Mercedes Sprinter Camper Conversion - Roof Fans
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ต.ค. 2024
- Mercedes Sprinter Camper Conversion Fan-Tastic Vent Fan Install.
Not one but two fans are fitted to the roof of our camper van.
Here are the links to the items I have used in this video:-
Fan-Tastic Fans - rover.ebay.com...
Sikaflex Silicone Sealant - rover.ebay.com...
Sika Primer 210 - rover.ebay.com...
Silicone Forming Tools - rover.ebay.com...
Mastic Sealing Strip - rover.ebay.com...
24T HSS Jigsaw Blades - rover.ebay.com...
Irwin Quick Grip Clamps - rover.ebay.com...
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 subscribe, like and share with others. If you have found this information to be helpful to you and would like to make a donation to help fund future videos please visit www.paypal.me/...
Thank you for watching #gregvirgoe #vanlife #tinyhome
FAN UPDATE VIDEO - we have now changed these fans for Maxxfan Deluxe which are far better. To watch that video please click here th-cam.com/video/IwBJGIvhyAc/w-d-xo.html
This is the best ceiling fan installation video I have found scouring on TH-cam.
You may like my latest one as the Maxxfan deluxe cannot be beaten
th-cam.com/video/-gSWuPKHwrY/w-d-xo.html
A big thanks for that Greg, I was puzzled when I noticed big grooves on the roof!!
For me the iconic TH-cam image of you is the opening still of this video with your head through the roof. Simply perfect.
I love it when other people send me photos or video of them doing the same :D
Great teaching Greg. Got my maxxfan fitted this week 👍
Brilliant I’m pleased it has helped you
one of the more thorough videos on this topic, covering each step, thank you
Jacob & Bri Zammito I did a more recent video when I replaced the fan for a Maxxfan.
Can’t believe it’s been 4 1/2 years since this van build series was uploaded! Time flies when your having fun 😁 great help as I’m just about fit some skylights to the van, when we get decent weather. Thanks Greg you are a legend my friend!
I know it’s does fly past. We have been nearly 4yrs full time living in it too which is mad 😁🚐
@@tabularasa7775 in the time we have lived in the van I have saved over £100k in household bills.
Dude, we just bought a Ford Transit, and your videos are legit the only ones I trust to follow for my How To guide! Thank you for making these!
Step by step, explaining and demonstrating as you go. This is brilliant stuff.
Thank you, Elaine, are you doing your own conversion?
I wish you were my neighbor here in Portland Oregon in the US... I'd be bothering you to help me EVERYDAY... with everything... But especially my van build... you are so clean and clear in how you do everything... what a great teacher!
Princess Pamela's World thank you for such great feedback. Guess I would be very busy 😃👍🏼
With apologies to Alt Ventures who commented previously I have to repeat... "You make great videos, really clear, very comprehensive and well articulated. Anyone undertaking a self-build van would benefit by subscribing to you. Bravo."
What an absolute gent'. So helpful to anyone even thinking about trying a van conversion. Much appreciated, Greg.
Thank you for such nice feedback. Hope you enjoy the rest of the videos too 👍🏼😁
Cheers for the clear and easy to follow instructions, my conversion would have not been started had it not been for your video series.
matt vernon, really pleased you found it to be helpful and best wishes with the rest of your build. Cheers 😊
You make great videos, really clear, very comprehensive and well articulated. Anyone undertaking a self-build van would benefit by subscribing to you. Bravo.
Thank you very much for such wonderful feedback. Best wishes Greg
Your attention to detail is educational. Too many people mess up the little things, which makes their work short-term and necessitates further expenses and uncomfortable corrections down the line
I’m trying to cover all the steps that most just gloss over.
Thanks for great feedback 👍🏼
I bought a Fan-Tastic 7350 a couple of weeks ago and haven't found the time to put it in. It's easy to get in California through Amazon. Glad I waited and saw your video. I was going to go by logic, as it is relatively easy. Then, I saw others doing all kinds of unnecessary things. I like the wood addition and will be using it. Your videos are really clear and thanx from another Brit from Scotland living in Cali ….
