Add a vent cover?

[Mr. Ed]

I am going to pick up our new 2021 Mini-Lite 2507S next week! One question the dealership asked me was if I wanted to add a vent cover for the front roof vent. They said the rear vent in the bathroom comes with a lid and a cover, but the front vent only comes with a lid. They said with a cover, you can drive with the vent open. Curious to know if that is worth getting or not. Thanks.

[The Evil Twin]

Kinda depends on how much they want. Personally, I like them and have had them on all my trailers. I like having the option to open them when the weather is nice and not having to worry about rain. The only one I travel with open is the one over the garage. They also protect the vent lid from sun damage.
That said, I did all 3 on our current rig myself for under 200 bucks so it was worth it to me.

[chriscowles]

Some forum members have described having a layer of dust sucked into their trailer if they leave the roof vent open when driving through construction sites.

Whether or not you drive with it open, you definitely can leave it open all the time for fresh air if you have a vent cover. You can't do that if it's raining, if you don't have one. That why I added one to mine last month.

They're really easy to add yourself. Compare your dealer's asking price to Amazon (or your source of choice) before deciding.

[Reverse_snowbird]

I think they're worth the cost for the peace of mind you get. If it rains while the lid is open, the vent cover protects it and keeps the rain out of your rig. (unless the rain is coming sideways)
Also, as mentioned, it helps prevent uv damage to the lid. Those things tend to break from sun damage.

[Mr. Ed]

They said that the vent cover would cost $125 installed.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Mr. Ed

They said that the vent cover would cost $125 installed.

I bought a Fan-Tastic vent cover on Amazon for < $60, plus a tube of Dicor sealant. Only you can decide whether the installation cost of $60 is worthwhile to you.

[rsdata]

Max-aire vent covers are $30-40 ON AMAZON... IF YOU DON'T MIND GETTING ON THE ROOF FOR $100 just do it yourself...

I like not having to close the roof vent lid when it is raining. Also protects the vent lid from damage, if you should forget to drive away with it open on the interstate

[atemplesr]

Originally Posted by Mr. Ed

I am going to pick up our new 2021 Mini-Lite 2507S next week! One question the dealership asked me was if I wanted to add a vent cover for the front roof vent. They said the rear vent in the bathroom comes with a lid and a cover, but the front vent only comes with a lid. They said with a cover, you can drive with the vent open. Curious to know if that is worth getting or not. Thanks.

Yes, get it!! Have them throw it in with the purchase. Besides the fact you can drive with the vent open you can leave the vent open while it is raining out. The vents get brittle after a few years, the vent prevents that. Al

[Sarahcat]

We put a Maxair vent cover on our main vent, near the galley. It’s helpful when it’s cold and wet and seems to help alleviate condensation inside when the furnace is running, not to mention that ventilation is nice when it’s raining.

[CGK]

I agree with those who give a "thumbs up" on vent covers. We have used MaxxAir vent covers on all of our (4 so far) TTs. We always added them ourselves if they didn't come with the TT. Easy install, and you know it's done right when you do it yourself. Oh, and we generally keep the vents open at least a little when the TT is parked, but we do not keep them open on the road...just personal preference It's good that you are thinking about these things in advance, since it gives you the option of going either way with it. If you are handy, you can usually add anything you feel would upgrade the unit yourself for much less than the dealer will do it for you. But if you are not confident about doing it yourself, take advantage of having the dealer do everything you'd like to add. And if the price is already locked-in, and the dealer indicated it will add any extras for the cost of the item, just compare prices with what those items cost elsewhere. It is likely you could get them for less, but if it includes "free" installation it could still be a deal. This is the fun stuff - enjoy it!!!

[StrangeBird22]

Just a side note. If I leave mine open while towing it is always closed by the time we get to our destination from all the bouncing up and down I guess

[Palinduff]

Up here the vent covers cost 50.00 and they are easy to install. I’ve done a couple. Unless you could work out a deal with the dealer. Get the ones with pins and hinges that allow access. I wouldn’t drive with one open due to dust, but they’re nice to leave open when camped and it’s raining. Although if the rain is blowing the right way you ca get some water inside, but usually not much.

[Mr. Ed]

Thanks for all of the info. I am going to go ahead and get one as I really like the idea of leaving it open in the rain and the extra protection it provides. Not sure if I am comfortable going up on the roof, so I am going to go ahead and let the dealer install.

[rowdy boys 3]

They're definitely worth having, either DIY or dealer installed...

[Burnking]

I have a fantastic fan (in the bathroom) that has the rain sensor but not the additional vent cover. No problem if it rains, closes automatically.

Now the problem. We camp a lot at the beach. The DW likes to leave the fan open but not on. Problem is when fog comes in and gets the sensor damp. Fan will close. Can't be reopened until sensor dries out.

Any ides how to solve the problem without adding a cover over the vent??

[youroo]

Originally Posted by Mr. Ed

Thanks for all of the info. I am going to go ahead and get one as I really like the idea of leaving it open in the rain and the extra protection it provides. Not sure if I am comfortable going up on the roof, so I am going to go ahead and let the dealer install.

Ed, Rockwood/Flagstaff has been installing Maxxair vent fans and Covers for several years! Leader in customer input! They use the Fanmate and Maxxfan for Bathrooms they are Not the little "Noise Maker Fans"! Your vent flange on the other non fan vent MIGHT have the mounting flanges on it,all you might need is the Maxxair Fanmate Cover and the R-Pins,Nothing else! Youroo!!

[Relaxin in the woods]

Originally Posted by Burnking

I have a fantastic fan (in the bathroom) that has the rain sensor but not the additional vent cover. No problem if it rains, closes automatically.

Now the problem. We camp a lot at the beach. The DW likes to leave the fan open but not on. Problem is when fog comes in and gets the sensor damp. Fan will close. Can't be reopened until sensor dries out.

Any ides how to solve the problem without adding a cover over the vent??

Um... Turn on the fan?

[Roaminaround]

Definitely get the max air vent. I’ve always installed my own. If you install it yourself use nylon lock nuts instead of the nuts that come with it. I had one go bye bye on the road once.

[Bob2019]

Another consideration, beyond being open during rain is also hail. Was in a campground and everyone with just the cheap, flimsy vent cover got busted out with leaves flying in and the storm soaking beds. Those with Max Air, or such covers, (including me) survived without damage. I had them on 3 RVs - first thing I install.

[Burnking]

Originally Posted by Relaxin in the woods

Um... Turn on the fan?

I don't understand your answer! The fan will not open or run when the sensor detects moisture.