One of the best upgrades you can make to your adventure van is a reliable, high-quality ventilation system, and the Maxxfan Deluxe Roof Vent is the most recommended ventilation system in the caravanning and RVing community. This guide walks you through the requirements and steps for installing one on your van from scratch.
Before you pick up a drill, keep two critical points in mind: primer and sealant. Coat the cut metal edges with primer to prevent rust, and seal all gaps with a quality UV-resistant sealant to keep water out of your van.
Like other models in the Maxxfan lineup, the Deluxe series was designed by Maxxair with DIY enthusiasts in mind. It is straightforward to install on your own if you have the right tools, materials and a few hours to spare.
Will the Maxxfan Deluxe Fit Your Van?
That depends on what kind of adventure vehicle you have, and whether you already have other fixtures installed on your roof.
The Maxxfan Deluxe is one of several premium low-voltage fan roof vents from Maxxair. However, it is the most sophisticated model, featuring a unique rainproof design that allows you to operate the built-in fan whether the lid is open or closed.
In terms of size, the Maxxfan Deluxe is quite large, measuring approximately 25.5" (L) x 19.5" (W) x 11.9" (H). Your van must therefore have adequate space for proper installation and operation. This bulky design may not be ideal for smaller campers, such as 4WDs, that already have solar panels or roof storage boxes installed.
For installation, the vent still requires the standard 14" x 14" cutout, making it an excellent upgrade if your van currently has a passive vent or a basic fan vent with the same roof opening.
Manual Lift vs Power Lift Models
When shopping for your van, you should know the fan comes in two primary models: manual lift (lid operated manually) and power lift (lid operated electronically). The two differ only in operation and a few functionalities. Structurally, they are the same, including identical physical dimensions and installation procedures.
For this project, we will be working with the electric version, which is available in two different colour variants:
What Tools and Supplies Do You Need?
- Maxxfan Deluxe roof vent kit (provided): Inside the kit, you will find the main fan unit, flange assembly, interior garnish ring (or trim), remote control, and installation accessories such as mounting screws, electrical connectors and an installation guide.
- Drilling tool kit: A drill with various bit sizes (2.5mm, 3mm, 7mm and 10mm) for making pilot holes.
- Jigsaw tool kit: A jigsaw with a fresh metal-cutting blade for creating the roof opening.
- Caulking and sealant: Waterproof butyl tape and Dicor Lap Sealant (or another high-quality sealant) to prevent water leaks after installation.
- Basic tools: A screwdriver (or rattle gun), tape measure, marker pen, and a deburring tool (or metal file).
- Protective gear: Safety glasses (or goggles), earplugs, and nitrile or solvent-resistant rubber gloves.
Once you have gathered all the supplies, set them up on your workbench and begin the installation as follows.
How to Install a Maxxfan Deluxe Roof Vent Step by Step
Step 1: Choose an Ideal Mounting Location
The first step is to choose the best place to mount your new roof vent. This will vary depending on where you want the ventilation and the available space on your van's roof.
- Where to target ventilation: For general air circulation, the centre of the roof is ideal. For focused ventilation, such as improving airflow in the shower or bathroom, position the vent directly above or near those areas.
- Available roof space: Account for any existing or planned rooftop accessories such as solar panels, roof racks or cargo boxes, and ensure the fan can be installed without interference or obstruction.
Step 2: Mark the 14 x 14-Inch Cut-Out
After choosing the spot, measure and re-measure to ensure you get the 14 x 14-inch cut-out correct. Then position the flange assembly on the rooftop surface and trace around it with your marker pen.
Step 3: Cut the Roof Vent Opening
Drill a pilot hole inside each of the four corners of your marked template. One of these pilot holes will allow you to insert the jigsaw blade tip and begin cutting along the marking. The other three holes help you stay on track during the cut.
- Always wear protective goggles and earplugs before you start drilling.
- If your camper already has upholstery installed, cover it with a large nylon sheet or drop cloth. Even if the interior is empty, lining it makes cleaning up afterwards easier.
- You will need a large drill bit (around 10mm) to create a hole wide enough for the jigsaw blade tip.
- If your camper's roof metal is too hard to drill, start with a small hole and gradually increase the size — for example, begin with a 2.5mm bit, then 7mm, and finally 10mm.
Step 4: Deburr and Prime the Cut Edges
Your van now has the required 14 x 14-inch cut-out — the hardest part of the installation. But do not start mounting yet. Smooth the cut edges of the hole with a metal file or deburring tool, then coat the exposed metal edge with a quality primer to prevent rust.
Step 5: Pre-Drill the Mounting Screw Holes
Position the roof flange assembly over the hole with the integrated metal clips facing the sides of the van. Then pre-drill the screw holes and coat them with primer to prevent rust.
- The metal clips on the flange are used to secure the fan unit, and incorrect positioning will affect how the fan sits on your rooftop.
- The flange includes pre-drilled mounting holes, so use these as guides for where to drill on your van's roof.
- Use a small drill bit (like 3mm) to make the mounting screw holes.
