Roof Vent Fan Opens During Transport

[N3XG]

Here's one that I have not found in the forum search.

The roof mounted vent fan's external cover opens occasionally while towing. Yes, the first time it happened I just thought that I forgot to lock the hatch after closing. Making absolutely sure the hatch was locked and then after securing everything for transport giving a gentle tug on the hatch before moving to confirm, I was confident that it everything was closed. Imagine my surprise when half-way into my 60 mile trip I looked in the rear-view to see the hatch dancing around in the wind. Luckily the crank arm was not damaged or bent in either case.

I'm hesitant to "pin" the hatch for transport as that would create a penetration on both the outside lid and the inside frame and a place for water to find its way inside.

Given the fact that the A122-S has the fan mounted front-facing, and the wind is always pushing on the open side of the hatch instead of the hinge side of the hatch, has anyone else experienced this issue? Suggestions?

By the way, this forum has saved me over and over.

[retiredcamper47]

Sounds like the fan was mounted backwards on the roof. Remove the fan and turn it 180 and remount it. Clean up the old caulking and install with new.

Bob

[Pooneil]

I have only experienced the rising hatch when forgetting to lock it. How does it get by the lock? Does the lock vibrate out of position? Or perhaps is the hatch damaged in a way that prevents the lock from securing it?

[Pooneil]

Originally Posted by retiredcamper47

Sounds like the fan was mounted backwards on the roof.
Bob

It is the way they are mounted on A Frames. If turned around, rain will fall into the camper because of the steep roof slope.

[Pooneil]

Went out to look at mine. I noticed a stud sticking down from the hatch with something that looked like rubber and metal washers on the end that provides the stop for the lock to hold on to. They look somewhat corroded on mine, perhaps your hatch has a similar problem. Let us know what you find out.

[pgandw]

Originally Posted by Pooneil

I have only experienced the rising hatch when forgetting to lock it....

X2. Only did that once. Another SPUT on my part - forgetting to close and lock hatch when collapsing for departure.

After having to raise the roof slightly to lock the hatch while parked on the side of a 75MPH Interstate, I now remember to check the hatch locked before lowering the roof.

I would guess your lock is vibrating loose, or never engaging in the 1st place.

Fred W
2014 Rockwood A122

[Mike G]

I had the same issue on my old A122, the latch assembly needs to be replaced. I forget the name of the fan company (Fantastic ?),but you should have the paperwork for the fan that came with the camper.
Give them a call and they will send you a new latch assembly for free. They have great customer support and will take care of you.

[DGrissom]

I've had mine pop open at least 3 times.

I am very careful to close the lock each time. I figure it vibrates open.

Quick fix without opening up the unit?

Slap a piece of duct tape over it.

White looks best.

[N3XG]

Thanks for all your support!
My thought is that it probably vibrated open, I've been driving mostly in NE PA and was coming down the dreaded RT 33 off of RT 80 when it last occurred. After the vibration suggestion, I can believe that to be the cause as I cringe when I drive through there and always expect to see the glass stove top and the microwave glass exploded when I open back up. So far, that has not happened, but it is a brutal drive.
I'm going to check the inside parts this weekend to ensure they have a tight fit, maybe something vibrated loose and that is causing it to pop open on rough roads.
I will report back, Thanks again!

[mikeandclay]

We had the same thing happen to us. I had to stop at a rest area this summer to check out what was going on because I was afraid it was going to fly off. The screw that holds a black knob that it locks to had come out and I had to screw it back in. Taking the rig in next week for a few other issues and having it checked out.

[abdiver]

Originally Posted by DGrissom

I've had mine pop open at least 3 times.

I am very careful to close the lock each time. I figure it vibrates open.

Quick fix without opening up the unit?

Slap a piece of duct tape over it.

White looks best.

Funny you said that, one time on the road I forgot to lock it and it was flapping and I stopped to fix but it was too windy to open so I did use duct tape!

But, I do notice that there is a solid click when I do lock it down.