Getting power to vent location

[erik.ness@hp]

Hi all,

I have a 2003 19' Bambi with two roof vents that don't have fans or lights. I am considering installing a Fantastic fan in one of them and am wondering how to get power to that location. I read in another post that some units have wires there already, even if there was not originally a fan.

Does anyone know how likely this is in my unit?
Where will the wiring be?
What else (if anything) does it power?

Also, I looked at the installation photos and I'm having a hard time imagining myself cutting into the sheet metal of my almost-brand-new trailer for which I paid more than I did for my truck! Overall, the process appears simple, but scary.

What is the general opinion about this as a DIY project? If I decide to let the "pros" do it, can any RV shop do it, or should I stick with an Airstream dealer? (Nearest dealer is 100+ miles)

Thanks,
Erik

[67caravel]

My guess is that there is probably power in the roof in at least one location. Just like "solar prewire", it might already be there. My CCD was ordered with two Fantastic Fans but came delivered with only one so the dealer had to install the missing one. There was power up there but no wires for the remote thermostat/power switch so he fished it to the wall by using access through the rear of the upper cabinet (above the sink). Looks great and no problems noted.

Two things to try:

1) Call Airstream and ask them

and/or

2) Pull one or both vents (interior frame of vent) and see what you find up there lurking around.

Good luck!

[erik.ness@hp]

Okay, I spent the extra 30 seconds to look for myself ...

There is a ceiling light within 6" of each vent, so if nothing else I could splice into that circuit. Assuming they used a 10 amp fuse, I could run both items at the same time. I hardly ever use the ceiling lights anyway, so this would work fine for me.