If your adventure van has only one roof fan vent (or none), you may notice it's not sufficient for proper ventilation of your cooking area and bathroom. As a targeted fan, the MaxxFan Dome Plus can help keep these small spaces fresher and more comfortable by expelling stale air, moisture, heat and smoke to the outside.
As one of our most efficient low-voltage fans, this MaxxFan uses less than 1 amp of power (as we tested). It won't strain your off-grid battery, even when you already have a larger fan like the MaxxFan Deluxe or MaxxFan Plus on board.
Better still, the Dome Plus is simple to install and operate. This post focuses on installing this 12V caravan fan, covering everything you need β from the tools and supplies to the step-by-step process.
What Makes the MaxxFan Dome Plus Worth Installing?
Before we get to the installation, the MaxxFan Dome Plus Exhaust Vent is one of the bestselling exhaust vents worldwide β and now available in our store. It's manufactured by MaxxAir, the most trusted brand in RV ventilation, famous for vent covers that fit over existing camper vents to allow airflow while keeping out bugs, debris, rain and other elements.
The Dome Plus features a compact domed design suited to small camper spaces such as bathrooms or kitchens. It can be installed on either the roof or the sidewall, but since the unit includes an interior trim ring with integrated LED lighting, we recommend roof installation for optimal performance and lighting.
In short, it combines powerful active ventilation with bright white LED lighting, keeping your space both fresh and well-lit β a cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for a separate light fixture in that area. Six other attributes you should know about include:
Reliable Air Extraction Power
The fan measures 6 inches β compact yet powerful enough to significantly improve air quality in small to medium spaces like kitchens or bathrooms. It offers 200 CFM of airflow, which means it would complete two full air exchanges in a standard 1,036-cubic-foot camper in ten minutes.
Exhaust-Only Ventilation
This MaxxFan model is an exhaust-only fan, designed to push air out of your camper rather than draw it in. That makes it ideal for roof installations above kitchens or bathrooms, where you need to remove moist, stale or polluted air efficiently.
Heavy-Duty, Durable Build
Constructed from high-quality, UV-resistant plastic, the unit withstands long-term exposure to sunlight and outdoor conditions. Its durable housing ensures a long lifespan on the roof of your campervan, caravan or motorhome.
Compact and Stylish Design
The vent has a compact, low-profile design, measuring approximately 2.4 inches (6.1 cm) when closed and 3.625 inches (9.2 cm) when open β ideal if you'd like to conceal it under your roof rack, or when that's the only spot left for a fan.
The interior trim comes in a white finish, complementing both modern and minimalist interiors, while the exterior housing is available in two distinct colour options:
- White MaxxFan Dome Plus Exhaust Vent β a versatile, classic style that blends seamlessly with clean, bright rooftops.
- Black MaxxFan Dome Plus Exhaust Vent β an elegant choice for darker or matte rooftop finishes.
Designed for Dry and Wet Weather
True to its name, the vent has a domed, mushroom-like design that ensures optimal ventilation even in rainy conditions. Its removable domed fan guard doubles as a rain cover, giving you consistent airflow all year round, whether it's raining or scorching hot.
Low Power Requirements
This is a 12V campervan accessory, meaning it integrates easily with your vehicle's existing battery system without any voltage step-up or conversion. According to the manual, the fan requires a minimum of 12V @ 2A to operate, though our post-installation power tests showed it consumes even less in practice.
How to Install the MaxxFan Dome Plus on Your Campervan, Caravan or Motorhome
This exhaust vent is easy to install if you enjoy DIY projects β just make sure all the components and tools are ready before you begin.
What's in the Kit
- Fan unit: The core component that mounts to your camper's roof, featuring the fan (to exhaust moisture, fumes and odours), circuitry controls, fuse cap, manual handle, fine-mesh bug screen and fan guard.
- LED light garnish ring: The interior trim piece that attaches to the fan unit from inside your camper, covering the gap between the ceiling and the cut-out while providing additional illumination.
- Interior sleeve: A 6-inch PVC extension that secures the garnish ring to the fan unit on roofs thicker than 1 inch.
- Rain shield: An add-on cover that mounts externally around the fan unit to prevent water ingress, especially on sloped rooftops.
- Installation components: Basic hardware including 12 screws (8 for rooftop mounting and 4 for the garnish ring), wiring splices and an installation pamphlet.
Tools and Supplies You'll Need
- Drill and hole saw: To cut a 6-1/4-inch diameter opening in your van's roof.
- Tape measure: For accurate measurements of your mounting hole.
- Screwdriver: To fasten the vent securely in place.
- Butyl tape: To apply under the flange if your roof has ridges, helping level the fan base and enhance waterproofing.
