Solar powered roof vent for pop-up

[ricp]

I have an Autohomes T25 with the pop-up roof and aluminium sides. However the roof now leaks as old age has taken its toll on it so weighs a ton as the insulation is constantly sodden.
I'm intending to replace it with a single piece grp top but will need some ventilation in it. I don't want to use the old and brittle vent as I double I'll get it off in one piece and it looks terrible, standing too proud.
I could get a replacement like for like but trying to be clever, has anyone fitted or used a solar powered one? The benefit might be that it will constantly cycle air through the van even when not being used as well as helping vent hot air when camping. Seen various ones but all seem to be a variation on this:
http://www.vantracks.co.uk/details.php? ... &C3=&id=95" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Thanks in advance

[colinthefox]

I solved exactly the same problem by using a 12V fan from an old computer power pack built into the aluminium side, right up at the top where it's sheltered from the rain. It uses next to no power and will run for days off the leisure battery. I made a plastic cover flap over the inside with a microswitch to switch on the fan when it was opened, and a magnetic catch to hold it shut. It's great because we can have ventilation which doesn't let in the midges, and is powerful enough to use as a cooker extract. And it cost nothing!

BTW........Tried your link but no joy.

[E D I T] Found the solar vent on your link. It won't work at night or when cloudy, as it doesn't have a battery. You will want to cook and ventilate when it's dark or cloudy. [/E D I T]

[windydubber]

Hi ricp,
I have an Autohomes too with what sounds like the same roof as you! Have you found anyone other than autovans to replace the roof? I'm struggling!
Nik

[ricp]

Yes I have. The aluminium top has rotted with numerous pin holes and was allowing water into the insulation and rusting the piano hinges in the top. No amount of silicone sealant would fix it! I thought that the only solution was the expensive replacement by Space Roofs or Autovan, which was ridiculous. No-one would sell me just a replacement top to do the work myself. Until I saw this:

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=137869" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I spoke to Neil at Shapes GRP and am now the proud owner of a GRP top that I'll fit out. Hope to complete the swap in the next few weeks for a few hundred pounds not thousands. Give them a call, they were a pleasure to deal with.

http://www.shapesgrp.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

My new top does not have the square hole in the centre for the vent, I would need to cut that myself. Hence the search for a smaller and better way of extracting air. Thought about not even having a vent so that there will be no leaks possible and maybe putting something in the side aluminium panels.

I'm in Somerset if you want to see how I get on but I hope to post some photos as I go. Hope this helps.

[windydubber]

That's brilliant! Would you mind if we popped down sometime to have a look? We are in oxford but always up for a trip out!

[ricp]

Windydubber. You have mail. Ric