Fitting the Roof Vent - Budget Van Build Ep 9
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ส.ค. 2024
- How to Fit a MaxxAir Deluxe Roof Fan to Your Self-Build Camper Van.
In this video, we show the detailed steps to install a MAxxfan Deluxe roof-mounted ventilation fan onto a Fiat Ducato Camper Van.
My previous unboxing video can be found here • Van Upgrades - Maxxfan...
You can grab yourself a Maxxfan Deluxe for your van using this link www.ebay.co.uk...
Maxxfan Roof Adapters can be found here leisurevehicle...
Other materials and tools used in this video are:-
W4 Mastic Sealing Strip www.ebay.co.uk...
Sikaflex 522 Sealant Adhesive www.ebay.co.uk...
Easy drive Self Drilling Screws www.screwfix.c...
Bosch HSS Jigsaw Blades www.ebay.co.uk...
Dewalt 18v Jigsaw www.ebay.co.uk...
Dewalt 18v Impact Driver & Drill set www.ebay.co.uk...
Disclosure - As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase using the above affiliate link. Thank you for supporting our channel.
Please make sure to subscribe to the channel / @gregvirgoe so that you don't miss future build videos in this Fiat Ducato Series
If you would like to say thanks with a small donation you can do so here www.paypal.me/...
Thanks very much for watching
Greg & Lou
If you where never a teacher or college lecturer then you missed your calling. As a time served Artificer I cannot help but recognise that you are from an engineering trade background and clearly must have served an excellent apprenticeship, what I hear now sometimes referred to as "old school". An inspiration and a joy to watch. One of the greatest gifts in life is freely sharing knowledge and experience. Thank you and kind regards. 👍🏻
Yes the original Mechanical Services company I worked for was over 75yrs old and did a full 6 yrs apprenticeship with day release at university. Was member of chartered institute of building services engineers and the Engineering Council. It was proper old school and learnt everything from first principles. Great start to working career. Shame kids now don’t seem to get the same opportunities. Thank you for a great comment 👍🏼😃
Couldnt agree more, fantastic tuition videos for us budding amateurs 👍👍
Throw an old fridge magnet or two in that bin bag before sticking it to the roof.
That’s a great bit of advice 😊nice one ☝️
This is a cracking idea 👏👏👍
cracking idea
Absolute perfection. The Gold standard of van conversion build vlogs....👌
That’s very kind of you Phil. Thank you 🙏🏼 😊
30 years of motorhoming has now come to an end but I love to watch your videos. It’s the engineer in me that appreciates your patience, time and effort. Cheers Richie.
Why has your motorhoming stopped? Thanks for watching
@@GregVirgoe age and disability but bloody fantastic times for us and the kids ( they are 28 and 34 😂).
Still building motorcycles for fun but again not riding much 🤣.
What height is the van and how much did the vent add to the height.
2.2m is a crucial barrier height in uk car parks.
@@tonystacey3347 this is an H2 van so it will not go under car barriers. Any van like a transporter or transit custom you would not be able to stand up in. I didn’t want a small van. We’ve never had any issues parking and out van is 2.7m high
@@GregVirgoe thanks for the reply Greg especially since I double posted.
I’ve got a high top transit 02 and it’s miles bigger than the 2.2, but I noticed some new pop top vw were using the under 2.2 as a selling point so I just thought I’d ask as I’ve no idea of the dimensions of the fiats etc.
I also realise you’ve been really considered in your selection of van base vehicle, and I’m loving the smaller build than the palace you built inside the sprinter.
I’m hoping your 3rd build is a similar size with 4 seats for an additional 2 kids😀if you haven’t retired from the top notch builds /vid content by the end of this one !
Brilliant video! You are a master educator. I appreciate all the hours you have spent and will spend researching, purchasing, scripting, building, videoing, editing, and etc. For the first time, I don't feel alone and unsure about my dream. I can do this!
I shall be there with you every step of the way 😊
Thank you for a lovely comment 👍🏼🤩
With the Maxxfan or any rooflight the best advice I was given from Rickvanman was to clean it thoroughly as there's often a releasing agent left on them which will interfere with any bond so I cleaned mine with alcohol and then gave it light sand too.
