If there’s one thing Aussies can be counted on for it’s their fondness for combining a love of the outdoors with a desire to hit the highway. That’s why with almost a million RVs and caravans registered across the country, it’s no surprise that Australia boasts the highest number of recreational vehicle owners per capita in the world.
It’s also no secret that many of today’s RVs don’t have roof vents, with RV manufacturers pointing to their heavy weight and potential for leaking as the reasons they’re reluctant to install them. The fact, however, is that when properly installed, caravan and RV roof vents and hatches are no more likely to leak than any other door or window. And with the best aftermarket vents and hatches weighing only a fraction of what their OE-installed counterparts weigh, now’s a great time for RVers and caravaners to introduce themselves to the benefits that roof vents and hatches have to offer.
Let the Fresh Air In With Modern RV Roof Vents and Hatches
Whether it’s for want of cool refreshing air on hot summer days, or an appreciation of warm natural lighting that won’t drain the battery, aftermarket RV and caravan hatches are accessories that can be counted on to bring a cosy, breezy ambiance to every motor home and campertrailer’s interior. Roof vents and hatches provide the comforting airflow that RV and caravan owners want to make their travels as relaxing as possible, and are perfect accessories when it comes to:
- Low cost cooling and ventilation. Whether it’s on an overnight camping adventure, or a proper off-grid sabbatical, the mild natural cooling provided by RV and camper roof vents allows owners to gently regulate their vehicle’s temperature without costly and prolonged air conditioner usage.
- Improved indoor air quality. By allowing fresh air to circulate through the vehicle, RV and caravan roof vents deliver an instant improvement in indoor air quality, preventing the interior from becoming saturated with carbon dioxide, unpleasant odours, and buildups of trapped moisture and humidity that could lead to mould or mildew.
- Energy-conscious, mood-induced lighting. During daylight hours, the mellow, mood-inducing atmosphere created by aftermarket RV roof hatch assemblies offers an energy-conscious alternative to harsh, voltage-sensitive electric lighting that’s also prone to generating unwanted heat.
And while the all-natural ventilation and lighting benefits afforded RV and caravan roof hatches are undeniable, perhaps their biggest upside is their accessibility. In the event of a rollover, or any type of emergency where the doors or windows may be blocked, a caravan roof hatch provides a rapid way for potentially life-saving egress. It’s the incontestable advantage that nullifies the RV industry’s apprehension toward RV and campervan roof vents based on structural and cost concerns.
Solid Answers to Tough Questions About RV Vent and Hatch Quality
Make no mistake: although RV manufacturers have pointed to weight, leaks and ultimately to cost as reasons for them scaling back their caravan hatch options, aftermarket manufacturers like Dometic, Fiamma and Australian RV have been quick to fill a demand that shows no sign of letting up.
They understand how much RV owners relish fresh air and natural lighting – and that they aren’t intimidated by the prospect of installing and maintaining their own RV roof vent accessories. That’s why they specialise in campervan roof vent and hatch assemblies built to tackle the tough questions most commonly raised about vent and hatch installs, which include:
- How big an issue is weight? While every RV, caravan and campervan comes with its own factory-rated roof and cargo weight allowance (aftermarket caravan roof hatches for sale are classed as cargo), carbon fibre and aluminium alloy aftermarket hatches are significantly lighter and less prone to stress-related damages than OE-optioned models.
- Do all roof hatches for caravans leak? RV and caravan manufacturers routinely cite sealing issues among the reasons for stepping back from installing vents and hatches. The fact, however, is that aftermarket caravan roof vent installers typically use higher quality sealants and fasteners than the ones used on hasty OE installations, thereby ensuring a tighter, more reliable seal than original.
- Are roof hatches too expensive? With OE campervan roof hatch options ranging between $100 and $800 AUD (or more), there’s no question about it: factory-installed hatches are expensive. Aftermarket RV roof vents are more than reasonably priced though, with higher-end hatches and vents offering considerably more options and greater durability than their OE counterparts.
Modern aftermarket RV roof hatches are the perfect answer to manufacturer trepidation over the installation of rooftop accessories. And not only are they in line with every caravaner’s and off-roader’s desire for fresh interior air, they’re also built like no other group of rooftop accessories to withstand the rigours of Australia’s RVing lifestyle.
Durability Makes All the Difference With Modern RV Vents and Hatches
Let’s be honest: when it comes to high quality aftermarket caravan hatches for sale, there’s no room for compromise on durability. Uneven roads, scorching temperatures and unrelenting UV exposure can all make short work of lesser-quality camper roof vent assemblies. This is where the exceptional materials and premium build quality of modern roof vents for camper vehicles make their biggest difference.
First rate aftermarket caravan roof vents for sale feature an array of rugged, durable qualities and attributes that give them an instant upper hand on their OE-supplied counterparts, to include:
- Superior UV resistance. Not only are modern aftermarket roof vents for campervan vehicles built to endure the torque twisting and vibration that are common with RVs, they’re also tinted and designed to withstand persistent UV and sunlight exposure without jeopardising their, or the vehicle’s structural integrity.
- Premium corrosion and moisture resistance. The composite and alloy construction of aftermarket roof vents and hatches does is goof for more than just saving weight. They’re completely corrosion resistant and are typically outfitted with enhanced rubber gaskets that are designed to restrict water entry while still allowing fresh air to enter.
- Enhanced ventilation and filtration hardware. Premium roof vents for RV and caravan vehicles also feature thermostat-regulated ventilation and advanced dust reduction systems, allowing them to benefit from enhanced airflow and air quality capacities with only minimal power draw.
Aftermarket vents and caravan hatches can also be fitted with rain sensors and bug screens, and are even available in shower hatch/LED lighting configurations. These specialised roof vents for caravan showers and toilets are designed primarily for ventilation and lighting in areas where there’s an acute need to control moisture inside the vehicle. And when outfitted with a fan, they’re the perfect roof vent for camper utilities that are heavily dependent on odour control.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, while RV and caravan manufacturers are becoming more determined than ever to get away from installing roof vents and hatches, the demand by RV and caravan owners continues to ramp upward. That’s because when properly mounted and installed, not only do roof vents help save on battery and fuel consumption, they also offer a crucial means of egress that could ultimately be a life saver in an emergency.
Regardless of the time of year, premium quality aftermarket hatches are the low cost cooling and ventilation accessories that every recreational vehicle should have. They’re simple upgrades that make a big difference.