Does the big roof vent really belong in an RV

[ardvark]

Our 2019 Northstar came with the big roof vent over the bed: something I never would have ordered given the multiple comments on the Internet from folks who have had trouble with theirs. Anyway, ours just spontaneously cracked in multiple places for reasons unknow. No tree hits, no hail, opened the day we picked up the camper, but never again and shade never closed more than 1/2 way. Babied it to death fearing exactly what has now happened. Cracks are on the inside layer, not the outer so I give up. We have used clear Gorilla tape to cover the cracks which looks like crap, but serves the purpose. Given the cost of a replacement, I am hesitant to order something that might just crack again. I question whether the use of something known to be problematic should be used in an RV, but then I got to thinking. Why should the roof vent be any different than most other RV components? 🙁

Steve and Andra
2012 F350 6.2 gasser SRW LB
Fab Fours front and rear in case we run into a rhino
2019 Northstar Laredo SC

[Stan]

Built-in problems don’t get changed because the people responsible aren’t using the RV themselves like we do. They don’t have to dig in their pocket to pay the same price to park one in there driveway and certainly don’t have to drive half a day or more to take it to a repair shop, miss work, maybe pay for a motel while its being repaired or have to actually pay for a repair.

2017 Arctic Fox 1150 Dry Bath, 510 watts Solar, 300 Ah lithium battery, 2000 watt MPPT inverter, A/C, propane genset, various cabinet mods. Previous 2007 Arctic Fox 990 and 5vr.

2007 Dodge 3500 4x4 5.9 Cummins dually.

[Stan]

Mistakenly double posted.

2017 Arctic Fox 1150 Dry Bath, 510 watts Solar, 300 Ah lithium battery, 2000 watt MPPT inverter, A/C, propane genset, various cabinet mods. Previous 2007 Arctic Fox 990 and 5vr.

2007 Dodge 3500 4x4 5.9 Cummins dually.

[Zack R]

Sounds like an issue with the vent materials or design. On my 1997 Bigfoot camper the original vent (and escape hatch) over the bed still works fine.

I did just replace the bathroom vent cover though since it was brittle and cracked.

[Kevin MacAfee]

I’ve list count if how many MaxxFans I’ve seen busted over the years. Given the stressed the fans encounter,you’d think they would build them with less plastic. I for one would pay extra for a well built, sturdy fan.

[Kevin MacAfee]

I’ve lost count of how many MaxxFans I’ve seen busted over the years. Given the stresses the fans encounter,you’d think they would build them with less plastic. I for one would pay extra for a well built, sturdy fan.

[ardvark]

The vent in this case is one of those giant panoramic models that are so popular now in many campers. Depending on the source $500-$800 dollars, Competitor of better quality is at least twice that. Not an insignificant amount!

Steve and Andra
2012 F350 6.2 gasser SRW LB
Fab Fours front and rear in case we run into a rhino
2019 Northstar Laredo SC

[Author]

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