A Guide to Caravan Roof Vents: Get the Air Flow You Need
Spending some time in the great outdoors is beneficial for both body and mind. Camping is all about discovering the beauty of nature, reap the benefits from some old but incredibly useful tools and enjoy quality time with family and friends.
You may like your urban style a lot, but the urge to get out of the city must have crossed your mind by now, especially in these pandemic times, when we are facing lockdowns and restrictions. Many Aussies have invested in RVs and turned to new ways to holiday, making the most of it.
Whether you’re a first-time RV camper or already an experienced one, you should know that your camper van ventilation is essential to the comfort level of your journey. Your RV needs to be well-ventilated in order to ensure you get the hot air, cooking smell and water vapour out of the caravan. In order to accomplish that, you may consider a caravan roof vent to keep unpleasant odours away.
Why a Caravan Roof Vent is a Great Idea?
Caravan roof vents are very simple inventions designed to ensure that you can have an enjoyable experience in your camper van and so that your days aren’t spoiled by poor weather. As their name suggests, they are placed on the roof of your caravan and help you ventilate your caravan and maintain good airflow. They can swing upwards from the roof surface using a hatch. Normally, they have a crank handle, so you can control it from the inside of your RV. The vents have a durable exterior that stops animals and insects from trying to sneak into your caravan from above. However, the main reason why so many people choose caravan roof vents is to keep moisture, bad smells and other nuisances out of their camper van.
Types of Camper Van Roof Vents
Roof Vent
This is a standard type of roof vents that can be manually adjusted to the opening to increase or decrease airflow. Some models feature a fixed opening, but this type of roof vents is often seen on older models of caravans.
Roof Vent Fans
This type of roof vents has a thermostat and inbuilt electric fan, so you can control the temperature or speed of the fan and adjust the ventilation in your camper van. A roof vent fan requires an electricity source to power the fan.
Pick the Best Roof Vent for Your Camper Van
To make sure you get the right roof vent for your caravan, there are a few key points to consider, such as the following:
Size
If you need to replace your existing roof vent, make sure you understand its size before purchasing a new one. If your camper van has never had a vent before, you’ll have some more freedom about the size you choose, but keep in mind that the price can vary depending on the size of the vent.
Material
You need a roof vent that’s made of durable materials as you don’t want to change it often. Most commonly, roof vents are made of plastic as it’s tough and lightweight, which makes it easier to crank up and down when you want to open or close it.
Installation
Before buying your roof vent, make sure you understand how it should be installed in your caravan. Most roof vents come with clear instructions and all the parts and screws needed for a successful installation process. If you’re not sure if you can do it properly, you can hire a professional to finish the job.
Price
Camper van roof vents can vary in price due to many factors, including the brand, which plays a big role as premium brands use higher quality materials compared to others. It’s always a good idea to have a budget in mind for your caravan rood vent purchase as it can narrow down your choices and help you make a decision. Investing in a high-quality product pays off in the long term as it will last longer and you won’t have to buy a new one anytime soon.
Benefits of Camper Roof Vents
Vents are often seen as optional, but having one is always a good idea as it can be beneficial to the overall caravanning experience for you and your family or friends.
Reduce the Temperature in Your Camper Van
One of the main reasons to get a roof vent is to drastically reduce the temperature throughout the summer months, especially if you’re travelling to some very hot areas where it can be difficult to be indoors if there is no air circulation.
Get Rid of Bad Odours
Another benefit of caravan roof fans is health and wellness related, as the air circulation removes bad odour. As a result, musky smells won’t develop in your caravan. This bad smell can affect your health and lead to respiratory implications and allergy developments as you’ll be spending a lot of time in the environment and you might not even realise it as your body gets used to it. Additionally, the bad smell can be an indicator of mould development.
Prevent Mould Build-Up
Installing a caravan roof vent can prevent mould build-up because it removes moisture from the inside of your RV. With a roof vent, the fresh air will be drawn into your camper van and prevent the build-up of stale air.