Does Smoked Lid On MaxxAir Roof Vent W/Fan Actually Shade The Interior? DIY Cargo Trailer Camper

Published 02/25/2026

Products Featured in This Question

MaxxAir MaxxFan Rooftop Vent w/ Pivoting Fan - 4 Speed - Manual Lift - Smoke Lid

$366.34

MaxxAir FanMate RV and Trailer Roof Vent Cover - 26" x 18-1/8" x 10-1/4" - Smoke

(512)

$107.57

MaxxAir MaxxFan RV Rooftop Vent w/ Pivoting Fan - 4 Speed - Manual Lift - White

$473.15

Question:

We’re converting a cargo trailer into a camper and trying to decide between the smoked and white lid. I like the darker look of the MA36WV, but I don’t want it to make the interior darker. Does the smoke lid change how it looks inside?

asked by: Tyler

Expert Reply:

Hey Tyler, great question - and no, the interior appearance is the same on both models.

On the MaxxAir roof vent w/fan # MA36WV, the smoke lid only changes the exterior lid color. Inside, the trim, controls, and fan assembly are identical to the white-lid version # MA96WV. The smoke lid can slightly reduce direct glare from sunlight, but it won’t dramatically darken your interior. Now if the white lid was actually clear/transparent, then it may be a bigger difference.

Performance-wise, both give you 400 CFM, four speeds, and the same low amperage draw of only 2.5-amp. If you’re building from scratch, I’d also suggest adding a FanMate cover # MA00-955003 which pairs nicely with those vent fan models so you can leave it open in rainy weather. Otherwise you'll want to make sure you twist the knob under the vent to close it up if rain hits.

How far along are you in your cargo conversion - already running 12V wiring, or still in the planning phase?

expert reply by: Andrew N