The best and most in depth step to step guide I've seen on the daunting task of cutting into your van !
Hi Rob, thanks for such wonderful feedback, very much appreciated. Cheers
The head through the roof was funny, great job on the van build so far looking forward to the next video
I just couldn’t resist it. Lol
Glad you like the videos and thank you for your feedback.
Very nice job.. I like how you described the fan's features and why you bought them.. someday I will get a sprinter and will do some cool things perhaps with it - and take trip around the gold old USA -
We have now swapped these fans for a much better make. Please see this newer video th-cam.com/video/IwBJGIvhyAc/w-d-xo.html
Mate his is making my life a lot easier, currently researching my own camper for kayak fishing/weekends away with my wife and kids. Your videos are going to be key to its success
Great to know that you find them to be useful to you
Greg, you have the neatest fan install on TH-cam that I have found. I'm installing two Maxxfans in my sprinter this week and am using your video as a guide. I plan to use plastic screw caps filled with sealant over the screws for a uniform look and to protect the sealant from Sun and UV. That is the only way I thought of to improve on your brilliant example. Thank you for the whole video series. I know there are many people around the world following your tutorials. They have been recommended to me several times, but they are preaching to the converted. I might christen my van Greg, or at least GV, Greg Virgoe and Great Van, same initials, go figure.
What a great video! I've been watching dozens of them where people use a whole tube of caulk on the final seal and make a huge mess. You were 1 out of about 25 installers who cared enough to do it right. Well done!
Thanks Greg! Thanks to your tutorials I had the confidence and all the right tools to put my own roof fan in my own sprinter. It poured with rain later that night and not a drop got through. Keep doing what you’re doing!
That's fan-tastic news :D see what I did there lol
Seriously, glad it was useful to you. Cheers
Thanks, great help! I am nearly ready to get started on my build. I have a xlwb Sprinter. I have high standards but I am very new to this. TH-cam is a god send. Keep em coming. Cheers.
Wow +James Hanson, so you have the longest one? Mine is approx 4.3m long in the back so how much more room have you got? What are your plans with the interior?
Nice install and nice fans. I love the blower feature so you can really get a good cross draft.
Good for keeping condensation down.
The silicon scrapers are excellent, I was never happy with my beads until I watched the "ultimate handyman" show a product called a Fugi kit. Worth a watch and the Fugi is top notch.
Hello Harvey, I looked at those and essentially exactly the same tools. Great the way the silicone does not stick to them and perfect beads every time. Thanks for your support.
You have an incredible clean work ethic. Your videos are clear to understand. I'm going to use these videos to assist me in my next van. I look forward to watching the entire series for your build out. Thanks for producing these!
Thanks Jody, I'm a bit of a perfectionist, like to do things to the best of my ability.
Hi! Posting the links of the products you used is great help!
The install looks very clean! I need to learn how to make really straight cuts with the jigsaw, somehow mine always turn out a bit zigzaggy
Hello Konstantinos, I used a new blade for each fan and they cut really easily. They were very cheap from eBay so it was the best decision to make. Thank you for watching.
I found this playlist yesterday... and I'm glad I did! Great work!
Don’t forget to spread the word Ben 👍🏼 Thank you for joining us and hope you find the videos useful. Cheers
Excellent video. The fan install is for sure the part I will be most nervous about when I do mine but this made me feel a lot better about it.
Hi Brent, cutting a big hole in the roof of your van is very a nervous time for anyone but if I cab give you a couple of bits of advice it's these.
Measure, measure and measure again. Then make sure you have a new fine toothed HSS blade and it will make the cut much cleaner.
Thank you for watching and best of luck with your build.
That sounds just fine, you do need ventilation for cooking, both for combustion of the gas and toe tract the condensation build up.
