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Campervan Ventilation: Roof Vents, Roof Fans and Condensation FAQ

Campervan Ventilation: Roof Vents, Roof Fans and Condensation FAQ

EuroVan Shop

Updated: 23 September 2026 · EuroVan Shop

In short: A campervan roof vent lets warm, damp air escape at the top of the van; a 12 V roof fan pushes it out on demand. For the standard 400 × 400 mm cut-out, choose the VANVENT 3.0 for a brushless fan with thermostat and remote, the EuroVan 40x40 for a simple reversible fan, or the STYLE 40x40 with 100 cm² permanent ventilation. See all roof vents and fans.

See all roof vents and fans

Do you need a roof vent in a campervan?

Yes: a roof vent is the simplest way to get damp air out of a van. Breathing, cooking and drying clothes all release moisture into a small space. Warm air rises, so an opening at the highest point of the roof lets it leave before it condenses on cold metal and glass.

A side window alone moves air across the van; a roof vent pulls it upwards and out. The best setup pairs the two: fresh air in low, stale air out high.

Roof vent, roof fan or permanent ventilation: what is the difference?

A roof vent opens to let air out naturally; a roof fan adds a 12 V motor to move air on demand; permanent ventilation is a small passage that stays open even when everything is closed.

  • Roof fan: the fastest way to clear cooking steam or heat. Our fans run on 12 V; the EuroVan models are reversible, so they extract stale air or draw fresh air in.
  • Permanent ventilation: a constant, silent airflow against condensation, with nothing to switch on. The STYLE 40x40 ventilated version has 100 cm², the POWER VENT 70 cm².
  • Opening roof window: light and air together, closed with a blind and mosquito net at night.

Campervan roof fans compared: VANVENT 3.0, EuroVan, POWER VENT and STYLE

The table compares our roof fans and our 40 × 40 roof window with permanent ventilation. Start from the cut-out you have, or the space you can free up on the roof.

Model Cut-out (mm) Roof thickness Air movement Controls Built in
VANVENT 3.0 400 × 400 27–80 mm Brushless 12 V fan, 10 speeds Thermostat, radio remote (~30 m), touch panel LED, blind, mosquito net
EuroVan 40x40 400 × 400 25–60 mm Reversible 12 V fan, 1200 RPM Several speeds Mosquito net
EuroVan 36x36 360 × 360 25–60 mm Reversible 12 V fan, 1200 RPM Several speeds Mosquito net
EuroVan 28x28 280 × 280 25–50 mm Reversible 12 V fan Several speeds LED, mosquito net
POWER VENT 280 × 280 or 320 × 320 25–80 mm Reversible 12 V fan + 70 cm² permanent Manual crank, opens up to 50° Mosquito net
STYLE 40x40 with ventilation 400 × 400 28–70 mm 100 cm² permanent, no fan Opens up to 50° Blind, mosquito net, LED option

The VANVENT 3.0 comes in grey, black or white, identical mechanically and electrically. The EuroVan 40x40 and 36x36 come with a smoke-tinted or light-grey transparent dome.

Compare roof vents and fans

What is the best roof vent for a campervan?

The best roof vent is the one that fits your cut-out and how you use the van. For most conversions with a 400 × 400 mm opening, the VANVENT 3.0 is the most complete choice: quiet brushless motor (under 32 dB at speed 4, under 47 dB at speed 10), thermostat, radio remote and a sealed dome that keeps working in rain and while driving.

  • Simple and reversible: the EuroVan 40x40, or the 36x36 for a shorter roofline.
  • Small van or second opening: the EuroVan 28x28, fan and LED ceiling light in one.
  • Above a kitchen or shower: the POWER VENT, reversible fan plus permanent ventilation.
  • No wiring: the STYLE 40x40 with 100 cm² permanent ventilation.

Comparing with a MaxxFan? Read our guide to choosing a 12 V roof vent fan as a MaxxFan alternative. MaxxFan is a trademark of Airxcel.

VANVENT 3.0

VANVENT 3.0

Brushless 12 V, 10 speeds, thermostat, radio remote, LED, blind.

EuroVan 40x40

EuroVan 40x40

Reversible 12 V fan, 1200 RPM, usable in the rain.

POWER VENT

POWER VENT

Reversible fan + 70 cm² permanent ventilation, crank opening.

Are all camper roof vents the same size?

