9 Best RV Vent Fans and Covers of 2022
RV vents are important in your rig. Every RVer knows this! We need to keep our campers properly ventilated so that we can enjoy cool and fresh air while inside our motorhomes. But we also know that we can’t always keep our vents open. That’s why we need RV vent fans to keep the air circulating no matter what’s the weather outside.
We need RV vent fans especially during warm weather when the air inside our rigs gets stale and stuffy. We also need vent fans during cold weather to reduce condensation and moisture buildup on our walls.
If you leave your pets inside your RV when you go out to enjoy the outdoors, RV vent fans are also necessary so that they won’t suffer from heat stroke. Take note that the heat inside can be overwhelming without RV roof vent fans. Vent fans and covers help keep us and our furry friends cool and fresh all the time.
Here’s everything you need to know about RV vent fans and covers. We’ll also guide you in getting the best RV vent covers for you motorhomes so that you’ll be comfortable all the time.
Reviews of the 9 Best RV Vent Fans and Covers of 2021
Let’s begin with a rundown of the best RV Vent Covers and Fans which you can find in the market today.
Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
 | Fan-Tastic Vent 801200 3-Speed RV Roof Vent
| |
 | Maxxair Corp 00-04000K 12V Plus Vent
| |
| Livpow RV Roof Vent 3 Speed Reversible Manual Lift Smoke Lid
| |
| Fan-Tastic Vent 801250 RV Roof Vent
| |
 | Camco RV Vent Cover
| |
 | Vetomile RV Roof Vent Cover
| |
 | Maxxair White Vent Cover
| |
| Fan-Tastic Vent Ultra Breeze Vent Cover
|
Now here’s our reviews of each of the vent fans and covers so that you can check if there’s one that fits your ventilation requirements.
Key Specifications:
- 12 volt DC3 Speed motor
- Smoke Lid
- made of UV-resistant ABS plastic
- Removable bug screen for easy cleaning with low AMP draw to insure full-time use
- 1 Year Limited Warranty
You can relax and keep cool with this powerful Create-a-Breeze fan by Fantastic Vent. It has 10 blades which makes it efficient in bringing in fresh air from the outside and pushes out the hot, stuffy air inside your rig in just a matter of minutes. It also has a self-sealing vent cover to prevent leaks and drafts.
You can set it at 3 different speeds depending on your ventilation needs at the moment. It is power-efficient as it only requires 3 amps even on high speed.
Pros:
- durable, quiet and has proven longevity
- energy efficient
Cons:
- Some are bothered by the sound of the motor.
Key Specifications:
- Controller Type: Remote Control
- Mounting Type: Flush Mount
- Fan runs with lid closed to circulate air (Ceiling Fan Mode)
- Installs into all standard 14 inch x 14 inch RV roof openings
- White lid, manual opening
- Fan Speed – 10 Speed
This model of Maxxair Plus Vent Fan is also highly recommended by its users. You can adjust it into 10 different speed settings to keep the air circulating inside your rig. It works quietly but you can be sure that it brings in plenty of air and exhausts hot and stuffy air. You can rely on it to prevent moisture buildup inside your camper.
This vent fan is reversible which means it can run in either direction to pull in or push out air. It has a built in thermostat so that it’ll come on automatically at the temperature that you want. It is energy efficient as it only draws 0.1 amp at low setting and 4.5 amps at high setting.
Pros:
- very quiet
- energy efficient
- built in thermostat
Cons:
- Some find it inconvenient that Butyl tape and self leveling Dicor caulk are needed for installation but it wasn't mentioned in the product info.
Key Specifications:
- Compatible with a 2″ to 9-3/4″ thick roof,fits standard 14″ x 14″ openings
- 3-speed, reversible, 12-volt fan
- Hand-operated knob allows you to open and close dome.
- Bug screen keeps insects out and is easy to remove for cleaning or maintenance.
- 10 Clear fan blades allow sunlight into RV.
- Smoke-colored polyethylene dome filters UV rays while allowing light in.
- Simple installation with 2-wire design.
- Screws included
This reversible fan from Livpow can effectively pull in fresh air into your camper and push out smoke, cooking odors, and stale air out of your roof.
