Van Life Essentials How to Install a Roof Fan in a Van

This is number eight in a series of videos on how I converted my van into a cozy, but tiny, little home. In this one, I show you how to cut a hole in your roof to install a Fantastic Fan. If you're ever anywhere it's hot, a powered, reversible vent is absolutely essential to staying comfortable in a van or RV!
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Thanks for watching!

Пікірлер: 126

  • @OnTheHighWatch
    @OnTheHighWatch7 жыл бұрын

    From another OLD guy let me say thank you for your obvious abilities to teach and the patience you exude in your delivery. You are a class act. I wish I had the calm demeanor you have.

  • @franv3572
    @franv35727 жыл бұрын

    Hi Bob, My husband just installed our Fantastic Fan yesterday, but I really enjoyed your video showing how to do it. Knowing "how" to do things lessens fear and doubts. I cannot imagine how much time and effort you have put into your website and all of your "how to" videos and the interview videos. I love all of the practical advice that you share, and the interviews with RV-ers are very powerful. I just wanted to say thank you. You are making a difference in this world. A good difference. Take care, Fran V

  • @rioseventytwo1121
    @rioseventytwo11217 жыл бұрын

    Bob, your vids are the best. After watching your demo, I actually feel like I could do that. Usually after watching other people's videos I end up thinking just the opposite...Omg! I could never do that!!!! lol Thank you, Bob for all you do.

  • @CarrieMtn
    @CarrieMtn7 жыл бұрын

    Bob i really like your videos. I especially like your interviewing style. You are kind, patient and respectful. In today's video, you gave me another reason to admire you. You gathered up your trash. Most people would have just flung it over the side of the van. Your actions made me smile. Thanks for all you do.

  • @HatRatt

    @HatRatt

    6 жыл бұрын

    Oh, gathering the trash is how I tell a good contractor from a not so good contractor. Which one do I like to hire?

  • @shawnlund

    @shawnlund

    4 жыл бұрын

    Come to Canada, the rest of the world doesn’t just throw its garbage on the side of the road like you see in the US.

  • @suzyhall2608
    @suzyhall26087 жыл бұрын

    This is great, Bob! Every job that looks simple NEVER is - and I like to see what it REALLY involves. This whole series on the van build is just wonderful. (But I'm glad you showed us the finished van first - to take out some of the anxiety!) Thank you!

  • @justfloating3944
    @justfloating39447 жыл бұрын

    ....Bob (and Terry) thank you SO much for teaching us these things! Not only are we learning HOW to do it, but that we CAN do it! So encouraging! Love all you videos!

  • @mikegregory2535
    @mikegregory25357 жыл бұрын

    What I learn when I watch your video's is that you. Like your toys and Love your people, I hope to meet you one day.

  • @BanjoismyBFF
    @BanjoismyBFF7 жыл бұрын

    Haha Bob, you're adorable, Hi up there :) hee hee. Loving the updates on your van build; how exciting!!

  • @gigicats6
    @gigicats67 жыл бұрын

    I would be so scared to cut that hole in my roof. Well done!

  • @suedavis681
    @suedavis6817 жыл бұрын

    I hope that I never have to do this but I so appreciate learning about it. It will make me an excellent "supervisor" if I get to watch someone else doing this install. Kinda like the hubby that watches the plumber and offers his tips. Maybe I'll just watch and keep my mouth shut. Nah....no fun in that!

  • @stellaswancounselling
    @stellaswancounselling7 жыл бұрын

    Hi Bob, I just want to tell you how much I appreciate and love your channel. I have been following you for a very long time. You and the people you've interviewed have totally encouraged us to make the move from house to small space. We are in the process of downsizing and selling off stuff. We are scared to death but whenever we get cold feet, I check out your sight for encouragement and to help me get back on track. Keep up your amazing work. Love you Stella x

  • @ajdow
    @ajdow7 жыл бұрын

    I found that working with thin paneling, it's easier to use a sharp utility knife. I recently cut some luan ply and only had to run around the lines I cut twice with the blade. The project turned out flawless.

  • @DisabilityExams
    @DisabilityExams7 жыл бұрын

    Here's a tip - put a towel on the roof, and keep all your tools on it. At 1:20 you scratch the paint with the tip of your drill bit. In a wet, humid environment, that will eventually cause a rust problem. You don't want to allow any metal to contact any painted exterior part of your van. Also, hearing protection while sawing metal is a good idea.

