While many RVs these days come equipped from the factory, or the previous owner, with Maxx Air vent covers installed, it is not always the case. Vent covers are handy to have, as they allow you to have your vents open while travelling or when it’s raining. This allows you to have fresh air circulating through your rig without necessarily having your windows open or air conditioner running.

Vent covers are very simple to install and make for a great beginner DIY project. In this article I will walk through the installation of the Maxx Air vent cover, including a slight departure from the installation instructions that make it even easier!

Note that roof vents that incorporate large exhaust fans, such as Fantastic Fans® require different models of vent cover that allow higher air flow. Be sure to consult your RV parts dealer or the Maxx Air (or equivalent) website for specific application information. However, the installation process will be similar to that shown here.

Once you have your Maxx Air cover (or any other brand), unpack the contents of the packaging and separate the hardware from the cover. You should have a set of angle brackets, carriage bolts, washers, nuts, and some machine screws. If you want to make the job slightly easier, acquire four #8 x 5/8 (or similar length) self-tapping screws, which don’t come with the kit. These will replace the machine screws and nuts.

Any 14” roof vent can be covered by a vent cover. The following steps will illustrate how the installation is performed:

1. The first step is to place the cover over the vent for proper positioning. Ensure the open, vented side of the cover is facing the rear of the coach. Center the cover side-to-side but leave more clearance at the back of the cover to allow the non-hinged edge of the vent to swing open and closed without binding.
2. Once you have the cover positioned, go inside the RV and wind the vent up and down to make sure it has clearance across the full range of motion.
3. When you have verified proper positioning and clearances, make a mark on the RV roof at each of the four corners where the bolt holes appear on the cover. Use either the inside or outside holes, but not both.
4. Remove the vent cover and place a bracket at each marked location as shown. Be sure to insert the carriage bolt through the bracket before placing the bracket against the vent frame. Make sure the slot for the carriage bolt is located inline with the mark made in the previous step.
5. Here, the manufacturer instructions may call for drilling a hole through the vent frame to install the machine screws. A much easier option is to simply screw a self-tapping sheet metal screw through the frame as shown here. As indicated above, a #8 screw approximately 5/8” in length will suffice. A battery powered screwdriver or drill is required here, but make sure you don’t over-torque the screws. Repeat this process for all four brackets.
6. Once all four brackets have been secured to the vent frame, place the cover over the vent, making sure all four carriage bolts go through the cover slots. Slide the bolts in the bracket to achieve proper alignment. Go inside the RV and check for clearances again, as the vent cover can still be shifted in the slots.
7. Once final clearance has been confirmed, place the star washers, flat washers, lock washers, and nuts on the carriage bolts and tighten the nuts using a socket or wrench.
8. Since no holes were drilled in the RV roof, no sealant is required.

With this do-it-yourself task accomplished, you can feel satisfied that you have saved money, and it may give you the confidence to attempt other basic, or even more advanced projects.

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