Added a roof vent to my fiberglass topper shell.

Nice work

 

Crom, I hope this works out for you. Those dark color shells (even WITH vented side windows) the heat builds up. I used to put white shells on no matter the truck color specifically for that reason.The difference is noticeable.

Someone here recommended slapping some of this 3M 1080 vinyl wrap on the tops of dark shells and cabs. http://www.metrorestyling.com/3M-1080-Scotchprint-Matte-White-Vinyl-p/matte1080m10.htm

I see a 5' x 10' sheet is $108, I'm thinking about doing that. I think that would reduce the heat buildup somewhat, maybe even significantly.

 

Thanks!

I bet that white vinyl would help. I have thought mad thoughts like mounting a mirror to the roof rack.

What would work excellent is anything that creates about 1" of air space above the roof line. Last year I sketched some plans for a solar panel framed in aluminum angle mounted directly to the Yakima tracks, but never made it happen. My shell roof is very convex compared to the long bed shells. As I recall that was one of the challenges I wrestled with; even the factory installed Yakima tracks were installed with an arc to follow the roof line.

Thanks Deevon.

 

Yeah if you could have that airgap that means you're at ambient air temp, the sun isn't cooking the shell up 40 degrees. Could you rivet some plastic sheets onto your rack, like those for flourescent lights? Maybe tint them? That could work. Cut slots for your tie downs.

 

A tropical roof like they used on the Series Land Rovers would be pretty cool (pun intended).

Which vent did you go with? I bought one of the Sunforce vents but won't have a chance to mess with it until I get back to the States. http://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-8130...rds=Sunforce+81300+Stainless+Steel+Solar+Vent

 

I did not know about the tropical roofs! Very cool concept. I see folks had a discussion a few years ago on EXPO about it.

That looks like a nice vent you got. I had unique constraints in that I needed something very low profile < 4" tall. I went with a Canplas ABS vent cap for $15 from Amazon. I already had the 4" ABS pipe.

Here is a picture from the test fit:

I may revisit this concept. I realize that above the cab I'm pretty much ready to go in that I have a roof rack that covers the whole cab, I would just need to line it with something. On the drivers side I get a little relief from the solar panel array.

You can see it in this picture:



Fabbing something for the shell would be a fun challenge because it has to function and still look good.

 

Wait a sec. How about a trailer roof vent? Or did you already consider this? Crank operated from the inside, 12vdc fan, seals well, build up the base with putty to fit the contour of your roof. This one is 2 3/8" closed, 3.25" open with 12vdc fan: http://www.etrailer.com/Enclosed-Trailer-Parts/Ventline/VP-543SP.html

This one is 4.5" closed, 10" fully open, adjustable with the crank: http://www.etrailer.com/Enclosed-Trailer-Parts/Ventline/V2094SP-34.html

May not work for Crom, but could work for me. A smoked plastic version would look good on the darker shells.

 

This may be overkill for some, but I've got these in the roof of my RV and would add one if I had another topper. You set the temperature; it opens, fan speed automatically adjusts to maintain temp and if it rains... it closes itself.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/fan-tastic-ceiling-fan-vent-with-remote-control/37333

 

I updated the OP with more photos and a "how to" on installing a vent on a shell. Hopefully it helps someone out.

I like that round one. It would probably work very well. Low profile too. I could always upgrade in the future too. I looked at the larger ones but I felt that the 14"x14" hole was overkill for me.

Very cool!

 

I ordered one of the small round ones, the 61/4". Yeah, 14x14 is too much. They're good stout vents, but. Great idea, I'm glad you posted about it. I'm used to lighter colored shells, this dark gray one I can feel the difference as soon as I open the rear window, the heat comes bellowing out. I have a 12vdc slot open on the shell I can plug the fan into.

I think I'll slap that 3M 1080 white vinyl wrap on the top once the paint is cured, 5'x10' sheet is $108, 5'x8' $88. Either one would cover the top of the cab and the shell enough to relieve some heat.

 

Great write up Crom.

How's it holding up so far?

 

Thanks! It is doing very well, I am surprised in fact by how well it works. Adhesive is fully cured now and I've driven it freeway speeds, it's rained, no issues at all. Very happy

That vent should work great!