  • @jonthebru

    @jonthebru

    7 жыл бұрын

    I Installed safety equipment on police, fire and ambulance vehicles for a (very) long career. Antennas, light bars, etc. I've drilled holes into thousands of vehicle roofs. You learn the hard way to clean up as you go along. To be clear, I don't want to take away from what Bob and his team does, I admire what is done here. I really like how Cody seems to make an appearance in every video!

  • @daleannharsh8295

    @daleannharsh8295

    7 жыл бұрын

    ....and goggles,....and gloves (Having metal slivers in my thumbs from grinding the top of an old van I know this is a good idea from personal experience.)

  • @ginaordonez9371

    @ginaordonez9371

    7 жыл бұрын

    JDave Foster i

  • @shawnlund

    @shawnlund

    4 жыл бұрын

    JDave Foster I got the distinct impression he doesn’t much care about scratching his van. Some people are just ham fisted hacks that don’t much care.

  • @davidfirchau5745

    @davidfirchau5745

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@jonthebru p] poll

  • @todddunn945
    @todddunn9457 жыл бұрын

    A suggestion for the next time you do this. Since you drilled through the paneling from the top, you can use those holes to mark the paneling inside the van and then make the panel cut from the bottom using a laminate cutting blade. Laminate blades cut on the down stroke and have fine teeth so will give a nice chip free cut through the panel.

  • @lovingatlanta
    @lovingatlanta7 жыл бұрын

    👍Excellent "how to" video. I appreciate how encouraging Terry is along the way.

  • @janetgreen4440
    @janetgreen44407 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Bob for teaching ME how to do that! Your the best Buddy. Happy Trails.

  • @helenevallee6ix
    @helenevallee6ix7 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for posting this. You've turned something that seemed out of my reach into something I now feel I'll be able to do myself.

  • @rowloeightyeight3425

    @rowloeightyeight3425

    7 жыл бұрын

    That's the dream!

  • @tracyjamestavares3255

    @tracyjamestavares3255

    7 жыл бұрын

    Go get em !

  • @livingyourbestlife711
    @livingyourbestlife7115 жыл бұрын

    I know I came a little late to your video, but that was a great tutorial on installing a fan vent. I enjoyed your patience with it. I'd have done it with one of those "Sawzall's" rather than with the jig saw. thanks for sharing!

  • @Wagons-Rule
    @Wagons-Rule7 жыл бұрын

    Watch those fingers Bob! Going to have to do that on mine now, thanks for giving me some confidence. :-) Greetings from Wales.

  • @dawnmtwild5409
    @dawnmtwild54092 жыл бұрын

    I sure hope I win this van. Each and every video has caused me such anxiety but I think cutting the hole in the roof was the worst. 😂🤣

  • @onesunchaser5184
    @onesunchaser51847 жыл бұрын

    Great video Bob thanks for sharing, cutting holes in the roof is definitely intimidating so it's good to see it happen first. Helps take the edge off.

  • @whatdidyouthinkwouldhappen1203
    @whatdidyouthinkwouldhappen12037 жыл бұрын

    We just bought this fan and installed it, thanks to your videos I was able to explain how to fit the inside frame to the guy who worked at the strore. :) and my husband. Love the fan also.

  • @ezza88ster
    @ezza88ster4 жыл бұрын

    Great vid al round. One tip- Make sure and use safety goggles if you jigsaw sheet metal. Easy to get a metal filing in your eye; and that's a real bad day / trip to hospital!

  • @VintageModiste
    @VintageModiste7 жыл бұрын

    Great video! You made something that would be very intimidating to me, look feasible. I just love your channel, stay safe!

  • @grumpygrumpgrump136
    @grumpygrumpgrump1367 жыл бұрын

    That made my knees hurt Bob.

  • @rowloeightyeight3425
    @rowloeightyeight34257 жыл бұрын

    Your dog is such a well behaved good puppy... I love the work you do too Bob, you are leading the way as my Mom would say...

  • @myralhf
    @myralhf7 жыл бұрын

    I was just thinking today sunroof, vent and here we go...thx!