If you have opening windows and doors that with a single roof van will work
Hi Greg. As you mentioned in the video, sooooo many people use about 14 tons of silicone and spread it with (what seems like) a dead ferret or similar. Anyway, you did an excellent job; well done.
Regards Mark in the UK
My other half wants to know what I'm laughing at.
I thought your dead ferret comment was hilarious.
Thank you for making me laugh, glad you liked it.
Actually a dead ferret is A LOT easier than a live one for spreading silicone - just telling you. :-)
You are a legend, Poppin your head through the hole had me cracking up. Currently researching future build from Washington State, cheers.
Thank you for being so thorough with your explanations. I am learning so much from you. Thanks for sharing.
It's a pleasure Marsha, pleased you are finding them interesting and thank you for watching.
Great videos brother! I am in California doing a Sprinter van conversion. Your attention to detail is first class! Thank you for your wonderful video’s. Cheers
Great video again! I really enjoy watching a professional do this step-by-step. I feel like I am finally found some adult programming :)
Thank you Marianne, glad you liked the video and thanks for a nice comment. 😊
Excellent video, Greg..many thanks for sharing.
You are welcome, thank you
Looking brilliant Greg, well neat 👍🏼😊
Thanks Marc, much appreciated.
I'm pleased how they turned out.
Greg You do know when word gets around that everyone will be at your place for their conversions !! You’re getting to good at this 👍🏼😉😊
Greg, I haven’t seen a less than stellar video by you yet. Not that I expect it.
Great job and very much sharing Sprinter conversion. Thank You.
Harri Ihalainen I really do appreciate that. Thank you
Greg you are the best van-convertor, i wish i had half of your skills...
I can go and design a whole new microchip, but for sure i cant fit van fan
Great work Greg looking forward to the next instalment. Thanks for the links to the parts needed as I was needing the sealing compound but didn't know what it was called. Thank you and keep up the good work and videos.
No problem David, I put a search result up there as they do many different thicknesses and widths.
I used just over half a 10m roll of 32mm wide x 2.5mm thick.
There are a lot of van conversion videos out there, but yours are the best! I will use them during my build, thank you very much good sir (:
Thank you for such great feedback. Cheers
Cracking tips as usual Greg. We're looking forward to doing our on conversion as we are away quite often with our daft Springer Spaniel and your tips make it look achievable by mere mortals!
One thing I have discovered when cutting holes in thin materials is that it vibrates. A lot! To minimise this, after the first cut, I put a piece of gaffa tape over the cut to hold it in place, then do the other three. I find that cuts down (see what I did there?😏) on the vibration and reduces the risk of creases on the skin of the van.
I hope that helps?
Keep up the great work 👍
Fantastic series, well done and thanks for sharing. My Wife and I are dreaming of a similar project and this is very inspirational with thorough workmanship and great explanation. Thanks!
Thank you Colin, it makes my day to receive comments like yours. Pleased you’re enjoying them. 👍🏼
Many thanxs you are amazing mate. Clear perfect explaining and good job. I find you and start watching now 2 am I need to wake up 8am but i can’t sleep want to watch all your perfect jobs.
Excellent job. Lots of respect from Iran 🇮🇷
those are the straightest jig saw cuts I‘ve ever seen :D
Thank you Ivan, helps to have a brand new fine tooth HSS bit. Pleased you liked it. 😊
Great video. Thanks for showing the products you use. It would good to give prices of them like the primer_ silicone ect.. excellent video 👍
You can find links in the video description. After a couple of years prices may have increased.
Great stuff. Your a star. Keep up the good work.👍
Thank you 😊
your videos are awesome!!!! thanks for investing the time to educate us. i have watched so many videos and you are the first person to give me hope for van life! :))))
That's lovely to hear Nancy. Hopefully, there are a few nuggets of information that will assist you and give you the confidence to tackle these tasks yourself. The only things that you need professional help with are electrics and gas as I would always recommend these are tested and certified. Thank you for the great feedback.