You can choose from 3 speed settings. Its motor is quiet but powerful. It has 10 clear fan blades that don’t block off the light coming from the sun. Its polyethylene dome filters the harmful UV rays while still allowing light to pass through.
It is easy to install and wire. The package already includes the screws that you need along with the white interior trim piece that fills the gap between the roof and the ceiling of the camper.
Pros:
- quiet
- clear blades allow light to pass through
- easy to install
Cons:
- Did not have 3 speeds in both directions
Key Specifications:
- Fits standard 14 x 14″ openings
- Three fan blade speeds
- Manual lift dome
- Quiet operation
- Reversible air flow
The Fan-Tastic Vent 801250 RV Roof Vent has received hundreds of great feedbacks from its buyers. Overall, they are satisfied about its ease of installation and effectiveness in bringing fresh air inside the rig and pushing unwanted odors and stuffy air out of the roof.
It features three fan blade speeds so you can choose the rate of airflow that you need. It has a self-sealing vent cover to prevent drafts and leaks. The 10 blades are made of clear plastic so you can still enjoy the natural light coming from the sun within your cool and airy camper.
Pros:
- quiet
- seal-sealing vent cover
- allows light to pass through
Cons:
- quite noisy for some
Key Specifications:
- Removable louvers provide vent access for maintenance and cleaning
- UV Stabilized Resin Construction
- Mounting hardware included
- Mounts to existing standard 14 x 14” roof vents
There is a reason why this Camco RV Vent Cover is a bestseller. It is highly recommended by thousands of buyers because of its durable construction. It is made of rugged UV stabilized resin which makes it able to resist the harmful rays of the sun. and it allows continuous airflow come rain or shine. It also allows sunlight to pass through so that you can enjoy natural light inside your camper.
The Camco RV Vent Cover features an aerodynamic design which makes high flow ventilation possible. You can keep it open even when you’re traveling or it’s raining. You can enjoy fresh air anytime.
You can have your Camco RV vent cover installed in a short amount of time. It comes with the mounting hardware that you’ll need for the installation. The louvers are removable which makes cleaning it so convenient. You can also choose from 5 different colors to suit your rig so that it won’t stand out like a sore thumb on top of your roof.
Pros:
- easy to clean
- aerodynamic design
Cons:
- Some experienced shipping and packaging issues.
Key Specifications:
- Made from ABS plastic and galvanized iron
- Low-profile aerodynamic design
- Fits all standard 14 inch x 14 inch RV vents
Vetomile RV Roof Vent Cover is one of the most recommended products for RV ventilation. It is made from ABS plastic and galvanized iron which makes it lightweight and durable. It can effectively block the heat of the sun and prevents rainwater from getting inside.
It is made of clear plastic so it still allows you to enjoy the natural light of the sun without feeling its heat inside your rig.
Many users commend its ease of installation. You only need to use your pliers or flat screwdriver (for sure you have these in your RV tool kit) to bend the clips that can be found at the end of the hinge.
This vent cover features a low profile aerodynamic design that makes it efficient in allowing air to flow continuously inside your camper.
Pros:
- blocks UV rays
- easy to install
- aerodynamic design
Cons:
- Some are concerned about its durability since it is made of thin plastic material.
Key Specifications:
- Mounts on standard 14 inch x 14 inch roof vents
- Made of High Density Polyethylene with maximum UV Protection
- exclusive Zero-Leak Mounting System
- Six-year Limited Warranty
- Angled louvers on the back of the cover
- Removable bug screen
The Maxxair White Vent Cover is also a bestseller. Thousands of buyers have given it a 5 star rating for its stretch, ease of installation, durability, warmth, and value for money.
This RV vent cover protects the inside of your rig from rain. It features a sleek aerodynamic design that reduces wind resistance. It is made of high density polyethylene which is a durable material and it has properties that help it withstand the harmful UV rays.
Maxxair has a Zero-Leak Mounting System that makes installation so easy and convenient. You don’t need to drill any holes on your roof to install this yet it is guaranteed effective in sealing your roof vent from rainwater.
This vent cover allows constant airflow inside your camper thereby preventing the buildup of heat and moisture. You get to breathe in fresh air from the outside. It has angled louvers at the back of the vent cover where the stale air and smoke from the inside of the rig can pass through. It also has a removable bug screen to keep insects and other unwanted particles from getting inside your camper.