Such a good tip. Always have a bottle of alcohol handy, the rubbing kind! to break down any grease to bonded surfaces. My tip is always use a drop of silicone when attaching screws and bolts. They go in and can be later removed more easily, prevents moisture penetration and avoids potential rust corrosion.
That’s an excellent point and great advice. 😊
Greg, you're so superb at this, your knowledge, skill, craftsmanship, and communication, presentation, every aspect is first class, that this could be a series on television. There used to be DIY programmes on telly, (Barry Bucknell, Harry Greene, and others), and they were very popular for around the house projects. Now it is motorhomes and campervans that are popular. Why don't you, and I'm being serious, contact Ch4 or Ch5 or even the BBC, to offer making such a TV series? Television presenters and writers are paid well over a six figure salary for a series, and there's no one more deserving than you for this Greg. Best wishes!
That’s very kind of you to say that 😊 I don’t think of myself as charismatic enough for TV 😂
i love this comment. haha. Greg, i am from South Africa and when any instruction type stuff, or general presentation comes on and its from the USA i just switch off... too loud and too brash, and just too much charisma. I switch to British TV for that very reason.. no fuss, no frills, just good damn value....so methinks Alan is spot on!
I only fitted one fan in my van aswell, like you Greg i had side windows but it was only later i had the idea to have an air intake in the floor somewhere out the way.
The idea being the air under the van is always cool even in summer so the air is travelling further and transferring more.
Great idea, the air in the shade of the van should be a few degrees cooler and good idea to improve air circulation 😊
1/3 of the way through the video, I'm amazed at home much time and effort you put in to your videos. You're mentioned in most people's van videos so you're obviously doing something right!
Another brilliant video, thank you.
I hope to give a comprehensive guide to building a van and actually show things being done when most other video skip over the bit you need to see.
Thanks for your feedback 👍🏼😃
I'm just getting started on my van build and came across your videos. Cannot thank you enough for these. As a newbie, I appreciate the quality and how thoroughly you explain each step!
Awesome video again. Have to say though, given that you're doing a budget build, those roof adapters are very pricey, over £60 for the 355mm square one. Also because they have the ridges moulded in, they reduce the flexibility if you want to mount the vent off the widthwise centre line...you have to move it sideways in steps of about 200mm before it will fit into the next set of ridges. So for anyone with less money and more time, you can make your own adapter pieces by mitre cutting little wedge strips from some 6mm uPVC window trim, which from Wickes will only cost you £5.90. Also doing it this way you can make some extra pieces to go inside the van, between the wooden frame and roof, to really sandwich the van body between the internal wooden frame and the external plastic vent frame.
I have seen that done it does look a bit fiddly and time consuming. I agree they could be a little cheaper and they would sell more of them. 😊
Thank you, Professor V, for such clear, concise directions👍🏻👍🏻
You are most welcome. Glad you like it 😃
Great video I like the max fan I personally would put in the rear because on warm days you could use and open vents in front which give good air flow
Great video. Required viewing by every self-builder. 👏
I hope it will help a lot of future van builders 🚐🤩
If you want to keep initial costs down you could do what we have done. Fit a Maxx Air vent which is the same size as the Maxx Fan, put in a conduit ready for the electrical connection and upgrade later, when funds allow.
But then you have paid for a second vent? Cheaper to fit the fan from day one and avoid the secondary costs.
I really really appreciate your videos Greg. There are so many tips and information a complete novice needs. from the tools you use to the bin liner on the roof and sealant on the screws. So detailed and such high quality work, it’s just bloody brilliant. Thank you so much. Even though I’m not getting my van till next year watching these videos gives me such a great idea of what to look for and how to take it step by step so it doesn’t become too overwhelming.
You can break it down into these small tasks that can easily be done in a day. Then you get little goals along the way.
