Are you looking forward to traveling in your RV but dread how hot and humid it can get inside? Then, you’ll likely benefit from vent covers. If your RV doesn’t have an indoor air conditioner, you should get the covers before your next big trip.
RV vent covers are necessary for many people. They keep an RV’s ceiling vents open, even in bad weather. That way, hot air can escape the RV, helping to keep it cooler and more comfortable. A vent can also provide a breeze, which is great if you don’t have air conditioning.
This article will cover everything you need to know about RV vent covers, including what they are, the benefits of using them, and why they’re considered a necessity. If you are also interested in other van build-related tips and tricks, check our van build resource page.
Why RV Vent Covers Are Necessary
Think about your last stay in the RV: Were you comfortable, or was the air stifling and hot? If you recall the latter, you’re sure to significantly benefit from adding quality vent covers to your camper. They keep out the elements and prevent humidity from building up inside.
The makers of RVs make their campers as waterproof as possible to keep you safe and dry. However, this also traps humidity inside of the RV. Any time you cook, heat water, or take a hot shower, the moisture will stay in the camper. Over time, even breathing builds up humidity inside.
The roof vents on your ceiling help to release humidity and hot air from the RV. Without them, you would be very uncomfortable in your camper. If you can’t leave them open, you might as well not have them. This alone makes RV vent covers a must-have travel item.
What Is an RV Vent Cover?
An RV vent cover goes over the top of your roof vent. This item protects you from debris, water, and bugs that would otherwise work their way inside the RV. In addition, the covers allow you to leave the vent open as needed, no matter what the situation is outdoors.
Vent covers don’t always come included with an RV and must be purchased separately – which is highly recommended. They are essential for air ventilation and even allow natural light into your RV.
The Benefits of Using an RV Vent Cover
There are many different benefits of using a vent cover on your RV – some of which you may not expect. If you’re on the fence about whether or not you should get vent covers for your RV, the following benefits should be enough to convince you of their necessity.
RV Vent Covers Remove Humidity
You want to provide as many ways to remove moisture from the trailer as possible since it can allow mold to grow inside. And RV vent covers are a great way to lower the humidity in the RV.
RV vents allow humidity to escape from your vehicle. Options that include fans are best for removing humidity, but even a basic vent will work well. With the cover, you can leave the vent open consistently and remove moisture more effectively.
RV Vent Covers Remove Odors
The roof vent removes odors from the RV. You can receive this benefit constantly with a cover- providing your vehicle with fresh, clean air. If your RV has a strange smell in it, you can definitely benefit from a vent cover.
Bad smells can stay trapped in a trailer for a long time. However, leaving your roof vent open will help you deal with any odors.
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RV Vent Covers Allow for Air Circulation
Your RV needs circulating air to prevent staleness from building up inside. So if you are storing your camper soon, you should make sure that you have a vent cover beforehand. There’s nothing worse than opening your RV after a few months and being met with stale, foul air.
Circulating air keeps your trailer fresh and cool when in use. Overall, you want to leave the vents open as often as possible- having a vent cover helps with that!
RV Vent Covers Keep Temperatures Comfortable
Having vents open can help keep the temperature inside of your RV comfortable. Without the additional humidity, you’ll feel much better- especially during the summer.
Trailers have a greenhouse effect when they sit in the sun. With a vent cover, you can undo some of that heat buildup.
How RV Vent Covers Work
RV vent covers are controlled from inside the RV, so you don’t have to climb on the roof every time you want to use it. Some have electronic controls, others you open on your own. Either way, the vent will open and turn on from the inside.
Your model should come with a fan. This tool allows the cover to draw in air and circulate it throughout the RV. If you need one for your camper, I recommend that you try the MAXX AIR Original Vent Cover from Amazon.com. It comes in the standard size and works great at circulating air.
How To Install RV Vent Covers
RV vent covers come in the standard size of 14 in x 14 in (35.56 cm x 35.56 cm). The manufacturers ensure you can easily buy them for any trailer or camper by having a consistent size. Plus, it makes installing them much easier for you.
You can hire someone to install the RV vent cover for you or learn how to install it yourself. The cover should come with most of the tools you need, such as the sealant or putty. However, you might need your screws and screwdriver.
How to install your RV vent covers:
- Removing the old vent and applying the sealant around the hole on top of the RV
- Insert the vent into the newly open space and seal it by pressing it down hard
- Ensure the vent is securely in place with screws
Each vent cover is slightly different and will come with its own set of instructions, but this video will provide a general idea of how the process should go:
Final Thoughts
RV vent covers are there to protect your trailer from the elements, debris, and pests. They also allow your vent to stay open, providing you with improved air circulation and a reduction in humidity. Overall, they are a necessity for many people.