Step 6: Mount the Roof Flange Assembly
Apply your Dicor Lap Sealant along the area where you have pre-drilled the screw holes. The sealant prevents any gaps where water might seep into your van, so do not skimp here — apply a generous amount. Then position the flange piece over it and screw it down.
- You can apply a strip of butyl tape on the underside of the roof flange instead of using sealant paste.
- Remember to position the flange with the integrated metal clips facing the sides.
- The kit includes three different sets of mounting screws for the roof flange, fan unit and garnish trim. Use the longest, slimmer screws to secure the roof flange.
Step 7: Apply Waterproof, UV-Resistant Sealant
Once the screws are tightened, add a layer of Dicor Lap Sealant around the outer edge of the mounted flange to create a waterproof seal. Make sure the sealant also covers the screw heads to prevent any water seepage.
Step 8: Secure the Fan Unit to the Flange
With the roof flange secured, you can now mount the fan unit onto it. First, open the lid (using the manual knob) to access the hidden screw holes pre-drilled on the sides of the main frame assembly. Then place the fan unit over the flange and fasten it using the provided screws.
- The metal mounting clips on the installed flange must be positioned toward the sides of the van.
- Before fitting the fan unit onto the flange, ensure the terminal wires drop inside the van.
- Place the fan unit on the flange with the hinge side facing the front of the camper so that the air louvres face the rear of the van.
- Use the four short, fat screws provided in the package to secure the fan unit to the flange.
Step 9: Connect the Fan to Your 12V Power Supply
At this point, the exterior installation is complete. The remaining work involves interior finishing, starting with connecting the fan unit's terminal leads to your 12V DC power supply.
The wiring process is straightforward, as the terminal wires come with labelled polarities — "+" for the positive line and "−" for the negative connection. Maxxair also includes spade terminal connectors in the package, so there is no need to purchase others.
- Before wiring, switch off your van's power supply.
- Maxxair recommends a minimum of 12V @ 5 amps for efficient startup and operation.
- The provided terminal connectors require wire crimpers for proper termination.
- The length of the terminal wires depends on the location of your chosen power source — whether connecting directly to the battery busbars, the fuse panel supply, or tapping into the nearest accessory circuit.
Step 10: Test the Fan Performance
After wiring the fan to your electrical system, briefly switch on the main power supply to test it. If the fan operates correctly, turn off the power again to complete the remaining finishing work.
Step 11: Install the Interior Trim (Garnish Ring)
The final step of the installation is adding the interior garnish trim ring over the fan unit. Simply cut the trim to fit your ceiling height, then install it using the remaining screws (with painted heads).
- To determine the correct garnish ring size, measure the distance from the installed fan's corner to your van's ceiling surface. Transfer these measurements (adding a 6–12.5 mm safety allowance) to the garnish ring and cut off any excess length.
- The interior trim covers the cut-out gap and conceals the wires, giving the installation a clean, professional finish. It also helps focus airflow to and from the van's living space rather than the ceiling cavity, so precision in measurement and the 6–12.5 mm allowance are important.
Step 12: Configure Your Settings and Enjoy
With the vent fully installed, you can now configure it to your preferred settings. As an electric fan unit, it can be operated using either the included remote control or the manual knob and keypad mounted on the fan itself. Available functionalities include:
- Opening and closing the vent lid
- Manually starting or stopping the fan
- Increasing or decreasing the fan speed
- Switching between intake and exhaust airflow directions
- Enabling or disabling the built-in auto mode
- Adjusting the thermostat temperature setting in Auto Mode
Maintenance and Replacement Convenience
In a nutshell, that is how easy it is to install the Maxxfan Deluxe Roof Vent on your adventure vehicle — whether it is a campervan, caravan or motorhome. When choosing supplies, ensure the sealant is marine-grade, formulated for both waterproofing and UV stabilisation to prevent deterioration after prolonged sun exposure.
After installing, your fan requires regular maintenance — especially cleaning — to maintain optimal performance. The bug screen mesh can be removed without tools, making monthly cleaning simple and convenient.
It is also worth mentioning that the Maxxfan Deluxe, like other Maxxair fan vents, features replaceable parts. While designed for long-term durability, this is a major advantage since you may never need to reinstall the entire unit again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size roof cut-out does the Maxxfan Deluxe need?
It requires the standard 14" x 14" roof cutout, the same opening used by passive vents and basic fan vents, which makes it a convenient direct upgrade. The unit itself measures approximately 25.5" (L) x 19.5" (W) x 11.9" (H).
Can you run the fan with the lid closed?
Yes. The Maxxfan Deluxe features a unique rainproof design that allows you to operate the built-in fan whether the lid is open or closed.
What power supply does the fan need?
It connects to your van's 12V DC electrical system, and Maxxair recommends a minimum of 12V @ 5 amps for efficient startup and operation. Wiring uses labelled positive and negative terminal wires with the included spade terminal connectors.
What is the difference between the manual lift and power lift models?
They differ only in how the lid is operated (manually versus electronically) and a few functionalities. Structurally they are the same, with identical physical dimensions and installation procedures.
Ready to upgrade your van's airflow? Browse our full range of 12-volt low-voltage roof vent fans at Campervan Builders and find the right fan for your build.
