof fan?

In addition to the fan kit, you’ll need something to cut an opening in your roof like this multi-purpose angle grinder, self-leveling lap sealant, putty, a scraping tool to remove the old product (if you’re replacing an old fan), and acetone to clean the hole before installation.

What should you consider when shopping for an RV roof fan?

Before purchasing a RV roof fan, there are several factors you should consider like size, price, electrical wiring, and features.

Dimensions

Make sure you measure the size of your RV roof opening to ensure that the fan you purchase fits properly. Most RV roof fans and vents are designed to fit a standard 14” x 14” opening, but there are some exceptions. The actual dimensions of the unit will be larger than the 14”x14” hole.

Price

RV roof fans and vents come in a range of prices, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. You can buy new manually-operated roof fans starting around $125 on Amazon.

Wired

The majority of RV roof fans are going to use a 12V wiring system. Check out the “Build a School Bus Conversion” section for questions on wiring your skoolie.

Energy Usage

Consider how much energy the fan will use, especially if you plan to use it frequently. With that being said, most of these fans use relatively little energy when in use compared to their household counterpart.

Features

Consider additional features like an auto-close function, reverse direction, multi-speed, a remote control, color choices, and integrated lighting.

How do RV vent fans work?

RV vent fans work by drawing air in from the outside and expelling it through the roof vent. This helps to circulate the air inside the RV, which can help to keep the interior temperature comfortable and fresh.

Can you add a fan to an RV roof vent?

Yes, you can add a fan to an RV roof vent; however, for the cost, you may as well buy an RV roof fan kit that has everything you need right there. Manual operated roof fan kits start as low as $130 and can be bought online with fast shipping (see a product example here).

What size is an RV roof fan?

The vast majority of RV roof fans and vents come in 14” by 14”. While there are exceptions to the rule, a quick search on the internet will confirm this. There are a few small exhaust fans (single direction), like this 6″ dome fan.

Are roof vent fans worth it?

Yes, roof vent fans are definitely worth it. They help to keep the air inside your RV fresh and comfortable, which can be especially important if you’re traveling in hot or humid climates.

What colors do RV roof vent covers come in?

RV roof vent covers come in a variety of colors, including white, black, cream or beige, and smoke gray. By far, the most common colors are white and black.

Conclusion

Let me know in the comments which RV roof fan you installed in your RV or why you didn’t install one at all.

An RV roof fan or vent is an essential accessory for any RV owner. It helps to regulate the temperature inside the RV and remove excess moisture. When shopping for an RV roof fan, it’s important to consider factors such as dimensions, price, wired or wireless options, energy usage, durability and quality, and features such as auto-close, remote control, and lighting.

Overall, an RV roof fan or vent is a worthy investment that can make your RV life more comfortable and enjoyable.

Related Content

If you are looking for other RV product reviews, then check out these:

• Best RV Vacuums
• Best RV Vacuums Web Story (great for mobile phones)
• Best Exterior Paint for Skoolies

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