Just dun my timber supports today for my skylights there just drying off tomorrow cutting hook up into van cheers Greg your a star with these videos and I,m doing more on this build myself other than having to pay someone because you know your self how much they charge 😳💷💷💷
Once you cut the roof fans Danny the rest are very easy by comparison 😀
Fan-tastic job Greg and thanks for making all these videos. It really gives me the ideas of how to do my van project and do it RIGHT. Keep them coming mate ;)
Great presentation and no wasted time. You are obviously a professional.
Thanks. I'm a new subscriber to u.
Welcome to our channel Zack. Thank you for such great comment and hope you enjoy our other videos. Cheers
Another great video. Really interesting stuff. Learning loads. Keep it up.
Thanks Sean, really pleased you’re finding them to be useful. 👍🏼
Nice video, super neat finish. I'll be starting my van project middle of August once I find a sprinter of my own. Been watching your build series and its a delight. Thanks for the content
Please do let me know how you get on and would be great to see some photos when you get started.
What are your plans? Weekend van or longer term live aboard set up?
Greg Virgoe I'm planning to live out of it during university to start then I have a large trip planned out for after. It will essentially be a small home
Absolutely, I'll be sharing my conversion journey also. I'll give you a shout for sure.
I'll look forward to seeing those, best wishes
That's a great idea Nathan, that will save you a fortune on student accommodation fees. 👍🏼
Love the black bag trick ...one to remember
Enjoying your videos. You're doing a fantastic job!
I really appreciate your support.
Thank you for great feedback too. Cheers
Really nice job. Took some of the fear out me. Now I’m off to cut a hole!
First class job. Thanks for the video.
Love your tricks/hints! Very interesting to see
Another excellent vid, looking forward to the rest of the conversion. :)
Thank you for the continued support +Dusty Korpse. Cheers
Love the detail you're going to in this series! I've saved it for when I build mine! Looking forward to watching the rest! keep up the ace work :D
Thanks +Sam, trying to get the balance right, I think too much detail and the videos are too long and people loose interest. Pleased you like them. Thanks for the feedback.
What are you planning to build? Day van or live in?
You have GOT to be an engineer by trade. ;) That's a really solid fan installation, especially with that support frame underneath.
We use Sikaflex on the boat as well (not the caravan stuff, of course). Really happy with it as a product. And yeah, one doesn't need tons of it (though on a 40 ft boat, it adds up).
Thank you for taking the time to do these videos. You work is top quality.
That’s very nice of you to say so Paul, many thanks.
Sikaflex is also sold in Canada, I discovered thanks to you that there was a primer No. 210 to be used prior the application of Sikaflex sealant: I will look for it here.
I am watching tons of videos about caravan construction and van conversions, either from North America and Europe and I noticed that North Americans were putting tons of caulking over flanges and screw heads, Europeans were not. I think that effective sealant should be located UNDER flanges and screw heads, not over. It is the first time I see someone from Europe putting sealant over screw heads.
Anytime you are dealing with potential water leaks I’d rather be “belt and braces” which is why I did both.
Wow so glad I found this channel... thanks greg
you're a legend thanks for this detailed instruction!
Thank you, I always wondered how you put them on the roof and seal it.
Another excellent video Greg. Is there any reason why you didn't use paint thinners to clean around the hole for the fan?
Really like your videos; they are truly helpful and I appreciate the detail you go into.
Greg, thanks for the informative video as this has been great really enjoyed it.
Thank you for watching Gavin, and for the great feedback
...you really love that silkaflex,lol!
What can I say, it's really sticky man!! 😂
I think your doing a fantastic job can’t wait to see it finished
Thank you Tracy, getting to the fun bits now the furniture is starting.
Great Work! Planning on converting a sprinter myself next year, having done a small T5 build previously its time to scale things up! great videos and very informative, well researched and put together! Look forward to more! Also... unrelated but you remind me of a much cooler, younger Tommy Walsh!