Thanks for watching 👍🏼😃
Excellent Greg very informative and backed by sound reasoning
Thanks Peter much appreciated 👍🏼
LOVE your channel Greg, I build 90% of my 2020 sprinter from your video help. Thank you, love my life cause of it.!😊
That is fantastic. Do you have any photos of the van on insta 🤩🚐
I’ve finally managed to get hold of a mwb Ducato after months of searching. I’d just like to say thank you, these videos are so helpful
Great to hear! Thats good news, hope the build goes well for you
A magnet in a cloth run just above the surface of the roof to pickup all the little bits of swarf from the cutting works well. Great demo with the bottle. When i have cut roof panels I always cut 2 sides then tapped it up to hold it in place then cut the other 2 sides stopped the twisting of the panel
A good couple of little hacks thanks for suggesting those 👍🏼😃
Look no further. Greg Virgoe is your man. No bullsh*t just good quality advice in your fantastic journey to realize your freedom machine. Thanks Greg!
4 screws are more than enough though. The more holes the more problems. I know what I'm talking about. Mastic tape did the trick
The mastic sealing tape is great stuff. You could bond the fan with just a good bead of sikaflex and no screws that stuff is so strong
Good job Greg, you are getting good at TH-cam.
I really appreciate that thank you 🙏🏼
Just retro fitted the maxxair deluxe with many breaks to rewatch your video !
I cannot express how well designed the maxxair fan is for installation. I measured the old skylight , twice, and was convinced it would be 355 hole, it turned out to be existing 405 hole but the maxxair has a lip so that it can fit into a 405 hole aswell . Brilliant !
Greg s recommendation of the screwfix self drilling screws was a brilliant.
Generally just thanks for holding my hand thru the fitting , Greg. All those tips were invaluable.
Overall if you're wondering folks , with greg there as reference, its probably even easier then it looks on the video . What a total joy , thank you , thank you !
What a fan-tastic comment 🤩
Really pleased your install went well and I know you will benefit from the fans performance.
Thank you for leaving such great feedback 👍🏼😃
Spot on as always bud.
I fitted a Maxxfan Dome fan above my bed. I used one of the roof adapters and it made the job soooooo much easier. Definitely worth the extra cost.
That’s awesome 😎 thanks for sharing your experience with us 👍🏼
Good work Mr Virgoe, good to see you're maintaining your high standards and I'm hoping for another 'moonwalk' when the floor gets fitted.
Lol 😂 I’m pleased you remember that from the first series 🤩👍🏼
Thank you for all your efforts in helping everyone! 🇨🇦
It’s a pleasure John 😊
Nice and clean - Greg’s been, best way to get the best adhesion.
Clean surfaces are a must 😊
Vantastic work! 😄 I'd never came up with an idea to put sikaflex on top of the screws 🤯
I’ve had them leak in the past so it’s worth doing
Hi Greg love the videos as always, out of interest it would be funny to see a blooper reel of bits you have edited out of of your van build's or would there be lots of swearing that you don't want to broadcast 😂😂
I second that. 😊
Erm yes, sometimes they are funny and sometimes there is swearing. Not everything goes to plan 😊😮 I will have a think about that one 😂
Yesssssssssssss.... This is where it's at, this is how it's done. G'on Greg ✊
From the actual how to.. & to the video presentation... Nobody's got anything on you man. Well done & thank you.
That’s really super kind of you to say so. Made my day 🤩👍🏼
I am really loving this Step-by-Step approach you are using for this build. I'm saving this playlist for future use. 😺
I’m glad you like the videos. What are your plans 😃👍🏼
@@GregVirgoe More than likely I will be getting a van that will be my daily driver and be used for 'weekenders'. Kind of depends how current life events play out in the next few months.
Great to see it all coming together guys
Thank you Russ 😊
When I upgrade my fan this will be the video to use, cheers Greg, another masterclass in doing it once and right.