No. The most common cut-out on converted vans is 400 × 400 mm, but roof vents also exist in 360 × 360, 320 × 320 and 280 × 280 mm. Larger roof windows use 700 × 500 or 960 × 655 mm. On a replacement, measure the hole in the roof, not the outer frame of the old vent. All our 400 × 400 mm models are in the 40 x 40 collection.

Can you run a roof fan in the rain or while driving?

Yes, with the right model. The VANVENT 3.0 ventilates with its dome closed, so it keeps running in the rain and at motorway speed. The EuroVan 40x40 and 36x36 can run in the rain with the lid closed.

Permanent ventilation also works in any weather, because it needs no open lid. For other models, check the product sheet before driving with the vent open.

How much power does a 12 V roof fan use?

Check the figure on each product sheet. The VANVENT 3.0 draws 20 W for the fan plus 4 W for the LED, on 12 V DC (9–16 V), with a 5 A fuse recommended; on 24 V it needs a 24 V to 12 V converter. The thermostat lets it run only when needed. Permanent ventilation uses no power at all. The EuroVan fans and the POWER VENT need a fused 12 V feed; if a consumption figure is missing from the sheet, ask our technical team before you size your battery.

VANVENT 3.0 BLACK

VANVENT 3.0 BLACK

Same fan in black, for dark roofs and roof racks.

VANVENT 3.0 WHITE

VANVENT 3.0 WHITE

Same fan in white, to blend into a white roof.

EuroVan 28x28

EuroVan 28x28

280 × 280 mm, reversible 12 V fan with LED light.

Where should you put a roof vent in a campervan?

Put a roof fan where moisture and heat are produced: above the kitchen or the shower. A second, smaller opening such as a EuroVan 28x28 or POWER VENT can go above a washroom. Keep the fan away from the bed if you are sensitive to airflow at night, and check that no roof crossmember runs through the chosen spot.

For the best airflow, pair the roof vent with an opening low down at the other end of the van, such as a window left slightly open. Air then crosses the whole living space before it leaves through the roof.

How do you stop condensation in a campervan?

Stop condensation by removing moisture at the source and keeping cold surfaces to a minimum. Condensation forms when warm, damp air meets a cold surface such as bare metal or single glazing.

  • Run a roof fan while cooking and showering, then a little longer.
  • Keep a permanent airflow at night, even in winter: a ventilated roof window or vent works with everything shut.
  • Let fresh air in low and stale air out high.
  • Choose double-glazed windows and roof windows: the inner pane stays warmer.
  • Never block permanent ventilation openings.

Our guide to double-glazed campervan windows and condensation goes further.

Can you retrofit a roof vent to a campervan or motorhome?

Yes: you can add a roof vent or fan to an existing van or motorhome, as long as the roof has room for the cut-out and its thickness is in range. On a motorhome with an old 400 × 400 mm vent, a VANVENT 3.0 or EuroVan 40x40 drops into the same opening; the VANVENT's 450 × 593 mm outer flange covers marks left by an older vent. Our skylight fitting guide covers cutting, sealing and wiring.

✓ Standard cut-outs 40 x 40, 70 x 50, 96 x 65.5 cm✓ 2-year warranty✓ Spare parts and support from France✓ Technical help within 24 h✓ Free UK shipping from £399

Not sure which roof window fits your roof?

Send us the cut-out size and roof thickness (or a photo). Our France-based technical team answers within 24 hours.

Ask our technical team

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a roof vent in my campervan?

Yes. A roof vent lets warm, damp air leave at the highest point of the van, which limits condensation. A fan or permanent ventilation makes it work even with the van closed.

What is the best way to ventilate a campervan?

Combine a roof fan above the kitchen or living area with a low opening for fresh air, and keep some permanent ventilation at night.

Can I leave a roof fan running in the rain?

The VANVENT 3.0 runs with its dome closed, in the rain and while driving. The EuroVan 40x40 and 36x36 can run in the rain with the lid closed.

Are campervan roof fans reversible?

The EuroVan 40x40, 36x36, 28x28 and the POWER VENT have reversible 12 V fans that extract stale air or draw fresh air in.

What size is a standard campervan roof vent?

400 x 400 mm is the most common cut-out. We also offer 360 x 360, 320 x 320 and 280 x 280 mm roof vents for smaller roofs.

Ready to clear the damp? Pick a fan or ventilated roof window for your cut-out.

Shop roof vents and fans