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Old 09-26-2018, 06:41 AM   #1
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Fan in emergency exit

Hello has anyone found a nice way to install a fan in the the emergency exit hatch?

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Old 09-26-2018, 10:55 AM   #2
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Most members remove the hatch and skin over the 24" hole with sheet metal and then cut the fan into that pieces. I did that, but instead used tinted Lexan to cover the hole. This way I have a 5" space around the fan as a semi skylight.
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Old 09-26-2018, 11:51 AM   #3
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Thanks - was hoping there was an off the shelf adapter... maybe I will make one
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Old 09-27-2018, 08:03 AM   #4
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I built my own using fan from a fantastic vent. Escape hatch is still usable.






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Old 09-28-2018, 09:44 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by somewhereinusa View Post
I built my own using fan from a fantastic vent. Escape hatch is still usable.






I like this idea. I want to be able to get on the roof still.
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Old 09-28-2018, 10:11 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by somewhereinusa View Post
I built my own using fan from a fantastic vent. Escape hatch is still usable.
I like this idea, as it offers an opportunity for another layer of security. Seems my old plastic hatch would break if kicked from the top, especially as it is 20 years old and beginning to dryrot.
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Old 09-28-2018, 01:07 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by Mountain Gnome View Post
I like this idea, as it offers an opportunity for another layer of security. Seems my old plastic hatch would break if kicked from the top, especially as it is 20 years old and beginning to dryrot.
It doesn't even take that much to break one.
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Old 09-28-2018, 01:09 PM   #8
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It doesn't even take that much to break one.
And it would be just as easy to breach that wood hatch if someone wanted to get in, so no added security.
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Old 09-28-2018, 01:31 PM   #9
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like many others here I just skinned over the roof hatch and then cut my 14x14" hole and installed the new maxx air fan. I had 2 emergency exits in the roof the other one got a roof top a/c unit I salvaged from a camper. I didn't anticipate needing roof access so I just covered them up. If I need to get on the roof, I also have a ladder from the scrapped camper that I could install or just use a ladder. I don't have a frequent enough reason to get up there. I do like somewhereintheusa's fan mode to keep access to the hatch.
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Old 09-28-2018, 01:53 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Rovobay View Post
like many others here I just skinned over the roof hatch and then cut my 14x14" hole and installed the new maxx air fan. I had 2 emergency exits in the roof the other one got a roof top a/c unit I salvaged from a camper. I didn't anticipate needing roof access so I just covered them up. If I need to get on the roof, I also have a ladder from the scrapped camper that I could install or just use a ladder. I don't have a frequent enough reason to get up there. I do like somewhereintheusa's fan mode to keep access to the hatch.
I'm 100% for skinning over the stuff up top!



I used 18 ga steel but anything is better than the cheap, brittle plastic hatches!!
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Old 09-28-2018, 10:01 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by o1marc View Post
And it would be just as easy to breach that wood hatch if someone wanted to get in, so no added security.
That wood one in the picture shown on this thread, yes. Mine, no. I would build one that is more secure.

And I want my top hatch. Keeps the bus so much cooler, and I want to be able to pull into Burning Man and climb on the roof with a chair, cold drink, and doobie, to watch the freaks and weirdos without them getting a chance to touch me and turn me into a zombie or something....or maybe some chick wants to hang out the hatch waving at people topless as we drive through big cities. Had a chick do that in the back of my pickup driving through Atlanta in the early 1990s. I was 22...she was 17....thought I was going to jail for a while that night.....wild one she was....one of my best friends ever....till she got into meth....now she is dead from a heart attack....may she rest in peace. May that be a lesson to you kids!
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Old 10-02-2018, 11:53 PM   #12
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Exclamation

Holy hell, that last post was a ride in at least three interpretations of the word.

The ceiling fans look good. I like how somewhereinusa kept the hatch functionality.
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Old 10-03-2018, 07:42 AM   #13
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I put mine in the small vent right above the doghouse up front, the vent leaked anyway and I figured the further up front I could get it would help with air circulation and the remaining 2 hatches in the living compartment I put 2'x2' lexan smoked domes in and so glad I did because they bring an a lot of light in when I want or just pop in a cover and its dark.
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Old 10-03-2018, 09:05 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StefN View Post
Hello has anyone found a nice way to install a fan in the the emergency exit hatch?
I removed the emergency hatch door - and cut a 1/2 plywood piece to fit over it (22" x 22") - with a 14" square in the middle - painted it with marine paint - screwed it to the emergency hatch frame - and attached the fan. It has worked great for over a year - and survived a Hurricane - so I think I will keep it.

I can't find a picture of it - but it is on my "The Biggie Bus" thread.
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Old 10-06-2018, 08:56 PM   #15
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Actually; I was thinking I would simply buy a replacement hatch for the emergency exit, cut the 14 x 14 inch hole in that and mount one of those roof camper ductless ac units into that hole instead of risking the patent roof surface.
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Old 10-07-2018, 08:08 AM   #16
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Actually; I was thinking I would simply buy a replacement hatch for the emergency exit, cut the 14 x 14 inch hole in that and mount one of those roof camper ductless ac units into that hole instead of risking the patent roof surface.
Unless it's different than all of the escape hatches I've seen, that hatch is just made of plastic. Not something you could mount an AC to.
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Old 10-07-2018, 10:04 AM   #17
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roof hatch

The roof ac units have a much larger foot print so the weight sits on the rest of the roof (or so it appears).

The 14 x 14 opening is for the duct / vent and passes power / thermostat wires, an for the cost of a replacement hatch I figured it was worth a try
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Old 04-12-2021, 11:47 AM   #18
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Successful Vent Fan-E Hatch Install

Hey guys,


I figured I would post a success story to let you all know we had great luck installing our vent fan into the E hatch. And it only took half a day!

We cut the hole using a combo of a skill saw, jigsaw, and a dremel to fine-tune the edges and rounded corners. We had to cut the flange a little to fit the contours of the E hatch. The flange and unit do not sit perfectly flush inside or outside the bus, but we knew they wouldn't and planned accordingly. We also trimmed down the handle on the roof, but it is still easy to use if needed. The inside handle fit perfectly and didn't require any trimming.

We wired the fan in through the hatch, leaving enough loose wire in split loom for those times when we feel like opening the E hatch fully.

The whole thing was secured in place with a healthy amount of sikaflex and enough screws to make us feel good about it not flying off our roof (this happened to us in BC, Canada once in an old RV). We will be adding RV roof tape up top once it arrives in the mail to stave off any leaks or pooling water.

We are super happy with the results. Let me know if you guys have any questions!
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Old 04-12-2021, 05:10 PM   #19
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i just ordered a 12 volt 16 inch radiator fan kit. im going to use a switch to give it 3 speeds and make a way to hook it up up there that also can be removed
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Old 09-19-2021, 03:48 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
I'm 100% for skinning over the stuff up top!



I used 18 ga steel but anything is better than the cheap, brittle plastic hatches!!
18 ga seems pretty heavy..what's the lightest you would use for a roof top A/C?

Max air vent?

TIA...
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