Available space needed for fantastic fan install

[tibx]

My haulmark transport has 16" OC u channel metal crossmembers. This flange design only allows 13 ¼” distance between flange material. Looks like I need to have 14" to install a fantastic fan. I would have to cut into the crossmember flange metal to get 14". Will cutting the flanges negatively impact the structure of the crossmember?

[Squigie]

Will cutting the flanges negatively impact the structure of the crossmember?

Of course.
Whether or not it would be enough to matter, I don't know.
But removing material will negatively impact the structure.

[Sparksalot]

How wide are the flanges in question? What is the arrangement, meaning would you trim both side equally?

[hankaye]

tibx, Howdy;

My haulmark transport has 16" OC u channel metal crossmembers. This flange design only allows 13 ¼” distance between flange material. Looks like I need to have 14" to install a fantastic fan. I would have to cut into the crossmember flange metal to get 14". Will cutting the flanges negatively impact the structure of the crossmember?

Welcome, yea, the standard square hole for those is 14". There are a few here that have made the decision
to cut into the framework to install. They made a metal square of the proper dimensions and wielded them
in place either themselves or by someone else if they don't have the equipment/skills or both. It's also the
same size for an overhead RV air conditioner.

You can also use the "Enhanced by Google " search to help locate some of those threads.

Good luck with the build! Oh yea, post some pix along the journey, please.

hank

[flboy]

Yes, You'll need to cut it, but like said, you'll need to reinforce it also.. at least I would.

Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk

[tibx]

How wide are the flanges in question? What is the arrangement, meaning would you trim both side equally?

[tibx]

How wide are the flanges in question? What is the arrangement, meaning would you trim both side equally?

[Sparksalot]

How wide are the flanges in question? What is the arrangement, meaning would you trim both side equally?

That’s helpful. If it were mine, I wouldn’t have much concern cutting about 1/2” into the flat part of the flange on each side of the opening.