Hole in roof vent cover after only 15 months!

jimlitwin · 05-02-2019, 07:06 PM

Was in my 2018 30ds today getting things ready to hit the road and it started raining. Afterwards, I noticed a little puddle of water on the floor by the dinette and looked up to see a nickel-sized hole in the white plastic vent cover. Went up on the roof and saw this perfectly round piece that popped out surrounded by little "spider" cracks. The nickel sized piece of plastic was still sitting on the screen. Had some tape so made a temporary cover to keep water out. Also noticed the EXACT same thing happened on vent cover over the toilet so had to climb down to get more tape to cover that! It has been stored in the Florida sun over the winter so assume that was the cause but it was so perfectly round and the same size and placement on both, it almost looked like a pre-made punch out hole. (Pictures of both taken from the roof are attached). We bought this new in January 2018 and would have thought it would last a LITTLE longer than just over a year! Any suggestions? As it is over a year old, I have extended warranty coverage but with a $200 deductible, this wouldn't be covered. Thanks.

**Flybob** · 05-02-2019, 07:11 PM

Not uncommon, they are fairly easy to replace. There are a few standard sizes. Measure it order and replace. https://www.amazon.com/VETOMILE-Univ...s%2C144&sr=8-6

While you are working on the vent, consider adding a vent cover.

Jfkmk · 05-02-2019, 07:13 PM

Google rv vent cover. They’re less than $20 each and easy to replace.

I would get some Max Air (or similar) for them too. They allow you to open the vents anytime, even in the rain, and are more durable than the vent cover.

Gumpster808 · 05-02-2019, 08:29 PM

Had the same thing happen to ours when it was outside. Freak hail storm and went thru the vent. Was glad we were there when it happened to minimize further damage.

I replaced with polycarbonate covers as the first step. Should last longer and not as easily broken.

Will be adding the larger covers as well so we can open going down the road and have second layer for protection.

Depending on the style the polycarbonate are about $20 each and not hard to install. Have to make sure you get the correct one to replace your existing.

After going thru swapping first one the rest only took about 10 minutes each.

jimlitwin · 05-02-2019, 09:04 PM

Thanks. Very helpful

jimlitwin · 05-02-2019, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flybob

Not uncommon, they are fairly easy to replace. There are a few standard sizes. Measure it order and replace. https://www.amazon.com/VETOMILE-Univ...s%2C144&sr=8-6

While you are working on the vent, consider adding a vent cover.

Thanks. Good advice

andymil · 05-02-2019, 09:39 PM

I wouldn’t be without MaxAir vent covers. We leave the vents open when not using the trailer. No musty smell from being closed up too tight for long periods. Even over the winter.

CincyGus · 05-02-2019, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andymil

I wouldn’t be without MaxAir vent covers. We leave the vents open when not using the trailer. No musty smell from being closed up too tight for long periods. Even over the winter.

X2. The original covers are weakened pretty quickly by UV. Put a max air cover over it and they will last years instead of months.

OldGunny · 05-03-2019, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andymil

I wouldn’t be without MaxAir vent covers. We leave the vents open when not using the trailer. No musty smell from being closed up too tight for long periods. Even over the winter.

X3

We had them installed as a condition of purchase.

JohnD10 · 05-03-2019, 02:50 AM

As mentioned...

Vent covers are a must!

And pretty easy to install.

Hi Rider · 05-03-2019, 02:31 PM

I've had to replace vent covers located over the bed and also over the bathroom. Both were broken by pine cones falling on them at different locations and different times. Ordered replacement from amazon and it was a fairly easy fix.

morganrc1955 · 05-03-2019, 05:44 PM

Same thing happened to mine after 2 years. Leaked on our bed while we were sleeping grrrrrrr. I replaced the cover with a metal one then covered it up with a maxxaire vent cover. Problem solved.

Gonefishing1 · 05-03-2019, 06:23 PM

Get a couple max air vent covers no more worries.

AbdRahim · 05-03-2019, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldGunny

X3

We had them installed as a condition of purchase.

X4. I don't even take it off the dealer lot for the first time without these. Make sure they are MaxAir. Dealer once gave me Camco. They did not last long not were not as sturdy.

ames new adventure · 05-03-2019, 07:40 PM

Feel your pain! We also have a 2018 (first timers) and noticed a little water on our bathroom floor last week before we headed out on our first trip of the season. Made a stop and happened to notice a piece of plastic hanging over the edge of the camper! Discovered it was a large piece of what was left of the vent cover from the bedroom! With a big storm looming ahead of us (including a tornado watch), we ran to the hardware store for some Gorilla Tape and a heavy duty trash bag for a quick fix. Also discovered the other 2 covers were cracked which was the source of the water in the bathroom! Did a quick tape job on those and we were off again! Thankfully, we found an RV store just one exit from the campground and they had exactly the number of vents we needed! Replaced the missing one in their parking lot with the help of someone from their shop and finished just as the first crack of thunder hit! Replaced the other 2 at the campsite the next day! Ordered Maxxair covers from Amazon as soon as we got home!

KNMIB · 05-03-2019, 08:59 PM

After 2 of the covers breaking in a year I put max air covers on all vents. My dealer told me the new ones are junk because he believes the manufacturers are putting the cheapest ones they can find on, I agree. Love the max air covers because you can leave them open.

edm · 05-04-2019, 08:36 AM

The first thing we did when we got our MH is installed MaxAir power vents. helps a lot with cooling the coach and keeping it dry inside. The MaxAires we put in are the remote controlled ones that don't require a cover over them.

JohnD10 · 05-04-2019, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edm

The MaxAires we put in are the remote controlled ones that don't require a cover over them.

Most RV roof vents don't require a cover over them...

However, it is the vent covers that protects the vent lids from hail and UV damage and also gives that double protection from water intrusion.

jimlitwin · 05-10-2019, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnD10

As mentioned...

Vent covers are a must!

And pretty easy to install.

Thanks. I fixed the holes with waterproof clear Gorilla tape and 2 Maxx Aire covers are arriving today. Hopefully that will do the trick

TLAK · 05-10-2019, 09:40 PM

My old class C had a vent over the cab. It was yellowing and on one trip cracked along the hinge and flew off on the highway. I didn't notice it until we were setting up. My wife said she had noticed the vent was real bright and wondered how I got it so clean.

Vent covers ever since, first mod I did on the new one.

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