- Sikaflex sealant (or equivalent): To provide a watertight seal after installation.
- Silicone remover: To clean oils, dust and other contaminants from the surface before sealing.
- Pencil: To mark your drilling points for precise placement.
- Plastic sheet: To protect your camper's interior from falling metal shavings during cutting.
- Safety glasses: To shield your eyes from debris while cutting the mounting hole.
Step-by-Step Installation Directions
- Gather all supplies and tools. Collect everything listed above, skipping any optional items you won't need for your setup.
- Choose the mounting location. Select the ideal spot on your van's roof, take careful measurements for the mounting hole and mark the spot with a pencil. Tip: measure twice (or more) before drilling β once you cut through your camper's roof, there's no going back.
- Line up the plastic sheet. From inside your camper, spread out a plastic sheet so all metal shavings fall onto it during drilling.
- Cut the mounting hole. Attach the hole saw to your drill, climb onto the roof and drill a 6-1/4-inch diameter hole at your marked location.
- Smooth the mounting hole. Smooth the cut edges with a deburring tool (or file), then coat the edges with rustproof paint to prevent corrosion. Tip: apply two to three coats, letting each dry completely before the next.
- Add a screw anchor (if needed). If your campervan doesn't have a ceiling board, install a piece of plywood over the hole from the interior side, drilling a 6-1/4-inch hole through the wood as well. This backing anchors the mounting screws for a stronger, more secure hold.
- Level the fan's flange. Apply a strip of butyl tape to the underside of the fan's screwing flange.
- Mount the vent. Insert the unit into the mounting hole, ensuring it sits flat on the roof's surface, and feed the terminal wires through so they hang inside the camper.
- Secure the vent. Check the fan sits flush with the rooftop, then fasten it with the eight provided screws. The flange has dimples that clearly indicate where to insert the screws β no guesswork needed β and the screw points are evenly spaced to distribute stress. Tip: temporarily remove the fan guard to access the flange screw points more comfortably.
- Waterproof the installation. Remove any excess butyl that squeezed out, clean the area with silicone remover, then apply a bead of Sikaflex (or equivalent) around the entire flange edge, covering each screw head for maximum waterproof protection.
- Reattach the rain shields. Refit the fan guard. If the vent sits on a sloped roof, fit the included rain shield over it with the louvers facing the downward slope. The exterior installation is now complete.
- Power up the fan. Disconnect your van's power supply, then connect the fan's black and white terminal wires to your 12V DC output, matching the correct polarity. Tip: you can connect to a nearby circuit, battery busbar or fuse panel β then briefly restore power and press the fan's button to confirm it operates correctly.
- Power up the LED lighting. Disconnect the power again, connect the positive and negative wires of the LED light unit to your preferred 12V DC source, then restore power to test the lighting.
- Final finishing. Insert the sleeve extension into the LED garnish ring, aligning the pre-cut notch with the wiring. Raise the garnish ring to the ceiling, centre it over the fan opening and secure it with the remaining four screws. Tip: you only need the PVC extension piece if the roof thickness exceeds 1 inch.
Power Consumption and Noise Test Results
That's how simple it is to install this exhaust vent in your campervan, caravan or motorhome. If you're not confident in your tools or skills, have a professional handle the installation to ensure it's done safely and correctly.
The Dome Plus is similar to the standard MaxxFan Dome, but with the added benefit of an LED lighting garnish ring. After installation, we tested the accessory: it draws only about 0.7 amps β translating to 7 amp-hours over 10 hours of use (0.7 A Γ 10 h). Remarkably efficient.
It also operates quietly, producing a soft, white-noise-like hum, while the integrated LED lighting provides bright, clear illumination β bright enough that you may not need additional lighting in that area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does the MaxxFan Dome Plus draw?
The manual specifies a minimum of 12V @ 2A, but our post-installation tests measured only about 0.7 amps in operation β roughly 7 amp-hours over 10 hours of continuous use.
What size hole do I need to cut?
You'll need a 6-1/4-inch diameter opening, cut with a drill and hole saw. Smooth the edges and apply two to three coats of rustproof paint before mounting the unit.
Does it come with a light?
Yes. The interior garnish ring has integrated white LED lighting that's bright enough to potentially replace a separate light fixture in that area.
Can it go on a sidewall instead of the roof?
It can be installed on either the roof or the sidewall. However, because the trim ring includes LED lighting, we recommend roof installation for optimal performance and lighting.
Ready to upgrade your van's ventilation? Order the MaxxFan Dome Plus with LED sleeve from Campervan Builders and enjoy a fresher, brighter camper on your next trip.
