[bpm255]

Hey y'all! I've been camper-converting a T-250, LWB extended high roof for a hot minute now and I'm getting close to done... got solar, wood floors, bed platform, insulation done... might document the build here sometime if people think it would be good information?

Anyway, one of my final tasks is to install a roof vent. I bought a Fantastic Vent and I have a couple of questions before I go sawing into my roof. One is that I hear some people complain about wind noise while driving... can anybody with experience discuss this issue with me? I'm pretty sensitive to driving noises and have worked tirelessly to hunt down squeaks and rattles. If after all of this my fan hollers 24/7 that is going to bum me out big time.

The second is, looks like they recommend flat mounting surfaces for this thing and the Transit roof is very conspicuously convex. Anybody have any issues with installation because of this? I had planned on doing the install with sheet metal screws and putty tape, maybe a wood frame on the underside for the screws to bite into.

Thanks in advance for any comments!

 

[EddieZ]

Different fan, but, this post shows one way of dealing with roof curvature: http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/...0650-project-minimalist-kayak.html#post164426

There are at least 5 good write-ups on the forum, of fan installation. I have several linked in that write-up of mine.

 

[bpm255]

Thanks Eddie, I've read a few of those (skagitstan I think had one too). Still wondering about the wind noise?

 

[EddieZ]

Thanks Eddie, I've read a few of those (skagitstan I think had one too). Still wondering about the wind noise?

The MaxxFan has a foam gasket that the lid seals against. See if the Fantastic Fan has the same. This should prevent actual wind incursion noise.


Then, you may wonder about turbulence noise of wind outside the vent, or general road noise penetrating more easily through the plastic, where steel had been. Yes, I noted some slight noise increase, from the latter. I rarely notice it, in practice, with radio or stereo going most of the time.

 

[star gazer]

I don't have wind noise but do have a terrible rattle when closed. Very loud so I run with it open if I can. I can take my hand and hit the frame and make it rattle when closed. I need to remove the fan and get a better idea what is going on but something to do with the arms I believe. I have the Maxx air vent.

 

[yelnam]

One thing from previous threads as I recall is to avoid having it near the very front of the roof -- better if its at least a bit farther back to avoid wind noise.

 

[Hein]

We are currently CNC machining flanges to fit the Promaster ribs and roof curvature. The flange provides a flat level surface to mount the fan. I have a Transit van on hand and will develop a flange for the roof. This photo from the Project:Minimalist with kayak thread clearly shows the need for an adapter.

 

[jhtransit]

. I have a Transit van on hand and will develop a flange for the roof.

The low roof van has a different profile than the others. I'd certainly purchase a flange for it.

 

[Hein]

The low roof van has a different profile than the others. I'd certainly purchase a flange for it.

It looks like the center section where the vent goes might be the same. The center raised section on a high roof is 14 1/4" wide (before it drops off into the channels on either side) and the slight arch has about a 1/4" chord.

Can you measure your roof to confirm? If not, I can find a low roof van locally.

Definitely looks like an adapter flange would make the install easier. It would provide a flat surface for the vent flange without need for filler strips or a lot of sealant. I'll post up a snap shot from the CAD in a few days.

 

[jhtransit]

It looks like the center section where the vent goes might be the same.

No. The center section is 9". The roof then drops 1/4" and then tapers up 3" to the roof level. I've had my roof fan for three months but haven't had the nerve to cut with this much to fill on the lower level.

 

[Hein]

No. The center section is 9". The roof then drops 1/4" and then tapers up 3" to the roof level. I've had my roof fan for three months but haven't had the nerve to cut with this much to fill on the lower level.

Good to know. Can you post , PM or text me a photo with your tape measure laying across it? Just so I can get an idea of what the flange will look like. Outside dimension of your fan's flange would also be good.


Thanks
Hein
Impact, Inc.
54l 49O 5O98

 

[jhtransit]

Hein;
Have you had a chance to consider the low roof flange yet?
Joe

 

[skiroc]

I have one on my FWC camper and it can rattle and be very noisy on a windy night. I will look for alternatives when I get my Transit

edit: during really windy nights in Death Valley I have had to duct tape the vent closed to get any sleep. Mine is 4 years old, perhaps the design has evolved, or maybe I have a bad copy.

 

[Michael Ophus]

my fantasticfan vent use to make a lot of noise on the highway but now that i have installed a prime design roof rack, it seems to shelter it and there is little or no noise when its closed. now if i can just figure out how to get those broke off plastic wire loom tabs out of the side wall...

 

[Madlock]

You tease us with all this van porn and NO pictures? Shame on you!

 

[sschefer]

my fantasticfan vent use to make a lot of noise on the highway but now that i have installed a prime design roof rack, it seems to shelter it and there is little or no noise when its closed. now if i can just figure out how to get those broke off plastic wire loom tabs out of the side wall...

Ha, too funny, not laughing at you, laughing with you. I got my fish tape hung up and after two hours of futzing with it finally just cut it off. It rattled like crazy so I drilled a bunch of 1/2" holes and filled the area with foam.

 

[Michael Ophus]

i have gone with a different approach to insulating then many others here: i built a box inside of a box: reflectix, 1/8'' plywood, 2X2 studs screwed to the wall frame, 1'' and 1/2'' of foil backed polyiso between studs, 1/2'' cedar V-groove boards. (zero noise from lost plastic tabs inside van wall!) 4'' of lost inside width but the bed is length ways. cool/warm and comfy in all weather/all seasons! (the same 1'' and 1/2'' polyiso in floor/ceiling)

 

[khilbrec]

Hey y'all! I've been camper-converting a T-250, LWB extended high roof for a hot minute now and I'm getting close to done... got solar, wood floors, bed platform, insulation done... might document the build here sometime if people think it would be good information?

Anyway, one of my final tasks is to install a roof vent. I bought a Fantastic Vent and I have a couple of questions before I go sawing into my roof. One is that I hear some people complain about wind noise while driving... can anybody with experience discuss this issue with me? I'm pretty sensitive to driving noises and have worked tirelessly to hunt down squeaks and rattles. If after all of this my fan hollers 24/7 that is going to bum me out big time.

The second is, looks like they recommend flat mounting surfaces for this thing and the Transit roof is very conspicuously convex. Anybody have any issues with installation because of this? I had planned on doing the install with sheet metal screws and putty tape, maybe a wood frame on the underside for the screws to bite into.

Thanks in advance for any comments!

Squeaks and rattles in van sheet metal. Would be interesting to know where you found squeaks and rattles and what were the remedies. Mine has so many that I cannot enjoy the ride on any road that is at all bumpy. Here in Michigan that is most of them.
Starting with the rear doors. Have full door trim panels specific to cargo van. echo chambers!!!!