Pros:
- Proven, super tough one piece design
- sleek aerodynamic design
- easy to install
Cons:
- You have to remove the 4 mounting bolts to clean your vent cover.
Key Specifications:
- Up to 75% more airflow than the competition
- Fits over most standard 14 x 14″ roof vent and high powered ventilators, including all Fan-Tastic Vent fans
- Made of high density polyethylene with UV protection
- Three-year limited warranty
- Hardware included
The Fan-Tastic Vent Ultra Breeze Vent Cover has hundreds of satisfied customers. It gets the job done of keeping the rain out. Manufacturers claim that it offers 75% more airflow than other brands out there and provide a 3-year limited warranty so it’s actually quite a steal for its price.
It is a durable product being made of high density polyethylene material. It also comes with UV protection so that it can endure the unforgiving heat of the sun.
These vent covers work well with Fan-Tastic vent fans and if you already have them, then it would be a breeze to install these covers. The screws are already included in the package.
Pros:
- better airflow inside the rig
- durable
- UV protection
Cons:
- does not come with a bug screen
There you have it! The __ best RV vent covers and fans for your rigs. We hope we were able to give you a better idea what to buy so that you can stay comfy inside your camper all the time.
What is an RV roof vent fan and cover? How does it work?
An RV roof vent fan is an appliance that helps keep the inside of your rig properly ventilated. It looks like an electric fan or the ventilation fans used inside residential bathrooms. They are usually placed in an opening on the top of your roof and you push it upwards when you have to use it.
There’s a manual lever that you can press to be able to push it outside the roof or there are some models of vent fans that open automatically.
The main purpose of an RV vent fan is to keep your RV free from foul smells and moisture. It also keeps the air circulating so that it doesn’t get stuffy inside your rig.
The vent cover protects the vent so that no birds, bugs, or other annoying animals can enter your rig through the vent. Many RV owners have learned this the hard way. They have to deal with pesky bugs inside their rig and wonder how they got in there only to find out that they made their way inside through the opening or vent in the roof.
The RV vent covers can be made of a screen material or plastic. RV vent covers are also placed on top of the roof to cover the opening.
Why do you need an RV roof vent fan?
We can give you three main benefits of RV roof vent fans. These are the primary reasons why many RV owners consider roof vent fans a necessary investment in their campers.
Keeps the Air Circulating
An RV roof vent fan keeps the air flowing freely throughout your camper. This way, you don’t breathe in stale air as you enter your motorhome especially after you’ve been out enjoying the outdoors and you want to go inside your rig to rest.
Believe us, you will find it to be a very unpleasant experience if you don’t have an RV vent fan. The dense, hot, and stale air can be a death trap. It’s as if you’re being suffocated after you’ve enjoyed the fresh air outside. With an RV roof vent fan, you and your family members can definitely breathe a lot easier.
The RV roof vent fan helps regulate the temperature inside your rig so that it doesn’t get too hot nor too cold. In this way, it also helps prevent the buildup of moisture and condensation on your walls which can cause molds and mildew when left unattended. This can damage your stuff which can be a bigger problem later on.
It also helps dissipate foul odors and fumes when you’re cooking inside or doing some painting job on your walls.
You will have a more comfortable and pleasant experience inside your rig with the help of an RV roof vent fan because of the constant air flow that it provides.
Keeps Surfaces Dry
Whenever you use the shower or bring wet clothes inside your bathroom, the air gets stuffy and humid. But if you have a vent roof fan, you won’t have to deal with these issues. It sends the hot air out of the roof and at the same time, it produces a gentle breeze into the camper which causes wet surfaces and clothes to dry out faster.
Makes You Comfortable During the Summer
The summer heat can be a real bummer and you will realize this when you’re inside your camper. It heat can be unbearable! Good thing, it takes a simple device such as a vent roof fan to make you feel a whole lot better.
RV vent fans efficiently pushes the hot air inside the rig out through the roof and then it pulls fresh new air inside. In doing so, a current or breeze is produced and the vent fan makes it circulate all over the camper to regulate the temperature. You’ll feel the difference when you have a good quality RV vent roof fan.
These are the 3 main advantages of having an RV vent roof fan. It keeps the air moving freely inside your rig, dries wet surfaces and clothes faster, and makes you feel comfortable throughout the summer. These benefits will definitely make your investment so worth it!
