Which vent cover to use??

Sagecoachdriver · 05-06-2017, 10:43 PM

My Forester came with a dealer added Fantastic Vent top of the line place in the bedroom. Works great, but we'd like to keep it open all the time. It has a rain sensor, but would like a vent cover anyway. I mounted my solar panels close to the vent and now I wonder if the Fantastic vent cover fits, it would block the cells. Solar panels are wired in parallel. Would the small shadow cast on the panel from the vent cover kill all or most of the voltage for that panel? Will any other vent cover work thay's not as large and tall?

Wandering · 05-07-2017, 09:22 AM

I added the Fantastic vent cover to both of my fans. Don't have solar yet but I was sold by the video on their website comparing airflow to standard covers. By the way, these are easy to install.

Sagecoachdriver · 05-07-2017, 09:30 AM

I saw the video too. If it fits, there will be little or no clearance between the vent cover and the solar panels. I'm more concerned about the shadow cast by the cover onto the panels and losing a full panel of charge.

Wandering · 05-07-2017, 09:42 AM

Yep. Looks close so it may create shadow at some point during the day. Sent you a PM with a bunch of solar questions. Hope you don't mind but I am curious about your system.

Nurek · 05-07-2017, 09:46 AM

The chances of the "shadow" doing any harm to your solar charge, IMO, would be less than 0.05% only when the sun is level with your roof and hitting your panel at the same angle.

I'd be more concerned about trees/branches at the campsite blocking your panel.

Take the cover and place it on your patio and watch it during all daylight hours to see how great the shadow will be.

I think you're worrying yourself about nothing when it comes to blocking your panel. You'll be fine.

Restcure · 05-07-2017, 11:02 AM

We don't have solar on our trailer but we do have it on the roof of our house. I tend to agree that the effect of shading will be minimal.

I also agree that the Fa-Tastic Vent Cover is the way to go. As mentioned, installation is pretty simple. We've done two on our current TT - One with a new vent and one over an existing vent.

HopHed · 05-07-2017, 11:16 AM

Sage, check out this article about shading on panels, especially toward then end with examples. Shade on just one cell can kill a whole panel. Going to Rincon would not effect it as it is in the back and you would not get shade from the vent cover until late in the day. Depending on how you park elsewhere could be a factor. When I planned my solar I made sure I had no shading from anything on the roof at any angle.

Hope this helps.

https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/...ging-puzzle-2/

Walholler · 05-07-2017, 12:27 PM

I don't see that you have a problem with either clearance or shading. How large of a shadow does that air conditioning shroud throw on your solar panels? I would install the fan cover and if it then interferes with the solar panels, you can always remove it.

Sagecoachdriver · 05-07-2017, 03:48 PM

Just went up on the roof and removed my Maxxair vent cover from the from vent and placed it over the Fantastic vent. Plenty of room to mount it and not much of a shadow. Looks like the sun will have to be low and just the right position to cast a shadow.
So I will try the Fantastic vent cover.

Leatherman · 05-07-2017, 04:06 PM

Hmmm. I just bought two of the MaxxAir II covers for my TT. They are only $24 each at CW. They are tall but I should have the room for the solar panels as I think my roof area is a bit larger then what you have.

Kirk S · 05-07-2017, 11:14 PM

I know this is slighly off topic but I need help and y'all are discussing vent covers.
My 3051S has 4 vents and no covers. One has a maxx-air fan and the bathroom has a smaller fan. I'd like to cover all 4. (For what they cost you'd think the factory would install them.)
Would I need to remove the screws and lap sealant from the vents to install the covers or do the covers fit outside the original installation with screws and sealant of their own?
Thanks.

Scrapper · 05-08-2017, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Netgain

I know this is slighly off topic but I need help and y'all are discussing vent covers.
My 3051S has 4 vents and no covers. One has a maxx-air fan and the bathroom has a smaller fan. I'd like to cover all 4. (For what they cost you'd think the factory would install them.)
Would I need to remove the screws and lap sealant from the vents to install the covers or do the covers fit outside the original installation with screws and sealant of their own?
Thanks.

I put vent covers on mine and they are not hard to do. The CW models I put on came with L-brackets you screw in the lip that fits under the vent that you open. Didn't need lap sealant as they are protected from rain. What I do suggest is to put adhesive foam around the bottom to keep wasps from getting under the vent cover. I've got 2 that they got in and built nests. Another thing I did is use hot melt to attach fiberglass screen over the openings on the inside of the covers.

Sagecoachdriver · 05-08-2017, 04:15 PM

OK, went to CW yesterday and bought the MaxxAir Fanmate as that's the one MaxxAir recommends for high volume fans like the Fantastic Ultra Vent. Just installed it and it was very simple like all the other 2 vent covers I installed. Looks like there will be little or no shadow except early morning or late afternoon depending on my camping site.

mkekflyers · 05-09-2017, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Netgain

I know this is slighly off topic but I need help and y'all are discussing vent covers.
My 3051S has 4 vents and no covers. One has a maxx-air fan and the bathroom has a smaller fan. I'd like to cover all 4. (For what they cost you'd think the factory would install them.)
Would I need to remove the screws and lap sealant from the vents to install the covers or do the covers fit outside the original installation with screws and sealant of their own?
Thanks.

When we got our 3050S I had them put the MaxxAirII's on all 4 vents. Work great all around. Good idea on the foam tape, I'll have to try that out..

Leatherman · 05-13-2017, 10:01 AM

I was hesitant to put down 2 sided tape because my cover sat directly on the sealant around the vent. I was unsure if it would have an effect on it or not but that is a good idea for sure.

I just got done putting on the two MaxxAir II covers. They went on very easily as everyone has stated. It took about 15-20 minutes per cover.

The covers I used already included a screened cover over the vents to keep insects and such out.

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