I really appreciate that Richard, thank you for taking the time to write 🤩👍🏼
Great job 👏 Totally agree and well done for not scrimping on the ventilation👍 Loving your bottle demo 😂 so true though. We wouldn’t be without our Maxair fans. Especially with the mosi screen that comes included. We’ve also added a clip on frame that acts as a black out blind. Leisure Vehicle Services have 💯 After Sales setup too. Brilliant bunch of people. Keep up the great work pal 👍👏
That’s fan-tastic 🤩 thank you for sharing your experience and great to hear about the aftercare too 👍🏼😃
@@GregVirgoe 😂😂Fan-tastic …. Boom boom 👍
Nice job Greg looking forward to the next one
Thank you Tony 😊
Greg i am addicted to your show. Once again, brilliant. I am from South Africa, have just found a L2H2, so this is worht its weight in gold to me. Just hole i'll be able to get the same fan/materials, etc, or suitable alternatives here. Thank-you so much for your videos!
You are welcome I hope your build goes well for you 👍🏼🚐😃
I feel the biggest mistake van builders make when adding ventilation to vans is you always add it to the roof, ignore windows in this case, therefore only removing any moisture that might be high enough in the vans interior, instead of learning from static and touring caravan builders as well as house roof vents, where you need low down vents to allow the cool air to enter and rise as it warms and thus collect the moisture with it as it exits the roof vent(s).
That’s a very valid point. Cold air has a lower moisture content and as it warms the relative humidity reduces giving it the capacity to take on more moisture before being extracted. If you can get vents at opposites sides you will get better cross ventilation 😊
Hey Greg another excellent video. I have done a conversion already based on your original build and your videos and expertise was invaluable. I have installed 2. Max fans in my original build but still really enjoyed watching your explanation again. As others have said your methodical approach is so helpful for all. Really looking forward to electrics which I really need help on for our next build👍
What the reason your doing another build of you have completed one already? 😃
My son and I are going to do budget Citroen Relay MWB conversion for him 👍starting this week so ideal timing to make the most of your videos
@@markmim5676 that’s brilliant 🤩 I hope these videos help you 👍🏼
No question, they are extremely helpful and such a good point of reference before you start each part of the process. So glad you found your van at the same time as we are about to start 😁👍
Cheers Greg, you make it look easy but I'm sure it's not that easy, great Van Build vlogs Greg thanks.👍
With some instruction I have helped complete novices carry out this task with great results. Just take time and care it can be done without stress 😊
You've certainly come a long way since your first MaxxFan video (although the head-through-the-hole-in-the-roof thing has been a constant 😆)!
The "helper frames" are a great idea! They are available and competitively priced for Sevels (Ducato, Jumper, Relay). On a Sprinter / Crafter for our 70x50 Dometic roof vent, the adapters retail for € 200. Not in this lifetime.
I've actually imported three packs of the Mastic tape from the isles and installed our Dometic and the MaxxFan using it. It really is that good. 👍
Although it should not make that much of a difference, we attached the timber frame right after cutting the hole with a commercial adhesive, clamping it tight over night.
The only thing I haven't quite worked out is the routing of the cable when using the trim piece inside. Another hole?
Best regards and stay safe. 🚐☁🍀
The internal trim flange normally needs to be cut down in height to suit the depth of you ceiling build up. A notch for the cable may also be necessary. 😊
A absolutely superb video easy to understand and excellent detail of how to fit the extractor fan unit. Well done
Thank you very much 👍🏼😃
Brilliant detail as ever Greg many thanks for the Vlog looking forward to the Electrics as that used to be my game many years ago (time served apprentice)! Have a great week.
I hope you are going to like this one as I’ve covered every base this time but for a very reasonable price 👍🏼😃
Great job , Thanks !!!!
Glad you liked it 😃
Learning loads here, good to watch and real tidy job thanks
Thank you John 👍🏼😃
You are such a genius. you make it seem so simple I think even I could do it! 😂
I’m sure you can 👍🏼😃
Good job m8 - nice footage
Thank you very much 👍🏼😊
Thanks for posting Greg - looking forward to putting your tips into practice!
