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05-16-2016, 07:51 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master
Airstream - Other
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Bosque Farms
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,017
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Fan-Tastic vent from VTS
We're getting the travel bug and thinking about little conveniences and upgrades. One of the ones I thought about is replacing the vents with the fan-tastic vents from VTS. Looks pretty straightforward, even with the curved roof of the vintage Airstream. Does anybody have any experience to share before I spend money on a vent that I can't install?
Here's the link to the VTS vent:
http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/...-p/vts-414.htm
Lynn
__________________
ACI Big Red Number 21043
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05-16-2016, 08:33 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1971 25' Tradewind
1993 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Estancia
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,742
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eubank
We're getting the travel bug and thinking about little conveniences and upgrades. One of the ones I thought about is replacing the vents with the fan-tastic vents from VTS. Looks pretty straightforward, even with the curved roof of the vintage Airstream. Does anybody have any experience to share before I spend money on a vent that I can't install?
Here's the link to the VTS vent:
http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/...-p/vts-414.htm
Lynn
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Hey Lynn, long time no see. On my 71 I have 3 vents. Replaced the middle one with a Fantastic, and the fore and aft with Maxx. the mechanics and quality on both are very similar. The Maxx has a cover design which better allows you to tow open or in the rain. The Maxx has a bigger footprint. Either fan requires squaring the rounded corners of the existing hole. You also have to be careful not to cut into the wiring harness which runs down the center ceiling panel. Otherwise it is a no brainer.
I got fans that are variable speed in and out with a thermostat. I stopped short of getting fans that raise and lower by a separate electric motor or close with a rain sensor (with a Maxx that is unnecessary) I like the blueish tint of the Fantastic better than the grey tint of the Maxx. Fantastic has excellent customer support, but never needed service on either fan,
__________________
Sail on silver girl. Sail on by. Your time has come to shine.
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05-16-2016, 09:19 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
Airstream - Other
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Bosque Farms
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,017
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Hi, Marshall! Thank you for the info on the fans! I'm a bit leary about doing too much cutting into the original openings in the roof, but if need be ...
Lynn
__________________
ACI Big Red Number 21043
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05-16-2016, 09:28 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1971 25' Tradewind
1993 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Estancia
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,742
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eubank
Hi, Marshall! Thank you for the info on the fans! I'm a bit leary about doing too much cutting into the original openings in the roof, but if need be ...
Lynn
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Cutting is pretty minimal. not really enlarging the hole, primarily squaring up the rounded corners for the square cornered new fan. You won't regret it, so much more efficient and quieter than oem. Also the roof is kind of flat where the fan is installed. Roof curve is not a problem.
__________________
Sail on silver girl. Sail on by. Your time has come to shine.
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05-16-2016, 10:07 AM
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#5
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eubank
We're getting the travel bug and thinking about little conveniences and upgrades. One of the ones I thought about is replacing the vents with the fan-tastic vents from VTS. Looks pretty straightforward, even with the curved roof of the vintage Airstream. Does anybody have any experience to share before I spend money on a vent that I can't install?
Here's the link to the VTS vent:
http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/...-p/vts-414.htm
Lynn
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http://www.airstreamcentral.com/arti...ory/Page1.html
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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05-16-2016, 10:46 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
Airstream - Other
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Bosque Farms
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,017
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Thank you for that link!! I've got it bookmarked!
Lynn
Quote:
Originally Posted by overlander63
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__________________
ACI Big Red Number 21043
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05-16-2016, 03:12 PM
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#7
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2 Rivet Member
1977 27' Overlander
Winnetka
, California
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 44
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Thanks for the information as well. I was looking at leaving well enough alone but as soon as I get some cash I will upgrade to the fantastic fans. 1977 27 ft overlander. Love this thing
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05-16-2016, 04:26 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1968 24' Tradewind
Oxford,
, Mississippi
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,564
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I installed on from VTS on my 68 Trade Wind about 6 years ago and love it. I would highly recommend the model with the rain sensor. The removal of the old vent and cleaning up the old sealant took longer than the install. You will have to enlarge both the inside and outside just a little. I tried several tools to enlarge the hole but a 4 inch angle grinder with an aluminum cutting wheel was the best and made quick work of squaring up the holes. Finally as suggested by Colin Hyde on the VAP, I used SS washers and pan head SS screws and not the screws included with the fan. The factory screws in the countersunk holes on the fan base can cause cracks. Using washers spreads the clamping force over a much larger area and helps prevent cracks. I have had no cracks and therefore no leaks.
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Bruce & Rachel
__________________
68 Trade Wind
2001 Toyota Tundra
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05-16-2016, 06:30 PM
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#9
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3 Rivet Member
1971 31' Sovereign
Temple
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 125
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teardroptrailerparts.com sells the basic 3-speed reversible Fantastic vent fan for $89.95. Best price I have found anywhere.
I've ordered from these good folks many times.
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