MaxxAir Vent Cover ... color?

[Soyboy]

Ok, first off, I know this is anathema to many folks. But I am thinking about putting a vent fan cover or two on my trailer (I have three fantastic fans). I really like to keep my vents open as much as possible (camping, on road and storing, as I did with my SOB) and while they have the rain sensors, 1. I don't trust them totally (when I am not in the trailer) and 2. when the trailer is stored it does not have access to electricity to run the sensors and fans.

I had a Camco Aero vent on my SOB an it worked well, however, they are rather low profile, which is good, but they don't let the fan lid open very wide. So I am thinking about the MaxxAir Fan/Mate . Now if I was to commit this "terrible act", I am trying to decide which color would look the least obvious (I don't really think these covers look all that bad, otherwise I wouldn't install them at all), black or white. I am kind of leaning towards the black as i actually wouldn't mind blocking the light (it drives me crazy when I am trying to sleep) and I think it might look better. However, perhaps the vent covers should be white to match the shroud? The said shroud being uglier than any of the vent covers in my book...

Now they do make the MaxxAir II in silver, but I don't like the way it looks as much as the 900 (white) or the 950 (black). Plus, I don't know if the silver would actually look as good as the white or black.

I am curious, what are your thoughts on the color and have any of you installed these? If so can you post a pic?

[dznf0g]

I installed the standard MaxxAir in silver. It is a darker silver than I anticipated and darker than the AS. BUT, I think it definitely looks better than white, and IMHO black as well. Unfortunately, it is under snow right now....so, pics would have to be later.

I also, installed for the same reasons as you. With the vents open a little while in storage, I don't have to worry about humidity/mold or heat build up. Dust has never been an issue.

[dznf0g]

BTW, If I had it to do over again I'd get the MaxxAir II in silver. As I recall, it wasn't available in silver then, but it has more vented area for better airflow.

[overlander63]

We put the Maxx-Air cover (the old style one) on ours, in smoke grey. It was unobtrusive and let in almost as much light as just the vent cover. I can't say for sure how much more or less air flow you would get with the Fan Mate, but I know the older model works with the 4000R Fantastic with no trouble.

[Dover]

I installed two of the older Max Air Vent Covers when I bought my 25' Classic and there were two sizes available at the time. The 'standard' size, so I was told, could only go up far enough for you to run the fan on the second speed. However the larger size, which would have covered part of my sky light could be run on the #3 setting of the fan, or 'high'. I had the smaller or standard ones installed previously on my bambi and was satisfied, so that's what I got for the Classic. They are GREAT. NO issues. Rain doesn't come in, cold wind stays out so long as the fan is running and they provide great circulation when the windows are closed. Oh, they are smoke gray.

[Soyboy]

I guess I am zeroing in on the MaxxAir Fan Mate in white, I am starting to think that will not stand out as much and might blend in with the AC. Although it seems that other MaxxAir covers will work with the Fantastic Fan, the MaxxAir "Fan Mate" model seems to be the one that is setup to use with the higher powered vents. Plus, like I mentioned in my earlier post, I like the way the look a better than the "II". Looks or no looks, it will be nice to keep my vents open all of the time. If I had a vintage trailer the appearance might make more of a difference to me. Again, if anyone has a photo of these on their trailer it would be nice to see it.

Thanks for the input.

[vswingfield]

It can be whatever color you like.

Krylon: Products: Fusion for Plastic®

Keeps the UV off the plastic too. Do that AC shroud to match.

[Steelegood]

Hey Soyboy:

I don't think putting one on really is an anathema, but rather a formidable ally to the AS.

I've been considering vent covers also, more so for the resulting summer benefits of not having an RV cover. I've checked out the MaxxAir Fan/Mate and like the profile much better than other similar products on the market. IMHO I think the black would look better, however I also would like to see some photos, with the different MaxxAir's actually in place. Just a thought/opinion.

Post some pictures when you decide!

Thanks, Terry.

[Soyboy]

Geez Terry, now you have me thinking about the "black" again. I guess I'll have to drag my wife, the artist, into this.

[Soyboy]

Terry, in your PM you got me thinking about 'trane, so I changed my Avatar and Sig quote!

[Steelegood]

LOL! I change my avatar once in a while, When we start getting warmer weather I'll probably change it then, If I don't get a bug before then. You inspired us to listen to both Miles Davis & Coltrane yesterday....., morning!, while I was reading about repacking my wheel bearings (of all things) on one of these forums.

Terry.

[Al - K4GLU]

Smoke or the silver. Don't get white - they look terrible on a Airstream.

[blickcd]

Make sure you check for clearances before you buy. That swept back design takes up a lot of space.

For example, my center vent is too close to the front of the air conditioner for one to work, and my living room vent is too close to the TV antenna (when raised) to work.

Christopher

[Mexray]

Someone had closeout pricing on the older model Maxx covers in 'clear'....

I figured the 'clear' would be unobtrusive, and went for three of em' to cover our three Fantastic Vents...think I paid about $18/ea..

They looked 'OK' for awhile, and it was nice to be able to keep the vents open all time while on the road...

BUT, within six months, those suckers turned an UGLY tone of burnt-orange as the sun's UV rays attacked em'...

End of experiment - had to rip those UGLY things off the roof!

I guess if I were to try again, the Gray might work, but the Black might look 'cool' as well if you painted the AC shroud to match...

[Luckyducks]

I went with the silver MaxAir II covers last year. Like others have said, the color is a little darker than the silver of the trailer, but I like them a lot better than black or white. There's a little glare on the trailer in my photo below so the covers look closer to the trailer color than reality. All in all, I would install the same covers, same color, again.

[wheel interested]

Saw the white ones on the internet, here's a web grab, not my picture.

[2dabeach]

Soyboy.... I have the white Maxx Air II over the standard roof vent in the bedroom and a white Fan Mate installed over the Fantastic Fan in the dining area in the back of our trailer. My main reason of installing the units was to protect the covers of the original vents from getting destroyed by the sun. Both of the units restrict how high you can open the vent below them and slows down the air flow through the vents. I have noticed in a heavy rain that you will get a light spray inside the trailer if the original vents are left open. No problem during a light rain. The Maxx Air II over the bedroom vent does vibrate and make noise at night if you have high winds (20 mph+). I'm happy with the vents and would select white if I was going to replace them.

[Steelegood]

Hey Soyboy:

Looks more like it comes down to personal preference! Hey ? Thanks for the pictures, they certainly help me.

Steelegood

[Soyboy]

Hey guys, thanks for the photos, they are a big help. I don't think the covers look bad at all.

2dabeach, do you do "dabeach" at Assateague? Just curious as you are from New Jersey and I run into a lot of NY/NJ folks there. I hope to hit there as soon as the weather breaks, Mid March or so.

To all, thanks again for the input.

[Minno]

We installed the Maxxair vent with the cover that goes up and down together. We bought it in black as black and white were the only choices. I definitely like them, and they are low profile so don't show up that much.

Kay