Awesome 😎 exciting times ahead 🚐👍🏼
Hi Greg , I look forward to each and everyone of your videos great stuff mate 👍👍👍👍
Thank you so much for your continued support it really is appreciated 🙏🏼😃
Watching you use the flat brought memories back to me being a 1st year apprentice at Rolls Royce
Stood behind me was the instructor who saw me use the file in the same way
After a clout over knuckles from him I never used a file in that way again
He shouted the file only cuts forward you damage the teeth dragging in back
Even thought that was in 1977 I’ve never forgotten what he did or what he said
Great video again I must admit I like the look of those fans and always think we should removed our skylight for one at some stage
That would be a good idea and be a great upgrade. I know quite a few that have done that. 👍🏼😃
Hi Greg, brilliant video! Love the MaxxFan Deluxe. We just patented a revolutionary new roof vent shade for these that offers full airflow with complete darkness for sleeping. Patented NiteAir® is the only shade that treats airflow and light differently. Great for hot sleeping.
Hello, Maxxair already make a blackout blind for their fan that cuts out all sunlight and doesn’t affect airflow when in vent mode.
www.maxxair.com/products/maxxshades/maxxshade/
Masterclass. Thanks Greg.
Really grateful 😇👍🏼
Tip?
As a final, final (final!) check. Take the frame you made, double check the fit on the fan, then place it in the roof to confirm your cut marks.
I did offer it up to the fan in the workshop but did that off camera 🎥 😊
Loving the progress.
Something I wish I could do but not handy in any way. I would have to purchase a van that has been converted already.
I know of 80yr old ladies that have converted their own van 🚐
@@GregVirgoe I'm worse than that - and am in the middle of mine. Give it a go!
Another informative video Greg, Aww, I miss all this in my workshop. Never mind, see you guys over the weekend. Love to Lou
As always top video, converted our Caddy following you videos. We have gone on and bought a MWB Crafter someones else's conversion, time to do a complete make over. Looking forward to the electrics, knowing your wiring will be spot one.
Love your commitment 😊
Thank you so much 😊
Nice install. Very useful
Thank you Tom 😊
Fitted properly, well done 👏
Thank you Keith 👍🏼😃
It is coming along very nicely.
Thank you. It’s really helping having done one before. 😊
Something I would like to recommend is to put masking tape on the plate for the jigsaw so that you have the masking tape between the jigsaw plate and the roof. this will help to prevent scratches on the metal roofing material.
Yes that’s a good tip and one that I have done before with metal base plates.
Thanks Greg, you are simply the best.
I really appreciate your kind comment 😊
Greg Virgoe working barricade the streets!! 😃😃
Health and safety exclusion zone 😂
Great video as always. Really enjoying this new series.
Thank you very much Kevin 👍🏼😃
Very well explained step by step installation.
Thank you very much 👍🏼😃
Very neat job
Cheers Karl 👍🏼😃
@GregVirgoe I have this max fan sameone here in the box I'm going to pay our local expert to fit it in our motorhome aa got to run electric from a light and take old elddis vent out so will cheat abit and get some help in
Tip top!! I have to keep the same roof dimensions etc so a big fan like this of not possible, but no problem with the way you installed it; I might have added a lick of varnish to your wood support but that's a small detail. Great use of mastic tape. Keen to see the start of the electrical fit out. Your previous big van was very, very good, and very well done and I'm looking forward to seeing the similarities and differecnes here. This is the area my van needs (after other rebuild parts). While I'm keeping the original units (fridge, tap, light units etc) and wanting to add 240V and solar. Interesting to see whether you use seperate components or a demountable integrated battery unit, if that makes sense. I'm currently favouring a ~60Ah LiPo battery built into a demountable unit rather than lots of permanantly wired-in seperate elements. Thanks for making and sharing!! Nice head out, too.
