Can I Mount a Roof Vent on the Wall of my Trailer?

Updated 10/12/2026 | Published 10/04/2026

Question:

Can I mount this fan on the rear wall of my homemade trailer?

asked by: Josh C

Expert Reply:

Hey Josh!

I wouldn't recommend mounting the MaxxFan Roof Vent # MA00A04301K on the rear wall of your homemade trailer. MaxxAir designed this fan to mount horizontally in a 14" x 14" roof opening, with the lid hinge facing toward the front of the trailer.

It may be physically possible to mount it vertically, but that would be a custom installation outside of MaxxAir's intended setup. My main concern would be water intrusion, especially from wind-driven rain and road spray hitting the rear of the trailer while you're traveling.

For a rear-wall installation, a vent that's specifically designed for sidewall use would be the better option because it's made to shed water properly in a vertical position and will give you better protection from that spray.

What kind of trailer are you building, and do you expect the rear wall to see a lot of road spray or wet-weather travel?

expert reply by: Jerry B

Josh C.

10/12/2026

Jerry, Thanks for the response. I have a 7'x14' (+2' dovetail) open trailer with ramps to haul my tractor. I'm building a "BOX" camper approx. 7'x12' x 7' high to slide onto the trailer and fasten down to take camping. The front of the trailer is going to slope back 2' and I am going to keep the roof at 12' long so there will be a 2' overhang on the rear to protect the door area and firewood. I will look into the vertical mount exhaust vents to put one up high on that rear wall to draw out some heat. I don't like roof penetrations... easiest place for leaks to happen. Thanks, Josh C

Jerry B.

10/12/2026

@JoshC Understandable! That sounds like a really cool setup. What kind of amenities are you planning on add to the camper you're building? We'd love to see photos of it as well!