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All RVs need a good vent. It’s what allows you to get fresh air flowing in any weather, covers your overhead fan, and keeps the interior of your RV from getting stale or, even worse, full of stinky scents. Installed on the roof of your camper, your vent cover also prevents water, debris, and even sunlight from sneaking inside through your overhead opening. This means these covers can really take a beating, experiencing everything from sun fading and damage to harsh weather. When it’s time to upgrade your existing RV vent cover, you’ve got to find a new one that offers the right fit, the right material, and the right durability. We’ve done the hard work for you, and you can browse some of the best RV vent covers right here.
Best RV Vent Cover Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Camco RV Roof Vent Cover
Best Value
Camp’N Universal RV Roof Vent Cover
Honorable Mention
MaxxAir Black Vent Cover
Best for Extra Airflow
Fan-Tastic Ultra Breeze Vent Cover
Best Tinted
Heng’s RV Roof Vent Cover
How We Selected RV Vent Covers
How did we separate the best RV vent covers from all of the lesser-quality products available? Well, we took a look at the vast selection online and sought out covers made by well-known and reputable RV brands. From there, we looked for covers that could work with a wide range of different vents and opted for those that fit a standard-size vent (or offered as much a universal fit as possible). Along the way, we considered details and features like the material of each cover, longevity, durability, and weather protection as well as UV protection.
Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. While we haven’t conducted real-world testing on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.
Buying Guide/What to Look For
Picking out the perfect RV vent cover for your camper’s roof can be a bit complicated. From finding the right style and size to choosing a durable material to taking the weather into consideration, there are a whole lot of factors at play in the process. So, where should you start? Right here, with our tips, suggestions, and shopping advice.
Types of RV Vent Covers
Basic Vent Covers
Your typical RV vent cover is pretty simple: It’s a hard-sided cover that’s placed over your RV vent fan, featuring louvers on one side to allow airflow in and out. These basic vent covers don’t move or open. Instead, they simply sit in place and are only adjusted or removed as needed. Some, however, do feature removable louvers for cleaning. And others may come with built-in or additional insect screens to keep bugs and debris from sneaking inside your camper.
Hinged Vent Covers
If you want a bit more flexibility and customization for your RV’s vent and vent fan, you can opt for a hinged vent cover. This style of cover lays flatter than a basic vent cover, with a much lower profile to reduce drag and make the roof of your RV more aerodynamic. With a hinged cover, you can crank it open and upwards to let air flow freely. When you’d like it closed (such as when it starts to rain or when you no longer need to run your RV vent fan), you can just as easily use the crank to close it and keep the outdoors truly outside.
RV Vent Cover Key FeaturesSize and Fit
Before you can consider any other features or details of an RV vent cover, you’ve got to check out its size and fit. Not all vent covers are designed to fit all RVs and their fans, and if you don’t get a cover with the proper fit, you’ll have issues installing it.
While most RV vent fans will work with a 14 x 14-inch cover, variations can exist between different makes and models. Even the brand and style of fan you have installed can affect the size and fit you need for your camper. For example, some covers will work with Ventline ventilators, but only if they were made before 2008. Additionally, some covers won’t work with high-powered ventilators; you’ll have to find one that does.
Material and Color
A quality RV vent cover will be made out of a durable material that can last you quite a while. Keep in mind that this material will need to survive everything from sun exposure and UV rays to all kinds of weather (plus temperature changes and potential extremes). So, you’ll want to make sure the cover you choose can survive all of these campsite challenges. Many are made out of plastic, but there are different types. High-density plastics tend to be stronger and they can be enhanced with perks like UV protection or an exterior clear coat.
Additionally, don’t forget about color. Light-colored covers can limit the amount of heat your RV roof absorbs, which is ideal for hot climates. Dark-colored covers do the opposite and can increase heat, so consider which is right for you.
UV Protection
One of the biggest problems with RV roof covers? Over time and many days spent sitting in direct sunlight, they can fade, crack, and become completely unusable. That’s why it’s such a smart idea to opt for a cover that’s UV-protected and able to survive harsh UV rays. Covers can be treated or coated with UV-resistant materials, or their overall material may be UV-resistant. Make sure to check out what real-life users have to say about the UV durability too to get a good sense of how long a cover will last.
Tips and Tricks
As with something you do for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. That’s the case with us and RV vent covers. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.
- If you’re hoping to make upgrading your RV cover as effortless as possible, look for products that include all the hardware you’ll need to save yourself money and time.
- Looking for a complete RV vent assembly? These are more expensive and comprehensive than your basic RV vent cover, and they typically include the fans themselves but they do allow you to upgrade your entire vent assembly at once.
- Most RV vent covers can be installed by just one person, but the interior work can be easier with two people, so it’s a good idea to enlist help.
FAQs
Q: Are all RV roof vent covers the same size?
Most RV roof vent covers are the same size but not all. 14 x 14 inches is the standard or “universal” size that most covers are designed to fit. However, some RVs may have larger or smaller ventilators, which means you’ll need to opt for a non-standard cover that fits your exact model.
Q: How long do RV vent covers last?
It varies from product to product, and factors like sun exposure, weather, and cover material can all affect a cover’s longevity. But on average, you’ll want to replace your RV vent cover after five years.
Q: Are RV vent covers really necessary?
Unless you enjoy having insects, rainwater, and debris inside your camper, you’re going to find an RV vent cover to be a necessary addition. These covers literally keep outdoor woes outside and include screens to prevent debris and bugs from sneaking through your RV’s fan. Without a cover, you’ll get pretty damp should it start to rain or snow.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the best RV vent cover out there, we like the Camco RV Roof Vent Cover. It’s durable, easy to install, and will work for you if you’ve got a standard vent size. However, you can also opt for the affordable Camp’N Universal RV Roof Vent Cover if you’re hoping for a mix of lower price and good quality. Which RV vent cover is your pick for your RV?