Mgp

[Mgp]

Hi there, my name is Mikey and I’ve just bought a connect with a view to turn it into a wee camper for the odd trip or festival. I’ve been getting various tips here and there as regards transforming my vehicle for the best results. One thing I’m going to do is install a roof fan for ventilation, as well as insulate it. But there’s one thing that’s been puzzling me about this, and it’s about vents already in the van. I read on google that for the vent fan to work properly it needs to have inlet and outlet vents for circulation. So the question is, is there already inlet vents fitted on transit connects, or will I have to add those too. Anyway, I hope someone can help. Thanks in advance.

mikey 

[connectvanplans]

There's a small hole on right rear area, aft of the wheel well, that I know of in the cargo version at least which you could possibly enlarge if you wanted to create an inlet underneath the vehicle. I use that hole for the sink drain though.

 

Besides adding a secondary vent on the roof or adding a window or porthole along the doors or body of the vehicle, you could just use the driver and/or passenger windows with rain guards to mask the opening and keep out rain with the window(s) cracked. This is what I do, and I eventually added a mesh screen that I've taped magnets to along the perimeter which keeps it in place on the passenger side 24/7 to keep out the bugs whenever I crack this window for ventilation.

Edited October 25, 2020 by connectvanplans

[connectvanplans]

Also, welcome to the forum :). The Connect makes for a great camper platform.

[Mgp]

On 10/25/2020 at 1:00 AM, connectvanplans said:

There's a small hole on right rear area, aft of the wheel well, that I know of in the cargo version at least which you could possibly enlarge if you wanted to create an inlet underneath the vehicle. I use that hole for the sink drain though.

 

Besides adding a secondary vent on the roof or adding a window or porthole along the doors or body of the vehicle, you could just use the driver and/or passenger windows with rain guards to mask the opening and keep out rain with the window(s) cracked. This is what I do, and I eventually added a mesh screen that I've taped magnets to along the perimeter which keeps it in place on the passenger side 24/7 to keep out the bugs whenever I crack this window for ventilation.

Fantastic, thanks for the advice. The van has had wind deflectors fitted. So I could always leave the windows open slightly. I’m not in a rush to get anything done immediately, especially now it’s coming into winter. But I want to get this done right, I’m going to insulate it with wool also. Get it nice and cosy. Thanks very much for the advice. Much appreciated.

[DonShockley]

Here's a pix of the rubber seal on the pass through on my 2015 wagon. Obviously I was trying to get the connector but you can see the seal behind it. It's just a thin push in grommet that just pops out if needed. Easy enough to remove and plenty of room to secure some screening over the hole to keep out bugs. Not sure how much road splash you might get from the rear wheel.

[jrm223]

I've had that rubber plug out for several years (lost it, even) and I've never noticed any signs of water or mud getting in from driving, FWIW. 

[Willygee]

I would make sure plug is in place to minimize any exhaust intrusion.

[jrm223]

On 11/10/2020 at 6:23 PM, Willygee said:

I would make sure plug is in place to minimize any exhaust intrusion.

 

You do know the exhaust is on the driver-side of the van, not the passenger-side where the plug is/was? Then again, I don't use A/C ever, so my windows are basically always open, anyway. 

[Chococar]

On 10/24/2020 at 5:00 PM, connectvanplans said:

There's a small hole on right rear area, aft of the wheel well, that I know of in the cargo version at least which you could possibly enlarge if you wanted to create an inlet underneath the vehicle. I use that hole for the sink drain though.

 

Besides adding a secondary vent on the roof or adding a window or porthole along the doors or body of the vehicle, you could just use the driver and/or passenger windows with rain guards to mask the opening and keep out rain with the window(s) cracked. This is what I do, and I eventually added a mesh screen that I've taped magnets to along the perimeter which keeps it in place on the passenger side 24/7 to keep out the bugs whenever I crack this window for ventilation.

 

Any advice on which "rain guards" or "wind guard" you have found work well?  Thanks, Joe 

[electriccrowbar]

16 hours ago, Chococar said:

 

Any advice on which "rain guards" or "wind guard" you have found work well?  Thanks, Joe 

These work great: https://www.weathertech.com/ford/2015/transit-connect/side-window-deflectors/

 

Little expensive, but they fit well and installed easily. Lets me crack the front windows when camping.

Edited May 27, 2021 by electriccrowbar

[Fifty150]

Those work great.

[BSJBSJ]

I got these. Window Visor Vent Sun Shade Rain Guard 2pcs Fits Ford Transit Connect 2014-2021 | eBay Very nice. A little cheaper and not as dark as the Weathertechs.

 

I had dark ones on my HHR and they made car hiding blind spots...