What is the rear roof vent & how does it work 61 Tradewinds

[nmeyer]

I have a 61 Tradewinds with a rear roof vent that has two knobs mounted on shafts that pass through metal cylinders that appear to be hinged. The opposite ends of the shaft from the knobs have a kind of flange attached to the vent that barely moves when the knobs are turned. It appears to me as if the knobs should turn and then the vent should raise, but the vent barely comes loose and slides around a little and hardly any air can get in or out. Was this some kind of vent that could be open when pulling? Is there supposed to be a fan there? Any guidance appreciated. I can take pictures if that helps. I think it's original equipment.

[overlander63]

When the lift mechanisms are working properly, the vent will raise several inches, either one end or straight up, depending on weather. The lifts are probably seized, you can try lubing them with penetrating oil to see if they will raise more.

[RickDavis]

some of these vents did have a 110 volt fan. I think my 61 tradewind did ( there is now a fantastic vent there).
If you need to drop the screen to lube things the knobs should come off with a downward pull. They attach the same as a 1/2 in. drive socket on a ratchet
I have had good luck loosening them up with WD 40.
You should have the same openers on the larger front vent

[raveson]

Those type of vents were the best ever! Once you set down, usually you could get a breeze into trailer. On my 66 tradewind, they also had fans attached. Being alluminium, they will last for ever!

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by nmeyer

I have a 61 Tradewinds with a rear roof vent that has two knobs mounted on shafts that pass through metal cylinders that appear to be hinged. The opposite ends of the shaft from the knobs have a kind of flange attached to the vent that barely moves when the knobs are turned. It appears to me as if the knobs should turn and then the vent should raise, but the vent barely comes loose and slides around a little and hardly any air can get in or out. Was this some kind of vent that could be open when pulling? Is there supposed to be a fan there? Any guidance appreciated. I can take pictures if that helps. I think it's original equipment.

Sounds like the vent operators are not working as they should.

You can remove the cover along with the operators, by opening the operator bracket at the bottom of each operator. There is 2 small posts that hold those operators in place.

You can then lube the operators with some WD-40, over usually several days, so that they will release from the internal corrosion.

Be patient, as this will probably take several days to accomplish.

After the operators correctly function, you can simply reinstall the vent cover.

Andy

[nmeyer]

Here are some before/after shots ... the new vent lifts worked great (old ones did not come back to life). I was worried about the new ones fitting in place, but as Andy told me, they snap right in. I could have saved the worry time for a cold beer.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by nmeyer

Here are some before/after shots ... the new vent lifts worked great (old ones did not come back to life). I was worried about the new ones fitting in place, but as Andy told me, they snap right in. I could have saved the worry time for a cold beer.

Or maybe even 2 or 3.

Repairing an Airstream is not always difficult.

Andy