A Brief Guide to Replacing Your RV Roof Vent

When you own an RV, some of the most important components requiring your attention center around your needs. You need clean water, access to an energy source, and of course, clean vents. Dirty vents mean poor air supply and sometimes even bad smelling odors. With a brief guide to replacing your RV roof vent, you’ll keep your air source crisp and fresh!

Get the Right Size

Measure the roof opening for your RV vent. By failing to do this, you risk buying the wrong size, and while the standard size for the hole is 14-1/4 x 14-1/4 inches, this isn’t always the case. Using a measuring tape, determine the size of the opening.

Pro Tip

Don’t forget to measure the garnish size. This piece covers the opening inside of your RV—think of it like the vent covers in your home. Since the size may vary, measuring the dimensions of the garnish is as important as doing so for the vent opening.

Know the Options

Research and understand your options and the vent you purchase. You want to keep your home away from home cozy, and the best replacement does that. Take time to investigate all your options, so the vent you buy is an improvement.

Gather the Necessary Tools

Once you’ve done all the prep work, gather the tools. Some of what you’ll need includes:

• A jigsaw
• A pen and straight edge
• Some screws
• A drill
• A caulk gun

All these tools help you remove the old vent and install the new one. Although this may sound like a bit of work, replacing your roof vent is necessary. Luckily, you can do it in a few easy steps:

• Remove the old garnish – Begin by cutting the trim to remove the old garnish.
• Remove putty – There may be old putty or sealant, so remove it with a knife or tool.
• Place new vent and seal it – Place the vent in the hole and screw it into place.
• Install garnish – Screw the new garnish in and test the vent.

As you replace your vent, be careful not to cut any other wires you may come across. You may need to tuck some away or push them to the side to avoid accidentally cutting one.

Pro Tip

Make sure the vent is level before you seal it or finalize the installation. It’s also worth noting that different vents may differ slightly in the installation process. For instance, if the vent has a fan, you have a few wires to connect to a power source. When in doubt, always follow the directions that come with the vent you purchase.

Now that you’ve read through this brief guide to replacing your RV roof vent, you’re ready to replace that vent in your RV! RV Parts Center has RV vent covers for sale so that you can make replacements with ease. Keep your home away from home in tip-top shape for every adventure!