This will be an interesting on with some innovative equipment and combining multiple tasks to make it more economical 😊
Greg,
You are a very nice person and I really appreciate you sharing your vast knowledge! You are humble , and very likeable! Keep up the good work and again keep up you videos!! Eg: I’m about to get a Maxx fan Deluxe into my Knaus Sport 500 FDK ( family caravan) I going to take the rig to France for some of the World Cup Rugby 🇦🇺 maybe we might catch-up ? Cheers Chris “The Aussie living in the Netherlands “ 🇦🇺🍾😎
Always happy to meet up with fellow travellers on the road. Have a good trip and enjoy the rugby 🏉🤩😃👍🏼
As an 10:14 engineer I would always just check the frame diagonals - quick and totally accurate. What about marking the roof, drill small holes in each corner and glueing / taping the frame in place inside with a sheet of plastic or thin board underneath and then cut the roof. That way you get an accurate cut and no swarf inside.
Brilliant video , its so informative and interesting , thank you so much Greg
I’m pleased you enjoyed it
Nice one Greg ,how things change in the short time since doing my van you can get some nice bits now to make van build easyer, I'm looking forward to the electrics next wk
funny guy. good video. building my ProMaster 1500 year 2020
Thanks for watching 👍🏼
Lovely just Lovely I can not wait for the next video
Thank you so much 😊
Always an excellent source of information 👍👍👍
Cheers 🍻😃
As usual Greg a very informative vid. But u could have gone to a hole seller it would have saved u tons of time 😅😅😅😅
That’s funny 😄 like it 👍🏼😂
Best I have seen!!
Nice clear instructions. Thanks. Jim
Glad you like it. Thanks Jim
Excellent as usual Greg.
Cheers 🍻 Graham 😊
Thanks for sharing Greg, very useful. 👍🇮🇲
Glad you liked it Mike 👍🏼😃
Brilliant video Greg, "it'll only take half n hour" + 2 minutes 21 seconds ;-)
LOL 😂 yes I died some bits up too and still couldn’t get it under the half an hour. Great comment 👍🏼🤩
Fantastic video 👍
Thank you Gary 😊
@19.27 Ken Biddle from Carry on Doctor! Carry on Camping too!!!
Brilliant Greg...very clear 👍
Thank you 🙏🏼 😊
Greg.
If you had planned ahead you could have asked the window man to cleanly cut the opening(s) for you with his Makita ? Then installed the vent while the window sealant was curing !
Fantastic video and great install 👍
Thank you very much
Nice one mate exact fit like it grew there 😅 loving this like
Thank you Peter 😊
Lovely job
I am sure you know you can buy down cut jig blades might save swarf on roof a little as you put bag on bottom
I know you can get them for wood I’ll have to look for metal ones 👍🏼😃
Pure gold Greg.
Glad you liked it 👍🏼
Here's a top tip to those with 2 Max air fans. When in the bed, open the back fan lid fully but do not turn on. Turn on the front fan to suck low or high. Lay back and feel the ultimate cooling breeze whilst saving on energy by only having one fan running.( Works better by not being switched on)
We always have them both open when in the van. Best to have plenty of fresh air.
All you need is 1 maxair fan and 1 heki type sky light and that will work fine
Yes you can do it that way. I do like the fact that Maxxfan can be used in the rain 🌧️🤩
Brillant have just watched again😁👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
That’s great 😃 glad you liked it 👍🏼
Another brilliant and detailed video, thanks mate. Not sure this fan qualifies as a budget part though..
As I said in the video some things are essential and you cannot afford to put anything substandard in.
This is totally worthy of the extra cash. Having lived in a van for years I know. Trust me 😃👍🏼
Greg you've got such a great laugh. hahaha
Lol 😂 I do crack myself up sometimes you’ve got to have fun doing it haven’t you.
Nicely done as always.
Thank you 🙏🏼
As always making it look easy ;-) - Excellent work.
Thank you very much for watching 😃
brilliant clear well made video.
Thank you 🙏🏼
Fantastic I have learned so much from your builds
Thanks very much Graham
Impeccable. Thank you!
You’re welcome ☺️
Another brilliant video and a good job done ✔️
Maxxfan is absolutely the only option for me too! 👍
Shame they don't make a smaller one for small vans!
I’m glad you agree, they are just brilliant 🤩
I think this video might have finally sold me on getting a Maxxfan for my next van.
@@AlyAlyAlyAlyAly you won’t regret it 👍🏼😃