Recommended Roof Vent For A 2004 Aliner Classic That Won't Extend More Than 1" Below The Ceiling

Updated 01/15/2026 | Published 08/27/2024

Products Featured in This Question

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

(389)

$23.22

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

(239)

$24.05

MaxxFan Mini Plus Manual RV Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan - LED Light - White

(93)

$122.87

MaxxFan Mini Plus Manual RV Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan - LED Light - Black

(86)

$119.94

Question:

Im trying to find a vent fan to replace the original vent in a 2004 Aliner Classic. This is an a-frame popup camper where the roof sections fold down on top of each other when closed. Due to this, no part of the fan may extend below the inner trim piece. The roof is only ~1inch thick, so maximum distance from the roof flange to the bottom of the fan or any knobs cant be greater than approximately 1 1/8. None of the manufacturers that Ive checked on publishes this specification. I took a shot and bought one, but the depth is 2 1/4inch see photo Are you aware of any fans that will fit a 1inch thick roof and remain fullly recessed in the opening so that they dont extend below the ceiling?

asked by: Kenny W

roof vent
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hi Kenny,

The MaxxFan Mini Plus Manual RV Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan # MA00-03851 is able to fit a 1" thick roof and would not extend further than an 1"below the ceiling. The bottom portion that you'd see inside the trailer is 3/16" thick and the largest part sticking out past it would be the knob which is 1/2" tall for a total of 11/16" sticking out below the ceiling. This vent also includes a built-in LED light since it doesn't allow for light to pass through the cover like a traditional vent. These can come with either a black cover # MA00-03851 or white # MA00-03801.

Since you have such a small thickness you can just not use the middle garnish ring and can either hang onto it or toss it. You'll want to pick up some butyl tape # AL28FJ and self-leveling sealant # 34427034145-1 I've attached a short video below where I'll help walk you through the installation process.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Lazer S.

1/12/2026

Hey Kenny, how did the MaxxFan Mini Plus work out for your Aliner Classic’s 1-inch roof? It sounds like the low-profile design might be just what you needed. Your feedback could really help others with the same tight roof clearance.

Kenny W.

1/12/2026

@LazerS Thank you for your input, and while it did appear that the MaxxFan Mini Plus would fit my mounting requirements, it had a much smaller than standard fan diameter so I didn't think it would be able to move a sufficient volume of air. I ended up building a spacer out of two sheets of plywood in order to extend the space available to recess the original fan I bought further back into the ceiling. The end result is a much higher profile on the exterior than the MaxxFan Mini Plus would have been, but it provides the flow volume I desired. I would say that the MaxxFan might be a good option for others who camp in cooler climates, or who have air conditioners available to use. But it would likely be insufficient as the primary method of cooling in warmer areas.

Lazer S.

1/15/2026

@KennyW A spacer makes sense. Glad you were able to use what you had, returns can be a pain in the rear. Let us know if there is anything else can help with down the road and have fun out there!