I'm really pleased you said younger LOL
How did you get on with your T5 build?
Have you got plans in mind for the sprinter?
Thanks very much for watching and the great comment.
Having done some campervan conversions myself I really enjoy your work and the thoughtful planning before the/any act. Your videos are definitely a joy to watch! However, I wouldn't really dare to handle that sharp edged metal while doing those cutouts with no protective gloves on my hands. The guy doing the windows (in a previous vid) also seemed to do the cutting and bending away the cut metal strips with bare hands... Don't ever do this (especially) when your experience with that kind of work is somewhat limited, I' say. You'll need both hands and preferably all fingers intact for the work to come in further stages of the conversion.
You are absolutely right. It is always best to wear gloves when cutting metal. Sorry I forgot to put mine on in that video and well spotted.
Very nice work I am learning a lot really appreciate these videos ,I am buying a 2017 sprinter this week and look forward to the Build!
Very nice a new van, what are your build out plans and travel goals?
Thanks ! very much like you have done ,,will try any way, We are planing small trips for the summer and plan going across country at some point. Pretty excited to start this project,
Robert, best wishes for your build and enjoy the rest of my build
Thanks Greg, And I will also will say like everyone else your videos are very well put together far better than the ones I have viewed.I really do appreciate your efforts.
Thank you for your support Robert, great feedback too.
Nice neat job Greg and forward thinking on the slot in the wood for the wiring to go through. Thanks
Ah, you noticed Keith, well spotted.
It was a bugger on my own to feed the wire in on the first one, it was covered in sticky mastic.
You can probably see I got tagged a couple of times. Not good with my hairy arms, hehe
The second one I got my father in law to feed the wire from below, lesson learned.
Greg, i dont recall you saying which sprinter you bought, long wheel base high top? Many thanks
Hi keith, its the high roof, LWB version, 313 CDI with 6 speed gearbox.
Thanks again for a very helpful video! I noticed that when a have a leak in roof vent it is usually at the screw holes. Do you think the combination of the tape and the sicaflex could be sufficient?
Yes it should be fine. Put some sikaflex over the screw heads
Loving the work mate, looking forward to insulation especially and curious if your putting in a stove.
There will be some very interesting facts in the insulation video,
I plan to calculate the heat losses and predict where moisture will form.
My mechanical engineering background will be put the good use.
Hopefully, I can put it across in a way everyone can get something from it.
We do plan on having a gas cooker fitted in the kitchen unit.
We will also be fitting a combi boiler for heating and hot water.
All controlled from either your smart phone or tablet. So loads coming up!
I have a quick question regarding sealant. I'm seeing so much mixed stuff on forums and I'd love to get your feedback. Lots of people use Sikaflex 522, the argument against this is the fact that it is not removable by any means other than mechanical. Making it a nightmare for replacement. Many large campervan companies use mastic based sealant across the board like SEAMSEAL CV by Hodgson Sealants. This allows for easier removal, without 'in theory' reducing its ability to withstand flexation and water.
What are your thoughts on this?
There is a product called Marine Formula Debond which makes it easier to remove. I used it when I replaced my roof fans. Look out for that video or the fan we fitted for Archie & Me. Used it there too 🤩
@@GregVirgoe Interesting! Thanks for the heads up.
Just about to start undertaking our 2nd van conversion after our 1st got stolen shortly after completion. Tragic really! But your videos have really helped us over the past year.
Hi Greg, thanks for another great video. Is there any concern that the holes created by the self drilling screws will experience rust? Or am I just being paranoid here, and the screws are such a snug fit in the holes that this shouldn't happen?
