Fan-Tastic vent from VTS

[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

[Lumatic]

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

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,

[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

[Lumatic]

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

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.

[overlander63]

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

http://www.airstreamcentral.com/arti...ory/Page1.html

[eubank]

Thank you for that link!! I've got it bookmarked!

Lynn

Originally Posted by overlander63

http://www.airstreamcentral.com/arti...ory/Page1.html

[aircraft1]

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

[68 TWind]

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.

[TxDave]

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.