Factors to Consider when Buying Roof Vent Fans
If you’re thinking about buying or replacing your RV vent roof fans and covers, here are the main factors that you have to consider so that you will be a happy camper with your purchase.
CFM
CFM refers to cubic feet of air that the vent fan can move per minute. It tells you how much air an RV vent roof fan can move and remove in a matter of 1 minute.
This means the higher the CFM rating, the faster the moisture and heat will be pushed out of your rig. However, vent fans with a higher CFM rating also tends to be more expensive.
If money is not an issue, then go ahead and get the unit with the highest CFM rating. But to be on the more practical side, an RV vent roof fan with a CFM rating over 900 should do the job pretty well even for those with larger campers and motorhomes.
If you have a smaller rig, then you can get a vent fan with a lower CFM rating since there is less space to cover. It will move a bit slower but it’ll still get the job done and you’ll be able to save some bucks.
Amperage Draw
This refers to the power consumption of the RV vent roof fan whenever you use it. We all know that power is a valuable and limited resource whenever you travel in your RV so you must choose energy-efficient products.
The higher the amperage, the more power it draws from your power supply, and the higher the electric bill.
An RV roof vent fan is something that you use constantly and over a long period of time. You’d want to keep it running even when you’re not inside so that you won’t have to deal with stale and stuffy air when you go back inside your camper.
This is why you need to get an RV vent fan with an amperage draw that won’t hurt your pocket. We’re talking about 3 amps here. We find that this is the perfect balance between the amount of power consumption and its effectiveness in doing its job.
But of course it would depend on your personal requirements. If you have a bigger travel trailer, you should pick an RV vent roof fan with higher amperage so that it can cover the larger space more quickly. The air will circulate better.
Likewise, if you have a smaller camper, then you can get a roof vent fan with a lower amperage draw since you require little space to cover. It can do the job for a smaller cost.
Manual Vs Automatic Lid Opening
Manufacturers of RV vent roof fans give you the option to choose how you want to open the lid of your roof whether you want it done manually or automatically.
For the manual lid opening, you’d have to use a lever to open the lid. For us, this isn’t much of a bother. But there are some who prefer to go automatic so that it’s easier and it adds more class to their rig. Just know that an automatic lid opening is an extra feature that will cost you extra bucks.
You also have to consider the height of your RV ceiling before choosing between the two. Can you reach the ceiling and the lever so that you can open the vent fan manually? If not, then it’s more convenient for you to get a fan with an automatic lid opening or a remote.
Intended Use
This factor will depend on how much time you think you’ll be using the RV roof vent fan. If you’re a full-time RVer, you should choose high quality vent fans so that they can endure long hours and frequent use.
We’re not saying that you should settle for a low quality vent fan when you only RV part-time. Of course, quality should always be your top priority. What we’re saying here is that have some elbow room regarding the model and power requirements and other factors that make it more expensive.
For example, you only use your RV once or twice a year, you can opt for the less expensive models because it won’t make much sense to spend so much on something that you won’t be using regularly.
Options Galore
Manufacturers of RV roof vent fans offer you a lot of other options. You can choose a vent fan with a remote control so that you can turn it on or off from a distance or some models come with a rain cover for protection during bad weather. Other fans feature a reversible blade rotation which allows them to pull air in or push it out.
These options may be a matter of personal choice so we’ll leave it up to you if you consider them a big factor when choosing the best RV vent fan for your rig.
Size of Your RV Roof Vent
This is a practical consideration. Most RV roof vents follow the standard 14×14 size. But you better make sure you measure the hole so that you’ll know if the vent fan that you’re buying will fit inside or if you still have to make some adjustments.
Noise Factor
Expect the blades and motor of an RV vent roof fan to cause some noise when in use. Cheap vent fans can be really noisy so if you’re going for the budget fans out there, be prepared for the noise that they’ll make.
If you spend a lot of time inside your rig, it might be a good idea to invest in a high quality vent fan that doesn’t make too much noise when it moves.
In the end, a lot of these considerations require you to think about your own particular camping requirements and preferences when it comes to an RV vent roof fan. Analyze which features match those needs so that you can buy the best RV roof vent fan for your rig.