Don’t worry the screws are a very tight fit so no hole and they are surrounded by mastic sealing tape so no water will get near them. 👍🏼
@@GregVirgoe Ok, nice one. Thanks very much!
hello Greg - grand video - is there a best alternative to this vent available here in UK at a reasonable price? I don't want to wait or go to the phaff of ordering from state side really - I'm cross eyed from watching videos but all seem to say the Maxxfan - which very expensive & who needs 10 speeds?! many thanks
Since finding the Maxxfan I have never fitted anything else. There is nothing on the market that is anywhere near as good. I’ve fitted one on the budget build van. Look at the more recent video series.
Excellent video, thanks a lot for sharing. I have a question though - aren't you worried about the screws you added at the end - the debree they've created while going through steel will rust, won't it? I am wondering if I should draw the holes first.
Hi Greg, how has your mastic strip lasted? I fit my rooflight just over a year ago, but it has started leaking.The mastic has gone really brittle and has a cracked surface. I noticed the last time I was on the roof - but now it is letting water in. Did you choose a particular brand of mastic - and/or did you do anything to protect it from the elements? I wonder if mine wasn't UV resistant. I need to do something differently, or it will just happen again. Cathy
Mate ,your videos are brilliant
Anne, your a diamond. Thanks!
cutting out the hole for the fan you cut to the line smack on I've seen others with wonky lines nice work
Thanks Stephen, it helps to have a brand new, fine tooth HSS blade and it will cut very cleanly. 👍🏼
Hi Greg, awesome video? Can you give me the measurement from the rear door to the edge of the fan and same from windscreen back? Awesome video.
These fans are positioned in the centre of the roof beams. The front one is centred on the circle depression in the roof. The rear one is centred in the first wide roof bay.
@@GregVirgoe awesome as always. Just saved your playing to use as a step by step. Thank you so much!
thank you so much for your excellent professional videos ! cheers !
thomassupertramp you are welcome and hope they helped you out. Cheers
Hi Greg, I love your video series, it's my first call for my van conversion. I have a question that I don't think has been asked yet. I'm installing my roof vent fan on a flat spot on my van (no ribs, though the roof is slightly curved). Would you still recommend a layer of mastik all the way round the edge of the fan, or just fit it slush to the roof? I imagine the mastik would help get a good seal?
Scott Laxton definitely use a layer of mastic sealing strip it’s by far the best thing for making that seal waterproof. 👍🏼😀
Wow, that was quick!
what size type of self tapping screws have you used? great video!
Nice video, could you fill those ribs with Sika adehesive instead of tape?
Hi Greg, great video as always... 👍. Question for you, do you need to have two roof fans or would one be suffice? Thanks
Hi Greg, I have a food van and it’s really really hot inside the van. Our normal temperature here in Alice springs is around 35+ degree on average and I have fridges, and freezer and pie warmers and other equipment running all the time. Which exhaust would you recommend me to install. In van, temperature is around 55+ in day time. Please suggest if you could. Thanks
Thanks mate, very good and informative video!
You are welcome Nathan, glad you liked it. Cheers
THank you Greg for your awesome videos!!!! You are awesome :)
thank you for your channel! tou are wonderful and have helped me greatly!
Hi Greg - just discovered your channel - great stuff ! I have a 92 Hiace commuter with a slightly side to side curved roof in the region (the back half) that I'm planning to install a roof vent. Apart from the Mastic Sealing strip do you have any other suggestions for installation?
Really helpful thanks. Only question is which type of Sika - 512 is air cure by moisture in the air and will not cure if it is too deep. It seems that Sikalastomer 710 Butyl sealant might be better for the seal but not as an adhesive?
Hey Greg! Do you know if the maxxdome has an extendable bezel to sit flush with the van ceiling? Also do you personally think it would be a good option for shower ventilation?
Thanks in advance... keep up the great work 🤙🏻
Hi Greg, keep up the good work. what size wood baton did you use for the frame, did you make it flush with the ribs? cheers
Any alternative to Sika primer you'd recommend? not joking when you say its expensive. Are you just using to clean the surface or actual as a metal primer to help bonding?