How to better Vent T4?

[MultiplexMan]

Easy test to check your vents, as practised by cubicle farm occupants around the world - stick some light tissue strips around the vent opening.

If they get drawn up - you have an active, functioning vent.

[GlowPlug]

I was just going to shove the wife in the back and take it for a spin to test it LOL

[Sunny43.5]

Hi all just thought I would throw my ten cents one at this as this is something I have had experience with . I used to show Old English Sheepdogs so keeping them cool at the rear was important , now I will point out here that I am in the sunroof industry so I know about the benefits of sunroofs . The T4 that we had was very easy to fit sunroofs into as there are multiple flat panels where your vents now are . I fitted what are called "spoiler"style sunroofs both were electric operation when you opened the front one there was air flow around the front section but when you opened the rear one as well what a difference you could feel the air litterally rushing through to the back of the van , worked well for us . The roofs could also be left open when parked which kept the van cool and there was no risk of the dogs escaping . Now this option would be more costly as two of these roofs installed would be about $2200 for the pair . A cheaper option would be fitting "pop up " style sunroof pure manual operation but you would need to remove the glass panels to get the air flow when driving as they only tilt up , but the glasses are removable by a simple lock device . I am in Qld but there are many sunroof companies in most states that would be able to help . Howard

[MultiplexMan]

@Sunny43.5 - sunroof would definitely be the way to go! Picture of such an install below. I guess GlowPlug should try to get his existing set-up to work first...



OT - I am looking at a simple pop up sunroof for the cab of my T5. I've seen some very nice installations in the UK with integrated rollos but have yet to see anything similar locally. Can you recommend anything?

[rogerd63]

You could try installing a sunroof in the rear.They allow a fair bit of air flow out of the van.Those rear whirly vents dont do that much.

[rogerd63]

Great idea on the T5 but i have been told a big NO as the roof profile in the rear isnt flat (its ridged) so they cant be fitted. You can have one in the front though. Not happy here as i wanted it done to my T5 as i use it as a camper.

[MultiplexMan]

Great idea on the T5 but i have been told a big NO as the roof profile in the rear isnt flat (its ridged) so they cant be fitted. You can have one in the front though. Not happy here as i wanted it done to my T5 as i use it as a camper.

The profiled roof does prevent the easy installation of vents and sun roofs. I would rather have the more rigid roof panel though...

[Sunny43.5]

Hey Guys you are all right , when I sold [or should I say wrote off my T4] back in 2005 I bought the then new T5 a bit dissapointed with 2 litre compared to the old 2.5 petrol , but after having a fully built in style sunroof in the front section and an electric "spoiler " style sliding roof in the rear I was dissapointed that the T5 has only one smooth section for a sunroof in the front . I don,t use aircon much and used to love opening both roofs for the fresh air experience . So now days I still have a fully built in style electric sunroof in the front section but sob sob no rear roof [ curses on VW ] (I can get a reasonable air flow if I lower the front windows but I have to wear a cap or I end up looking like the wild man from Borneo !!!!!! . I don,t like these vents that are on top of the roof as there is a risk of smashing them on some low underground parking and they look like crap , plus the whirly ones are notorious for wearing out the bearings and getting very noisy {yes I used to fit these when I had my other business years ago } . I still havent given up thinking about some way to vent the rear but it has to look the part , if I find something I,ll let you all know , I,ll post a photo of our van with the roof in when I get round to it . Howard

[irsa76]

Those whirly vents normally work fine, I have noticed some have a brake on them for when you want them not to vent. Could be worth a look if this is the case, or if they are simply not installed correctley. As for the sunroof option, I belive it IS actually possible to install a rear sunroof, just not very easy to seal it due to the ridges on the roof. We're currently looking into a future van purchase to carry the soon to be purchased dog and the ventilation issue is one we are very concerned about. To the point so far the Kia Grand Carnical Platinum is favoured due to it's sunroof+fully opening side windows and rear vent windows!

[GlowPlug]

The sunroof option looks great! I worry about making the roof weaker by cutting bigger holes into it etc.

The whirly vents are installed correctly, BUT I did not have them flush to the roof lining, as suggested I have now fitted a cover to block the gap between the roof and head lining. I have tried to test it out with the tissue/paper method, problem is I can't see down the back!
Hopefully over the weekend I can find someone to sit back there to watch.

I wonder by filling the gap and if i fit a fan pushing the air up to the vents that it will vent better?

[GlowPlug]

So far so good, it's cool so will have to keep an eye on it when it gets warmer and see how it's holding up.

Thank you for all the advice, its' greatly appreciated.

[DutchAussie]

Muller Vents

Here is a picture of the roof showing where the vents are located.

I can't see it properly on your photo.
The large opening of the Muller Vents should be facing the front.
The work on the ventury principle as mentioned before and operate when their is air movement over the vehicle.
The move air out of the vehicle.
I hope this helps.
I just bought a new van and will be installing the Muller Vents.
I am interested in your reply.

[Sunny43.5]

Okay I will add my photo here as I hade posted to this one a few years back , I did finally fit an opening sunroof to the rear of my T5 I certainly would not do one again modifying the roof to fit the ribs was areal bitch but it does absolutely create a massive air flow through the van when opened but remember I have a sunroof at the front as well so it makes the air flow differ from others .[IMG][/IMG]

[DutchAussie]

Howdy!

I take my dogs for rides in the van often, the problem I have is venting it properly.
I have 2 muller vents at the front - apparently they let the air in.
At the back I have 2 whirly gigs - apparently they let the air out.
The guy at the caravan place said this is the way to go.

The problem is it doesn't seem to be working. When you open the very back of the van up you are met with warmer almost stale air, This can happen if the windows are up or down.

Is there a better way to do it?



Muller Vent at front of van


Whirly Gig at back of van

Hi Glowplug,

I am interested in the Muller vents.
Where they correctly installed?
Do they work?