Wrap up
If you’re the type of RV owner who doesn’t mind spending some extra money for comfort and convenience, then we highly recommend that you get yourself the best RV vent covers and fans out there.
When you buy a high quality RV vent roof fan and cover, then you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of having fresh air circulating all the time making you feel much more comfortable and keeping things dry inside your rig. You also won’t have to deal with unwanted insects and animals inside your camper as your vent is safely covered. We assure you that it’ll be worth it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are RV vent covers necessary?
In our humble opinion, yes RV vent covers are necessary. They cover your roof vent so that no water or rain can get inside ypur camper. It also serves as a barrier so that no bugs, insects, and other animals can get inside your rig using the roof vent as an entry point.
When you have an RV vent cover, you can leave the vents open and relish the feel of fresh air inside your camper.
Are all RV roof vents the same size?
Most RV roof vents come in a standard square shape with 14″ on all sides. However, there are some exceptions that’s why it’s recommended to check the size of your RV roof vent before buying a roof vent fan or cover so that you won’t have any problems during the installation.
How to install RV vent fan?
It would depend on the model of the RV vent fan that you’re getting. It is best to read the manual for proper installation instructions so that you can get your fan to work properly. You can also search for helpful video instructions over the internet to guide you along.
But if you’re not confident to do the installation on your own, especially since it involves electricity, you better ask for professional assistance.
How do you replace an RV vent cover?
Replacing RV vent covers is essentially an easy task. At most, it would only take you 5 easy steps. It won’t require much of your time and effort so it would be a nice DIY project that you do for your camper.
First thing you need to do, of course, is to buy the best RV vent covers for your rig. Make sure you get the right size. Measure your rig’s vent opening before you make a purchase so that you can buy an RV vent cover that matches your measurements.
For the next step, you need to find the perfect spot for you to work. Park for RV properly in a safe place preferably where you can also get a good shade so that the heat of the sun won’t bother you while you install the RV vent cover.
Once your engine has cooled down, you can get your ladder and place it on the side of your RV. Find the right angle and secure it in its place to that you can climb it safely. You can also ask someone to hold the ladder for you to be sure that it can hold you up as you go along.
When you finally reach the location of the old RV vent cover, take off all the pins on the hinge and straighten the tabs. Remove the lid or vent cover.
Now, you’re ready to install your new RV vent cover. Just align the new cover over the vent opening. Make sure the tabs are straightened. Once the vent cover is properly in place, close the tabs and put the pins along the hinge. Tighten the pins in place. That’s it, you’re done! You’ve got yourself a new RV vent cover!
Should I buy RV vent insulator?
It is best to get yourself an RV vent insulator as well. It will help keep you warm during the winter and keep your camper cool in the summer. RV vent insulators are designed to stop heat transfer and reflect the sun’s damaging rays.
When you have an RV vent insulator, your RV trips will be much more comfortable no matter what the weather is.
Why do RVs have roof vents?
Depending on the model, there are RVs that come with one or two RV roof vents.
RV roof vents are essential in keeping the air circulating inside your rig. These openings allow the stale and odorous air from the inside of your camper to pass through and at the same time, there’s an opening for the fresh air from the outside to enter your rig. This is how the air inside your travel trailer is kept fresh so that your RV will smell good and you’ll feel comfortable inside.
Can I buy any standard vent fan to fit my motorhome?
As mentioned earlier, RV vent openings have a standard size of 14″ and most vent fans are designed to fit this mold. However, it is always best to check the size of your RV vent opening when you buy a vent fan so that you can get the perfect fit.
Do I have to buy a separate RV vent cover?
It will depend on the RV vent fan that you’re buying. Some models already have integrated rain shields which eliminates the need for RV vent covers. But if your fan doesn’t come with a cover, then it’s best to get one so that you will have proper protection when it rains.
As you choose the best RV vent fans for your rig, read the product information carefully so that you’ll know if you need to buy a separate vent cover for your roof vent.
Why does my vent fan spin in different directions?
The manner and direction in which your fan blades spin would determine the direction of the airflow. It will pull the fresh air from the outside into the rig and it also pushes out stale air from the inside so that you can get rid of foul smells inside your camper. It also pushes out hot air from the inside so that wet surfaces will dry out faster and there won’t be any moisture and condensation buildup.
