Forum Discussion

waterboy909's avatar
waterboy909
Explorer
Mar 10, 2017

Attic Vent in 5er for Full time?

We are currently in the market for a 5th wheel that would be great for full-time use. Presently we are leaning towards Montana's because they seem to be within our price range 40-60K and have been told they have vented attics which are critical if we are going to full time. We also want to be sure the unit we purchase has a warranty for full-time use as well. My question is does anyone have any experience with and without vented attics? The reason I asked is I know heartland makes some nice products that seem comparable to the Montana's(fit, finish, and FT warranty) but they do not have vented attics. I'm wondering how critical this actually is.

Thank you in advanced for your help!
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Mar 10, 2017
    Why do you feel a vented attic is so important? Dozens of folks full time in all sorts of RVs, most of which are not vented. BTW adding a attic vent is a pretty simple procedure.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Mar 10, 2017
    I suspect venting is important as well, just like in your sticks and bricks. Anything that can be done to get the heat out of the "attic" has got to be good for keeping the RV cool.
    I bought some vents specifically for this purpose and plan on installing them when it dries out around here.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Mar 10, 2017
    My FW has an attic vent. It looks similar to the other small round capped vents. I think there would be some benefit to attic vents, but don't think I would consider it a decisive issue, in choosing between two quality FWs. I have noticed a dead bug or two, in between my shower skylight halves. Not a big issue, easily removed, but seems the only way to get there, would be from the attic vent.

    Jerry
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Mar 10, 2017
    Not likely bugs could get in through the AV. It has a very fine screen on it.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Mar 10, 2017
    ScottG wrote:
    Not likely bugs could get in through the AV. It has a very fine screen on it.

    This is true. It would have to be a tiny bug to get thru. And I suspect a lot of people have attic vents without even knowing it. Just another 2 or 3 flat round mushroom caps on the roof.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Mar 10, 2017
    ScottG wrote:
    Not likely bugs could get in through the AV. It has a very fine screen on it.


    Good to know! I have to admit, I've never looked closely, to see what is under the cap.

    Jerry
  • mowin's avatar
    mowin
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2017
    I didn't know there was such a thing as a FT warranty?

    When we bought our last two rv's, nothing was said or asked whether we were FT'ing or not..
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Mar 10, 2017
    mowin wrote:
    I didn't know there was such a thing as a FT warranty?

    When we bought our last two rv's, nothing was said or asked whether we were FT'ing or not..


    Some (many?) mfrs will specifically exclude full-time use if you file a warranty claim. A very few mfrs rate a very few models as suitable for full-time use, and will warrant them.

    Lyle
  • waterboy909's avatar
    waterboy909
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2017
    donn0128 wrote:
    Why do you feel a vented attic is so important? Dozens of folks full time in all sorts of RVs, most of which are not vented. BTW adding a attic vent is a pretty simple procedure.



    We were told by the Montana salesmen that it is critical to have to disperse moisture. He said that with us full timing in the rig there would be a lot of cooking and just living in the unit which means varying temperatures that creates condensation in the roof that most have a way to escape otherwise the moisture is trapped and will eventually cause roof rot.. He said this is the same reason why stick built homes have vents in the attic

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