Wind Noise Coming From Roof Vent

[Community Alumni]

I have a new C Class moho with a vent above the overhead bed that creates a lot of wind noise while driving at highway speeds.

Any ideas how to minimize the wind noise? Has anyone used window/door insulation strips, or other products to minimize the wind noise? A friend recommended adding a roof vent cover, but I'd like to try other remedies before resorting to adding the roof vent cover.

Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions.

[doxiemom11]

We put new vent covers on our motorhome and they are not nearly as thick as the original ones - we have more outside noise - almost sounds like they aren't even closed, but they are, and they are sealed. There are insulation pillows sized to fit that can be purchased - we just push a sofa pillow into the opening -- much quieter. Our sofa pillows just happened to fit and are the right color to go with the interior, but you can buy plain ones at Camping World or many other places. I'll bet it would make a big difference.

[Community Alumni]

Purchased a vent pillow and it cut the wind noise by about 50%. I will probably add a vent cover in the near future.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[mgirardo]

When we first bought our new Class C, our dealer told us that was normal and sold us a $15 pillow designed for the purpose. It works and it also helps to keep the cab over area cool. All of our vents rattle a little at highway speeds. Fortunately we don't hear the others. One day we'll actually get MaxxAir type vent covers, but until then, the pillow works just fine.

Here's one on Amazon. We have the one without the reflective surface. I don't know that you'd want the reflective surface. If the vent is closed all the reflective surface would do is bounce any UV rays back to the vent cover, possibly shortening its life.

-Michael

-Michael

[Community Alumni]

It opens from the back. Just not enough pressure on the thin seal to keep the wind noise down.

[nineoaks2004]

I like the vent covers, I can open the vent and leave it open at home or while camping and not worry about rain getting in, I can also leave the vortex fan on in the one in the bathroom.
Which way is the vent pointing, if it opens forward it seems to me that it is backward and should open to the rear..

[Community Alumni]

I'm not opposed to adding vent covers per se. I'm just trying to figure out if there may be a simple fix before I proceed with the vent cover.

I'm thinking a thicker seal may be the answer, as Westend suggested. The seal from factory is very thin and probably doesn't make full contact with the cover.

[westend]

gemsworld wrote:
I checked the rubber seal around the metal flange and it's in good shape.

The entire vent assembly is in good shape. I think the vent cover doesn't sit snug enough against the thin rubber seal and lets air get through.

I'm going to see if the hardware store sells thin, self-adhesive weather stripping that I can stick to the vent cover flange to lessen the gap between the side of the rubber seal and the vent cover.

I restored my roof vents and used a butyl rubber sealing strip I purchased at Ace hardware. It was similar to the sealing strip linked to above but bigger and more durable. The plastic vent cover should contact this sealing strip when closed. IIRC, I used some adhesive to hold the strip in place.

[rhagfo]

DrewE wrote:
I know you don't really like the idea (for reasons that I cannot fathom), but I would heartily recommend the vent cover as well. I have them on nearly all my ceiling vents--the exception being one that is immediately next to the air conditioner where many vent covers would adversely affect the air flow through the AC--and I would not want to be without them. Being able to have the vents open without fear in adverse weather conditions and when driving down the road are tremendous advantages.

X2, not sure why the OP doesn't want a vent cover? I see them as one of the best things since sliced bread.

[DrewE]

I know you don't really like the idea (for reasons that I cannot fathom), but I would heartily recommend the vent cover as well. I have them on nearly all my ceiling vents--the exception being one that is immediately next to the air conditioner where many vent covers would adversely affect the air flow through the AC--and I would not want to be without them. Being able to have the vents open without fear in adverse weather conditions and when driving down the road are tremendous advantages.

[Community Alumni]

I checked the rubber seal around the metal flange and it's in good shape.

The entire vent assembly is in good shape. I think the vent cover doesn't sit snug enough against the thin rubber seal and lets air get through.

I'm going to see if the hardware store sells thin, self-adhesive weather stripping that I can stick to the vent cover flange to lessen the gap between the side of the rubber seal and the vent cover.

[beemerphile1]

Are you saying that the vent is closed but not sealing?

If the vent is open, the only option is a cover.

[Johno02]

Install a MaxxAir type cover over it.

[IAMICHABOD]

Check to see if the vent seal Like This is in place,it fits over the rim of the metal vent.

If it is left out or misshapen or worn out the vent cover will not seal properly when closed.

Vent covers are an excellent idea,they will protect your vent lids and prolong their life,and with our year round good weather you can keep them open without the fear of rain getting in. Oh what am thinking we never get rain :B

[ScottG]

If this is the standard 14" vent then they make pillows that fit in the opening for insulation purposes.
If it's one of the bigger escape hatches I would think you could just get a piece of thick foam rubber to do the same thing.