  • @ravagarcia
    @ravagarcia7 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Bob; now I know how to do it that will be my next protect 😊

  • @steventaylor5713
    @steventaylor57137 жыл бұрын

    You had me yelling at my computer,,didn't you hear me telling you to be careful on the roof of that van LOL,,,,,,,,,,I sounded like a mother Robert you get down from there

  • @lukeFugate
    @lukeFugate7 жыл бұрын

    Looks like a pretty easy install. I may have to get one of those for my van. A little tip(which I will use seeing that my interior is finished)is to tape a cardboard box over the hole on the inside to catch all the mess falling through. That's a little trick I used to use when installing lights in a finished house.

  • @cindyc-thedogsandme.
    @cindyc-thedogsandme.7 жыл бұрын

    Very fun to see how this is done. Thanks

  • @JonTanOsb
    @JonTanOsb7 жыл бұрын

    If you run the drill in reverse first, it will make a starter dent and won't skitter around. Then you put in in forward to drill.

  • @GeorgePencilArt
    @GeorgePencilArt7 жыл бұрын

    Dimple... brilliant. Well, it looks like I'm gonna have to borrow or rent a jigsaw... unless they are affordable. Seems they'd come in handy to own. Another great show and tell. Thanks :D :D

  • @livinmydream7823
    @livinmydream78237 жыл бұрын

    When I installed my air vent (I don't have ANY experience) I think it was the easiest project I've done on my build. I intentionally didn't put insulation and didn't put that much, so to my surprise it cut the plywood/paneling ceiling. Great video's!!! You and Terry are doing an awesome job.

  • @dianebauman5125
    @dianebauman51255 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your Videos & explaining details so well. We are retiring at 70 yrs. age & want to save finances by doing our own build in a cargo van. Just wondering if you have a video on how you did your "bed" build?

  • @ladybea1438
    @ladybea14387 жыл бұрын

    Great job Bob

  • @a206h
    @a206h7 жыл бұрын

    tape on the base of your jigsaw will help with scratches as well

  • @IMSiegfried
    @IMSiegfried7 жыл бұрын

    Very helpful! Thanks, Bob and Co. :)

  • @creativehearts7127
    @creativehearts71277 жыл бұрын

    Great to watch!

  • @Hiker_who_Sews
    @Hiker_who_Sews7 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, Bob. Very helpful.

  • @feb221964
    @feb2219647 жыл бұрын

    Love your tutorials Bob. They are so detailed and it makes everything look so much doable from this end and leaves out all the guessing. thank you so much for sharing.

  • @gypsyhobo3016
    @gypsyhobo30167 жыл бұрын

    Nice!

  • @julituli6768
    @julituli67687 жыл бұрын

    l learn so much from you, God bless you and your beautiful heart.

  • @tonymcdonald8654
    @tonymcdonald86547 жыл бұрын

    wondering if you have a sawsall, blade length wouldn't be a problem. Really enjoy your video's. Keep up the good work!

  • @ginnymccrary5833
    @ginnymccrary58334 жыл бұрын

    This video and the one following about installing the Fantastic Fan. Your instructions were great! You gave me the confidence I needed to install mine. Thanks!

  • @tracyjamestavares3255
    @tracyjamestavares32557 жыл бұрын

    Thanx 4 yr time an Demo.. Dif. RVs , Dif vents , Dif. tools . same job . Paint that whole roof w/ Rino Liner an most important is to paint those plastic vent covers w/ Rino liner . It makes those vents small Cal. bullet proof

  • @lovingatlanta
    @lovingatlanta7 жыл бұрын

    😍Ooh La La - Men with power tools...I think I'm here for the wrong reason. 😁

  • @debicaron4869

    @debicaron4869

    7 жыл бұрын

    LovingAtlanta. lol

  • @creativehearts7127
    @creativehearts71277 жыл бұрын

    Awesome, awesome!

  • @Mmbohn1
    @Mmbohn17 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for doing this and showing me! You are wonderful!😊

  • @RetiredTony
    @RetiredTony7 жыл бұрын

    gREAT job buddy BOB!!

  • @maryreeves9285
    @maryreeves92857 жыл бұрын

    Awesome instructive video Bob. But, you scare me crawling around on that ladder. I'm a 69 year-old great grandmother who has enjoyed your videos for awhile now and maybe just a little jealous of your lifestyle. I hope that your Mom is feeling better. Take care and be safe out there.

  • @KittyGirlTravelProductions
    @KittyGirlTravelProductions2 жыл бұрын

    This is next on my list to do.