The heat bellowing out is a thing of the past for me now. The heat goes out the vent! It works! It really works! I've been taking measurements each day and on average the vent is keeping the shell 20*-25*F cooler near the roof line.

I read some product literature on the 3M 1080 Vinyl after you first mentioned it. It seems like a very good product. I want to say that I read that it should be considered permanent if left on the truck for 3 years. I would want to know more details about the removal process post-3 year mark. And what is the expected lifespan on vinyl in years if left on roof in full sun? If it adds more maintenance to the truck I'll skip it. These are just random questions that go through my brain as I think about it...

 

Nice job Crom

 

Excellent, congrats. Here's a .pdf from 3M and an excerpt:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...sP7MU_QRfjrjgLFWQ&sig2=v87kuZUWNrr7GHjQIJBEzQ


D. Film series 1080 can be removed?
[FONT=Arial,Arial Narrow][FONT=Arial,Arial Narrow]Film series 1080 is warranted to be removable for up to five years after installation, providing the film has not been printed and no overlaminate has been applied. Heat and/or chemicals may be required. Some adhesive residue may be left on the vehicle, which can be easily cleaned off with a product such as 3M™ Citrus Base Cleaner. Refer to 3M Product Bulletin 1080 and 3M Instruction Bulletin 6.5 for more details. [/FONT][/FONT]
E. Removal should not cause damage?
[FONT=Arial,Arial Narrow][FONT=Arial,Arial Narrow]When used, applied, maintained and removed according to 3M's instructions, film series 1080 should not damage an OEM paint finish upon removal.[/FONT][/FONT]

So the 1080 should either flake off eventually (I'm guessing) or can be removed with no effect to OEM paint finish for up to five years from installation. Not bad for $90 - $110.

 

That is excellent information! Thanks.

 

Love this mod, I think I am going to install a Maxxfan standard 4500K on my topper for the dogs, but I will be adding a dual battery first or a voltage regulator to prevent battery drain. What are you using the PVC tube on your rack for? Fishing poles? Work stuff?

 

Thanks.

Thanks.

You'll want a +12v Low Voltage Disconnect switch, not exactly cheap ~ $50 (from what I can tell). At that price you're about half way to a separate cheap axillary battery. A thermostat controlled switch for the fan would be ideal, $15-$20.

The ABS pipe is for my steel tent poles. We try to do a lot of family camping.

 

You are just full of great advice and ideas, thanks.

 

What a great thread. Filled with experience from ACTUAL use, rather than just conjecture. Especially like the photos and step-by-step.
I just ordered a 24 Hour/Day Solar Vent at http://truck-hardware.orrorr.com/vi...ries-fans-vents-solar-vent-24-hour-day-night?
I have been putting this off because the unit is expensive, but it looks to be worth the cost. Your experience and wisdom and instructions encouraged me to take the plunge.
The manufacturer's information (very detailed) is at:
http://www.marinco.com/en/n20704s AND
http://www.delzer.com/powerproducts/MAR_CAT_003/#92

This is a unit for a yacht, and at the web page there is a download of a detailed, 10 page installation guide PDF, but for mounting on a yacht deck.
Similar products I have seen do not provide enough technical details to compare, especially cubic feet per minute, etc. This one claims 1,000 cubic feet of air/hour. (= 16 CFM) It is self contained, running off its own solar power and charging its own small NiMH battery for operation at night (thus the name "Day/Night"). Seems very well designed and highly engineered. I expect it to exhaust heat, and also exhaust humidity in rain and cold to reduce or prevent condensation inside the shell.

In response to my inquiry at https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...olar-fan-vent-what-about-this-product.405160/ member @Aquatic Tacoma stated:
"No experience with a topper install, but installed a couple of these on my cruising sailboat. Yes, they are high quality. Built for the saltwater environment. I contacted Marinco and they sent me an extra set of fan blades to reverse the flow of the fan. I had one pulling air in and another to push air out."

I will update this post with photos and progress when I have photos and progress.

 

@Crom, can you post an interior pic? Do you have a headliner? What did you do on the inside of the topper?