Van DIY

Updated on October 13th, 2020

We originally were not planning on installing a roof vent fan in the van. The reason for this was almost entirely because we wanted to be able to park it in our garage. It only took about 20 minutes in 80-degree weather for us to change our minds. This should come before installing insulation but we managed to make it work anyway.

We recommend before you install the fan that you test it to make sure it works. A jump pack is great for this!

Disclaimer:  In the interest of transparency, please be aware that this post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for us at no cost to you.  We only recommend products and services that we use, love, and trust.

Tools Used:

• Jigsaw
• Drill
• Caulk Gun
• Measuring Tape
• Straight Edge

Materials Used:

• Fan-Tastic Vent Fan
• Lap Sealant
• Self Drilling/Self Tapping Screws (#6 x 3/4″)

Measuring

We decided to place our vent fan at the back of the van for two reasons. One, it would pull air the greatest distance from front (at the windows) to the back, which would create the most “breeze”. Two, we were trying to make it so that we could still pull the van into the garage to at least work on the engine. Laying on concrete to get under the van is better than gravel.

Using the trim piece that came with the fan we eyeballed where we wanted the fan to be from inside and then drilled at the center point. Prioritize centering it to the front back measurement versus the side to side because you’ll be able to get a better centerline from the roof.

Measure 7″ from the drilled hole to the front and back. Then find the center point from side to side. We used a square to make sure we had 90-degree angles and finally measured corner to corner to make sure it was a square.

Cut the Hole

This was probably the scariest thing we’ve done on this whole build. Cutting a 14″ square hole in the roof of the van. Yikes!

First, drill holes just inside each of the corners to give the jigsaw somewhere to start. Then cut each side of the square. Congratulations you now have a skylight!

Installing the Fan

Tape off the area so that you don’t end up covering the whole roof in lap sealant and then use acetone to clean the surface. You do not need to be stingy with the sealant. Less is not more in this case. Remember, this sealant is going to be the only thing keeping you from waking up in a puddle. Well, unless you make a different kind of puddle.

Place the top piece of the roof vent fan on top of the sealant and then screw in place with self-tapping screws. Wipe away any excess sealant, and remove the masking tape.

You’ll need to have your headliner installed before you can install the interior trim for the roof vent fan. We had to trim it so it sat flush and then screw it in place.

We will cover wiring the fan into your 12-volt system in our electrical post!

Next Step: 12 Volt Van Electrical System

Previous Step: Van Plumbing

For All The Steps Vist Our Van Build Page

Comment below with your questions! We’d love to help!

Updated on June 17th, 2021

For our van plumbing, we decided to go simple.  Like we have said in other posts, this is an adventure van, not our full-time home, so having a shower or toilet was not a high priority for us.  Our van plumbing consists mainly of running potable water and will eventually have a composting or chemical toilet. All we care about right now is the ability to wash hand and dishes in the sink and have easily accessible drinking water.

[Read more…] about Van Plumbing