  • @WanderingNature
    @WanderingNature7 жыл бұрын

    If you would have drilled the four corners then inside draw lines where to cut the paneling that might have been a easier choice, thank you for the video

  • @PatsTreasuresNCrafts
    @PatsTreasuresNCrafts7 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Bob! We needed to know this! Very helpful, as usual! :)

  • @johnsmithy9304
    @johnsmithy93046 жыл бұрын

    Appreciate the video now I won't order one of those fans I don't want to see plastic on top of my classic . Good video appreciate it

  • @ingamoon6663
    @ingamoon66637 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video!

  • @mcouragee
    @mcouragee7 жыл бұрын

    love your stuff

  • @ronpeted
    @ronpeted7 жыл бұрын

    Heckuva job you're doing . Nice vid .

  • @davet7663
    @davet76637 жыл бұрын

    Good job Bob! Thanks! I sure wish some of these folks with suggestions and comments would make youtube videos so we all knew the perfect way to do it (

  • @justbnme97330
    @justbnme973307 жыл бұрын

    Will you or have you done a video on your electrical? love your videos - thanks!

  • @xyz12383941
    @xyz123839417 жыл бұрын

    Love this stuff...

  • @HappybyChoice
    @HappybyChoice7 жыл бұрын

    Very helpful video!

  • @promotolife3783
    @promotolife37837 жыл бұрын

    Damn Bob. You get around good for an old guy. Crawling around on your knees is hard enough on the ground but you are doing on top of your van! I'm so impressed. That looks great! Hey Cody! I heard him right there at the end. Awesome video Bob. Thank you. Once again right on time. Any suggestions for handling a fabric headliner vs Luan? Hope you are doing ok.

  • @kenschwinghammer4480

    @kenschwinghammer4480

    7 жыл бұрын

    Do not drill holes for the vent , use a small center punch , this leave more metal for the sheet metal screws to attach to .

  • @noviceprepper5397
    @noviceprepper53977 жыл бұрын

    good job. thanks for sharing

  • @1960genius
    @1960genius7 жыл бұрын

    AWESOME!!

  • @karenchun6413
    @karenchun64137 жыл бұрын

    Don't forget your safety glasses. Bob (and I) wearglasses but if you don't, you want to be sure one of those little metal shards doesn't fly into your eye.

  • @jonthebru

    @jonthebru

    7 жыл бұрын

    Karen! How the heck did you get here? Do you wanna run away and live in an RV or van on the mainland too!?

  • @vegasfordguy
    @vegasfordguy7 жыл бұрын

    Measure twice and cut once, you really turned this into a project. It's nice to see that you're happy and smiling, Good job.

  • @stewmiller778
    @stewmiller7785 жыл бұрын

    'A hole in the roof' reminds me of a song, but I cannot put my finger on it.

  • @peterandrews4172
    @peterandrews41727 жыл бұрын

    Tape a box to the ceiling to catch all the debris ; only have to drill 2 holes in opposite corners to cut out top

  • @howardlunsford3140
    @howardlunsford31407 жыл бұрын

    good video thanks for sharing

  • @sandrastembridge4226
    @sandrastembridge42265 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for video. Hole is 14.25 by 24.25

  • @Lotuslaful
    @Lotuslaful7 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing. It helps. Just curious why not cut before you put up insulation etc? Is it easier this way? Glad to see this done since I'm sure it is an anxious moment for all who venture to cut into their vehicle!

  • @nicosheldonflorendo
    @nicosheldonflorendo6 жыл бұрын

    I was thinking u can put strong small magnets inside/ outside to ensure u line up correctly.

  • @surtisbranch9570
    @surtisbranch95706 жыл бұрын

    would it have been better to install the vent before the roof paneling?

  • @mrmagoo9901
    @mrmagoo99017 жыл бұрын

    Cool..

  • @CathysVanlife
    @CathysVanlife6 жыл бұрын

    My fantastic fan doesn’t sit high up like yours does on the outside. The dome on top, sits right down on my roof. So inside, the fan and knobs hang down enough to hit your head on them. My ceiling has about an inch and a half of insulation and I’m wondering what model you have that perches it up higher on the top of your roof. Hope that makes sense, lol

  • @RemusKingOfRome
    @RemusKingOfRome7 жыл бұрын

    The LDV V80 Van has a roof section that doesn't have any ribs or corrugations. Designed to fit a window or vent i assume.

