ceiling vent pre-wired?

[fivergeezer]

I have a 2012 Montana 3402. It has 4 ceiling vent openings and 1 in the toilet area. The farthest forward and rear most each have an A/C unit. The one in the island kitchen has a remote control Fantastic Fan Vent and the one in the hall between the tub/shower and the toilet is just a manually opening vent with no fan.
When we use the shower, we have been leaving the toilet door open with the toilet vent open and fan running to help remove the humidity and vapor from the shower.
My question is: I would like to install a Fantastic vent in place of the manual, fanless vent in the hall as the FV moves air much better than the toilet one. Is the ceiling pre-wired for a Fantastic Fan and if not, is it possible to run wires to supply a Fantastic Fan?

[SteveC7010]

It's very unlikely that the vent is pre-wired for your needs. However, the good news is that almost all ceiling vents in TT's have power within 2 or 3 feet of them in the form of overhead lights of some kind. While some are controlled by a wall switch, many are not which means that there is both +12vdc and ground available.

If you remove the knob and the inside plastic shell from the vent you will be able to see the framing around the vent. If there is a light fixture nearby, all you will have to do is drill a single hole, maybe 1/2" or a bit less, and run your hot and ground wires from the vent opening over to the light. Drop the light and there should be a good sized hole in the ceiling where you can bring the wires out.

Use a couple of these connectors (readily available at any auto parts store) to piggy back onto the wiring of the light:


Use 14 awg wire, also from the auto parts store, and remember that RV wiring is kind of the reverse of the rest of the world. White is ground and black is hot.

This is a pretty easy job and should only take a few minutes to get the power over to the vent opening.

[SAABDOCTOR]

THOSE CONECTORS are call scotch locks. they are great for the described job. just remember they are for low voltage only not 120vac and resist all temptation to use them outside like trailer wiring as they corrode very easily.unless you seal them real well and not many people do that. then fall apart good luck with your project the fv works great in the bunk house!!

[hankpage]

You may not even have to drill any holes. Some vents are only framed on two sides and the insulation and air space between roof and ceiling is exposed on the other two. Reaching into the ceiling you may find wires other than lighting that are running through. No matter where you find power always add an in-line fuse of the proper size to your installation for safety. JM2¢, Hank