Most every RV contains a certain design feature that also is a serious design flaw. That’s why some clever people created a special $11 product (http://amzn.to/11fspXp) to “fix” the feature. Odds are that your own RV has this feature. Sure, this feature offers some nice benefits in summer, but it also causes problems. And if you are winter camping, this “feature” mostly leaves your teeth chattering.
Have you guessed what ubiquitous RV “feature” we’re discussing?You guessed it (well, some of you guessed it): we’re talking about RV ceiling vents. Almost every RV, from small travel trailers to huge motorhomes, has ’em.
As a feature, they offer some nice benefits to an RV by facilitating the smooth circulation of fresh air throughout the rig. They also offer a dose of warm sunlight on cool days.
Unfortunately, from a design standpoint, these features are also flaws. They are not insulated, so they allow heat to easily transfer between the RV interior and the outside environment. They also can be the source of damaging water leaks.
Put three inches of foam between you and Old Man Winter. (Click the pic for more info.)
Yes, RV ceiling vents are great when you want to circulate fresh outside air and sunlight into your living space. They work well because they are basically large holes in your roof.
I’m no architect or physicist, but I know that placing holes in the roof of an outside structure has a few downsides.
Today we’re concerned with the heat transfer issues. These holes allow heat to enter your living space during the summer, when you want to get the most out of your cool air-conditioning. During winter, they allow your precious heat to escape.
This is why few brick-and-mortar homes are built with large holes in their roofs. (That hasn’t been the norm in North America since tepees went out of style.)
The reflective surface also helps keep your air cool in the summer! (Click the pic for more info.)
The Camco Sunshield RV Vent Insulator is simply a 3-inch thick piece of fleece-covered foam that’s cut to fit your vent opening. These fit standard 14-inch RV vents. The upper side of the insulator is covered by a silver reflective surface that blocks UV rays.
This product requires no installation tools, can be easily inserted into the RV vent opening, and can be removed at any time without any long term impact.
In other words, it’s like a square pillow that’s specially made to order for your ceiling vent. You just stuff it in the big hole in your ceiling. Remove it any time you please. (It comes with velcro tabs, but they usually are not even necessary.)
As an added bonus, these vent covers block light. Sleeping late? You will appreciate the blackout benefits of these covers.
The upshot is that this product keeps your RV cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It has no long term impact on your RV, and helps eliminate a few of the flaws associated with that feature.
