For those who have installed MaxxFan's

[EcoHeliGuy]

I noticed in the install instructions that a minimum roof thickness of 1 1/8" inch is required. And if the roof is thinner you need to build a spacer.

After inspecting the product I can't see a reason for this other then possible keeping the knob and controls from being exposed below the ceiling.

Can anyone offer any other insight before I start the install?

Thanks


Sent remotely

[WaltP]

With the unit in place you'll see a gap between the screw holes and the ceiling with a thinner roof. That gap needs to be filled with a spacer in order for the screws to hold the unit solidly in place.

Walt

[David Tilston]

I am using a 1" x 1" fibreglass square tube to make the opening thicker.

[floyd]

Some are done with a wooden escutcheon simply cosmetically attached to the frame of the fan after installation. I prefer to use a solid wood or composite escutcheon which can then be attached with the same screws which hold the fan in place from above. I think this gives a stiffer and more secure attachment.
Either way is acceptable.
In most cases the inside finish piece needs to be cut down to fit. Its installation is easier when using the roof screws to attach the escutcheon.
I have used pine, oak and even composite deck spindles to make the escutcheons. The composite must be predrilled but it is water proof and stable.

[Wayne Collins]

Yes, to maintain ceiling height you want the bulk of the Fan to sit above the roof line. The inside trim will conform to the curve of the roof. This is in a 16 ft Scamp. WC

Originally Posted by EcoHeliGuy

I noticed in the install instructions that a minimum roof thickness of 1 1/8" inch is required. And if the roof is thinner you need to build a spacer.

After inspecting the product I can't see a reason for this other then possible keeping the knob and controls from being exposed below the ceiling.

Can anyone offer any other insight before I start the install?

Thanks


Sent remotely

[WaltP]

If the roof is too thin, you need a spacer either below the ceiling or above the roof. I've not seen or considered the latter, but I'd think it would be difficult to seal around the edge to keep it rain proof.

[Clayton]

I am currently in the process of installing my MaxxAir on my Trillium. I am using the same square fiberglass tubing that David is but in 1 1/2" tube. First cut all 45 corners, made a jig and epoxied the frame together. Next filled in corners with fiberglass resin. Sanded / painted and ready for the roof install.


This is the exterior spacer....

[Borrego Dave]

Nice looking job Clayton.

[WaltP]

I agree. Very professional looking.

[EcoHeliGuy]

Where are you guys getting this fiberglass tube from, marine parts?


Sent from my iPad using Fiberglass RV

[Clayton]

Thanks Dave and Walt. I will epoxy and then rivet the spacer to the roof and put a bead of Dicor sealant around the outside edge of the spacer. Then I will put a continuos strip of butyl tape on the underside of the flange and rivet to the spacer. Again a bead of sealant around the outside of the flange. Should be fairly weather proof. 😀

[scf]

Another installation using a spacer cut out from 5/8" plywood. Used 8 recessed T-nuts in spacer - bolted into place with 8 stainless steel Robertson screws from the top through the roof flange, the roof and into the spacer. Once in that was in place used 8 stainless wood screws to secure the rest of the flange mounting holes. They also went right through the roof and screwed solidly into the spacer so the whole thing was a tight sandwich fit. Butyl tape was installed under the roof flange and then Dicor RV sealant used around the flange to roof joint and on each of the screw heads. Wiring run through under the rat fur to small gap in the top of the bathroom wall and into the bathroom and back into the cupboard over the stove to join up with existing 12V wiring.
When finished I noticed that in the vent closed position the vent gasket seal against the vent lid had a small gap at both rear corners, maybe an 8th of an inch or so. Not sure if that will be a problem or not at this time - will have to try it out for a few days. Anyone else noticed that on their installation?
Steve

[Clayton]

Nice install Steve, very well done.

[Clayton]

Walter, the fiberglass square tube was sourced by David Tilston. (David is the man!). The name of the company is Maple Leaf Communications in Everett, Ont.


www.mapleleafcom.com

[David Tilston]

Originally Posted by EcoHeliGuy

Where are you guys getting this fiberglass tube from, marine parts?

It is easy to get in the US:
http://www.grainger.com/product/DYNAFORM-Sq-Tube-4ATN9?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/4ATN8_AS01?$smthumb$

Had to shop arround in Canada:
This is where I bought it:
Maple Leaf Communications - Fiberglass Products
Seems like a better price here:
Structural Shapes, FRP Systems Ltd.