Troubleshooting A Leaking MaxxAir MaxxFan In A 2021 Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite Travel Trailer

Updated 07/09/2024 | Published 02/14/2023

Products Featured in This Question

MaxxAir Mini Manual RV Roof Vent - Non-Powered - White

(54)

$88.94

LaSalle Bristol XTRM Universal Self-Leveling Sealant - White - 10.1 oz - Qty 1

(407)

$30.47

Alpha Systems Butyl Tape for RV Weatherproofing - 20' x 1" x 3/16"

(269)

$24.05

MaxxAir II RV and Trailer Roof Vent Cover w/ EZClip - Black

(804)

$53.75

Question:

I have a rockwood 2021 minilite trailer . There are cracks in the inner fan shroud where water leaks in. The corner peices where screws attach to inner roof are cracked or broken . This is a MaxXair fan. housing shroud ID 13 1/2 inch od lip 16 3/8

asked by: Stephen L

Expert Reply:

The inner shroud of the vent is for looks only so it's very concerning that you're getting water through the cracks in it from overtightening the mounting screws. This would be an indication that you have a leak originating somewhere up on the roof.

This is typically caused by a damaged lid or poor sealing job when installing the vent. If the lid is the issue then I would need to know the specific model to find the correct replacement lid. There's also covers like the # MA86JR that can be used with standard roof vent lids to help prevent water from ever getting in.

As for the mounting flange you'll want to use butyl tape # AL28FJ along the bottom of it to prevent water from leaking in through the screw holes as it will spin up the threads of the screw forming a seal. You'll also need a very generous amount of self-leveling sealant # 34427034145-1 over the flange and screw heads to prevent water from even getting to the screws and cover any gaps between the roof and flange so that water will run off the roof of the trailer. I've attached a short video Shane did for this sealant explaining the importance of really layering it up over any roof mounted accessories.

There is also the possibility that you have a hole somewhere else on the roof and that the vent just happens to be a low point for the water to pass through.

I'd love to see some pictures of the vent from the roof to see exactly where this issue is coming from. With your trailer being so new I'd bet that either the lid was hit by a tree branch and cracked or the manufacturer incorrectly installed your vent.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Cracked Inner Shroud
(click to enlarge)

Penny R.

7/9/2024

Hi. Can you forward the video mentioned please. I have a new Transit Trail with a factory installed vent that is leaking. It has saturated the insulated and upholstered roof and side by the side sliding door.