The Urabus Scuttlebutt from PA *Update 10/11/2011 PAGE 23*

[parnold]

Why not make a trim ring more like this so it can be properly sealed and directs the water away?

That would require him taking off his vent every time he wanted to install the trim ring. The trim ring is square, and it needs to fit over the movable part of the vent, so it can't fit tight to the inner ring.

[parnold]

but I still want to be able to open the vent even while its raining

While stationary, the dam won't matter as the water will run over the trim ring prior to the inner ring of the vent. That may even be the case while driving, but I'd be a little nervous about it. Guess you gotta saddle up the trailer when the rain hits in the next few days and test that out...

[GuyllFyre]

Why not make a trim ring more like this so it can be properly sealed and directs the water away?

That would require him taking off his vent every time he wanted to install the trim ring. The trim ring is square, and it needs to fit over the movable part of the vent, so it can't fit tight to the inner ring.

Maybe I'm not understanding something, the vent is fastened down and has a lid, the trim ring never gets removed, it goes UNDER the movable part of the vent. I've looked at and installed a lot of various camper style vents and if you didn't install it correctly in the first place, the alternative is making the trim ring like I diagrammed to seal it.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

The wood trim ring has to be removable so I can take the top off the camper in the summer.

[GuyllFyre]

The other alternative is to remove it, fix the size of the roof hole, neatly glue rubber roofing all the way around, and re-install the vent properly.

This will eliminate any headaches with water coming in due to a trim ring.

I guess I'd have to actually see the design in person to puzzle it out.

I know there's a better way to do this, especially since you seem to want to remove it regularly...

[GreatPumpkin]

...I just ordered those draw latches, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed...

Let me know how they work out. If you like how they work in this application, then I'll definitely use them. I just hope they're still on sale when I do order!

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Its not a problem with the fantastic fan. The issue is that I wanted to build a convertible teardrop, and I also wanted the fan.



The vinyl top needs to be able to be completely removed in the summer, and it also needs a hole in the middle of it so the fantastic fan can be used even when the top is on. All summer I just used duct tape to seal the vinyl roof around the fan housing. Worked ok, but I wanted something more "finished", hence the removable trim ring clamp.

[parnold]

I guess I'd have to actually see the design in person to puzzle it out.

I have had the advantage of seeing it in person. It's a pretty neat setup, a convertible roof, but the vent opening does create challenges.

[GuyllFyre]

Its not a problem with the fantastic fan. The issue is that I wanted to build a convertible teardrop, and I also wanted the fan.

I see better now.
I think I have a solution. Let me see if I can use my meager paint skills to give you an idea...this could take me a bit, I need to hack up your picture to attempt this...

[GuyllFyre]

Here's my idea:
Make a 2-piece trim ring, it does require raising the vent fan up 1/2" or more but takes care of any water building up behind the trim ring. It does require some sort of seal between the two of them but overall is an idea that could possible help you.

The idea is you make a trim ring that goes under the fan, leaving a "shelf" to set the next trim ring on and go across the roofing material to seal it down.

[parnold]

hmmmm

[GuyllFyre]

Can also be done expanding on my previous design:

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I think you've been playing too much Tetris!

Your idea could definitely work... I'll have to keep this in mind when I'm looking for something to do one weekend this winter! Thanks!

[GuyllFyre]

I think you've been playing too much Tetris!

It's just the way my mind works. Fit shapes together to make it work.

Your idea could definitely work... I'll have to keep this in mind when I'm looking for something to do one weekend this winter! Thanks!

My secondary method, which shims the fan up, would provide best sealing and still allow the fan to be removed if it has to be serviced. If you wanted, you could make that shim incorporate the trim molding and have it basically water-tight without the trim ring (other than fastener holes for the trim ring to hold the rubber roof down).

It's something you can knock out on a table saw in the matter of an hour or two since you don't have to cut any big angles, you could even make the upper trim ring out of flat stock.

Something like 3/4" of shim, with a 1/2" rabbet, will give you 1/4" to use as trim molding and give you 1/2" to have a strong upper trim ring.

[GuyllFyre]

Oh yea, if you want to hold the trim ring down without screws.

Use rare earth magnets.