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JimGolden · 12-25-2011, 02:21 PM

Howdy Gang,

Been a while since I've posted. I'm now asking for wisdom....

I want to replace all three fans in my 34 footer (two actually...one died, the lid cracked, and an aluminum plate is riveted to the frame of the one over the bathroom...)

I want to buy a Fantastic Fan. I am not sure which model I want.

I like the model 4000. It has the airflow, 3-speeds, and reversing features that I want. It is a basic but decent fan.

The 5000 seems to be the same fan but with a thermostat. On the one hand, this looks like junk to break to me. But on the other, I could see it as a good thing; where I set the thermostat to say 67 degrees or so and we go to sleep and forget about it. Whereas with the 4000, we might go to sleep and it's 80 degrees and wake up at 4:00am and it's 50 degrees inside the coach.

The model 6600 will cook my dinner for me, but is it just junk to break or is it worth the extra dineros to get it?

What do you guys think? Is the rock bottom simple one the way to go? Should I splurge for the one that cooks my dinner for me? Is the one in the middle the way to go? How reliable are the thermostats in them?

Right now, I think the 6600 is cool but probably a bit much. I think the 4000 would get the job done just fine. But I think the 5000 might be a smidge better if the thermostat doesn't break after a year or so just so I don't wake up icey cold in the middle of the night.

What you all think?

Thanks!

zigzagguzzi · 12-25-2011, 02:25 PM

The rain sensor is a good feature, and it works. jim

Foiled Again · 12-25-2011, 02:29 PM

Must have IMHO

Rain sensor - they work
Reversing - wonderful feature but NEVER have a fan close to the vent stack for the toilet running on "in" mode when you flush!
Temp control - mine worked fine for 4 years - Fantastic replaced for free when it went wonky!

Remote control - ? Lets see, the roof of an airstream is how high? If you're a little person or have arthritis it might make sense, but I'd lose the wretched remote.

Paula

Silver Otter · 12-25-2011, 02:58 PM

Absolutely agree with zig and Paula about the Rain Sensing unit. We left both of ours open and running in Palo Duro Canyon on a sunny day. A quick Texas rain came over the canyon and soaked the place. We came home to find her safe and dry inside, with the fans closed down and shut off. Reversing is important when you want the flow-thru effect. We put the bedroom on IN and the front one on OUT. It airs out the whole 30 feet in next to no time, and keeps up a nice flow to the extent we rarely use the AC. Do it once, right, and you'll be happy you didn't "settle" for something less.

overlander63 · 12-25-2011, 05:00 PM

You can upgrde any Fantstic vent, so if you gt a 4000 or 5000 and decide you want the rain sensor and lift motor you can buy thos items and install the parts to make the higher-dollar vent.

WineStream · 12-25-2011, 05:50 PM

I'll second, third, fourth...whatever the count its right now for the rain sensors. The remote is unnecessary in an Airstream I think. It's mostly for 5th wheels where you'd need a ladder inside to get to the controls. I suppose it might be cool to be laying in bed or not having to leave the couch to change the fan speed or the temperature setting.

overlander63 · 12-25-2011, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WineStream

I'll second, third, fourth...whatever the count its right now for the rain sensors. The remote is unnecessary in an Airstream I think. It's mostly for 5th wheels where you'd need a ladder inside to get to the controls. I suppose it might be cool to be laying in bed or not having to leave the couch to change the fan speed or the temperature setting.

The remote is good if the fan is on the other end of the trailer. Say if you have a rear bed model and the fan is up front and it's the middle of the night. If the fan comes with the remote, fine, but I wouldn' speciallybuy it.

polarlyse · 12-25-2011, 06:28 PM

We went for 2 last year and got the rain sensor. Wasn't sure it they were working until one day I was looking at it when it began to rain. Sure enough, they closed as advertised. Never looked back. Will replace the 3rd. one someday too. Don't bother with the remote controls. Just something else to have to look for.

Go for it. You'll like it.

beckybillrae · 12-25-2011, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlander63

You can upgrde any Fantstic vent, so if you gt a 4000 or 5000 and decide you want the rain sensor and lift motor you can buy thos items and install the parts to make the higher-dollar vent.

Where might one find the upgrades? I looked at Fantastic vent's website but didn't find anything about individual upgrade parts. Thanks!

TBRich · 12-25-2011, 07:52 PM

Amen to all said above. If something goes wrong, Fantastic Vent will replace it without an argument...possibly the best customer service on the planet. We love ours...rain sensor, thermostat control, fan in and out modes...the remote is not so important.

Lumatic · 12-25-2011, 08:15 PM

Don't intend to hijack this thread, but do want to put in a quick plug for MaxxFan.

I have both. They both have their points. There are multiple threads if you do a search.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 12-25-2011, 09:46 PM

Hi, I only have one Fantastic Vent; Whatever air it blows out/in, the same amount of air comes from the standard vent. [only one fan is really needed] Only thing mine doesn't have is the remote and I don't want/need one. Fantastic vents have no junk so I guess the basic one is the one for you.

Roadrunner · 12-26-2011, 05:51 AM

When you install a new Fantastic Vent, do you loose the light? I'm assuming you do. What have you done to replace the light...or just go without? Thanks!

Bob

87MH · 12-26-2011, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadrunner

When you install a new Fantastic Vent, do you loose the light? I'm assuming you do. What have you done to replace the light...or just go without? Thanks!

Correct on loosing the light, but....

Just add a fluorescent or an LED fixture forward or aft (or both) when you switch out to the Fantastic. The wiring is already there, easy access when you have the old fan/light out, and much better light and color quality with the newer lighting.

On the matter of model/accessories on the Fantastic - I have a thermo/rain sensor on one of the FF's on the MoHo - never ever used the temp sensor. On both of the FF's on the trailer I installed a Maxx Air II Cover:

The covers are easily removable by pulling 4 pins, add an extra "bug" barrier, don't reduce the air flow by much, and allow me to leave a top vent open AND turn off all of the batteries when the AS is parked for a week or more.