  • @melissaedsall5030
    @melissaedsall50305 жыл бұрын

    Can you do this to a fiberglass high top roof ? Or just the metal?

  • @12vLife
    @12vLife5 жыл бұрын

    Would you say the hole is exactly 14x14? I have this idea …. to make the hole a standard 14x14 so it's compatible with popular vents, but plan to build a custom slightly reclined (like 5 inches) aluminum stand and then use Butyl tape and clamps (from the inside) after screwing it to a 20 x 26 solar panel frame to secure it down. there will be a good 3 - 5 inches of over hang to keep water out so it would have to be raining side ways and the frame itself will have a nice tight seal to stop running water. Also I would have a mosquito inside.

  • @luigiprovencher8888
    @luigiprovencher88883 жыл бұрын

    Does Ryobi have a cordless electric shop vac?

  • @armallya
    @armallya7 жыл бұрын

    No water seal around the fan?

  • @Sharpshooter-77
    @Sharpshooter-777 жыл бұрын

    Just wandering why you chose to wait to put this in, I.e., after finishing inside?

  • @nancynightingale6267
    @nancynightingale62677 жыл бұрын

    HELPFUL HINT: LAY DOWN AN OPENED PLASTIC TRASH BAG ON BED TO CATCH THE DRILLING MESS. QUICK CLEAN UP.

  • @songsparrowadventures
    @songsparrowadventures7 жыл бұрын

    Great video. Is there a reason why you didn't put in the fan before insulating and panelling?

  • @jackiem1093
    @jackiem10935 жыл бұрын

    Why did you put the fantastic fan in after insulation and walls done?

  • @BlueVanDan
    @BlueVanDan7 жыл бұрын

    Try taping the BOTTOM of the jig saw...???

  • @tomre2769
    @tomre27694 жыл бұрын

    Hey Bob? There is a hole in your roof..! :-)

  • @stanleytolle416
    @stanleytolle416 Жыл бұрын

    Cutting a hole in the top is straight foward. I don't have any panneling on the inside just a head liner and insulation fiberglass type. How do I mount the ganarsh piece on the inside? Do I build some sort of box? How do I trim the inside garnish. Like if I try to screw in the garnish the screws will go through the roof? How come no one is showing how to do this?

  • @denmonjones2509
    @denmonjones25093 жыл бұрын

    If this isn't the way things go every damn time.

  • @chevyvantravel9735
    @chevyvantravel97357 жыл бұрын

    is the next video coming up tomorrow ? 6-13-17?

  • @donaldwhitehead1170
    @donaldwhitehead11707 жыл бұрын

    I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in, and stops my mind from wandering. Where it will go-o.

  • @thomasevans9777
    @thomasevans97777 жыл бұрын

    I've got a conversion van and of course the interior walls are covered. Any tips or tricks for finding ribs or wires before cutting? Thanks.

  • @billknutson5517

    @billknutson5517

    7 жыл бұрын

    Thomas Evans Are conversion van walls, roof and floor insulated or just carpeted over?

  • @billknutson5517

    @billknutson5517

    7 жыл бұрын

    Glen Spivey Thanks.

  • @thomasevans9777

    @thomasevans9777

    7 жыл бұрын

    Insulated. thin wood covering and carpet.

  • @paulhornik1591
    @paulhornik15914 жыл бұрын

    Next time have terry do it, geez

  • @NiteshKumar-tn8xt
    @NiteshKumar-tn8xt5 жыл бұрын

    You only need to drill two holes diagonally opposite

  • @farmers-daughter2000
    @farmers-daughter20004 жыл бұрын

    Knee pads would save your knee joints. Just a precaution.

  • @redwood1957
    @redwood19577 жыл бұрын

    I don' see any wires for the fan

  • @larrygrasso6032
    @larrygrasso60327 жыл бұрын

    How's your knees feel from being up there..? I would have kneepads my knees are tender...lol

  • @marcusboxall7383
    @marcusboxall73833 жыл бұрын

    why doesnt he cut the whole first then do insulation after?

  • @biffagump8B
    @biffagump8B Жыл бұрын

    You actually only need 2 holes on diagonal to cut that square out.

  • @aceburns8673
    @aceburns86737 жыл бұрын

    measure twice, cut once. or use a template